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Washington Park
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Show day weather:
(Will be added the morning of July 12)
​
Planning to attend?
​This page has everything you need to plan and enjoy your afternoon​​​
Coming today? Save this page.
You can use it for directions and everything you need once you arrive.
Feel free to scroll or use the links above to jump to what you need
Plan Your Visit
Assemble your party and choose how you want to attend **

​Simply Show Up
No registration or reservation is required.
  • Just bring your chair and enjoy the show. 

Register for Updates
Ready to level up? Register to let us know you’re coming and receive important updates, such as weather-related changes.
  • No check-in required.
  • This does not reserve a spot.
👉 Register for updates

Reserve Space for Your Lawn Chair
Make a $75 donation per person to reserve space for your lawn chair.
  • We’ll hold your spot until 15 minutes before showtime
  • You’ll automatically receive event updates.
👉 Reserve your space

Already Donated?
If you’ve already made your $75 per person donation, we’ll contact you directly to reserve your space.

Already Donated But Prefer to Handle it Yourself?
Just register, and we’ll match it to your donation and upgrade you to a reservation on our end
👉 Register here
** Would you like help assembling your party?
​
Send them a flyer
​👉 Washington Park flyers
  • Print and web options
  • Encourage them to share with their friends, family and co-workers
Directions
Performance location within the park
​
The performances in Washington Park take place on a grassy hillside west of Picnic Area 2 and south of the Goethe-Schiller monument.
They are not visible from the street, so:
  • Plan your walking route based on where you park
  • Look for Shakespeare in the Park signage once you arrive
Helpful landmarks:
  • Look for the Picnic Area 2 sign
    • Park along Olmsted Way as close to Picnic Area 2 as possible
  • If you park near the bandshell, the performance site is on the opposite side of the hill, behind the bandshell seating​
Choose Your Driving Route

From W Vliet Street (Recommended)
​
📍 4420 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI (Washington Park Senior Center)
This address will get you close, but not all the way to the performance site.
  • Enter Olmsted Way from Vliet Street just east of the Senior Center
  • Follow Olmsted Way toward Picnic Area 2

A quick tip (this part can be confusing):
  • Before you start driving, open the Google Map for Shakespeare in the Park at Washington Park and take a look
  • Look for the Olmsted Way entrance near Vliet and 40th
  • If you end up in the Senior Center parking lot, pause and double-check your map—you’re very close

Alternate Entry: W Washington Blvd
You can also enter the park via W Washington Blvd, which turns into Olmsted Way.

Avoid This Address
Do not use 1855 N 40th St.
This will take you to the far side of the park near the Urban Ecology Center.
  • There is no direct access to the performance site from that entrance.

GPS Option (Optional)
  • Entry Point: 43.04892, -87.96548
  • Performance Area: 43.05246, -87.97021

Parking
  • Parallel park along Olmsted Way near Picnic Area 2
  • Use caution when crossing—traffic along Olmsted Way can be fast

Walking
  • Walk toward Picnic Area 2
    • Sidewalks lead into the park from the street
    • Follow the sidewalk and veer left when it splits
You can also cross the grass diagonally from Picnic Area 2. You’ll find us quickly.

Drop-off
  • General: Near Picnic Area 2
  • Mobility: Same location; the sidewalk includes a curb cut for easier access
    • Full accessibility details are below
Map Links
These maps show you performance locations, restrooms, where to park, helpful hints and more.
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Accessibility

​Drop-off Suggestion for Mobility AccessibilityThe easiest drop-off point is along Olmsted Way near Picnic Area 2.
  • Traffic along Olmsted Way can move quickly. If dropping off passengers, use caution and consider hazard lights.

Parking
Parallel parking is available along Olmsted Way near Picnic Area 2.
  • Accessible parking spaces are not specifically designated for Shakespeare in the Park at this location.

Pathways
​A flat sidewalk with a curb cut near the Picnic Area 2 sign leads most of the way toward the performance area.
  • The final portion of the route requires crossing grass, which can be dense.

​Restrooms
An outdoor, accessible portable restroom will be available for Shakespeare in the Park guests. This unit is rented specifically for the event and is not part of general park facilities.

The restroom is located closer to the street than to the performance area, so please allow extra time to travel back and forth.
Guests may either:
  • cross the grass directly, or
  • use the longer sidewalk route
depending on comfort and mobility needs.

Seating Surface
Audience seating is on a grassy hillside.
  • Guests using wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility aids may want assistance navigating the slope and grass.
Optimist Theatre's Ranking System in Progress
Optimist is in the process of evaluating and ranking accessibility everywhere we perform. Overall, Washington Park is ranked #8 in ease of accessibility - not an overall high score.
To Bring & To Know
Bring a Chair (Very Important!)
​Seating is on grass. Bring a lawn chair for best comfort.
If you'd rather sit on a blanket, come early to secure a spot up front.
  • There's no designated blanket seating area.
  • If you come later with a blanket, you may be watching the shows from behind someone's seat.
Picnics
You’re welcome to picnic before, during, and after the show.
  • There are no picnic tables near the performance space, but you’re welcome to set up nearby.
  • If you picnic, please leave the audience seating area itself open for chairs and blankets.
    • Depending on attendance, we may ask guests to condense larger setups before the performances begin.
Alcohol is not permitted in Milwaukee County Parks.

Concessions
Light snacks will be available for a suggested donation.
  • The concessions tent opens around 1:00 PM and may pause during performances or scene changes
Sun and Shade
Washington Park is one of our shadier locations, though portions of the hillside do receive sun depending on the time of day.
  • It's probable that SitP will shift the stage at Washington park to follow the shade. See more details within the “At the Park” section below.
Always bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
When to Arrive
​Historically, there’s been plenty of room at Washington Park, so there’s no need to arrive especially early unless you’d like first choice of seating.
  • The audience seating area opens about one hour before the first performance. Guests wishing to ensure they sit in the shade should plan to arrive earlier in the afternoon.
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​Check-In / Info Tent
Located on a sunny hilltop near the performance space. 
  • Check in if you have a reservation
    • No need to check in if you don't have a reservation
    • 👉 Detailed reservation info is available on the main SitP 2026 page
  • Get help finding a space
  • Ask questions
Restrooms
An outdoor, accessible portable restroom will be available for Shakespeare in the Park guests. This unit is rented specifically for the event and is not part of general park facilities.

The restroom is located closer to the street than to the performance area, so please allow extra time to travel back and forth. Depending on your comfort and mobility needs, guests may either:
  • cross the grass directly, or
  • use the longer sidewalk route
​Pets
Well-behaved pets are welcome at Washington Park.
  • Please choose a seating area near the edge of the audience if attending with a pet, and be mindful that some audience members may be uncomfortable around animals.
    • Help your canine theatre companion be a good citizen.
  • Service animals are always welcome.

HINT: Lots of dogs love Shakespeare and SitP cast and crew love dogs. There's a good chance they will be doted on .
At the Park
You made it to Washington Park
Here’s what to expect once you’re settled on the lawn.
Today’s Schedule

1:00 PM — Games and activities open
Available all afternoon, including Renaissance-era games and make-your-own garland.

1:40 PM — All About Richard III
The low-down, the gossip, the history, and oh, the drama.

2:00 PM — Richard III — Puppet Edition
Approximately 55 minutes.

​About 3:30 PM — Reset stage reconfiguration and follow the shade

4:15 PM — All About The Merry Wives of Windsor
Our version, and what we’ve gotten ourselves into.

4:30 PM — Early Music Now
Approximately 25 minutes.

5:00 PM — The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale
With live musical accompaniment by Early Music Now. Approximately 40 minutes.
Where to Sit & How It Will Change Between Shows

​We’re doing something a little different this year.

We’re presenting two plays with two very different stage configurations. Richard III uses an intimate thrust-style setup which will  be clearly marked when you arrive. 

After Richard III, we’ll reset the stage for The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale. If you’re staying for the full afternoon, you may be asked to move closer, shift your chair, or turn toward a new playing area.

Following the Shade
The performance space at Washington Park is a combination of sun and shade.
  • For our second play, we may shift the stage area to make better use of available shade. If that happens, our team will guide you.

Thanks in advance for your flexibility. This should help us create the best experience for everyone.
Also Enjoy
​
Games and activities are available all afternoon:
  • Renaissance-era games... yes, even the giant Jenga
  • Bard-themed trivia and activities
  • Make your own garland... a free, all-ages activity
Of course, you’re always welcome to simpy bring a book, enjoy your picnic, or just relax and take it all in.
Program & Show Info
​
Explore the digital program and show details anytime:
👉 Shakespeare in the Park 2026 Program
Need Help?
Stop by the Info Tent if you have questions or need assistance during your visit.
Fun-Facts About Washington Park
  • Olmsted-designed oasis:
    Originally called West Park, it was designed in 1891–92 by Frederick Law Olmsted & Co. as part of Milwaukee’s citywide parks effort—emphasizing rolling terrain, scenic views, and native plantings 
  • Milwaukee’s first zoo:
    From 1892 to 1958, this park was home to the city’s first zoo. It grew to 23 acres by 1902, becoming the sixth-largest zoo in the country by 1907—including polar bears, seals, buffalo, and more
  • Emil Blatz Temple of Music:
    Built in 1938 and funded by Emil Blatz, this striking bandshell hosted the beloved Music Under the Stars concert series. It once drew crowds of over 40,000—and featured performers like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and even President Barack Obama in 2004 
  • Goethe‑Schiller Monument:
    This 1908 bronze monument honors German poets Goethe and Schiller. One of only four castings in the U.S., it was relocated within the park in 1960 
  • Historic landmark recognition:
    ​In 2023, the park was officially designated a Milwaukee County Historic Landmark, reaffirming its importance in landscape architecture and community identity
Join Us Again

Washington Park is the second stop on our 2026 tour with 9 more chances to join us.
👉 View all 2026 dates and locations on the main SitP 2026 page 
  • The grid is in date order to make it easy to plan your next visit.
Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 
​Your donation is always 100% tax-deductible
​Contact Us 
© 2010-2025  Optimist Theatre