Park gates open 90 minutes prior to a performance. We recommend that you arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to a show to enjoy our pre-show entertainment (offered at most performances). Patrons who arrive after a performance has started are seated at the discretion of the House Manager.

We will exchange your tickets for another available performance so that you don't miss a second of great theater.

You can call our box office (410-244-8570) or email the box office at boxoffice@chesapeakeshakespeare.com to make the exchange. If for some reason an exchange is not possible, we'll present other options at that time.

We sure hate canceling a performance, though! Click here for our developed-over-20-summers-and-extremely-thorough rain policy. We have only canceled for heat two times in our history but we will always exchange your tickets if the heat level is medically unwise.

PROTOCOL UPDATE: The tent that has, in the past, sheltered all of us from the rain has been removed by Howard County.  So, if it looks like rain, please bring an umbrella if you would like to stay at the park and wait it out.  As always, if there is lightning, you will need to leave the park and wait out the lightning storm in your car in the parking lot.

We know what the weather is but know not what it may be! We do our best to complete every performance, but sometimes, to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, we may need to cancel a performance. If the performance has already begun, and the weather radar shows the storm will pass, we will pause the show for up to 45 minutes. If the storm is not likely to pass quickly, we will cancel the performance. Only rarely is a storm so big that we cancel before showtime—and never more than two hours prior.

Click here for our extra-long rain policy.

Yes! You may reserve a picnic table for $68 or a date night table for $41. We also have blanket seating. Please note that you must purchase a ticket to the performance for yourself (and all guests in your party) in addition to your table.

There will be an abbreviated printed program available as well as a full digital online program. A link to the full program will also be sent in your performance reminder email and QR codes will be available at the PFI to scan with your mobile device for access.

We do not have a food truck this year. Thankfully Main Street has a ton of dining options! Click here to see all of your yummy options!

The PFI is a lovely spot for picnicking. Gates open 90 minutes before the show, come have a meal prior to the performance! Come early and bring a picnic, sit under the trees, and enjoy the beautiful stone ruins. Food, beer, and wine are permitted. Eat, drink, and be merry!

Folding chairs for the audience will be set up as usual; if you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own.

Unfortunately, the PFI Historic Park does not allow pets onto the grounds. Only documented service animals are allowed.

Yes, assuming we aren’t sold out (we’ll post on our website if we are) but we do recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Gates and ticket tent open 90 minutes prior to showtime. Online ticket sales turn off 3 hours prior to showtime.

No cash will be accepted at the park. All purchases must be made electronically.

No, but you must check in with the box office tent so they can anticipate the rest of your party.

Sundays are our Family Fun Days, with preshow activities for all ages including crafts and storytime, beginning at 4:30pm. Picnics welcome! Use our folding chairs or bring your blanket.

Free Shakespeare for kids: Kids tickets are still free! That's right! We said free. Shakespeare is for everyone, and that includes kids! With each adult ticket, up to two (2) children (ages 18 and under) get in for free by reservation. *Limit of 4 Free Kids tickets per household.

You know your child best and we recommend you read the synopsis to understand the adult themes in the play.