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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.
Out of the Vault: Into the Heart of the Folger
Out of the Vault
Encounter remarkable books and manuscripts in this exhibition that connects with the multifaceted work of the Folger.
Through Jul 26, 2026
Family Workshop: Family Poetry Slam
Family Workshop: Family Poetry Slam
In this free workshop, families will learn about Shakespeare's different writing structures, then combine their words with Shakespeare’s to create their own unique sonnet!
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era
Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era
Displayed together for the first time since 1805, 14 paintings from the influential Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London will be on view at the Folger, offering visitors the chance to consider both the stories Shakespeare created and the stories that were created about him.
Sat, Oct 4, 2025 – Sun, Aug 2, 2026
Shakespeare and the American Story
Shakespeare and the American Story
The Folger is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by sharing items that show how Americans from all backgrounds have made Shakespeare’s words and stories their own.
Fri, Apr 17 – Sun, Aug 02, 2026
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
Folger Book Club: 'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith
Folger Book Club: 'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith
From acclaimed and bestselling novelist Zadie Smith, this kaleidoscopic work of historical fiction is set against the legal trial that divided Victorian England.
Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 6:30pm
Poetry Kickoff 2026
Poetry Kickoff with María Fernanda
Join award-winning poet María Fernanda for an afternoon workshop and an evening reading.
Fri, Aug 21, 2026, 3pm
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
Folger Book Club: 'Fair Rosaline' by Natasha Solomons
Folger Book Club: 'Fair Rosaline' by Natasha Solomons
Our September selection offers a very different perspective on Shakespeare’s iconic couple, giving voice to Romeo’s forgotten “love,” Rosaline.
Thu, Sep 3, 2026, 6:30pm
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
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