Celebrating Shakespeare's Birthday
Happy Birthday, Will!
Join the Folger for this beloved annual tradition, as we celebrate the birthday of the Bard with a day full of festivities.
From Shakespeare performances to stage combat demonstrations to Elizabethan crafts, there's something for everyone—including birthday cake!
Here’s a taste of what to expect:
- Sword fighting demonstrations
- Live music
- Tour the Folger reading rooms and see their paintings and stained glass windows
- A special appearance by Queen Elizabeth I
- Discussions from Folger curators and scholars
- Readings from the winners of the 2019 Sonnet Contest
- And...free birthday cake!
Food trucks will be available with tasty treats.
Learn more about the 2019 Sonnet Contest.
Birthday Quill Writing
Learning how to write with Quills.
Tracy Russo
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The Nickel Shakespeare Girls perform five minute versions of the Bard's plays at the 2016 Shakespeare's Birthday celebration.
The Queen at the 2016 Birthday
The Queen meets with her subjects.
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Kids learn swordfighting at Shakespeare’s Birthday
Shakespeares Birthday 2016 Titan Theatre Co
Titan Theatre Company's Shakespeare Battles!
Lloyd Wolf
This project was supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanties, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
