Summer should be spent outdoors, especially in Kentucky. You may not know that throughout the Bluegrass State, there are a number of outdoor theaters, putting on quality productions of some of your favorite plays and musicals. They all provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the warm, summer evenings while watching an engaging show, surrounded by Kentucky’s natural beauty.
- Jenny Wiley Theatre - Prestonsburg, KY
Facebook/Jenny Wiley Theatre Within Jenny Wiley Resort State Park, this outdoor theatre has expanded to year round productions that include performances in nearby Pikeville. But their outdoor productions are simply magical. This summer, look for favorites such as Madagascar and Tarzan on their outdoor stage.
- Ragged Edge Community Theatre - Harrodsburg, KY
Facebook/Ragged Edge Community Theatre In historic Harrodsburg, within Old Fort Harrod State Park, you’ll feel as if you’re watching a show unfold in the middle of a forest. This summer’s productions include Brigadoon and James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky.
- Kentucky Conservatory Theatre - Lexington, KY
Facebook/Kentucky Conservatory Theatre Each summer, the Kentucky Conservatory Theatre hosts Summerfest, an outdoor theatre season in Lexington. This summer, check out performances of The Wiz at Woodland Park!
- Little Shepherd Outdoor Drama - Jenkins, KY
Facebook/Little Shepherd Outdoor Drama Presented by the Cumberland Mountain Arts & Crafts Council, this outdoor theatre presents the drama, “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.” From June to September, you can enjoy this Kentucky classic in a charming outdoor amphitheater.
- Pioneer Playhouse - Danville, KY
Facebook/Pioneer Playhouse Pioneer Playhouse has been putting on performances for 62 years and is a time-honored tradition in Danville. Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre has a number of different shows to enjoy this summer, in fact, they have a new production every two weeks!
- The Stephen Foster Story - Bardstown, KY
Facebook/The Stephen Foster Story In idyllic Bardstown, experience what is possibly Kentucky’s most well-known outdoor theatre with The Stephen Foster Story. This summer, you can also see the much-loved musical, Beauty and the Beast.
- Twilight Theatre Productions - Aurora, KY
Facebook/Kenlake State Resort Park Within lovely Kenlake State Resort Park, Twilight Theatre Productions holds productions throughout July each summer. This year, you can see An Evening With Teddy Roosevelt, which is sure to be a unique experience under the wide open, Kentucky sky.
- Kentucky Shakespeare Festival- Louisville, KY
Facebook/Kentucky Shakespeare From May 31st - August 13th, experience a variety of Shakespeare’s classics in Central Park in Louisville. The 8pm shows are free, and there are even a number of food trucks set up behind the amphitheater.
- Pine Knob Outdoor Theatre - Caneyville, KY
Facebook/Pine Knob Outdoor Theatre From June through September, every Friday and Saturday night, the Pine Knob Outdoor Theatre is ready to entertain. The 2017 season includes 10 different shows in their relaxing outdoor amphitheater.
- Kincaid Regional Theatre - Falmouth, KY
Facebook/Kincaid Regional Theatre Celebrating their 35th year, the Kincaid Regional Theatre will perform in a brand new venue this year. From June 16th through July 9th, experience the classic musical, Oklahoma!, on their beautiful new stage, which you can see renderings of on their Facebook page.
Have you been to any of these unique theaters? Share your experience and tell us all about it in the comments! And for more info on any of these theaters and shows, simply click on the bold name above to view its Facebook page.
Facebook/Jenny Wiley Theatre
Within Jenny Wiley Resort State Park, this outdoor theatre has expanded to year round productions that include performances in nearby Pikeville. But their outdoor productions are simply magical. This summer, look for favorites such as Madagascar and Tarzan on their outdoor stage.
Facebook/Ragged Edge Community Theatre
In historic Harrodsburg, within Old Fort Harrod State Park, you’ll feel as if you’re watching a show unfold in the middle of a forest. This summer’s productions include Brigadoon and James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky.
Facebook/Kentucky Conservatory Theatre
Each summer, the Kentucky Conservatory Theatre hosts Summerfest, an outdoor theatre season in Lexington. This summer, check out performances of The Wiz at Woodland Park!
Facebook/Little Shepherd Outdoor Drama
Presented by the Cumberland Mountain Arts & Crafts Council, this outdoor theatre presents the drama, “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.” From June to September, you can enjoy this Kentucky classic in a charming outdoor amphitheater.
Facebook/Pioneer Playhouse
Pioneer Playhouse has been putting on performances for 62 years and is a time-honored tradition in Danville. Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theatre has a number of different shows to enjoy this summer, in fact, they have a new production every two weeks!
Facebook/The Stephen Foster Story
In idyllic Bardstown, experience what is possibly Kentucky’s most well-known outdoor theatre with The Stephen Foster Story. This summer, you can also see the much-loved musical, Beauty and the Beast.
Facebook/Kenlake State Resort Park
Within lovely Kenlake State Resort Park, Twilight Theatre Productions holds productions throughout July each summer. This year, you can see An Evening With Teddy Roosevelt, which is sure to be a unique experience under the wide open, Kentucky sky.
Facebook/Kentucky Shakespeare
From May 31st - August 13th, experience a variety of Shakespeare’s classics in Central Park in Louisville. The 8pm shows are free, and there are even a number of food trucks set up behind the amphitheater.
Facebook/Pine Knob Outdoor Theatre
From June through September, every Friday and Saturday night, the Pine Knob Outdoor Theatre is ready to entertain. The 2017 season includes 10 different shows in their relaxing outdoor amphitheater.
Facebook/Kincaid Regional Theatre
Celebrating their 35th year, the Kincaid Regional Theatre will perform in a brand new venue this year. From June 16th through July 9th, experience the classic musical, Oklahoma!, on their beautiful new stage, which you can see renderings of on their Facebook page.
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