Few experiences compare to the magic of outdoor performances. The rustle of leaves in the background, the shifting light of the sun or the sparkling glimmer of the stars, and the murmur of a crowd gathered under open skies all lend a sense of immediacy and wonder that indoor venues can’t quite replicate.
Whether it’s a Shakespeare play unfolding in a city park or a ballet performance under the desert sky, outdoor arts events have a way of transforming public spaces into stages and everyday moments into shared cultural memories.
Across the United States, festivals and performances are bringing music, theater and dance into parks, plazas and public spaces — offering group travelers unforgettable cultural experiences set against the beauty of the great outdoors.
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival
Orlando, Florida
Each May, groups can head to sunny Orlando not only for the theme parks, but also for one of the most eclectic arts festivals in the country. The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival — known simply as “Orlando Fringe” — transforms Loch Haven Park into a colorful hub of theatrical creativity. As the longest-running fringe festival in the U.S., it brings together performers from around the globe for original productions across genres.
“It’s two weeks of theater, dance, music and art, and there is nothing else like the Orlando Fringe Festival in Orlando,” said Genevieve Bernard, Orlando Fringe’s director of experience.
Groups will find plenty to explore among the 850-plus performances, ranging from comedy and cabaret to drama and dance.
“Our festival is centralized in Loch Haven Park, and the theater spaces surrounding the park,” Bernard said, adding that the Fringe Lawn is a fun, free area where Fringe theatergoers can stop off between shows and grab food, have drinks and enjoy free music performances. “There are also site-specific outdoor performances offered by Fringe artists. These shows have happened in the trees, around sculptures and in swimming pools.”
Groups wanting to catch indoor performances will need to secure tickets in advance through the website.
Prescott Park Arts Festival
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
For nearly five decades, Prescott Park Arts Festival has been a summer staple in the charming coastal town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Set along the banks of the Piscataqua River, Prescott Park hosts more than 80 arts events for nearly 150,000 people each season — all against a backdrop of blooming gardens, cool sea breezes and the buzz of excited theatergoers.
Groups visiting the area in the summer will find a rich calendar of events, including a fully staged musical production that runs throughout the season.
“This summer is Disney’s ‘Freaky Friday,’” said Darcie Champagne, marketing and development manager for the Prescott Park Arts Festival. The lineup also features a mix of local talent and nationally touring acts across genres — outdoor screenings, live music, theatrical performances, food vendors and more.
The outdoor stage is surrounded by lawns where groups can spread out with blankets or reserve table seating close to the action.
While advance tickets aren’t needed, the most popular performances do fill up quickly, so groups should arrive early to secure a spot.
Shakespeare in the Park
New York City
New York’s Central Park becomes a stage every summer when Shakespeare in the Park takes over the Delacorte Theater. Hosted by The Public Theater, this beloved tradition has offered free outdoor Shakespeare productions since 1962, drawing both locals and tourists to the heart of Manhattan for unforgettable nights of live drama under the stars.
“This year is especially meaningful as we return to the Delacorte Theater after a season away during its much-anticipated renovation,” said Elizabeth Greenfield, director of communications for The Public Theater, who added that 2025 will feature a star-studded production of “Twelfth Night.”
The Delacorte’s open-air design allows for stunning views of the city skyline peeking through the trees, and the performances often creatively incorporate the outdoor setting.
Groups planning to attend should know that tickets are free but in high demand. Options to secure tickets include entering the in-person line early in the day, joining the digital lottery or making advance arrangements for accessible seating or group reservations.
“The most iconic way is to join the in-person line at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where tickets are distributed at 12 p.m. on each performance day,” Greenfield said. “It’s a tradition in its own right, and for groups, it can be a fun and social way to kick off the evening. We suggest groups coordinate ticketing strategy in advance and arrive early to enjoy the energy of the park and the theater.”
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Garrison, New York
Just north of New York City, in the scenic Hudson Valley, another Shakespeare tradition unfolds each summer against a backdrop of sweeping views of the Hudson River and Storm King Mountain.
“The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is known for its playful, spirited take on Shakespeare and American classics and contemporary stories that speak to this moment,” said Kendra Ekelund, the festival’s managing director. “Our productions are led by professional actors and top-tier creative teams, but there’s zero pretension — just honest, joyful storytelling in a setting that invites you to slow down and savor the moment.”
This year’s rotating repertoire perfectly captures what makes them so unique.
“We’re presenting ‘The Comedy of Errors,’ a wildly fun Shakespeare favorite; Thornton Wilder’s ‘The Matchmaker,’ one of the great American comedies; and ‘Octet,’ an enthralling new musical from Dave Malloy, the creative mind behind ‘Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,’” Ekelund said.
Groups can arrive early to enjoy a picnic with panoramic views of the Hudson River before settling in for a performance underneath the large, open-sided tent. Performances are moving to a permanent indoor theater space starting in 2026.
“We specialize in creating memorable, high-touch cultural experiences for groups, and our dedicated customer service team is here to help you plan every detail,” Ekelund said. “Groups of 12 or more enjoy discounted ticket rates, and we’ll guide you through seating options to find the perfect spot for your party.”
Groups can also get help organizing private dining spaces, pre-show talks with artists, receptions with drinks and even opportunities to mingle with members of the creative team.
Ballet Under the Stars
Phoenix
Each September, Ballet Arizona brings the elegance of dance to communities across the Valley with its beloved Ballet Under the Stars series. Since 1997, this annual event has offered free performances in local parks around the city, making professional ballet accessible to audiences who might not otherwise attend a traditional theater performance. Each performance is set on a fully equipped outdoor stage, complete with professional lighting and costumes — all complemented by the beautiful Arizona weather.
Groups attending these performances can expect a diverse program showcasing excerpts from both classical and contemporary ballets. The 2024 lineup included Paul Taylor’s “Piazzolla Caldera,” a duet from Christopher Wheeldon’s “Within the Golden Hour,” and an excerpt from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.”
No reservations are needed, but large groups are encouraged to arrive early (performances always start at 7 p.m.). Food trucks are often on-site, but groups are welcome to bring their own food and drink for an evening picnic.
Outside Festival
Denver
For groups leaning toward active lifestyles and adventure, Denver’s Outside Festival blends adventure with music, film and community in a unique weekend celebration. Held in downtown Denver, this relatively new event — launched in partnership with Outside magazine — transforms city parks into open-air playgrounds.
Beyond the film screenings and panel talks with explorers and athletes, the festival offers gear expos, yoga classes, wellness experiences and a large stage for live concerts. It’s a cultural event with a pulse — part music festival, part outdoor expo and entirely centered on lifestyle and movement.
“Festgoers can engage with on-site climbing walls and competitions, cold plunges, fitness classes, outdoor gear demos, lounge areas, brand booths and lots of food and drink options,” said Christopher Jerard, VP of marketing at Outside and executive director of the Outside Festival.
Food trucks, local craft beer tents and shaded lounges round out the experience.
“Festival tickets are available in advance and day-of at the box office for purchase,” Jerard said. “VIP packages are also available for a more premium experience, granting festgoers access to things like express entry, private bathrooms, additional food and beverage options, access to premium viewing areas and lounges, exclusive food vendors, private bar access and more.”
