The only summer drama you actually want: Shakespeare in the Park
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"Love's Labour's Lost" is running now through July 6 — and surprisingly the jokes still hit after 400 years.
Why it matters: Since 1993, the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival has turned Southmoreland Park into a summer stage, offering professional outdoor theater that's as accessible as it is beloved.
- No tickets, no fees, no fuss — just blankets, wine, and Shakespeare under the stars.
What to expect: Four overconfident men swear off women to better themselves. Enter four very charming women. Cue poetry, disguises and delusion.
- This is early Shakespeare, so think less brooding monologue, more chaotic flirting and pratfalls.
- It clocks in under three hours, works for kids, and moves fast enough to keep you from picking up your phone to see if your Hinge match responded.
The vibe: By sundown, the park is full of folding chairs, charcuterie boards, and people fanning themselves with the program. Someone always brings a baguette.
If you go: Bring snacks, maybe a handheld fan, and definitely bug spray.
- Free entry, no RSVP.
- Gates at 6pm, show at 8pm.
- Runs Tuesday-Sunday.
💭 Abbey's thought bubble: I went Saturday with my family, planning to leave at intermission — it was hot, and I was tired. Instead, I stayed until the final bow with a pizza box on my lap and a bottle of wine sweating next to me.
- The cast is sharp. The jokes land. And I didn't need to look up the summary to follow what was going on.
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The bottom line: Come for Shakespeare. Stay for the fireflies, incredible local talent, and the reminder that free theater outside is one of KC's best ideas.