SPECIAL EVENTS
Join us for the many events happening during 2026's Freewill Shakespeare Festival, running June 17 - July 12, 2026!
If you have any questions about the events, please don't hesitate to reach out to publicity@freewillshakespeare.com
We have so much available to experience alongside our shows.
Check out all our special event offerings below!
Pay-What-You-Will (PWYW)
Much Ado About Nothing: All shows Tuesdays-Thursdays, and Saturday matinees
SOMETHING ROTTEN!: Tuesday evenings and Saturday matinees
To help keep ticket prices affordable for audiences, we offered PWYW performances that allow you to choose what you can afford to see to the show. When on the ticketing site, click on show you with to attend. When you click on a PWYW show, there will be an automatic amount listed in the price. To change it, place your curser to the right of the number and press delete. From there, you can type in your desired ticket price and add it to the cart.
Wine Wednesday
Every Wednesday during the Festival
All wine is discounted on Wednesday performances
Thirsty Thursday
Every Thursday during the Festival
All beer and canned cocktails are discounted on Thursday performances
Merchants of YEG: Vendor Market
Every Saturday | Noon–9:00 PM
Browse a vibrant marketplace featuring some of Edmonton’s most talented local makers and artisans. Discover handcrafted jewelry, medieval-inspired art, clothing, home décor, wind chimes, and more. You’ll also find unique experiences from specialty vendors offering services like henna art and fortune telling. There's something new to discover every Saturday at the festival.
Servus Credit Union Pop-Up
Saturday, June 20 | 4:00–9:00 PM
Stop by the Servus Credit Union tent for an afternoon of fun! Enjoy interactive activities, contests, giveaways, and exciting prize draws while learning more about the services and opportunities available through Servus.
Though This Be Madness, There is Method In't: Artist Talkback
Mayor Andrew Knack Pop-Up
TBD
The Office of Mayor Andrew Knack is excited to participate in the Freewill Shakespeare Festival as it returns to Hawrelak Park. Visit our booth to share your vision for Edmonton's growth and enjoy activities including a "city builder" personality quiz, colouring sheets, and Edmonton postcards and stickers. We look forward to seeing you and enjoy the show!
A Midsummer Night's Glam: Costume Contest + Caricatures
Wednesday, June 24 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Step into the world of Shakespeare and fantasy! Come dressed in your finest fairy, noble, rogue, or Shakespearean-inspired attire and take part in our pre-show costume contest. Participants can receive discounted tickets at the door, and while you're showing off your look, sit for a one-of-a-kind caricature by artist Simon Glassman.
Ale's Well That Ends Well: Beer and Trivia Night
Friday, June 26 | 6:00–6:30 PM
Friday, July 10 | 6:00–6:30 PM
Special Event Ticket Cost: $20
Raise a glass and test your Shakespeare savvy! Sample delicious craft brews from Grizzly Paw Brewing Company and join us for a lively round of Shakespeare-themed trivia. Whether you're a Bard expert or just here for the beer, there's fun to be had. To purchase a ticket, head to the ticketing site (link below) and select one of the two dates listed above. When you add tickets, you will be prompted to add-on this special event. You must purchase a ticket to attend this special event.
Taming of the Hue: A Crafty Afternoon
Sunday, June 28 | 12:00–1:30 PM
Sunday, July 12 | 12:00–1:30 PM
Cost to Participate: $25
Get creative in the park with local artist Tessa Stamp of Made in Highlands. This relaxed, all-ages postcard painting workshop provides everything you need to create a beautiful keepsake inspired by your day at the festival. No experience necessary—just bring your imagination. To purchase a ticket, head to the ticketing site (link below) and select one of the two dates listed above. When you add tickets, you will be prompted to add-on this special event. You must purchase a ticket to attend this special event.
True North Strong and Freewill: Canada Day
Wednesday, July 1 | 12:00–1:30 PM
Cost to Participate: $10
Celebrate Canada Day with a uniquely Freewill twist! Enjoy artisanal floats featuring craft brews from Grizzly Paw and handcrafted gelato from Little Bear Gelato. Guests who arrive dressed in their Canada Day best can receive discounted tickets at the door. To purchase a ticket, head to the ticketing site (link below) and select the July 1st performance. When you add tickets, you will be prompted to add-on this special event. You must purchase a ticket to attend this special event.
All the World's A Stage: Weird Al Karaoke Takeover
Thursday, July 2 | 6:00–6:30 PM
Get ready for an unforgettable pre-show party hosted by Mike Robertson and your favourites from Grindstone Theatre's Weird Al Karaoke. Expect hilarious Shakespeare-inspired parodies, outrageous musical mashups, and plenty of laughs before curtain time.
Taste of Edmonton Pop-Up
Saturday, July 4 | Noon–9:00 PM
Visit our friends from Taste of Edmonton and learn more about one of the city's most beloved summer festivals. Stop by their booth for information, activities, and opportunities to connect with the team behind this iconic Edmonton event.
Fools and Minstrels: Edmonton Street Performers Takeover
Sunday, July 5 | 12:30–1:30 PM
The park comes alive with surprise performances, roaming entertainers, and interactive fun as artists from the Edmonton Street Performers Festival take over the grounds. Meet clowns, musicians, jugglers, and delightfully silly characters—and don't miss the juggling workshop and face painting.
The Bard(s) in the Yard: Buskers and Musicians
Thursday, June 25 | 6:00–6:45 PM
Thursday, July 9 | 6:00–6:45 PM
Enjoy live music throughout the park as local buskers and musicians bring their talents to the festival grounds. From acoustic favourites to unexpected musical delights, these performances add an extra touch of magic to your festival experience.
On July 9, we're delighted to welcome the Edmonton Ukulele Circle. This community-based group gathers weekly to celebrate music, connection, and the joy of playing together. Their warm, welcoming spirit and lively ukulele performances are sure to charm audiences of all ages.