Photo: Lloyd Wolf
There’s always something to do at The Playhouse. This week, join us for a free concert from the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, learn about the history of potions and cocktails from mixologists and historians, and immerse yourself in the Midsummer forest.
Visit The Playhouse at the National Building Museum Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 4 pm.
See Folger Theatre’s magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream Tuesday – Sunday. Doors open for evening performances at 6:30 pm.
Visit our Pop-Up Shop for Folger and Midsummer merchandise before and after performances.
The cast of Folger Theatre’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Photo: Brittany Diliberto.
Tuesday, August 16
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Shake up your summer with Shakespeare’s most magical comedy live on The Playhouse’s custom-built Festival stage!
A Four-Pack of tickets is a great way to see the show. Family Four-Packs include two regular tickets and two tickets for attendees under the age of 18 for only $120. Regular Four-Packs include four regular tickets and four drinks for just $160. Valid Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday evenings. Contact our box office to book at (202) 544-7077.
Wednesday, August 17
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Relaxed Performance | 4 pm
This performance relaxes the ambience in the auditorium and theater “rules.” These matinees are ideal for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning, or cognitive disabilities and neurodivergences, and others who would benefit from a relaxed theater experience.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Thursday, August 18
Music on the Lawn: Bele Bele Rhythm Collective | 6:30 pm
Enjoy a free concert by the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, a diverse, intergenerational group of women from the DMV who share a passion for drumming. Food truck Captain Cookie & The Milkman will be on-site, so save room for cookies and ice cream sandwiches.
Band Sol y Rumba performs as part of Music on the Lawn. Photo: Lloyd Wolf.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Friday, August 19
A heartsease cordial cocktail. Photo: Marissa Nicosia
Mixology for the Lovelorn: Then and Now | 6 pm
In this free round-table discussion, explore the intoxicating botanical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and discover how early modern potions for love, heartache, and heart health transformed into today’s spirits and cocktails. DC mixologists Derek Brown (Mindful Mixology) and Bridget Albert (Market Fresh Mixology Presents Life, Love, Happiness, and Cocktails) and historian Marissa Nicosia (Cooking in the Archives) discuss recreating potions from the past and the history of alcohol. Plus, get recipes for original cocktails created especially for this event by Albert and Brown, featuring a floral syrup inspired by Nicosia’s adaptation of a 1675 recipe from the Folger’s collection. Pre-registration required.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Saturday, August 20
Face painting | 1 – 4 pm
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 4:30 and 8 pm
Sunday, August 21
Face painting | 1 – 4 pm
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 7 pm
Daily Programs and Activities
Playing dress-up at The Playhouse. Photo: Lloyd Wolf.
Explore the Midsummer Forest
Wander through a giant pop-up book based on William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Storytime and Activity | 11:30 am
The Insider’s Tour: The Building, The Forest, The Playhouse | 1 and 2 pm
Join Folger docents and staff for a 45-min interactive experience that will give you and inside view of The Playhouse. See what happens behind the scenes as we create theater, then jump onstage and have fun with some of Shakespeare’s juiciest lines.
Scavenger Hunt
Search the Midsummer Forest and the Museum’s other exhibitions to discover 9 mischievous characters and the delightful plot of Shakespeare’s play.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Crafts
Build Your Own Globe Theater
Theater design plays a role in how audiences experience the show. Build your own paper model of London’s Globe Theatre and see how plays in this venue differ from today.
Shakespeare Mad Libs, Costumes, and Crowns
Elizabethan City by Design
Design your own version of 1600s London, the one Shakespeare knew. Learn how cities of that time differed from cities today and examine the role theatre plays in our urban world.
Questions? Call the Folger Box Office at 202-544-7077.
The Playhouse at the National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro: Judiciary Square
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