This summer marks the 65th anniversary of the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, the nation’s longest-running free, non-ticketed Shakespeare festival. Held annually in Louisville’s Central Park, the cherished cultural tradition has grown from humble beginnings in the 1960s into a full-scale theatrical celebration that draws thousands from the region and beyond.
At the helm is Producing Artistic Director Matt Wallace, who has been with Kentucky Shakespeare for more than two decades.
“We started over 65 years ago with scenes from *Much Ado About Nothing* in Central Park,” Wallace said. “And this summer, we’re coming full circle and opening the season with that same classic comedy. It’s one of our most popular and beloved plays.”
What sets Kentucky Shakespeare apart is its commitment to accessibility. Every performance is free, with no tickets required.
“It’s professional theater, outdoors, in a beautiful public space, and it’s free,” Wallace said. “That’s pretty rare in the U.S.”
The festival presents an 11-week season filled with six unique productions and 58 performances. Shows take place in Central Park’s historic amphitheater, which accommodates up to 1,500 people with lawn seating, picnic tables and benches. On average, 550 attendees fill the park each night, with Friday and Saturday crowds often topping 1,000.
Each evening begins at 6 p.m. with a rotating lineup of local food trucks and the Brown-Forman–sponsored Will’s Tavern bar, which offers a full-service drink menu starting at 7 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., the community pre-show begins, featuring local musicians, dancers, student groups and other performers from across Louisville.
“We have everything from flamenco dancers and chamber brass ensembles to our Shakespeare with Veterans program,” Wallace said. “We believe Shakespeare and the arts belong to everyone. This is about creating an inclusive, shared cultural experience.”
The 2025 season runs from May 28 through Aug. 10, featuring a dynamic lineup of Shakespearean favorites and rare gems:
- Much Ado About Nothing – A romantic comedy filled with misunderstandings, sharp banter and timeless themes of love and deception.
- Hamlet – The iconic tragedy of the Danish prince navigating grief, betrayal and revenge.
- Cymbeline – A rarely performed fairy tale featuring romance, mistaken identity and royal intrigue; last staged by Kentucky Shakespeare in 1982.
- Late Night Shakes – Improvised Shakespeare-style comedy from local group the Louisville Improvisors.
- Twelfth Night – A one-week run by the Globe Players, Kentucky Shakespeare’s professional training program for high school students.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A new dance interpretation by the Louisville Ballet, premiering in the festival’s final week.
The three MainStage productions rotate during a two-week repertory period in July, allowing attendees to see multiple productions in a short timeframe.
Kentucky Shakespeare’s impact extends beyond the stage.
“We spend a year preparing for the season,” Wallace said. “From casting and designing to rehearsing and promoting, it’s a massive undertaking. But it’s worth it to bring something like this to the public for free.”
This year includes major technical upgrades: a new outdoor speaker system — the first since the 1990s — made possible by the Kentucky Colonels, the Etscorn Foundation and individual donors. New LED lighting and other infrastructure improvements also mark the milestone season.
Wallace, who directs two of the main stage productions, first joined the company 24 summers ago as an actor.
“I moved from Chicago just to do a couple of shows and ended up falling in love with the company, the city, and even met my wife here,” he said. “Now I’m in my 12th season as producing artistic director.”
What keeps the festival thriving after more than six decades? For Wallace, it’s the sense of continuity and community.
“We hear from families coming for generations — grandparents who now bring their grandkids. It’s become a tradition,” he said. “In a world where everything is fast and digital, there’s something magical about sitting under the stars together and experiencing live theater.”
Weather is always a factor, but festival policy is to wait until 7:30 p.m. to make cancellation decisions. Updates are posted daily to Kentucky Shakespeare’s social media platforms.
“There was a study in 2017 that showed when people attend a performance together, their heartbeats start to sync,” Wallace said. “That’s the power of a communal experience. In our divided world, I think people are craving that connection.”
By removing socioeconomic barriers and offering world-class experiences to all, Kentucky Shakespeare continues to build bridges in the Louisville community. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the festival welcomes you.
“You don’t need a ticket. You don’t even need to know Shakespeare,” Wallace said. “Just show up. Bring a blanket, grab some food, watch the sun go down and let the story unfold.”
For more information, visit kyshakespeare.com.
