FAQs

When does the Festival take place? P

The Southern Shakespeare Festival is typically held Thursday through Sunday on Mother’s Day weekend. The mainstage production is preceded by events such as an abridged production by our junior troupe the Bardlings, readings by sonnet contest winners, and our Renaissance Faire performers on select days.

Please stay tuned for the specifics about the 2023 Festival line-up and schedule…!

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Where is the festival located? P

The Festival centers around the Capital City Amphitheater in Cascades Park, 1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

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What is the cost for admission? P

This Festival is FREE of charge and you are welcome to come and go as you like throughout the Festival hours!

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When does the show start? When should I arrive? P

The mainstage performance typically begins at 7:30 pm each evening. Audiences are welcome to arrive as early as 6 pm to take advantage of the food trucks and beauty of Cascades Park, and on the weekends there are activities such as our Renaissance Faire performers and booths that begin even sooner!

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Are there reserved seats? P

Apart from seating reserved for Festival sponsors and those audience members who need specific accommodations (such as the Deaf and hard of hearing), the 3,500 seats of the Capital City Amphitheater are open and available to the public, first come, first seated!

Some audience members prefer to sit on the lawn area with their own collapsible chairs and a picnic, which is also an option.

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Will the Bardlings be performing at the Festival? P

YES! The Bardlings are the junior troupe of the Southern Shakespeare Company and they will be performing a one-hour abridgment of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet prior to the main stage production on Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th.

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Is there parking nearby? How much does it cost? P

Yes! Parking is free after 6 pm and on weekends in street parking, in the nearby FDOT(Florida Department of Transportation) lots, and Parking Garage C on Bloxham Street.

Members and VIPS have designated parking areas.

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Can we bring food and drink into the Festival? P

YES, food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted in Cascades Park! We are fortunate to partner with both food trucks on-site and nearby restaurants that offer picnic baskets for pick-up.

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How can I become a Vendor at the Festival? P

Apply to become a general Vendor or Food Vendor using the application links below! Submit completed applications to bianca@southernshakes.org no less than six weeks in advance of the Festival.

For Vendors

For Food Vendors

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Is the Festival accessible with those who are disabled or need specific accommodations? P

While guests in wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs may find some of the grassy areas more challenging to travel, there are sidewalks leading to the amphitheater and reserved parking for guests with disabilities. The back row of the Capital City Amphitheater has spaces for wheelchair parking as well as companion seating.

If a person requires accommodation to participate or if special seating arrangements are needed, requests should be made to the event coordinator seventy-two (72) hours prior to the event.

If you require assistance, please contact bianca@southernshakes.org so we can help!

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Are there performances for the deaf and hard of hearing? P

YES, our ASL interpreted performance is usually scheduled for the Saturday performance during our festival weekend. If you plan to attend a performance for the ASL-interpretation, please email bianca@southernshakes.org so we can arrange for your seating.

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Can we wear costumes? P

YES! Please do–particularly at our Renaissance Faire!

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We are visiting Tallahassee from out of town; where can we stay and what else is there to do? P

Tallahassee, Fl. is home to larger-than-life festivals, electrifying nightlife, award-winning cuisine, many beautiful hotels, and over 700 miles of trails and endless outdoor adventures. To discover our undeniably pretty landscapes and our unexpected local experiences, visit www.visittallahassee.com

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