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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.
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
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
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
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
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
Family Workshop: Laughter in the Learning Lab
Family Workshop: Laughter in the Learning Lab
In this free workshop, families will work on their comedy chops and learn more about characters from Shakespeare who knew how to make people laugh.
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
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
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