Your Best Night of Summer Coming Soon!

Its here! Claim your own FREE “Best Night of Summer” at Iowa’s primary Summer Theatre Festival of FREE professional theatre performed outdoors with picnics … al fresco style “under the stars”! This year see a beautiful, traditional “Romeo and Juliet” – the greatest love story of all time!

Running Wednesday July 18th to Sunday July 22nd in the beautiful Simon Estes Amphitheater on the downtown Des Moines Riverwalk, Iowans from all over the city and the state can flock to savor an evening of wine, picnics and premier free entertainment at Shakesperience Fest. 

What is going to Shakesperience Fest like?  Couples on “date night” or groups of friends or families grab picnics--you can bring your own wine and picnics or buy wine and snacks there! Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy picnics to an elegant, European-style environment right on the Riverwalk.

We perform on a professional stage set in a grassy hillside amphitheater, where there is a twinkling skyline view - -and where there is almost always a waterside breeze.  Then, the play starts at around 8 pm when the sun goes behind the buildings.

There is not a bad seat in the house!

During the play, you’ll roar with laughter or brush away tears as you watch professional actors in beautiful costumes portray some of the most famous characters in the world.   Produced by The Iowa Shakespeare Experience, these plays present stories you can relate to.

It’s all the classics you remember – so freshly told, you will never forget.  The shows feature professional lighting and sound and special effects.

Shows at Shakesperience Fest are very special.  These shows underscore the stories with live music and dance so that the stories come alive and easy to understand, compelling, and beautiful.

Before the show, enjoy picnics. Bring your own or purchase wine and picnic snacks on site from gourmet food vendors.

We offer pre-show concerts on the weekend nights.  This year’s pre-show concert series ties in with the play’s theme of love by featuring the “Love Song Collection” of standards and original songs sung by one of the leading legends of the Metro’s musical scene:  Tina Haase Findlay, who will be singing love songs to her husband Brandon as he plays guitar for her.  

Pre-show weekend concerts start around 7pm.

Did we mention its ALL FREE!  This magical summer night is perfect for girls’ night out, a gathering of friends, or a great way to expose kids to the classics. 

Hint: bring an air mattress and let the kids fall asleep as you continue to enjoy the show! 

When you come to Shakesperience Fest, you are joining in with an annual rite of summer that people all over the world relish each year- al fresco theatre “under the stars” is a cherished tradition of summer not to be missed!

Tips:                                              

• Its all about the picnic!  Many people follow the tradition of making their picnic for summer theatre THE very best picnic of summer!  While certainly not required, many enjoy packing up a pretty linen cloth and a bouquet of wildflowers- at Shakesperience Fest, some follow the time honored tradition of bringing votive candles or even a candelabra to really set the stage for a memorable, special evening. 

• Feel free to bring sun umbrellas (volunteers will lower them when the sun sets and the show starts so views of the stage will not be blocked). You should bring either a lawn chair or a blanket.  In all but the most extreme summer weather, bring a sweater or light wrap because with the river breezes, it can get nice and cool when the sun goes down. 

• Speaking of weather, did you know that Shakesperience Fest won’t let it rain on the parade?  Shows go on in all hot weather because it gets so cool when the sun goes down, and shows go on with light drizzle- but even if it pours, there is an indoor Festival location--usually in the beautiful “Secret Castle” Ballroom downtown. The website will direct you – just check if the weather looks iffy. 

• Want to make your evening even more memorable – and help support the free festival financially?  Check out the affordable private picnic tables or romantic tent seating for 2 to 8 people for sale at Midwestix.com.  All proceeds go to help keep the festival free!

Much more information can be found at www.IowaShakespeare.org!