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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.
Printing Press Demonstrations
Printing Press Demonstrations
Please note that our October printing press demonstrations have been canceled. To learn more about our replica 17th-century printing press and to see it in action, join us for future demonstrations.
Second Saturdays, 1:30pm & 3pm
Inventing the Icon: How Shakespeare Became "Shakespeare"
Inventing the Icon: How Shakespeare Became "Shakespeare"
Teachers, join us for a free, one-hour professional development session with Shakespeare scholar Paul Menzer.
Wed, Oct 14, 2026, 8pm ET
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
Folger Salon with Austin Anderson, Joaquín Molina, and Alice Wickenden
Folger Salon with Austin Anderson, Joaquín Molina, and Alice Wickenden
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, Oct 22, 2026 at 4:30pm
Reading Like Writers: The Folger Method and Student Writing
Reading Like Writers: The Folger Method and Student Writing
Teachers, join us for a free, one-hour professional development session on the Folger Method and student writing.
Wed, Nov 4, 2026, 8pm ET
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
Family Workshop: Collecting Your Story
Family Workshop: Collecting Your Story
In this free workshop, families will learn about the importance of collecting to telling their story.
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Folger Salon with Henry Carges, Paul Menzer, and Jennifer Row
Folger Salon with Henry Carges, Paul Menzer, and Jennifer Row
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, Nov 12, 2026 at 4:30pm
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
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
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