Seattle’s July lineup of accessible and free performances
This July, the stage goes outdoors at parks across the region with inclusive and affordable performances for all.
July brings sunshine, open skies, and a city buzzing with summer performances. With school out and long days ahead, it’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends for arts experiences that celebrate the season—many of them outdoors and free to attend.
Across the region, Seattle’s arts organizations are making space for more people to feel welcome through performances that are not only accessible in cost, but in design—offering ASL interpretation and captioning.
Whether it’s a joyful musical at the theatre or a stirring drama under the stars, these performances invite you to come as you are. There’s room for you here—no ticket required.
Wooden O: As You Like It
- Free for All: July 10 – August 17
Wooden O presents Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It this summer at parks across the Puget Sound. Traveling from venues like Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill to Luther Burbank in Mercer Island, there’s a performance for everyone.
ACT Theatre & Seattle Shakespeare Company
acttheatre.org
Much Ado About Nothing
- Free for All: July 11 – August 16
Love and laughter tangle in a sparkling tale of wit, trickery, and mistaken identity. The fiery Beatrice and the stubborn Benedick are hilariously duped into falling for each other, while young lovers Hero and Claudio are torn apart by a villain’s cruel deception.
Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park
greenstage.org
Richard III
- Free for All: July 11 – August 16
A blood-soaked tale of ambition, betrayal, and one man’s ruthless rise to the throne. Richard, a cunning and silver-tongued villain, stops at nothing—murdering brothers, seducing widows, and spinning webs of deceit—to seize the English crown.
Greenstage Shakespeare in the Park
greenstage.org
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Free for All: July 11 – August 16
Backyard Bard presents two stripped-down productions of Shakespeare’s plays, each one hour long, and both performed by a small ensemble of versatile actors. Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Shakespeare to smaller parks and new audiences in underserved neighborhoods.
Deep in an enchanted forest, feuding fairy royalty meddle with lovesick mortals, causing hearts to tangle and affections to go hilariously astray. A mischievous sprite named Puck sprinkles a bit too much fairy dust, leading to donkey-headed suitors, bewitched lovers, and a delightfully absurd play within a play.
Greenstage Backyard Bard
greenstage.org
The Taming of the Shrew
- Free for All: July 12 – August 16
Backyard Bard presents two stripped-down productions of Shakespeare’s plays, each one hour long, and both performed by a small ensemble of versatile actors. Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Shakespeare to smaller parks and new audiences in underserved neighborhoods.
Sharp-tongued Kate wants nothing to do with marriage, but the bold and mischievous Petruchio is determined to win her. As he matches her wit with outrageous antics, their romance turns into a hilarious war of words, wills, and mind games.
Greenstage Backyard Bard
greenstage.org
The Color Purple
- ASL Interpreted: July 12 at 2 p.m.
- Close Captioned: July 26 at 2 p.m.
A testament to the healing power of love. With a soul-raising, Grammy Award-winning score infused with jazz, gospel, ragtime and the blues, The Color Purple is a triumphant musical adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker.
Village Theatre Everett
villagetheatre.org
