As part of our 2026 season theme exploring "Empire," our 2026 Gala brings people together to do something extraordinary.
The 2026 Gala will take place on Saturday April 25, 2026 from 5:30pm to 9pm at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club in the North Beach neighborhood.
Get involved!
1. REGISTER TO BID IN THE AUCTION. Bidding opens in early April and closes April 26, 2025 at 8:30pm. The auction includes wine, performing arts and cultural experiences, real-world getaways, and more.
2. DONATE to San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to support the Festival’s core programs and our teachers and artists as we launch our 43rd season. Your gift ensures our community has the opportunity to share great, inspirational art that lifts our spirit and unites us.
3. STILL WANT TO ATTEND? Contact Executive Director Toby Leavitt at tleavitt@sfshakes.org for last minute ticket availability. Single tickets are $250 per person – you’ll enjoy fabulous Italian food and unbeatable live entertainment.
EVENT TIME AND LOCATION
April 25, 2026 from 5:30pm - 9:00pm
San Francisco Italian Athletic Club
1630 Stockton St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Mention us for a $5 discount at 721 Filbert parking garage.
Here are more opportunities for connection with SF Shakes:
* Check out our Shakespeare On Tour production of Julius Caesar this spring at public libraries and community centers throughout the Bay Area. You can also bring this professional production to local schools (contact us at events@sfshakes.org to find out more).
* Join us for the popular "Let's Talk about..." series hosted by Artistic Director Carla Pantoja and Board Member Dan Rabinowitz, where they talk ABOUT Shakespeare WITH leading scholars from around the world.
* Save the dates and locations for the 2026 Free Shakespeare in the Park production of Antony and Cleopatra.
Proceeds from these event support our mission to make the words and themes of Shakespeare accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, financial status, or level of education. Your contributions ensure the continuation of arts and education programs like Free Shakespeare in the Park, Shakespeare’s Heartbeat, Shakespeare On Tour, and Bay Area Shakespeare Camps.
If you believe in the power of the performing arts to transform lives, then join us and celebrate the enduring artistry of Shakespeare!