The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival is happening right now and there are only a few dates left to see Prospero do his magic at a new location. Because the area used by the festival this year is smaller than what we’ve enjoyed before, and because seating has been arranged in socially distanced pods of four people, reservations fill up fast and they must be done one week in advance. Starting tomorrow, Thursday, August 26, you can reserve a pod for the performance of September 2, for example. 

Here is what you need to know:

  • 70 pods are available for reservation at each performance. Each pod will comfortably seat up to 4 adults.
  • You will find a detailed seating chart here.
  • No concessions are being sold. Bring your own picnic blanket, dinner, drinks (no alcohol is allowed in the park). 
  • Take sunscreen, bug spray, and a jacket or hoodie to keep you warm when the sun goes down.
  • To protect those around you, please wear a face mask and please remember to put it back on after eating or drinking.
  • Bring a flashlight! It’s quite dark, especially after the performance.
  • The performances are held at the Old Zoo at Griffith Park. Directions are here. Once there, follow the signs to the performance area.

Attending a play at Griffith Park is one of the best things that you’ll ever do in Los Angeles. Independent Shakespeare, the company bringing in the magic, will have a brand new, permanent stage at Griffith Park soon. The construction of this permanent stage is the reason for this year’s temporary location. Attending requires a bit of planning and patience, but the feeling of getting back to the words of The Bard is priceless. Make your reservations here.

David Melville as Prospero / Independent Shakespeare photo

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