Wednesday

06-25-2025 Vol 2002

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival Returns with Exciting Productions

The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival is set to return to Los Angeles this summer, bringing a lineup of classic performances to audiences in an enchanting outdoor setting.

The festival will be held at the Dell, located at the Old Zoo within Griffith Park, a spot where nature and culture intertwine.

Though construction is underway for a new permanent stage, the Independent Shakespeare Co. will stage two beloved plays in this picturesque location.

The festival begins on June 25 with the theatrical delight ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost.’

This comedic tale explores the intricacies of romance, engaging audiences with its delightful wit and profound themes as it unfolds in the leafy surroundings of Navarre’s royal park.

You can catch ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ on Wednesdays through Sundays until July 27, with the exception of July 4, when there will be no performance.

Following that, August will see the allure of Christopher Marlowe’s ‘Doctor Faustus,’ which promises to mesmerize spectators with its themes of temptation and dark magic.

In keeping with the festival’s tradition, diverse theme nights will enhance the experience, like the Regency-themed performance on July 12, inspired by the popular show ‘Bridgerton.’

While entry to the festival is free for all, RSVPs are appreciated to help the company manage attendance.

Festival-goers are encouraged to explore the array of family workshops, pre-show events, and picnic opportunities available at the Dell, creating a vibrant atmosphere surrounding these captivating plays.

David Melville, Managing Director of the Independent Shakespeare Co., expressed excitement regarding the festival’s future.

“As audiences make their way to the Dell, they’ll pass the rising framework of the Griffith Park Performing Arts Stage — a powerful reminder that something long dreamed of is finally becoming real,” he said.

Melville added, “It’s thrilling to witness the beginnings of a permanent home for our Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival.

We’re deeply grateful to the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for moving forward with this long-awaited project, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences into this next chapter.”

He also noted, “But for now, the Dell continues to be our beloved stage, and there’s something poetic about gathering in nature while glimpsing the future just a few steps away.”

With its blend of classic literature, community spirit, and the beautiful backdrop of Griffith Park, the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival promises to be a memorable event for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike this summer.

image source from:nbclosangeles

Abigail Harper