It's not just Shakespeare, it's an experience!
Glenn Wilson and Friends Jazz Series & Live Music Nights Join us Friday and Saturday nights at 6:30-7:30 p.m. for live jazz music. The concerts are FREE to all!
Fridays and Saturdays, world-renowned saxophonist and Normal resident Glenn Wilson will be producing and performing a series of jazz concerts prior to the night's stage performance. The weekend concerts will feature Wilson's jazz musician 'Friends' from New York, Chicago, Miami and Indianapolis. Also appearing will be Wilson's local group "The Jazzmaniacs" plus other local jazz musicians. On July 1, 18, 22, 27 and August 4, enjoy a selection of mixed contemporary and pop acoustic sets performed live by visiting artists from all over the country.
Entertainment for kids of all ages takes place on the Festival Courtyard Stage beginning at 6:15 p.m. most evenings. This year, the Festival has invited community organizations to participate in the Green Show, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.:
June 27: Theatre's Cool
June 30: Jane Smolen and Friends
July 8: Community Players Theatre
July 21: Prairie Thistle Pipes & Drums
July 25: Normal Community West High School
July 29: Central Catholic High School
August 3: Cultural Expressions Project
August 8: Illinois Wesleyan University
In addition, listen to dulcet tunes sung by our Madrigal singers while relaxing in our bistro-style courtyard. Our Madrigal singers will whisk you away to eras past with their historic costumes and selections of period music. The Madrigals will perform on the Green Show stage on the following dates:
July 11, 20, 28 and August 1, 8
The Green Show and Madrigal performances are FREE to all guests even if you're not attending the main performance that night!
Stay after the performance on select Tuesdays and talk with the cast and the Artistic Director about the night's production. Then after the Q & A, join the cast and crew in the courtyard for an old-fashioned ice cream social! It's a great way to meet the company one-on-one and get the inside "scoop" on their lives at the Festival. The social is sponsored by long-time supporter, Craig Sutter, and is FREE to all! Join us on July 20 after The Tempest, July 27 after Merry Wives of Windsor, and August 3 after The Three Musketeers.
PicnicsSpend a pleasant summer's evening on the grassy lawn of the Festival's grounds with a picnic basket, a bottle of wine, and great friends. Bask in the serene environment of the lush gardens and take pleasure in the enchanting music sung just for you by the Madrigal Singers.
Pack your own basket or let us do the work! Preorder a personalized basket and it will be waiting at the Festival when you arrive. Orders can be made through our sponsor Kelly's Bakery & Cafe (click here for menu).
Pre-ordered food items will be ready for pick-up at Shakespeare's Cupboard concessions beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Step inside the grounds and let the tranquil surroundings transport you to another time.
No visit is complete without a stop at the gift shop. Located in the Festival courtyard, you can find T-shirts, mugs, games, books, and an incredible array of specialty items that you'll discover nowhere else around. Shop for that special someone and be assured that they won't already have it! The gift shop is open from 5:30 p.m. through intermission.
Feel like snacking? Then this is the place! Located in the Festival courtyard, Shakespeare's Cupboard offers an assortment of delicious goodies, beverages, beer and wine for purchase. Open from 5:30 p.m. through intermission.
