Free Shakespeare is coming to Ault Park for the first time.

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will perform "Much Ado About Nothing" at the base of the Cascade Fountain on Friday, August 14, at 7 p.m. Admission is free, no reservations are required, and the Ault Park Advisory Council says the show is great for all ages.

It's the first Shakespeare performance at the park, according to the advisory council's event listing. Neighbors can bring blankets or lawn chairs, grab dinner from Kabobske or Kona Ice food trucks starting at 6 p.m., and settle in for an evening of comedy under the trees at 5090 Observatory Circle.

Wimberg Landscaping is the presenting sponsor. Proceeds from food truck sales benefit the Ault Park Advisory Council, the nonprofit that maintains the park.

A revolutionary twist on a classic comedy

Director Robert Carlon Stimmel set this production in 1776 to honor "America 250," the national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The eight-actor ensemble features Eva Olivia Catanzariti returning as Beatrice after last summer's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" tour, alongside University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music student Sam Hopper making his CSC debut as Benedick. Kennedy Kirkland, Bryce Nevison, Romeo Seay, Emily Renee Shimskey, Regan Utrup, and Colin Waters round out the cast.

The Ault Park stop is one of more than 40 free performances across the tri-state area between Tuesday, July 14, and Sunday, September 6. The 2026 tour marks the program's 20th anniversary.

Can't make it to the park?

The same cast will perform a live radio drama of the show on WVXU 91.7 FM on Saturday, August 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. Broadcast live from Cincinnati Public Radio's studios in Evanston, it's the first live broadcast in a partnership that has produced more than a dozen pre-recorded Cincy Shakes radio dramas since 2020, according to CSC's tour announcement. Limited in-person RSVP spots for the studio recording will be announced later.