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Free Events
The Folger offers a wide range of free events for audiences of all ages, including our monthly book club discussions and our annual celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday.
Family Workshop: Laughter in the Learning Lab
Family Workshop: Laughter in the Learning Lab
In this free workshop, families will work on their comedy chops and learn more about characters from Shakespeare who knew how to make people laugh.
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Printing Press Demonstrations
Printing Press Demonstrations
To learn more about our replica 17th-century printing press and to see it in action, join us for printing press demonstrations.
Second Saturdays, 1:30pm & 3pm
New Ways into Romeo and Juliet with the Folger Method
New Ways into Romeo and Juliet with the Folger Method
Teachers, join us for a free, one-hour professional development session on new ways to approach Romeo and Juliet with students.
Wed, Sep 16, 2026, 8pm ET
Folger Salon with Anne-Claire Michoux, Jagrut Raval, and Mads Sheahan
Folger Salon with Anne-Claire Michoux, Jagrut Raval, and Mads Sheahan
Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time! Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation.
Thu, Sep 24, 2026 at 4:30pm
Folger Book Club: 'Diavola' by Jennifer Thorne
Folger Book Club: 'Diavola' by Jennifer Thorne
Our traditional spooky reads asks the question, what’s scarier: a Renaissance ghost bent on destruction, or spending a week-long vacation with one’s own family?
Thu, Oct 1, 2026, 6:30pm
Family Workshop: Haunted Learning Lab
Family Workshop: Haunted Learning Lab
In this free workshop, families will learn about supernatural characters in Shakespeare’s plays and recreate one of his most iconic spooky scenes.
Sat, Oct 3, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Inventing the Icon: How Shakespeare Became "Shakespeare"
Inventing the Icon: How Shakespeare Became "Shakespeare"
Teachers, join us for a free, one-hour professional development session with Shakespeare scholar Paul Menzer.
Wed, Oct 14, 2026, 8pm ET
Folger Salon with Austin Anderson, Joaquín Molina, and Alice Wickenden
Folger Salon with Austin Anderson, Joaquín Molina, and Alice Wickenden
Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time! Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation.
Thu, Oct 22, 2026 at 4:30pm
Reading Like Writers: The Folger Method and Student Writing
Reading Like Writers: The Folger Method and Student Writing
Teachers, join us for a free, one-hour professional development session on the Folger Method and student writing.
Wed, Nov 4, 2026, 8pm ET
Folger Book Club: 'Mona Acts Out' by Mischa Berlinski
Folger Book Club: 'Mona Acts Out' by Mischa Berlinski
In our November selection, a Shakespearean actor looks back on her life in the theater as she traverses present-day New York City one Thanksgiving morning.
Thu, Nov 5, 2026, 6:30pm
Family Workshop: Collecting Your Story
Family Workshop: Collecting Your Story
In this free workshop, families will learn about the importance of collecting to telling their story.
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Shakespeare Exhibition
Our Shakespeare Exhibition
See the Folger First Folios, learn more about Shakespeare and his plays, and explore the complexities of his cultural legacy.
Ongoing