Montana Shakespeare in the Parks in Helena

About Montana Shakespeare in the Parks in Helena

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is a touring company founded in 1973 that brings free outdoor Shakespeare to small towns. Its 2026 season was its 54th, with two plays touring more than 60 towns in five states from June through September. Helena is one of the stops, with performances in Anchor Park on the Last Chance Gulch Walking Mall, hosted by Downtown Helena. The company says most of its money comes from grants, sponsorships and donations, which is how the shows stay free.

In 2026 the company played both of its touring shows in Helena on back-to-back evenings: Much Ado About Nothing on Monday, August 3, and The Merchant of Venice on Tuesday, August 4, each starting at 6pm. In 2025 it gave one performance, As You Like It, on Tuesday, August 5 at 6pm. No tickets are needed; the organizers suggest bringing chairs and a picnic.

What happens

• Free, full-length Shakespeare outdoors on the Walking Mall
• Two different plays on consecutive nights in 2026
• A professional touring company that has played Montana towns since 1973
• Picnic-style seating in Anchor Park

Tips

• Bring your own chairs or a blanket and a picnic
• Shows start at 6pm, so come a little early to claim lawn space
• In years with two plays, they are different shows, so you can see both
• The Walking Mall is pedestrian-only; park on nearby streets or lots and walk to Anchor Park