Ready for another magical season, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has all the drama you’ll need. Like an enchanted forest creature, Ashland’s festival grounds reawaken when the season starts, lighting the town with awe and wonder as it explores the human condition in tragedies and comedies. Running from March through October, themes in the 10-show lineup include resilience, connection and diversity. Book your tickets early and consider becoming a member for special benefits and discounts. Here’s how to choose the perfect plays, eats and stays for your next Ashland trip.
Where to See Plays This Season
The Angus Bowmer Theatre is a large proscenium theater with 600 seats. With a stage separated from the auditorium’s stadium seating by an arch, this theater offers excellent acoustics and sightlines. In 2026 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be featured with original music written by Justin Huertas of the highly acclaimed “Lizard Boy.” “Come From Away,” a Tony and Olivier Award–winning musical, and based on a true September 11 story, will run from March to October. Lorraine Hansberry’s classic “A Raisin in the Sun” will run March to July, brought to life by the festival’s own artistic director, Tim Bond. Finally, Pulitzer Prize finalist “Yellow Face” will run August to October, fresh off a Broadway run, tantalizing audiences with comedy and sharp wit.
The Allen Elizabethan Theatre provides an open-air experience with tiered seating for 1,200 under the sky, just as Shakespeare’s plays were originally delivered. June through October, “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Henry IV, Part 1” and “Emma” will grace the stage. Directed by Shana Cooper, “The Taming of the Shrew” will take a bold look at courtship, gender and power. The festival’s associate artistic director Rosa Joshi will direct “Henry IV, Part 1,” one of Shakespeare’s historical plays filled with romance, humor and intrigue. Based on the novel by Jane Austen, “Emma” is a fast-paced feminist rendition of the novel with Meredith McDonough making her festival directorial debut.
The Thomas Theatre is an experimental space that has flexibility in its ability to work with the stage and seating. With just 270 seats, the theater fosters a close connection between audience and actors. In 2026 “You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!” directed by Zi Alikhan, will take the stage as a comedy about grief. Tim Bond will direct August Wilson’s “King Hedley II,” the ninth in Wilson’s American Century Cycle, with an all-star cast. Finally, “Smote This, A Comedy About God … and Other Serious $H*T,” written and performed by Rodney Gardiner, will make its return to the festival from August through October.
Stop by the festival’s gift shop before your play, and don’t miss OSF’s Green Show, which begins nightly at 6:30 p.m. and has a rotating schedule of local free entertainment.
Dining Before and After a Show
Ashland has a variety of award-winning restaurants all located on the downtown plaza positioned right next to the theater complex. Stop by Brickroom for casual American dining, including a spin on fries topped with banana peppers and bacon lardons, or global sandwiches like a tofu bahn mi. For small plates to share, head over to nearby family-friendly Bar Juillet for comfort classics made with organic produce. Don’t miss the Aleppo chili fried chicken to pair with your expertly crafted mocktail. For seasonal northern Italian cuisine, try Osteria La Briccola — sip a glass of Rogue Valley wine with your pasta on a deck overlooking Lithia Creek.
For a chic and unforgettable meal, book one of two special theater seatings at James Beard finalist restaurant MÄS for regional cuisine and an intimate experience in a Japanese-influenced setting.
After dinner stop by Mix Bakeshop for dessert. An Ashland staple, the bakery offers lemon-meringue tarts, macarons and ice cream — perfect to take with you to Lithia Park, also located close to the festival complex.
Choose a Historic or Boutique Hotel for Your Stay
Plan ahead for your festival experience by booking your lodging early as Ashland fills quickly in the spring and summer.
You’ll find lodging for every need in Ashland, but historic properties provide a special charm. Built in 1925, the Ashland Springs Hotel offers guest rooms and specials and is located in downtown Ashland — look for special festival packages that include discounted tickets and rooms. Anyone can admire the historic lobby or enjoy its on-site restaurant, Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine. Another historic gem, The Peerless Hotel has been an Ashland landmark since 1900. Choose from a number of suites for your stay with complimentary prosecco and truffle chocolates upon arrival. The Winchester — originally a home built in 1886 — has been renovated to offer lovely suites and cottages for visitors. The inn also offers festival packages as well as gorgeous gardens where you can stroll or enjoy a morning espresso.
