Summer Shakespeare 2025

The Merry Wives of Windsor
Directed by Beki Baker

Thursdays-Sundays, August 21-September 21
and Labor Day Monday, September 1
The Yard at ONEC1TY (8 City Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209)

*ASL Interpreted Performance TBA

Nightly Schedule:
5:15 pm - Gates Open
5:30 pm - Insight Lecture Series
6:00 pm - Pre-Show Concert Series
7:00 pm - Performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor

Cost: Pay-What-You-Will ($10)

The Merry Wives of Windsor is an uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing where women get the last laugh. Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. The wives find that Sir John Falstaff sent them each identical letters and plot to take revenge by playing tricks on him when he comes calling. The Merry Wives of Windsor is an excellent example of a Shakespearean comedy that explores themes of marriage, playful revenge, and everlasting friendship.

Get up-to-the-minute updates on weather and show information on our social media channels:

37 Years of Summer Shakespeare

For decades, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival has been a hidden gem in the community, offering a distinctive and unforgettable entertainment experience that is unlike anything else in the city.

A gorgeous outdoor setting, free parking, delicious food trucks, and live music kick off the evening—all leading up to a high-energy, professional performance under the stars. Bring your blanket, chairs, and even your dog to enjoy a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere that feels like a celebration of summer itself.

Not sure if Shakespeare is your thing? Don’t worry—you’ll laugh, cheer, and maybe even shed a tear as these timeless stories come to life in fresh, unexpected ways. It’s an unforgettable experience for families, date nights, or a gathering with friends.

So grab your people, and. join us for a night that you'll be talking about for weeks to come!

Pay-What-You-Will (or As You Like It)

Since our first year performing in the park in 1988, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival has committed to providing accessible arts experiences by championing the pay-what-you-will model. We welcome EVERYONE in our community to attend Summer Shakespeare for free. However, if you have the ability to do so, we appreciate your donation to ensure we can continue to provide professional outdoor theatre every summer:

  • Donate $10 per person (suggested amount) if you love NSF’s mission of accessible, entertaining, and educational experiences for all.

  • Donate $20 per person if you appreciate the free and convenient parking, on-site restrooms, and other amenities that make Summer Shakespeare a fun event for the whole family.

  • Donate $35 per person if you support providing over 40 local artists and technicians with jobs every summer.

  • Donate of $50 per person to pay it forward and help other community members experience Summer Shakespeare at no cost to them.

Pay-what-you-will is about trust and community. We trust you to give what you can, and every dollar helps ensure the Festival remains open to all.

PRO TIP! Donate online through our ticketing system before the show, and show your receipt at the entrance for quick entry.

Seating Options

  1. Pay-What-You-Will: Bring your own blanket or chairs. Limited bleacher seating also available. Arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy our Insight Lecture Series and Pre-Show Concert Series! FREE, suggested donation - $10.

  2. Purchase a Noble Seat: Book a reserved chair in the 2nd or 3rd row behind the blanket section - $40/person

  3. Purchase a VIP Royal Package: Includes reserved parking, a gourmet picnic dinner, and reserved seating in the 1st or 2nd row behind the blanket section - $100/person

Accessible seating and assistive listening devices are available. For more information and accommodations, please contact Finance and Operations Director Robert Marigza-Yeo at robert@nashvilleshakes.org, or by calling 615-255-2273.

Pre-Show Entertainment

Want to learn more about The Merry Wives of Windsor before watching the performance? Join local scholars and luminaries at 5:30 pm for a free, engaging 30-minute deep dive into the play’s characters, themes, and more.

Arrive early for The Merry Wives of Windsor and enjoy our pre-show concert series! Grab a great spot on the lawn and experience live entertainment starting at 6:00 pm featuring a diverse slate of local artists.

Show Information

New to oneC1TY?

Only 200 yards away from Centennial Park, OneC1TY offers all of the fun of the bandshell plus extra amenities including convenient, free parking and air-conditioned restrooms. Located off of Charlotte Avenue, it is easily accessible by car, walking, and public transportation.

Educator Guidebook

For every production, NSF creates a guidebook with helpful information that helps educators prepare their students for what they will see and experience, including any changes or adaptations from the director. Click below for last summer’s guidebook for As You Like It! A guidebook for The Merry Wives of Windsor will be available Summer 2025.

Thank you to our sponsors!

EVENT SPONSORS

CENTER STAGE SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSORS

ARTS ACCESS SPONSOR

SUMMER SHAKESPEARE SUPPORT

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Contact Executive Director Isabel Tipton-Krispin for sponsorship and ad opportunities: isabel@nashvilleshakes.org.