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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.
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
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
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
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
Shake Up Your Classroom with the Folger Method
Shake Up Your Classroom with the Folger Method
This free professional development session for teachers focuses on the Folger Method, using Richard III, The Merchant of Venice, and a Robert Hayden poem to explore flexible strategies.
Wed, Jan 20, 2027, 8pm ET
Family Workshop: My Shakespearean Monologue
Family Workshop: My Shakespearean Monologue
In this free workshop, families will use words and phrases from Shakespeare’s plays to create personal monologues about who they are, with a chance to proudly perform it for everyone to hear.
Sat, Feb 6, 2027 at 11:30am & 1pm