Celebrating the
life and work of
Sam Shepard
Celebrating the life and
work of Sam Shepard
Full-Scale Productions
Staged Readings
Film Screenings
Discussion Panels
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ShepardFest 2026 runs July 29th—August 2nd.
Plan to join us in the heart of summer as ShepardFest 2026 brings five days of bold theatre, film, conversation, and celebration centered on the work and legacy of Sam Shepard. It’s a concentrated, immersive experience designed to gather artists, audiences, and curious newcomers alike for a meaningful cultural moment. -
ShepardFest 2026 will take place at The Waterworks in St. Augustine.
This historic and intimate arts venue provides a distinctive setting for gathering, reflection, and bold performance — an ideal backdrop to experience Shepard’s work alongside artists, audiences, and guests from across the region.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, July 31st
Friday, July 31st
Lecture: Designing Impactful Sets in Historic Buildings - Eddie Moncrief 10:00AM
Lecture: Sam Shepard in American Theatre - Sloan Stuart 12:00PM
Lecture: Dressing Shepard Characters - Nathanael Tria 2:00PM
Buried Child (Full Production) 7:00PM
Lecture: Designing Impactful Sets in Historic Buildings - Eddie Moncrief 10:00AM
Lecture: Sam Shepard in American Theatre - Sloan Stuart 12:00PM
Lecture: Dressing Shepard Characters - Nathanael Tria 2:00PM
Buried Child (Full Production) 7:00PM
Saturday, August 1st
Kicking a Dead Horse (Staged Reading) 2:00PM
Buried Child (Full Production) 7:00PM
Saturday, August 1st
Kicking a Dead Horse (Staged Reading) 2:00PM
Buried Child (Full Production) 7:00PM
Sunday, August 2nd
Buried Child (Full Production) 2:00PM
VIP Cast Party 7:00PM TBA
Sunday, August 2nd
Buried Child (Full Production) 2:00PM
VIP Cast Party 7:00PM TBA
Monday, August 3rd
Thunderheart (Film) 12:00PM
Days of Heaven (Film) 3:00PM
Monday, August 3rd
Thunderheart (Film) 12:00PM
Days of Heaven (Film) 3:00PM
Our Mission
ShepardFest celebrates the life and work of Sam Shepard by bringing artists, scholars, students, and audiences together through performances, readings, films, music, and conversation. We explore Shepard’s enduring influence on American theatre and culture while creating space for discovery, dialogue, and connection.
Our Vision
We imagine ShepardFest as a living, evolving gathering — where bold storytelling, thoughtful discussion, and community come together. By engaging deeply with Shepard’s work in intimate settings, we aim to spark curiosity, inspire artists, and invite audiences into the questions at the heart of the American experience.
Our Values
These things we hold certain:
Bold Artistry
We honor Shepard’s fearless voice by presenting work that is imaginative, challenging, and rooted in artistic integrity.
01Curiosity & Conversation
We believe great theatre invites questions. ShepardFest encourages dialogue between artists and audiences, scholars and students, past and present.
02Community
Theatre is a shared experience. We welcome diverse voices and perspectives, creating an open and inclusive space for connection and exchange.
03Many Ways In
From plays and readings to films, music, and panels, we embrace multiple forms of storytelling as pathways into Shepard’s world.
04Legacy in Motion
We celebrate Shepard’s legacy not as a fixed monument, but as a living body of work: one that continues to resonate, provoke, and inspire.
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Partners
& Recommendations
Partners & Recommendations
Other Nearby Stays
Villa 1565 - Email us for discount details.
Comfort Inn & Suites - Email us for discount details.
Doubletree Hotel - Email us for discount details.
Best Western - Email us for discount details.
Recommended Walkable Restaurants
“Dinner and a Show” packages coming in July
Cortesse's Bistro & Piano Bar
172 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Thai Street Cafe
140 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Sakada Japanese Steakhouse
120 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Boat Drinks
123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Other Nearby Stays
Villa 1565 - Email us for discount details.
Comfort Inn & Suites - Email us for discount details.
Doubletree Hotel - Email us for discount details.
Best Western - Email us for discount details.
Recommended Walkable Restaurants
Cortesse's Bistro & Piano Bar
172 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Thai Street Cafe
140 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Sakada Japanese Steakhouse
120 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Boat Drinks
123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
“Dinner and a Show”
packages coming in July!
Questions already?
You must be excited.
Fill out the form with your contact information and let us know how we can help you. We are incredibly grateful for your support and can’t wait to make much of Sam Shepard’s life and legacy with you.