How do the tickets work?
Our regular tickets are general admission, are not dated, and can be used for any performance on any day (there are no shows on Monday). Tickets are non refundable.
Can I reserve a seat for a specific day?
We do not take reservations for seats unless you are a group of over 15 (please email dev@freewillshakespeare.com or call us at 780-425-8086 for more information on groups). Our VIP passes do guarantee a reserved row at every performance; and our ticketed special events such as Freewill Shakespeare Feasts, Wine Tastings, and Cask night have a section in the audience reserved for them.
Where can tickets be purchased?
We have an onsite Box Office that opens approx. 1.5 hours before each performance. Performances are Tuesday - Sunday 8pm and Sat & Sun 2pm. Tickets can also be purchased in advance on our website. We do accept credit, cash and debit at our box office.
Pay What You Will – How to buy tickets? What is it?
Tickets are not available in advance for Pay-What-You-Will Performances. A donation is made at the onsite Box Office the day of the performance. The Box Office opens approx. 1.5 hours before the shows start. Our PWYW performances, sponsored by the City of Edmonton, fall on Preview nights, Canada Day (when it falls on a show day), Saturday afternoons, and Tuesday evenings.
Student Sundays, what are they?
On Sundays, BOTH shows are $5 for any students with ID.
Ticketed Special Events – How do they work?
We have added several separately ticketed special events such as Cask night, Date Nights, and Wine Tastings. These events take place in our Special Events Tent, either before or after that evening’s performances. Tickets for these events are priced differently than regular tickets, are specifically dated for that event, and are limited due to the capacity of the Special Event Tent. The guests receive entrance to the event (start times for events vary), that evening’s performance, and seating in a reserved section of the Amphitheatre. The performance the night of the event are still open for regular tickets purchasers - only the special event is limited.
What is a Festival Season pass? What is a VIP pass?
A season pass is for one person to see both shows at a discounted price. The VIP pass is good for the pass holder and a guest to see unlimited shows, enter early via the VIP gate, have seating in a reserved row and a beverage and a snack.
Do we have food, concession?
We do! We serve popcorn, chips, chocolate bars, cookies, non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine. On Fridays, Saturday and Sundays, weather permitting, we have hot dogs.
Do we have seats?
We have 1,000 seats under the Heritage Amphitheatre tent. You are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the grassy hill which can fit an additional 400 people. We also sell awesome Freewill blankets!
What happens if it rains?
We run rain or shine. The performance takes place under the large amphitheatre tent, so patrons can stay dry. If the rain or thunder becomes too loud for the patrons to hear the show, we do pause to see if it will pass. On the rare occasion that it does not, we may cancel the show and offer rain checks to all the patrons.
Can I bring food?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a picnic! But outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Are dogs allowed?
Sorry, no. Although they are allowed on leash in Hawrelak Park, they are not allowed in the Heritage Amphitheatre.
Are babes in arms allowed?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome. Children under 10 are free!
How long are the productions?
Most performances run with intermission about 2.5 hours.
Can I just come see the Puppet show?
Sorry, no, it is inside the gated area. The Puppet show is included for all ticket holders at the performance. Currently, Puppet Shows run Tuesday nights and both performances every Saturday and Sunday.
Will my children enjoy the shows?
We do try to make our comedies family-friendly with music and fun adaptations, but please keep in mind that some of Shakespeare’s storylines may not be appropriate for children of all ages.