Shakespeare in the Garden

Shakespeare under the stars comes to Huntsville Botanical Garden this summer when UAH's "Huntsville Shakes" theater company performs two classic comedies in the garden's outdoor amphitheater. The August 1st evening features "Much Ado About Nothing," one of Shakespeare's most beloved romantic comedies about witty banter, mistaken identities, and the journey from sparring to love. With minimalist staging that lets the words and natural setting shine, this production offers families a welcoming introduction to live Shakespeare in a relaxed atmosphere where even the local frogs sometimes join the performance. The show begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m., with ticket scanning starting at 6:30 p.m. at the amphitheater located at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue. Tickets cost $25 for Garden members and $35 for non-members, and advance purchase is recommended as performances sell out quickly. Families can enhance the evening with food from the Fern & Feast On-The-Go trailer and drinks from the Garden Bar. The event runs rain or shine, so check your email for any weather-related updates. Bring blankets or cushions to sit comfortably on the amphitheater's concrete steps, though lawn chairs are welcome in designated areas at the back. Bug spray is essential for Alabama summer evenings, and the outdoor setting makes this ideal for older elementary through teen audiences who can sit still for a 90-minute performance. Younger children are welcome but should be able to enjoy theater quietly. The combination of professional acting, gorgeous garden surroundings, and summer twilight creates a memorable cultural outing the whole family will remember.