New York City Outdoor Theaters

Shakespeare in the Park (☎212-539-8750; www.publictheater.org). See for directions. This renowned series is a New York summer tradition, presenting 1 Shakespeare play each summer from mid-June to early Aug. at the outdoor Delacorte Amphitheater in Central Park. Past stars have included Sean Patrick Thomas, Sam Waterson, Jeff Goldblum, Morgan Freeman, Natalie Portman, Christopher Walken, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Patrick Stewart, and the late Sir John Gielgud. Tickets available 1pm the day of performance at the Delacorte and 1-3pm at the Public Theatre at 425 Lafayette St.; try to get there by 9am at the latest. Standby line forms at 6pm. Limit 2 tickets per person. Doors open Tu-Su 7:30pm; shows at 8pm.
Queens Theatre in the Park, (☎718-760-0064; www.queenstheatre.org) in the New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows/Corona Park. See for directions. Film and performing arts center that hosts the annual Latino Cultural Festival (late July to mid-Aug.), among other events. Call for dance and theater listings. Box office open Tu-Sa noon-6pm. Tickets also available online.