Shakespeare by the Sea Announces its 2026 Summer Season with a Powerful New Production of Macbeth

Free Outdoor Shakespeare Returns to Southern California, Bringing World-Class Theatre Under the Stars for Families and Arts Lovers

Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS), one of Southern California’s most cherished summer traditions, is excited to announce its 2026 season featuring a thrilling new production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. From June 26 through July 25, 2026, audiences throughout Southern California are invited to experience one of Shakespeare’s most gripping tragedies—completely free of charge.

Audiences across the region are invited to enjoy professional-quality outdoor theatre in parks, amphitheaters, and community gathering spaces throughout the summer.

A favorite among families, theatre enthusiasts, and first-time Shakespeare audiences alike, Shakespeare by the Sea continues its mission of making exceptional live theatre accessible to everyone. With no tickets, reservations, or admission fees required, guests can simply arrive, settle in with a picnic, blanket, and lawn chairs, and enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars.

A Focused Season with a Powerful Story

In response to rising production costs and funding challenges, SBTS has chosen to produce one exceptional play this season rather than its traditional two-show repertory. The decision allows the organization to continue its mission of providing admission-free Shakespeare while building a sustainable path forward.

“If we’re producing one play, the choice must matter,” says SBTS. “It means intention. It means choosing a story powerful enough to carry the weight of this moment. And Macbeth is that story.”

A Timeless Tale of Ambition and Consequence

Few works explore the consequences of ambition, power, and moral compromise as vividly as Macbeth, and this season’s production brings one of Shakespeare’s most gripping dramas to life.

When a celebrated warrior encounters three mysterious figures who predict his rise to power, ambition begins to eclipse honor and prophecy gives way to obsession and a devastating chain of events unfolds. The play remains one of Shakespeare’s most compelling examinations of leadership, integrity, and the cost of surrendering to fear and unchecked ambition. Filled with suspense, intrigue, and powerful themes that remain relevant today, Macbeth explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the human cost of surrendering to darkness.

Free Entertainment for the Whole Community

For decades, Shakespeare by the Sea has provided audiences with premium outdoor performances at no cost, creating memorable summer experiences for generations of Southern California families. The company’s commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone can experience the magic of live theatre regardless of background or budget.

“Shakespeare by the Sea has become a beloved summer tradition because it combines outstanding performances with a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or introducing your children to live theatre for the first time, our performances offer a unique opportunity to connect, relax, and enjoy a magical evening together.”

Event Details:

Production: Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Admission: FREE (Donations gratefully encouraged)
Reservations: None required — just show up
What to Bring: Picnic, blanket, beach chairs, family, and friends
Schedule & Locations: Available on the Shakespeare by the Sea Schedule & Locations page

About Shakespeare by the Sea:

Shakespeare by the Sea delivers top-tier outdoor performances absolutely free, making high-quality classic theatre accessible to all. Each summer, thousands of audience members gather across Southern California to enjoy professional productions in beautiful outdoor settings. The company’s performances offer an extraordinary blend of culture, community, and entertainment, creating memorable experiences for audiences of all ages.

Whether you’re searching for an affordable family outing, a unique date night, or an inspiring evening of live performance, Shakespeare by the Sea offers a truly priceless experience.

A Priceless Summer Tradition

Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring blankets and beach chairs, and enjoy a magical evening of theatre under the stars. No tickets, reservations, or admission fees are required. Donations are gratefully accepted and help keep the program accessible to all.

Select performances also offer “Bard’s Bites” stageside picnic packages, allowing patrons to enhance their Shakespeare experience while supporting the organization.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth

This year the company will produce one focused, high-impact play for a four-week tour that will continue bringing admission-free Shakespeare to communities across Southern California.

2026 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE & LOCATIONS

Long Beach

Friday, June 26, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Bandshell at Recreation Park
701–939 Federation Drive, Long Beach, CA 90804

Saturday, June 27, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Bandshell at Recreation Park
701–939 Federation Drive, Long Beach, CA 90804
Opening Toast Celebration and 29th Season Kickoff

Rossmoor

Thursday, July 2, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Rush Park
3021 Blume Drive, Rossmoor, CA 90720

Encino

Friday, July 3, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Sepulveda Garden Center
16633 Magnolia Boulevard, Encino, CA 91436

Hermosa Beach

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Valley Park
2521 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Thursday, July 9, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Valley Park
2521 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

San Pedro

Friday, July 10, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Point Fermin Park
807 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731

Saturday, July 11, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Point Fermin Park
807 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731

Rancho Palos Verdes

Sunday, July 12, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Manhattan Beach

Thursday, July 16, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Friday, July 17, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

South Pasadena

Saturday, July 18, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Garfield Park
1000 Park Avenue, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Sunday, July 19, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Garfield Park
1000 Park Avenue, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Beverly Hills

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Roxbury Park
471 Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Aliso Viejo

Thursday, July 23, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Soka University
1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Redondo Beach

Friday, July 24, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Veterans Park
309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Saturday, July 25, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Dominguez Park
200 Flagler Lane, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

More information about Schedule & Locations is available on the Shakespeare by the Sea Schedule & Locations page.