Edmonton 
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is on now at Hawrelak Park!
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
The extremely popular outdoor theatre event runs until July 10th at the Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre and has a lot more to offer in addition to the live performances. The Freewill Festival is an experience with several opportunities to make your time at the theatre more romantic or more festive.
You can catch one of two Shakespeare plays performed live during the Freewill event but see below for even more ways to make the most of the 2022 Freewill Shakespeare Festival.
1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes from David Horak and is a storied centred around love, marriage, and magic. While you see the drama unfold between the Athenians, you also witness the fairy and forest characters dealing with the same romantic themes while the two worlds intersect.
When: 6 days a week, Tuesdays to Sundays, June 14-July 10
How much: $25 to $35 for GA, Pay what you will for Tuesday and Saturday matinees
2. Measure for Measure
The dark comedy of Measure for Measure as adapted by Nancy McAlear offers an exploration into the abuses of power, as well as oppression. The festival describes the original play as problematic, so expect this unique take on Measure for Measure to make you laugh and make you think.
When: 6 days a week, Tuesdays to Sundays, June 14-July 10
How much $25 to $35 for GA, Pay what you will for Tuesday and Saturday matinees
3. Date Night Picnic Basket
While Shakespeare in the park is romantic in and of itself, you can add even more sweetness to your time at the theatre with the Festival’s Date Night Picnic Baskets. These are offered for both shows and include a charcuterie from Partake, 2 drink tickets, and a cozy blanket on which to set up your picnic.
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays- 7PM
How much: $65-$105
4. Freewill Wine Tasting & Cask Night
Combine your theatre experience with an international wine tasting or a local cask tasting. The Wine Tasting events offer the chance to try four types of wine paired with cheeses and sweets. The cask tasting comes courtesy of Blind Enthusiasm Brewing and Zwick’s Pretzels.
When: Cask tasting – June 24 and July 7
Wine Tasting June 18 and June 23
How much: $65-$105
5. Shakespeare Feasts
There are two Shakespeare Feasts planned for the festival with one catered by Central Social Hall and the other by Dalla Tavola Zenari. The seated dinners are a fundraising event, with half of proceeds going back to the theatre and its future shows, and with them providing a $50 tax receipt.
When:June 25 and July 8
How much: $100
Plan your Trip
Hawrelak Park has ample space for parking, with the main lot at the park entrance, and several smaller lots along the ring road. As the Heritage Amphitheatre is east of the pond, the main parking lot is closest, with additional parking on the south side of the park, and also a short walk to the theatre.
Tickets are on sale now and throughout the festival; you can purchase them online or at the door.
There is a small concession on-site with popcorn, chips, and non-alcoholic drinks. You can also grab a wine or beer from the beer gardens.
This is an outdoor event with partial shelter available. The stage seating is sheltered, but bring layers for Edmonton’s guaranteed summer thunderstorms, sunscreen for the hotter days, and waterproof jackets.
When: June 14-July 10, 2022
Where: Heritage Amphitheatre at Hawrelak Park – 9330 Groat Road NW, Edmonton
How much: $35-$105
