At a Glance
Time Needed: 180 min.
Ages: 5+
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
Central Park, New York, NY 10019 Get Directions
Delacorte Theater Videos
ROMEO & JULIET May 22, 2026 - June 28, 2026 Venue The Revitalized Delacorte Theater Runtime 3 hours, including one intermission By William Shakespeare Spanish Translations by Alfredo Michel Modenessi Choreography by Mayte Natalio Directed by Saheem Ali The Public’s Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director Saheem Ali brings Shakespeare’s legendary star-crossed lovers to Central Park for the first time in nearly 20 years. Never was there a story of more woe, or more romance, than the Bard’s timeless tale of two young lovers from warring families. As the Montagues and Capulets are torn apart by ideology and simmering violence spills into the streets of the border town of Verona, Romeo and Juliet dare to defy a world determined to keep them apart. In this bold new staging, the play unfolds in English, but Romeo and Juliet speak to one another in Spanish, a language reserved only for their shared world. Don’t miss this thrilling new production, essential viewing for lovers of Shakespeare, theater, and the enduring power of love itself. Free Shakespeare in the Park is part of The Public’s annual summer celebration of Shakespeare for the City. Free. For All. Forever. Learn more: https://thepublic.nyc/park
We’re still not over the incredibly celebrated and legendary Mia Katigbak receiving the 2026 Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award! ✨ Don’t miss Mia when she returns to The Public in Award-winning National Asian American Theatre Company’s thrilling production of HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS. “Fast-paced and gripping....” — The New York Times (Critic’s Pick) The epic saga begins June 9! Get your tickets now: thepublic.nyc/HENRYVI HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS June 09, 2026 - July 19, 2026 Venue Newman Theater By William Shakespeare A Trilogy in Two Parts Adapted and Directed by Stephen Brown-Fried NAATCO returns to The Public with their production of Shakespeare's trilogy, HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS, adapted and directed by Stephen Brown-Fried. Condensed into two parts and performed in rep, experience this saga of a nation spinning wildly out of control. Part 1: Foreign Wars kicks off with the funeral of King Henry V, leaving his infant son on the throne and sending the country into decades of spiraling chaos both abroad and at home. Part 2: Civil Strife picks up nearly 30 years later, as nascent domestic feuds rapidly metastasize into the full-blown civil war known as the War of the Roses. Learn more: https://thepublic.nyc/HENRYVI
HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS June 09, 2026 - July 19, 2026 Venue Newman Theater By William Shakespeare A Trilogy in Two Parts Adapted and Directed by Stephen Brown-Fried NAATCO returns to The Public with their production of Shakespeare's trilogy, HENRY VI: A TRILOGY IN TWO PARTS, adapted and directed by Stephen Brown-Fried. Condensed into two parts and performed in rep, experience this saga of a nation spinning wildly out of control. Part 1: Foreign Wars kicks off with the funeral of King Henry V, leaving his infant son on the throne and sending the country into decades of spiraling chaos both abroad and at home. Part 2: Civil Strife picks up nearly 30 years later, as nascent domestic feuds rapidly metastasize into the full-blown civil war known as the War of the Roses. Learn more and get tickets: https://thepublic.nyc/HENRYVI
This summer, Free Shakespeare in the Park returns to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park with two extraordinary productions: ROMEO & JULIET beginning May 22 and THE WINTER’S TALE later in July. Getting free tickets is easier than ever with five ways to attend: 🌳 Join the Central Park line. Free tickets are distributed daily at noon. 🌙 Join the standby line at the Delacorte before showtime for any unclaimed or returned tickets. 📱 Enter the digital lottery through the @todaytix mobile app. 🎟️ Enter the in-person lottery at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street. 📍 Find Borough Ticket Distribution locations across all five boroughs at libraries, community centers, and Citizens locations. Find performance schedules, borough distribution locations, accessibility information, senior options, and full details on all five ways to get tickets at: thepublic.nyc/park The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park. Free. For All. Forever.
This excerpt is drawn from a new documentary theater piece by acclaimed artists Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen titled NORTH STAR, including firsthand interviews with communities impacted by a major ICE operation in Minnesota. Conceived as a direct artistic response to those events, NORTH STAR is commissioned and developed in partnership with the Guthrie Theater and The Public Theater. Experience a powerful look into this developing work at CITIES UNDER SIEGE, a free Public Forum, coming June 29. A space where art, ideas, and action collide, the forum evening will feature excerpts from this urgent work in progress and discussion around how cities and civilians respond in moments of crisis. Learn more: thepublic.nyc/PublicForum.
GIRL, INTERRUPTED. At The Public. Beginning May 13, Tony Award nominee Juliana Canfield and platinum recording artist King Princess take the stage as Susanna and Lisa, alongside Gabi Campo, Mia Pak, Katherine Reis, and Sally Shaw, and more, on a shared search for connection and a way forward. This raw and unapologetic world premiere stage adaptation of Susanna Kaysen’s bestselling memoir reveals how the people who witness our darkest moments are often those who truly see us best. Featuring a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok, original music by two-time Grammy Award winner Aimee Mann, choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, and direction by Tony Award nominee Jo Bonney. Get tickets now: thepublic.nyc/girlinterrupted #GirlInterrupted #KingPrincess #OffBroadway #Theater #JulianaCanfield #AimeeMann #SonyaTayeh #MartynaMajok
More in The Upper West Side
More Attractions
- Empire State Building
- The Vessel
- Madison Square Garden
- The Edge
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- 9/11 Tribute Museum
- One World Observatory
- The Oculus
- The High Line
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
Delacorte Theater News
You can now get a first look at The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of ROMEO & JULIET, directed by Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali.
The Public Theater will kick off this summer’s Free Shakespeare in the Park season with ROMEO & JULIET, beginning performances at the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater in Central Park at the end of May.
You can now get a first look inside rehearsals for The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo & Juliet, directed by Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali.
The Public Theater has announced the lineup for The Public’s Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 season. The season lineup will include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, plus works from James Ijames, Ryan J. Haddad, Richard Nelson, Taylor Mac, and more.
Prospect Musicals announced the full line-up for its 2026 Gala & Muse Awards at The Edison Ballroom, honoring LaChanze, Ken Davenport, Lindsay Mendez, Ryan Scott Oliver, and Jose Antonio Vargas.
National Black Theatre announced its spring/summer programming, including a co-commission with Oxford University featuring Tony Award-winner Sarah Jones and a theatrical reimagining of Amy Sherald's American Sublime, directed by Zhailon Levingston.
The Public Theater's revitalized Delacorte Theater will reopen this summer with PUBLIC FORUM and PUBLIC STORIES programming, featuring Amy Sherald, Michael Sandel, Anna Deavere Smith, and DC 37 union members as civic storytellers.
The Public Theater will welcome more New Yorkers than ever this summer to Shakespeare for the City taking place in parks and plazas across New York City and at the revitalized Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
Grammy Award winner and two-time Tony nominee Shoshana Bean will headline The Public Theater’s Annual Gala, held on the lawn outside The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
Two decades after Spring Awakening first premiered on Broadway, BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this era-defining musical, including Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, and more has been up to.
Performances are now underway for Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of The Balusters, a new play by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. Meet the cast of The Balusters here!
The Public Theater has announced initial casting for the Free Shakespeare in the Park production of ROMEO & JULIET at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
The New York Shakespeare Awards has officially unveiled its list of winners for 2025, marking the sixth year of celebrating the most impactful contributions to the Bard's legacy.
The Public Theater and NAATCO will present a remount of NAATCO’s production of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, making its Public Theater premiere this summer.
New York City officials have detailed nearly $2 billion in cultural investments made through the Department of Cultural Affairs over four years. The funding includes record expense and capital support for more than 1,100 cultural nonprofits, major renovations, and new citywide initiatives. The Adams administration says the investments strengthen access to arts and culture across all five boroughs.
Delacorte Theater Frequently Asked Questions
The closest subway stops to Delacorte Theater at Central Park are:
1. 72nd Street Station: This station is served by the 1, 2, and 3 trains. It is located on Broadway, just a short walk away from the theater. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)
2. 66th Street - Lincoln Center Station: This station is served by the 1 train and is located near Lincoln Center, which is a beautiful cultural hub in the city. It's a slightly longer walk to Delacorte Theater, but you can enjoy the scenic walk through Central Park. [Click here for subway updates](http://www.mta.info)
While you're in the area, I recommend exploring some of the other attractions near Central Park, like:
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located on Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, the Met is one of the world's largest and most renowned art museums. It's just a short walk from Central Park and definitely worth a visit. [Click here for more information](https://www.metmuseum.org/)
2. Strawberry Fields: This peaceful memorial in Central Park is dedicated to John Lennon and is located near the entrance at West 72nd Street. It's a great spot to take a moment of reflection and enjoy the beauty of the park.
3. The Dakota Building: Just across the street from Strawberry Fields, you'll find the iconic Dakota Building, known for being the former residence of John Lennon and the site of his tragic death. It's a historic building with stunning architecture.
Remember to check the MTA website for any subway updates or changes in service. Enjoy your visit to Delacorte Theater and have a fantastic time exploring Central Park and its surrounding attractions!
The closest NYC bus stops to Delacorte Theater at Central Park are:
1. Central Park West/W 81 St: This stop is served by the M10 bus. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M10).
2. 5 Av/W 79 St: This stop is served by the M1, M2, M3, and M4 buses. You can check for updates on the M1 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M1), the M2 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M2), the M3 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M3), and the M4 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=M4).
Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates closer to your visit. Enjoy your time at Delacorte Theater and Central Park!
The ideal length of time to plan to spend at Delacorte Theater in New York City depends on the show you are attending. The theater is located in Central Park and is home to the famous Shakespeare in the Park productions. These performances are typically around two and a half hours long, including an intermission. However, it's always a good idea to arrive early to secure a good spot and soak in the beautiful surroundings. So, I would recommend setting aside at least three hours for your visit to Delacorte Theater. This will give you enough time to find your seat, enjoy the performance, and take in the magical atmosphere of Central Park.
The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, is an iconic outdoor venue that hosts the annual Shakespeare in the Park productions. When it comes to food and drink, the theater has a few guidelines in place.
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the theater, so feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the performance. However, please be mindful of others around you and avoid bringing anything that may be noisy or have a strong odor.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought into the theater. However, there is a bar located on-site where you can purchase a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails. It's a great option if you'd like to indulge in a refreshing beverage while watching the show.
Keep in mind that the Delacorte Theater is an outdoor venue, so it's always a good idea to come prepared for the weather. Bring a jacket or blanket to keep warm during cooler evenings, and consider bringing bug spray during the summer months.
Overall, the Delacorte Theater offers a relaxed food and drink policy, allowing you to enjoy a picnic-style experience while watching a fantastic performance under the stars.
The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, does not have a luggage storage policy. As an outdoor theater, it does not have designated storage facilities for personal belongings. It is recommended that you travel light and only bring essential items to the theater. If you have larger bags or luggage, it is best to leave them at your hotel or find a nearby luggage storage service.
The Delacorte Theater, located in Central Park, is a fantastic destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The theater is renowned for its free Shakespeare in the Park performances, which attract theater enthusiasts from all over the world.
One of the great things about Shakespeare's plays is that they are timeless and can be enjoyed by audiences regardless of language barriers. The Delacorte Theater offers supertitles, which are projected translations of the dialogue onto screens on either side of the stage. This allows non-English speakers to follow along and fully immerse themselves in the performance.
Attending a show at the Delacorte Theater is not only a cultural experience but also an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Central Park. The theater is an open-air venue, providing a unique and enchanting atmosphere. It's a great way to spend a summer evening in New York City.
Keep in mind that tickets for the Delacorte Theater's Shakespeare in the Park performances are highly sought after and can be challenging to obtain. They are distributed through a digital lottery system, so be sure to plan ahead and check their website for details on how to enter for a chance to win tickets.
Overall, the Delacorte Theater is a must-visit for theater lovers and a fantastic option for visitors from other countries and non-English speakers looking to experience the magic of Shakespeare in the heart of New York City.
The Delacorte Theater in New York City is a fantastic outdoor venue located in Central Park. It is home to the famous Shakespeare in the Park performances, which are free and open to the public. While there is no strict age limit for attending shows at the Delacorte Theater, it is generally recommended for children who are at least 5 years old and above. The performances are typically Shakespearean plays, which may contain complex language and themes that may be more suitable for older children and adults. However, it ultimately depends on your child's interest and maturity level. If you think your child would enjoy and appreciate the experience, by all means, bring them along! Just make sure to plan accordingly, as the theater can get crowded, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Videos
