Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s 30th season of Free Shakespeare on the Common closes this Sunday, August 9, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Parkman Bandstand. It’s free, and it’s reasonable to expect a bigger crowd than usual on closing weekend — here’s how to actually get a spot worth sitting in.
Know the Schedule
Performances run at 8 p.m. nightly (dark on Mondays) through the run, with two matinee-and-evening double days this year: Sunday, August 2 and Sunday, August 9. That means finale day has two chances to catch the show — a 1:30 p.m. matinee and the closing 8 p.m. performance.
Getting There
The Parkman Bandstand sits centrally on Boston Common, easily reached via the Park Street T stop (Red and Green Lines) or the Boylston stop (Green Line). Given it’s also Open Newbury Street and the August Moon Festival same day, expect the Common and surrounding streets to be busier than usual — build in extra time.
How Early Is Early Enough
This is general-admission lawn seating, no tickets or reservations required, which means it’s first-come, first-served. Arriving early is the safest strategy on closing day — check Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s site (commshakes.org) the day of for gate times and any updates, since these can shift, and plan to get there well ahead of curtain if a full-lawn view matters to you.
What to Bring
A blanket or low lawn chair, sunscreen or a layer for after sunset, and modest food is generally permitted on the lawn — alcohol is prohibited on Boston Common. Chair rentals may be available on-site for a fee; check with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company directly. Bathrooms are available on-site. Accessibility accommodations are available but vary by performance and availability, so it’s worth contacting Commonwealth Shakespeare Company ahead of time rather than assuming a specific setup will be there.
The Bottom Line
It’s the last day of a free, professionally staged Shakespeare production in the middle of the city — worth the early arrival. Pair it with Open Newbury Street or the August Moon Festival earlier in the day and make it a full Sunday.