Outdoor theater is not without its risks. Inclement weather, raccoons doubling as guest actors, sweatier (and smellier) than usual audience members and clouds of mosquitoes mean plenty of opportunities for mishaps. But the upside is something far more rewarding: the buzz of live performance, under the stars, alongside hundreds of strangers experiencing an imaginative new world together. It’s theater for the people, with all the pleasures of art al fresco.

Whether you’re craving Shakespeare, Chekhov or newer works, here are 15 opportunities to see free live theater this spring and summer across New York. Some shows are subject to weather, so check the company’s website beforehand for cancellations.

The Public Theater distributes free tickets in many ways: in person at several locations; digital lotteries; and a standby line the day of the performance. Shows are at 8 p.m. at the Delacorte Theater, Manhattan.

ROMEO & JULIET: Last year, Saheem Ali directed a sparkly production of “Twelfth Night” in which the story’s twins, played by Lupita and Junior Nyong’o, spoke Swahili to each other. This year, Ali returns to the renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park to present another bold, bilingual twist on an old classic. The play is in English, but Romeo and Juliet speak to each other in Spanish. Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens and Daniel Bravo Hernández star as the lovers. (May 22-June 28)

THE WINTER’S TALE: When the King of Sicily suspects his pregnant wife of infidelity, he throws her in prison. After giving birth, the baby girl is smuggled away and raised as Perdita, a shepherd’s daughter unaware of her royal blood. Perdita, 16 years later, falls in love with a young shepherd, Doricles, who, gasp, is secretly a prince. Ah, a twisted family love story. The Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan returns to the Delacorte for this tale of noble destiny. (July 25-Aug. 23)

First come first served for free seating. Performances, across all five boroughs, are at 6:30 p.m.