The Ides of March (rescheduled for April 19!)

Ah, those fickle Ides of March...due to the big snowstorm we pushed back the Ides of March to…April. We know what they say about April showers, but we’ll take them over snowstorms. Join us on Sunday April 19th for a "bard crawl" at the Commons!

On the Ides of March, you are invited to roam the Village at Grand Traverse Commons for a free Shakespeare festival where food, drink, and live performance intertwine. In partnership with The World’s a Stage, City Opera House, Mashup Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical, Left Foot Charley, Earthen Ales, ŌBrien Vineyards, Higher Grounds Trading Co., and The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, this Sunday afternoon experience is a chance to eat, drink, and witness bite-sized interpretations of Shakespeare performed in unexpected spaces.

The day unfolds as a journey: you'll move from venue to venue, encountering scenes, songs, and soliloquies. Between performances, linger over local wine and beer, enjoy Sunday fare, and soak in the historic atmosphere of the Village, where Shakespeare’s themes of love, fate, folly, and betrayal will come alive.

Here's how to enjoy your "Bard Crawl":

1. Arrive at any of our five venues (Left Foot Charley, Higher Grounds Trading Co., Earthen Ales, ŌBrien Vineyards, or the Mercato). Grab a drink & pick up a map to guide you through the day. TIP! We recommend you arrive between 1pm & 2:30pm if you’re hoping to see all the scenes!

2. Enjoy some live Shakespeare! Each scene will run about 5-10 minutes. Sit, back, relax, & enjoy.

3. Stroll to a new venue. Scenes can be enjoyed in any order you like. Performances will happen on the hour & half hour, depending on the venue – just look at your map.

All performances are inside with short walks between venues. Thank you for patronizing our venues as you go (buy a drink! tip your bartender!)