Arlington residents can enjoy a free, outdoor production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at Levitt Pavilion from 7 p.m. on Oct. 29‑31, followed by the inaugural Shakespeare Live RenFest on Halloween, according to Fort Worth Report. The three‑night run is designed to bring classic theater to the community and to draw downtown visitors during the holiday weekend.
The performances are free to attend, and the RenFest will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 along Abram Street between Arlington City Hall and the Levitt Pavilion. Organizers expect more than 50 booths and food‑and‑drink trucks, as well as live Elizabethan‑era music, sword‑fighting demonstrations, henna artists and other attractions. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume, adding a festive Halloween atmosphere.
Co‑director Claire Parry, who also serves as associate producer, said the festival was created in collaboration with Mark Joeckel, founder and creative director of Create Texas, to complement the Shakespeare shows and “drive more downtown visitors.” Bryce DeShazo, co‑owner of Fox and Raven Mead, noted that Renaissance festivals “are about everyone having fun,” and he plans to attend despite the busy Saturday schedule.
Shakespeare Live was founded by Mike and LouAnn O’Donnell, who “did it out of the pure love of wanting to be involved in theater,” Parry explained. The O’Donnells, who have been fans of the Bard for more than 30 years, first launched the company with “As You Like It” in April 2025, drawing over 1,500 attendees across three nights. Their vision for an outdoor Shakespeare experience grew after seeing KC and The Sunshine Band at the Levitt in 2022 and consulting retired Shakespeare Dallas director Raphael Parry about the venue’s suitability.
The “Macbeth” production features a mixed‑gender cast, with traditionally male roles such as Banquo portrayed by female‑presenting actors—a choice that emerged organically during auditions, Parry said. Dallas‑resident actress Nicole Delarosa will play Lady Macbeth and described the play as “about how different groups of people handle grief, and what kind of person do you become when you have absolutely nothing left to lose.” The cast expects the performance to feel “creepy,” taking advantage of the open‑air setting.
RenFest will open at noon on Oct. 31, and several food and drink vendors will remain open through the 15‑minute intermission of “Macbeth,” providing refreshments for theatergoers. Live musicians specializing in Elizabethan music and other period‑themed entertainment will add to the holiday spirit.
What’s next: The final night of “Macbeth” is scheduled for Oct. 31, followed by the closing of RenFest at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy the remaining food‑truck service during the play’s intermission, and organizers hope the event will become an annual Arlington tradition.
Sources: fortworthreport.org
