Summer Shakespeare FAQs

Where is Summer Shakespeare located?

Summer Shakespeare is performed at two locations:

  • OneC1TY in Nashville - 8 City Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209

  • Academy Park in Franklin - 112 Everbright Ave, Franklin, TN 37604

Only 200 yards from Centennial Park, OneC1TY is very centrally located and easy to access by car, walking, or public transit. Check out this video from WeGo Nashville on how to get to the Festival via public transit. You can also visit their website.

There will be lots of signs and banners pointing you in the right direction! There will be two controlled entrances into the seating area and plenty of volunteers on hand to help you find the best seating and to help you with any questions. Check out the video below by Executive Artistic Director Denice Hicks and former Managing Director Bradley Brown for more information about OneC1TY:

When should I arrive?

At 5:30pm, vendors open and the Insight Lecture Series begins (on select performance nights) at the OneC1TY Terrace. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:00pm and the main performance begins at 7:00pm. For best seating, arrive at least an hour before the show, and bring a blanket or lawn chair. Blankets are allowed closest to the stage. Lawn chairs are allowed behind the blanket and Royal/Noble Seating area, and bleacher seating is available in the rear.

Where do I park?

Park in the underground garage at 8 City Blvd, directly underneath the main building (TOA) that’s next to The Yard. This garage is easily accessible with an elevator up to the ground level. You must register your vehicle by scanning the QR code located throughout the garage and on the elevator. You will need to enter your license plate number and the Promo Code: SHAKE to receive free parking. This code is not valid for any other garages, outdoor lots, nor street parking, and regular rates will apply. Royal Package guests will have reserved parking in the garage. ALL VEHICLES MUST REGISTER IN ORDER TO RECEIVE FREE PARKING AND AVOID FINES. If your phone does not support browser access or you are otherwise unable to register, please bring your license plate number to the NSF tent and a staff member will register your vehicle.

What should I bring?

Summer Shakespeare is a lovely way for family and friends to enjoy each other. Bleacher seating is set up for guests, but many people prefer to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. There will be food, cold drinks, alcoholic beverages (at OneC1TY Nashville), and snacks available to purchase when you arrive either at the established on-site restaurants or at the food trucks. You are welcome to bring your own food, if you prefer. Be sure to bring money for food, and your $10 per person suggested donation (please). All vendors and the Festival accept credit cards.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! Dogs on leashes are welcome!

Where should I set up when I arrive?

In order to ensure the best view for everyone in the audience, we have designated the section of grass immediately in front of the stage for people wishing to sit on blankets; the next area back is for lawn and beach chairs; and finally bleachers are available toward the back of the arena. Please be mindful when picking your seat to prevent blocking the view of those sitting behind you.

How much does it cost to see the show?

Thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Ingram Charities, Williamson County Parks and Rec, and other members of the community, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival has presented its Shakespeare in the Park productions at no charge to the public for over 35 years! In order to produce Summer Shakespeare, The Nashville Shakespeare Festival must raise over $350,000 annually, and contributions by individuals are vitally important. Therefore there is a suggested donation of $10 per person. Please give what you can.

Can I pay to reserve seats?

Yes! There are two reserved seating options: the Royal Package and Noble Seating. For $40, we’ll reserve you a comfortable lawn chair just behind the blanket area and our Royal Package patrons. You can bring your own food or buy from the restaurants and food trucks. Click for Noble Seating and Royal Package information.

What is the Royal Package?

A "Royal Package" is a complete night out at the theatre. Patrons will enjoy prime, reserved parking in the oneC1TY parking garage or at Academy Park, VIP check-in, a gourmet picnic-style meal on the beautiful terrace of the Element Hotel, and premium reserved seating in comfortable chairs just behind the blanket area in front of the stage. The package is $100 per person and 36 Royal Packages are available per night. All proceeds from the Royal Package support our educational and community engagement programming. Click for Noble Seating and Royal Package information.

What about rain?

Summer weather in Nashville can be quite unpredictable, and a late afternoon rain can lead to a cool evening performance, so we will not cancel a show on account of rain until the last possible minute. NSF’s stage manager will make the decision to cancel a show when she sees that the weather threatens the safety of our audience, cast, or crew. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute reports.

What about restrooms?

OneC1TY kindly provides the Posh Privy, which is a luxury, air-conditioned trailer with flushing toilets and sinks. They are located to the right of the stage. At Academy Park, bathrooms are located inside of the gym.

What if I need assistance with seating, parking, or have other accessibility needs?

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival is committed to making all of its productions accessible to everyone in the community. Reserved parking and seating is available for audience members in wheelchairs; and assistive listening devices and printed scripts are available for the hard-of-hearing. Advance notice of your needs will help us to assist you. Please contact Robert Marigza-Yeo robert@nashvilleshakes.org. On-site, please see the House Manager for help with these or other special needs you may have.