The most prominent aspect of this much-loved festival is its Free Shakespeare in the Park performances. Held during late-summer weekends on the Presidio grounds, the shows have first-come, first-served seating and are a great source of pleasure for local audiences, bringing Shakespeare to more than 50,000 people annually. The history plays and the comedies are most frequently produced, and food, drink, and restrooms are available. This year, Pericles, a rarely produced drama is featured.

Mon, Sep 1, 2008: 2:30pm Sat, Sep 6, 2008: 7:30pm Sun, Sep 7, 2008: 2:30pm Sat, Sep 13, 2008: 7:30pm Sun, Sep 14, 2008: 2:30pm Sat, Sep 20, 2008: 7:30pm Sun, Sep 21, 2008: 2:30pm

Free