Shakespeare by the Sea is returning for its 30th anniversary season.

This year’s season, curated by Artistic Director Mallory Clarke, will feature three shows starting on July 7 and running through to August 12, all either free of charge or admission by donation. The shows will all be held outside in various parks and green spaces throughout the City of St. John’s, performed by over 30 local volunteer actors.

The season opens with Much Ado About Nothing directed by Cheney Emberg, and taking place at the Cabot 500 Amphitheatre in Bowring Park, running Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00 p.m.

An original play, “Picnic in the Backyard”, written by Bailey Jackson and directed by Noah Sheppard, features the story of three sisters spending their last night at their childhood home, and runs from July 23 to August 7 at the Anglican Cathedral Grounds on Sundays and Mondays at 6:00 p.m.

Closing out the season is Romeo & Juliet, directed by Andrew Tremblett of Jack TV fame, showing at Harbourside Park from July 28 to August 12 on Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00 p.m.

The latter two shows are free to attend and are presented by Downtown St. John’s.

More information is available at shakespearebytheseafestival.com.