What's on
There’s something for everyone. From theater and music, to poetry and exhibitions, experience the power of the arts with us.
Our 2025-2026 season
Explore upcoming events in our season for Folger Theatre, Folger Consort, and the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series. Plus, take advantage of discounted prices with flex passes and ticket packages.
Featured talks with Folger fellows
“We Were Here” Film Screening and Discussion with filmmaker Fred Kuwornu
“We Were Here” Film Screening and Discussion with filmmaker Fred Kuwornu
Join us for a matinee screening of the documentary We Were Here – The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe, followed by a discussion with filmmaker and current Folger Artistic Research Fellow Fred Kuwornu.
Sun, Feb 1, 2026, 1pm
Folger Salon with Jareema Hylton, Sarah Koval, and Victoria McAlister
Folger Salon with Jareema Hylton, Sarah Koval, and Victoria McAlister
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, Feb 12, 2026 at 4:30pm
Current and upcoming exhibitions
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
On View: Dominick Porras
On View: Dominick Porras
In this small solo exhibition, artist Dominick Porras pairs research with his own linguistic and cultural knowledge of the Coahuiltecan peoples to complicate ideas of contact, survival, and transformation.
Fri, Jan 9, 2026 – Sun, Feb 15, 2026
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
Out of the Vault: Into the Heart of the Folger
Out of the Vault
Encounter remarkable books and manuscripts that connect with the multifaceted work of the Folger in this ongoing exhibition.
Ongoing
Exhibition halls
Exhibitions
Explore our world-class collection and enjoy interactive experiences created for visitors of all ages and stages.
- Our Shakespeare Exhibition Hall is devoted to the works of William Shakespeare then and there, here and now — including for the first time a display of all 82 copies of the Folger’s First Folios; and
- In our Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall, you’ll discover exhibits of significant collection items that inspire the Folger’s work, deep dives into our vault, and special exhibitions.
Activities for families
Family Workshop: My Shakespearean Monologue
Family Workshop: My Shakespearean Monologue
Attendees will use words and phrases from Shakespeare’s plays to create a personal monologue about who they are, with a chance to proudly perform it for everyone to hear.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Family Workshop: From Print to Paint
Family Workshop: From Print to Paint
Use your artistic skills to create a performance-inspired artwork that will be displayed in our Rose Exhibition Hall, alongside paintings depicting famous Shakespearean scenes.
Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Professional development for teachers
Getting Inside Lady Macbeth’s Head
Getting Inside Lady Macbeth’s Head
This professional development session for teachers focuses on on engaging with Lady Macbeth as a character to build confidence and agency in the classroom.
Wed, Feb 11, 2026, 8pm ET
All the Folger’s a Classroom: Teacher Weekend Intensive on Shakespeare’s Comedies
All the Folger’s a Classroom: Teacher Weekend Intensive on Shakespeare’s Comedies
Folger Education is offering a two-day professional development workshop for teachers focused on Shakespeare's comedies.
Fri, Mar 13 – Sat, Mar 14, 2026
Teacher Weekend Intensive: Exploring the New Folger Guides to Teaching Shakespeare
Teacher Weekend Intensive: Exploring the New Folger Guides to Teaching Shakespeare
Folger Education is offering a two-day professional development workshop for teachers focused on new resources for teaching Shakespeare.
Fri, May 1 – Sat, May 2, 2026
What’s next for Book Club
Our virtual, monthly Book Club is free and open to all.
Folger Book Club: 'Well Met' by Jen DeLuca
Folger Book Club: 'Well Met' by Jen DeLuca
Love is in the air with our February pick set in the world of Renaissance Fairs, with author Jen De Luca joining for the session.
Thu, Feb 5, 2026, 6:30pm
Ticket information
Contact the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077 or folgerboxoffice@folger.edu.