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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.
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
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 demonstrations during Frost Fair.
Fri, Nov 27 — Sat, Dec 26, 2026
Translating Shakespeare in Sign Language
Translating Shakespeare in Sign Language
Scholar Jill Marie Bradbury delivers a public lecture about how Deaf actors negotiate Shakespeare translation.
Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 4pm
Virtual Folger Salon with Mathieu Bouchard, Lee Cotman, and Julia Skinner
Virtual Folger Salon with Mathieu Bouchard, Lee Cotman, and Julia Skinner
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.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026, at 12pm ET
Reading Rhythms - December 2026
Reading Rhythms
The Folger is partnering with Reading Rhythms for a reading party in the Great Hall. Grab a book and get cozy! Enjoy silent reading periods, as well as 1-on-1 breakouts and group discussions.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 6:30pm
Family Workshop: To Be a Shakespearean Actor
Family Workshop: To Be a Shakespearean Actor
In this free workshop, families will try out Elizabethan acting styles and learn about the power of Shakespeare’s words to inspire actors, trends, and riots.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Shakespeare’s Midsummer in December
Shakespeare’s Midsummer in December
This free professional development session for teachers focuses on A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Wed, Dec 9, 2026, 8pm ET
Gallery Talk: To Hear Her Speak | Toni Morrison
Gallery Talk: To Hear Her Speak
Explore the history of the Howard Players’ Shakespearean productions and Toni Morrison’s experience with Shakespeare in To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare.
Sun, Dec 13, 2026, 1pm
Family Workshop: The Fantastical World of Shakespeare
Family Workshop: The Fantastical World of Shakespeare
In this free workshop, families will explore the world of fairies and wizards seen in Shakespeare’s plays.
Sat, Jan 2, 2027 at 11:30am & 1pm
Gallery Talk: To Hear Her Speak | Anna Julia Cooper
Gallery Talk: To Hear Her Speak
Explore DC history and Black feminist thought in To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare through this gallery talk about Anna Julia Cooper and Dunbar High School.
Tue, Dec 29, 2026, 12pm
Virtual Folger Salon with SEVAN, Madyha Leghari, and Valkyrie Yao
Virtual Folger Salon with SEVAN, Madyha Leghari, and Valkyrie Yao
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.
Fri, Jan 8, 2027, at 12pm ET
Shake Up Your Classroom with the Folger Method
CANCELED: Shake Up Your Classroom with the Folger Method
This professional development session for teachers has been canceled.
Wed, Jan 20, 2027, 8pm ET