What's on
There’s something for everyone. From theater and music, to poetry and exhibitions, experience the power of the arts with us.
Upcoming events
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
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 & 5:30pm
Season subscriptions
Subscriptions are now on sale! Explore the 2026-27 seasons for Folger Theatre, Folger Consort, and the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series. Lock in the best seats at the best prices (and a host of other benefits) by purchasing your subscription today.
Folger Theatre subscriptions
Folger Theatre
Folger Consort subscriptions
Folger Consort
O.B. Hardison Poetry Series subscriptions
O.B. Hardison Poetry Series
Folger Theatre
Measure for Measure
Measure for Measure
Shakespeare’s rarely staged comedy, where human nature collides with the letter of the law, comes to life under the direction of Psalmayene 24, Helen Hayes Award winner for Folger Theatre’s production of Metamorphoses.
Sep 22 – Nov 01, 2026
Hamlet
Hamlet
“To be or not to be?” Shakespeare’s most celebrated play returns to the playwright’s American home, helmed by acclaimed Broadway director Kate Whoriskey.
Mar 02 – Apr 11, 2027
The Comedy of Errors
The Comedy of Errors
An uproarious farce filled with mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and pratfalls, this Shakespeare comedy directed by Folger favorite Holly Twyford shows how all roads lead to home.
May 18 – Jun 27, 2027
Folger Consort
Monteverdi’s Legacy
Monteverdi’s Legacy
In this program of virtuosic and expressive music, Folger Consort will perform madrigals, motets, sonatas, and operatic excerpts by Monteverdi and his students and admirers, including Rovetta, Cavalli, and Marini.
Fri, Sep 11 – Sun, Sep 13, 2026
An English Christmas for the Ages
An English Christmas for the Ages
Celebrate the holidays with a centuries-spanning program of medieval Yuletide songs, English Christmas carols, and festive works from the royal courts of both King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.
Fri, Dec 11 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026
Folktales and Storied Traditions
Folktales and Storied Traditions
Folger Consort explores oral histories, heroic sagas, folk tales, and epic romances across the West African, Arabic, and European musical traditions.
Fri, Feb 12 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027
Folger Consort’s Golden Jubilee
Folger Consort’s Golden Jubilee
To close this special anniversary season, Folger Consort returns to the music of its very first season, much of which has canonical status in the early music world.
Fri, May 7 – Sun, May 9, 2027
Folger Poetry
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 & 5:30pm
The 2027 O.B. Hardison Reading: Cornelius Eady
O.B. Hardison Reading: Cornelius Eady
Join Folger Poetry in honoring the legacy of former Folger Shakespeare Library Director O.B. Hardison, Jr. with acclaimed poet Cornelius Eady.
Tue, Oct 20, 2026 at 7:30pm
The 2027 Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute: Rebecca Lehmann
Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute: Rebecca Lehmann
The Folger invites poet, essayist, and debut novelist Rebecca Lehmann for this annual event celebrating the legacy of one of America’s most beloved poets, Emily Dickinson.
Tue, Dec 8, 2026 at 7:30pm
The 2027 Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize Reading
Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize Reading
The Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize, created in honor of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Anthony Hecht, is awarded annually for a poetry collection by a writer who has published no more than one book of poetry.
Tue, Feb 16, 2027 at 7:30pm
National Poetry Month Reading: Matthew Shenoda
National Poetry Month Reading: Matthew Shenoda
In celebration of National Poetry Month, the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series is launching its inaugural National Poetry Month Reading with American Book Award winner Matthew Shenoda.
Tue, Apr 6, 2027 at 7:30pm
The 2027 O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading: Natalie Diaz
O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading: Natalie Diaz
The Folger Poetry season concludes with a finale reading by a poet chosen by the Folger Poetry Advisory Council. The evening’s honored guest will be Pulitzer Prize–winning Mojave American poet Natalie Diaz.
Tue, Jun 8, 2027 at 7:30pm
Current and upcoming exhibitions
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
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
To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare
To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare
This landmark exhibition explores the histories of Black women in Shakespearean performance and highlights the ways in which Black women have engaged Shakespeare’s language, stories, and characters in their work.
Oct 16, 2026 – May 2, 2027
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
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.
What’s next for Book Club
Our virtual, monthly Book Club is free and open to all.
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
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
For teachers
Building Community with the Folger Method
Building Community with the Folger Method
This free professional development session for teachers focuses on building community using the Folger Method.
Wed, Aug 19, 2026, 8pm ET
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
Teacher Weekend Intensive: Shakespeare and Civics
Teacher Weekend Intensive: Shakespeare and Civics
Folger Education is offering a two-day professional development workshop for teachers focused on Shakespeare and civic engagement.
Fri, Oct 23 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026
Ticket information
Contact the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077 or folgerboxoffice@folger.edu.
