Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
All the world's a stage!
Imagine your toes in the sand, a fantastic bottle of wine, a gourmet meal and first-class entertainment while basking in a perfect Lake Tahoe sunset. You’re not dreaming, you’re experiencing the enchantment of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
Each year in July and August, there are two productions featuring gorgeous costumes, stunning sets and one of the most talented professional acting companies in the West! On Monday evenings, the Showcase Series augments the Festival’s main-stage productions with an array of live music and entertainment from diverse genres.
The entertainment experience is complimented by al fresco dining at its on-site restaurant – Shakespeare’s Kitchen. Alternatively, patrons may choose to bring their own food and drink for picnicking. More than just a casual evening on the beach, the festival has become one of the outstanding outdoor cultural events in the country. You don’t have to be a Shakespeare aficionado to have a great time.
Schedule and Tickets
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is known for amazing performances of traditional Shakespearean works, but the event promises more than just that. The festival has expanded to include performances from the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Sierra Nevada Ballet and more.
Be sure to check out more information on this year’s Shakespeare Festival featured performances and decide quickly because these shows sell out fast! On the day of the performance, the gates open at 5:30 p.m. The show typically starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends around 10 p.m. (with a 15-minute intermission).
Looking to purchase tickets for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival? Visit the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival website.
Directions and Parking
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival takes place at Sand Harbor State Park, located just 30 minutes from downtown Reno, on the east shore of the lake in Incline Village. As one of the most popular beach locations in North Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor draws substantial amounts of traffic in the summer months that may cause traffic delays on show days. Parking is $10 after 5 p.m. at Sand Harbor for Festival patrons but is often limited, so be sure to arrive early! You can purchase a parking voucher online when purchasing a ticket, or pay at the gate on the day of the performance.
Make the Most of Your Shakespeare Experience
Nothing beats watching Shakespeare at one of the world's clearest alpine lakes. Want to make it even better? Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival experience.
The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m., however arriving early allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Incline Village. Take a relaxing stroll along the East Shore Trail or find a quiet spot at Sand Harbor as the daytime beach crowds clear out.
Pack a picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks - maybe even that special bottle of wine you’ve been saving. If you’d rather travel light, no worries! There are delicious options available at Shakespeare's Kitchen, which opens at 5:30 p.m. They off everything you could want, from charcuterie and gourmet deli sandwiches to fresh salads and desserts.
As the sun sets, it tends to get cooler, so don’t forget a sweatshirt or light jacket. A cozy blanket is also perfect for snuggling up under the stars as you watch the show. With these simple tips, you’re all set for a magical evening of Shakespeare by the lake!
Accessibility Information
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival offers ADA-compliant seating in all sections including a wheelchair-only section and assisted listening devices. All essential parts of the venue are accessible via wheelchair including the restrooms and snack bar. To book an ADA-accessible ticket or request an assisted listening device, contact the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival directly. For more information regarding seating, please check the festival’s seating chart.