To free, or not to free. That is the question. Actually, what kind of question is that? Of course ‘to free’ is the answer. If you’re a sucker for the Bard or just want to prove to yourself (or your date) that your literary scope spans beyond Us Weekly, then you simply have to check out the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival going on Thursday-Sunday nights until August 28.

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chair (there is no seating at the venue), and by all means don’t forget a sweater and/or something else to keep you warm. Even if it’s a hot day, it gets cold up in Griffith Park once the sun goes down. Love’s Labour’s Lost is on tap for the remainder of the festival with an encore performance of Hamlet on closing night.

Not only is this is free Shakespeare, but it’s Shakespeare set free … in the great outdoors. Happy summer!

Thursday-Sunday, 7pm @ Griffith Park Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

More info: www.independentshakespeare.com