OSF Pre-Show Activities and Shenanigans

How to Kill Time before the Curtain Rises

So, you’ve scored tickets to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Congrats on being cultured and fancy for a day! But here’s the real question: what are you going to do before the lights dim and the actors start monologuing? Fear not, dear theater-goer. We’ve got the ultimate list of OSF pre-show activities that will not only kill time but make you feel like you’ve absolutely crushed the “I know how to enjoy Ashland” game. Spoiler alert: wine is involved. Unfortunately there is no "Drunk Shakespeare" show in town...Stroll the Streets of Ashland: Cute, Charming, and Slightly BougieBefore you dive into Shakespeare’s world of tragic kings and mistaken identities, take a leisurely walk through downtown Ashland, where every corner is like a curated Instagram post. Pop into Amistad for some unique finds—handcrafted jewelry, artsy home goods, or that one-of-a-kind scarf that will make your theater selfies look fabulous. Plus, the people there are so friendly, you’ll feel like you just got cast in a Hallmark movie.Wine Tasting at Resistance Wine: Because You Deserve ItNothing pairs with Shakespearean drama quite like a good glass (or three) of wine. Swing by Resistance Wine Co. for a pre-show tasting that’ll leave you feeling bold and ready to interpret iambic pentameter like a pro. Sip on our 2018 Syrah—as rebellious as Lady Macbeth—or our 2022 Rosé, crisp enough to make even Hamlet chill out. Pair it with one of our curated snacks, and suddenly you’re the star of your own wine-fueled pre-show revolution. Remember, nothing screams “sophisticated theater enthusiast” like walking into the theater with a hint of wine confidence. Click here to pair your wine with each show...cause why not. Explore Lithia Park: Nature, but Make it DramaticNeed a little fresh air before sitting for two hours in a theater? Take a stroll through Lithia Park, where the scenery is as stunning as Shakespeare’s best soliloquies. With its lush greenery, bubbling creek, and occasional squirrel drama, it’s the perfect place to practice your best “To be or not to be” line. Bonus: if you find the Lithia water fountain, dare your friends to try it. (Warning: it tastes like regret, but it’s an Ashland rite of passage.)Cryo Spa at Crystal Cryo Treatments: Chill Before You ThrillFeeling tense before the big show? Head to Crystal Cryo Treatments for a quick chill session. Whether it’s a cryo facial to freshen up your face or a full-body freeze to cure that post-road-trip stiffness, this place is all about making you feel cooler (literally) before curtain time. Plus, you’ll have a great story to tell your theater buddies: “I froze myself in a chamber before watching Macbeth—your move.”Tea at Dobra Tea House: Shakespeare Would ApproveNot in the mood for wine? (Who even are you?) That’s fine. Head to Dobra Tea House for an otherworldly tea experience. This is where Ashland’s zen masters go to sip on exotic blends and channel their inner Prospero. Order a pot of something herbal, curl up on one of their floor cushions, and prepare yourself for the dramatic highs and lows of the stage. Warning: the vibe is so relaxing, you might forget you’re going to a show.Pro Tip: Pair Your Pre-Show with PurposeThe secret to the perfect OSF pre-show activity is balance. Want a little culture? Stroll downtown. Craving relaxation? Hit the cryo spa or grab some tea. Need a pre-game for Shakespeare’s most chaotic tragedies? You know Resistance Wine has your back.The goal is simple: make the most of Ashland before you sit down for some of the best theater in the country. And if you’re really winning at life, you’ll find a way to do all of these in one glorious, drama-filled day.Resistance Wine Co.: Your Pre-Show MVPWhether you’re here for a tragedy, a comedy, or something that defies genre entirely (looking at you, Lizard Boy fans), Resistance Wine Co. is your pre-show HQ. Swing by for wine, snacks, and just enough rebellion to make Shakespeare proud. After all, if the Bard were alive today, we’re pretty sure he’d be sipping Syrah at our tasting room before heading to the theater. Cheers to pre-show adventures, Ashland style! Hint - if our hours don't look open for a pre-show matinee (Just call or book an appointment!)Now go forth, theater buffs, and make your pre-show time as memorable as the performance itself. Just don’t forget to grab your tickets. And a bottle of Resistance Wine, obviously.

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