Nashville Shakespeare Festival: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival brings "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to life at the bandshell in Centennial Park with performances running from late August through September. This playful comedy features all the magic and mayhem you'd expect from Shakespeare—mischievous fairies, star-crossed lovers, and amateur actors whose lives get wonderfully tangled in enchantment and moonlight. The production, directed by Jason Spelbring, captures the whimsy and theatrical joy that makes this tale perfect for families exploring Shakespeare together. Come early to enjoy the full experience: vendor booths open at 5:15 p.m., followed by a lecture series and a pre-show concert starting at 6 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are on a pay-what-you-will basis with a $20 suggested donation per person, so you can make it work for your family's budget. Reserved seating options are available if you prefer guaranteed spots. One performance on August 28 includes American Sign Language interpretation. Check the festival's social media for weather updates, as Nashville heat may affect the schedule.