Free Shakespeare in the Park 2025 at SF’s McLaren Park (Aug. 30-Sept. 7)

August 30 – September 7 / Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday at 2:00 pm

Our 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park brings you Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, directed by Ely Sonny Orquiza. Since 1983, as part of SF Shakes’ mission to make Shakespeare accessible to all, we’ve brought our Free Shakes production to audiences around the SF Bay Area; no tickets or Shakespeare experience required!

In this summer’s production, two young men journey from a small Midwestern town – rooted in simplicity and tradition – to the alluring promise of California, where dreams are made and shattered in equal measure. The two friends who venture westward confront their inner conflicts as they are seduced by the possibilities of love, success, and reinvention. Grounded in the spirit of exploration, this adaptation captures the quintessential drive for self-invention, while acknowledging the costs that often accompany it.

All shows are free to the public. No reservations or tickets needed and all seating is general and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Garcia Amphitheater is located in San Francisco’s McLaren Park, off John F. Shelley Dr. between Cambridge St. and Mansell St. The venue is set back in the woods and not visible from the street; look for signs denoting the amphitheater parking lots.

Terraced bleachers are available for seating. A semi-grassy hillside may accommodate blankets or folding chairs.
The amphitheater is accessible to special needs and a limited amount of accessible ground-level paved area is available near the front of the seating area.

Free public parking is available in the area, including the main parking lot southeast of the amphitheater off John F Shelley Dr.

We at the Festival believe that Shakespeare experienced in a communal setting elates the soul, inspires the mind, and unifies those who sit beside each other. We hope that you agree and we look forward to seeing you in the park!

Presented by San Francisco Shakespeare Festival