Free Shakespeare on the Common 2026: A Midsummer Night's Dream
| Venue: | Boston Common |
| Dates: | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun from 7/22/26 - 8/9/26 |
| Ages: | Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free see below |
| Category: | Theater & Shows |
One of Greater Boston's most beloved traditions, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's “Free Shakespeare On The Common” continues it's seasonal tradition for the 30th year with William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Join us under the stars July 22 - August 19, 2026.
About Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
When young lovers flee into an enchanted forest to escape rigid Athenian law, they find themselves entangled in a world of mischievous fairies, magical mishaps, and theatrical misadventures.
As love is tested, identities are blurred, and reason gives way to whimsy, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream delights in the chaos and wonder of transformation. This timeless romantic comedy explores the wild alchemy of love, dreams, and the mysterious pull of the natural world.
Directed by CSC Founding Artistic Director Steven Maler, the production will take place at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common in July – August 2025 in partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, City of Boston Parks and Recreation, and Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.
2026 Performance Information
- Performances are FREE of charge.
- Advanced registration is not required for this summer’s production.
- Audience members are permitted to bring modest food items to consume at the show. Alcohol is not permitted on the Boston Common.
- Audience members can bring their own blankets or chairs, or can rent chairs online in advance or on-site for $10 Cash and $12 Credit.
- Reserved premium seating in our Friends Section is available now! Check out our Friends Section page for more information or click the button below to reserve yours today!
View highlights from As You Like It
If you have any questions or concerns please contact our team at [email protected] or call our Box Office at 617-362-7485.
For Weather updates on performance nights, call the CSC weather hotline, (781) 239-5972.
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do in Boston.
Looking for more fun Boston Events in August? Check out our guide to summer fun for lots more ideas.
| COST | ↑ top |
Free and open to the public.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Boston Common, Boston, MA, 02116 map
Performances take place at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common, across from the AMC Loews Boston Common Movie Theater on Tremont Street. If you are traveling via the MBTA, there are several stations located within steps of the Boston Common: Green Line (Boylston or Park Street T stops), Orange Line (Downtown Crossing or Chinatown T stops) or the Red Line (Park Street or Downtown Crossing T stops).
Parking is available in the Boston Common Garage. Be sure to pick up a discount coupon from one of the tents or from one of the ushers. These coupons, provided by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, extend a discount to our patrons and also direct funds to CSC. For more information visit the MCCA's website (http://massconvention.com/about-us/boston-common-garage).
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- The show can be easily viewed by several thousand people, but the closest seats are often taken early in the evening, so we recommend arriving early if you wish to be very close to the stage.
- Shows are cancelled in cases of heavy rain or lightning storms, so audiences can check-in with the Weather Hotline (617-426-0863 ext. 7) 1 or 2 hours before the show for cancellation announcements.
- If you have accessibility questions, check out the Accessibility page
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Free Shakespeare on the Common 2026: A Midsummer Night's Dream before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
