Freewill Shakespeare Festival

Freewill Shakespeare Festival Since 1989, The Freewill Shakespeare Festival has presented unique and local productions of Shakespeare's work. Join us at Hawrelak Park June 17-July 12, 2026!

This isn't your high school Shakespeare - music, unique settings, squirrels and beer!

07/12/2026

Happy Closing to Something Rotten! You might have heard that the Amphitheatre was closed after the storm we had on Friday. Not true! The power was briefly off but it’s back on and we’ll be ready to roll at 130 today!

Audiences are raving about "SOMETHING ROTTEN!"“I had no idea what to expect and loved it so much. The music was so great...
07/10/2026

Audiences are raving about "SOMETHING ROTTEN!"

“I had no idea what to expect and loved it so much. The music was so great. I loved the costumes.”
“Great show. Fabulous cast.”
“The show was incredible!!! Wonderful voices, energetic performances, and so many laughs!”
“It was awesome - so much fun!”
“We loved the show!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you for your talent!!!”
“Watching Something Rotten! was outrageous amounts of fun!”
“Went to the show tonight and it was brilliant! Full of hilarity and music and talent!!!!!”
“We saw this today, and it was great! The comedy, the music, the dancing! It was a perfect afternoon in the park!”
“I implore anyone with the opportunity to see this musical to do so!”

If you’ve seen it, send us your review of the show! If you haven’t yet, there are still more chances to experience the fun, joy, and community with Freewill!

“SOMETHING ROTTEN!”
Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park
June 17 - July 12
Produced by Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Shelley's Dance Company

Costume design by Karlie Christie
Photos by Jenn Galm
1: Connor Foy, Renell Doneza and Ethan Bintu-Watt
2: Melenie Reid
3: Alyson Horne and Eli Yaschuk
4: Sarah Kyle

Quenching our thirst and keeping our audiences overjoyed with a mix of The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company brews and an incr...
07/09/2026

Quenching our thirst and keeping our audiences overjoyed with a mix of The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company brews and an incredible selection of craft sodas that have been the delight of audiences and volunteers alike. These drinks have been so popular that we can hardly keep them on our shelves! No matter the reason, we always recommend trying a Grizzly Paw drink.

Want to relax before the show, have some fun with friends, and get a taste of delicious Grizzly Paw drinks? Get your add-on tickets for July 10 at 6:00PM for Ale's Well that Ends Well: Beer & Trivia with Grizzly Paw Brewing. The winner will also be receiving a coveted The Edmonton Riverboat gift certificate!

We can't believe it, but we've sold out tonight's performance! We are overjoyed to see audiences come out in numbers we ...
07/07/2026

We can't believe it, but we've sold out tonight's performance!

We are overjoyed to see audiences come out in numbers we haven't seen in years! If you've been to Hawrelak before and are thinking to yourself 'i'm sure it could fit more people...,' you'd be correct, but we never expected to have crowds like this. To help the patron experience (and prevent an intermission that is incredibly long), we have reached our set capacity. If you missed out on attending, there is still one more PWYW performance this Saturday, July 11, at 1:30pm.

If you are one of the lucky folks attending tonight's production, be sure to come early and be aware that lines may be long, so please be patient as we're trying our best. And no need to worry, you'll all get a seat!

Some notes:
1. Parking is limited and will likely be full at Hawrelak Park. If you can carpool, travel by transit, or bike to the Park, we recommend it.
2. To check-in, we only need the name the ticket is booked with so no need to pull out your phone if you don't want to.
3. The outer gates to the Amphitheatre open 45 minutes before the show. You will not be able to access the seats at this time, but can visit our concession, bar, and merchandise tents as well as the washrooms. There are tables and chairs around for you to relax as well.
4. You do not need to stand in line to guarantee yourself a seat. Though it will be busy, there are over 1,100 seats available, not including the grass area, so you will be sure to find a good seat!
5. When the house opens and are you able to find a seat, please use the two paved entrances to enter the theatre and not through the grass. Please be patient and do not rush our volunteers or staff. There is still plenty of time before the show starts and plenty of seats.
6. We've stocked our concession and bar as best we could but items may sell out quickly. To help facilitate a smooth process, please feel free to check out the menu on site or in the digital program before you order. Some items, like popcorn, may run out and we apologize in advance. If you want something more substantial, feel free to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks with you!
7. Weather is always temperamental and, as I'm sure we've all noticed, the mosquitos are particularly bad this year. Please ensure you pack what you need to keep yourself comfortable throughout the evening.
8. If you need additional help, let our Staff know, we're here to help.

Thank you all for joining us! We'll see you down at the Park!

Costumes by Karlie Christie
Photos by Jenn Galm
1:Nico Maiorana
2: Connor Foy, Renell Doneza, Megan Holt, Ethan Bintu-Watt
3: Stephen Allred
4: Melenie Reid, Amy Bazin, Lisa Kotelniski, and Francesca Scarpella
5: Brian Christensen
6: Nicole Mackenzie, Melenie Reid, Stephen Allred, Eli Yaschuk, Alyson Horne

07/05/2026

No matter why you arrived at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, we are so glad you’ve joined us. You remind us of how valuable the arts are in bringing folks together and celebrating a unique experience in the beautiful (and tempermental) outdoors. Join us for the any of the remaining shows of SOMETHING ROTTEN!, running now until July 12.

Produced by Edmonton Pops Orchestra () and Shelley’s Dance Company ().

Get your tickets today!

Though SOMETHING ROTTEN! isn't in Shakespearean English, we think it's valuable to give you a little plot in an 'eggshel...
07/04/2026

Though SOMETHING ROTTEN! isn't in Shakespearean English, we think it's valuable to give you a little plot in an 'eggshell' for those wanting to come prepared. Check out the photos or read the breakdown below.

It's the Renaissance and two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, are struggling to make a name for themselves against 'The Bard,' William Shakespeare, who is at the top of his fame.

Nigel, the more sensitive and romantic of the pair, secretly falls in love with Portia, a young Puritan woman whose strict father would never approve.

Nick, growing increasingly frustrated by his own failures, and in debt, visits a soothsayer, Thomas Nostradamus, who foretells the next big thing in theatre will be a 'musical' (a bizarre form of entertainment where actors suddenly break into song and dance).

Misunderstanding fragments of his visions, Thomas also insists Shakespeare’s next masterpiece will be called Omelette. Believing he can beat Shakespeare to the punch, Nick decides to create the world’s first musical before Shakespeare can write his own play.

Tensions rise between the brothers as Nick becomes increasingly obsessed with success and fame, while Nigel longs to create something honest and meaningful.

Disguised among the actors auditioning for the new show, Shakespeare spies on the production and steals Nigel’s romantic writing for his own future work.

Will the brothers reconcile their differences? Will Portia and Nigel end up together? What will happen with the musical, Omelette? Find out what happens by joining us for "SOMETHING ROTTEN!," on now until July 12 at the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park.

https://freewill.bespoketicketing.com

SOMETHING ROTTEN! is produced by Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Shelley's Dance Company

Costume Design by Karlie Christie

1: Brian Christensen and the cast of SOMETHING ROTTEN!
2: Eli Yaschuk and Stephen Allred
3: Alyson Horne and Eli Yaschuk
4: Nico Maiorana and Stephen Allred
5: Cast of SOMETHING ROTTEN!
6: Brian Christensen
7: Eli Yaschuk and Stephen Allred
8: Lisa Kotelniski, Stephen Allred, Renell Doneza, and Francesca Scarpella
9: Melenie Reid

Last year, we were blown away by your support for our Save Freewill campaign. You helped us make our way to the return o...
07/04/2026

Last year, we were blown away by your support for our Save Freewill campaign. You helped us make our way to the return of Freewill in the Heritage Amphitheatre, and we're endlessly grateful for those who chipped in and those who've been ardent supporters from the very beginning.

Surrounded by the nature of Hawrelak Park and our original home, we've been reminiscing about the roots that brought us here and the many changes that have occurred since 1989. Just like growing a tree, a festival like ours requires intentional and mindful tending in order to continue. We are not alone in our struggles; many arts organizations in the city and the province are struggling to continue, and donations from audiences like you help us continue creating works that inspire, educate, and bring people together.

Help us continue to be part of this festival city, nourish our financial roots, and secure a sustainable future beyond this year by donating to this year's fundraiser: Foster Freewill!

Every donation–no matter the size–helps ensure that the Freewill Shakespeare Festival not only continues, but also thrives. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt.

Together, you can help us strengthen our foundation so we can proudly look towards the future by Fostering Freewill.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/foster-freewill

Photos:
1: Eli Yaschuk and Stephen Allred in SOMETHING ROTTEN! (2026). Costume design by Karlie Christie. Photographed by Jenn Galm.
2: Vanessa Sabourin and Jesse Gervais in Much Ado About Nothing (2026). Costume design by Ami Farrow. Photographed by Briane Jang.
3: Amber Borotsik and Elena Porter in As You Like It (2025). Set design by Emily Faith Randall. Costume design by Ami Farrow. Photographed by Jenn Galm.
4: Meegan Sweet in The Tempest (2024). Set and costume design by Stephanie Bahniuk. Photographed by Jenn Galm.
5: Dean Stockdale in Twelfth Night (2023). Set and costume design by Stephanie Bahniuk. Photographed by Brianne Jang.
6: Brett Dahl in A Midsummer Night's Dream (2022). Costume design by Alison Yanota. Photographed by Erik Kozakiewicz.

Happiest opening to our friends Edmonton International Street Performers Festival! Celebrate this festival city by exper...
07/03/2026

Happiest opening to our friends Edmonton International Street Performers Festival! Celebrate this festival city by experiencing the most it has to offer by visiting Churchill Square for high-flying fun and adventure.

We're excited to be partnering with Edmonton International Street Performers Festival again this summer, to give away TWO (2) tickets to see the adult-only Late Night Madness Cabaret on July 10th or 11th, 10:15PM at Citadel Theatre.

To enter:
✅ Follow us and Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
✅ React to this post
✅ Tag a friend in the comments you want to share the madness with!

Winner will receive 2 tickets to either performance of Late Night Madness as part of the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. Winner MUST be 18+.

Contest closes July 9th, 2026
The winner will be contacted directly by the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

Happy opening week to the SOMETHING ROTTEN! team!From practice to performance, Freewill is honoured to present this riot...
07/03/2026

Happy opening week to the SOMETHING ROTTEN! team!

From practice to performance, Freewill is honoured to present this riotus musical. We're looking forward to new audiences and familiar faces visiting the Heritage Amphitheatre for our second show of the festival, running now until July 12, 2026. Get your tickets today!
https://freewill.bespoketicketing.com

Rehearsal photos by Macy McCubbings and Jenn Galm
Show Photography by Jenn Galm
Costume Design by Karlie Christie

SOMETHING ROTTEN! is produced by Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Shelley's Dance Company

Photos:
1: Cast of SOMETHING ROTTEN!
2: Sarah Kyle (with Stephen Allred)
3: Patrick Lynn
4: Melenie Reid and Stephen Allred
5: Cast of SOMETHING ROTTEN!
6: Connor Foy, Nicole Mackenzie, Ethan Bintu-Watt, Amy Bazin, Renell Doneza, and Megan Holt
7: Rachel Pasmeny

SOMETHING ROTTEN! is here and we're so excited to be presenting this musical, produced by Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Sh...
07/02/2026

SOMETHING ROTTEN! is here and we're so excited to be presenting this musical, produced by Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Shelley's Dance Company.

We know this may be the first time folks are making their way to the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, so we're here to provide a lil' guide to making the most of your time at the Festival.

When should I arrive?
Our outer gates open 45 minutes before the show. You'll be able to access the merchandise and concession tents, washrooms, and lounge at the nearby picnic tables or patio area. Closer to the show you'll be invited into the theatre to grab your seats.

Are the seats reserved?
It is festival seating so there are no assigned seats, but don't worry, the Amphitheatre seats over 1,100 folks so you won't have to worry about finding a seat. You're also welcome to find a seat on the grass (though beware of the mosquitos)! Additional acessibility information is up on our website!

What if it rains?
Weather can be very unpredictable and as we're an outdoor festival, we recommend you come prepared. Rain or shine, you're protected under the tent, so please dress for the weather if you're joining us this weekend. If we do need to cancel, you will be informed in advance on our website and social media (and emailed if you've already purchased tickets).

What else can I do?
There are many additional opportunities to make the most of your time at the Festival. Over half of the remaining performances have special events for you to experience. We're excited to have two festivals, Edmonton International Street Performers Festival and Taste of Edmonton, joining us for pop-up events. Join us tomorrow for a takeover with Grindstone Theatre for a Weird Al Karaoke inspired pre-show event featuring Shakespeare-inspired parodies, outrageous musical mashups, and plenty of laughs. Learn more about all of these events on our Events page on the website!

Our website is full of details if you have an additional questions. Get your tickets and see you at the show!

https://freewill.bespoketicketing.com

Address

7515 118 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
T5B0J2

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday 8pm - 8:15pm
Thursday 8pm - 10:30pm
Friday 8pm - 10:30pm
Saturday 8pm - 10:30pm
Sunday 8pm - 10:30pm

Telephone

+17804258086

Website

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