In addition to productions of plays by William Shakespeare and his contemporaries, the festival's activities include medieval feasts, workshops, tours, art displays, special matinees, and a free community stage.

The festival was founded in part by Gordon McCall in 1985, launching with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream staged on a golf course.

Woolf retired as artistic director in 2001, and the role was subsequently filled by Mark von Eschen.

Having previously been involved in the festival in a number of roles, including associate artistic director, von Eschen remained in his post until 2014.

[6] On August 1, 2020, construction was completed on a permanent amphitheater for the festival, containing 250 seats and three additional buildings for use as a dressing room, bar, and box office.