What's on
There’s something for everyone. From theater and music, to poetry and exhibitions, experience the power of the arts with us.
Upcoming events
Join us for in-person and virtual events; theater, poetry, music, and more.
How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition
How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition
Social climbing was a competitive sport in Tudor England, requiring a complex range of skills, strategies, and techniques. This exhibition explores what it takes to become an early modern mover and shaker.
Through July 2025
Folger Book Club: The Tower by Flora Carr
Folger Book Club: The Tower by Flora Carr
Our March 2025 book club explores Mary, Queen of Scots's period of confinement in Lochleven Castle.
Thu, Mar 6, 2025, 6:30pm
Creative Conversations:
A Room in the Castle
Creative Conversations:
A Room in the Castle
Creative Conversations:
A Room in the Castle
Creative team members of A Room in the Castle sit down with Karen Ann Daniels, Artistic Director of Folger Theatre, to discuss the production.
Fri, Mar 7, 2025 at 6:30pm
Folger Salon with Beatrice Bradley and Sara Pennell
Folger Salon with Beatrice Bradley and Sara Pennell
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, March 13, 2025 at 4:30pm
The Humanities Lab: Shakespeare 101
The Humanities Lab: Shakespeare 101
Dive into the fascinating world of Shakespearean bookmaking, explore rare materials from the Folger’s collection, and enjoy lively discussions where everyone’s voice matters.
Thu, Mar 13 & Thu, Mar 20, 2025
Folger Friday: Bachata Lessons with Bachata Sáfica
Folger Friday: Bachata Lessons with Bachata Sáfica
In this Folger Friday lesson, instructors Mel Romero and Nadia Guevara will go over basic bachata steps and footwork, and teach some partnering moves.
Fri, Mar 21, 2025, 6pm
Family Workshop: The Art of the Shakespearean Power Player
Family Workshop: The Art of the Shakespearean Power Player
Dive into themes from our temporary exhibition, “How to Be A Power Player: Tudor Edition,” and connect them to Shakespeare’s words. Choose from two free workshops for ages 5-7 and ages 8-11.
Sat, Mar 22, 2025 at 11:30am & 1pm
Folger Book Club: 'Twelfth Knight'
by Alexene Farol Follmuth
by Alexene Farol Follmuth
Folger Book Club: 'Twelfth Knight'
Our April 2025 book club is a charming coming-of-age story by Alexene Farol Follmuth involving online gaming, based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
Thu, Apr 3, 2025, 6:30pm
Family Workshop: Spring Has Sprung
Family Workshop: Spring Has Sprung
Experience Shakespeare's words and their connection to nature and, weather permitting, take Shakespeare's words outdoors to the Folger's gardens! Choose from two free workshops for ages 5-7 and ages 8-11.
Sat, Apr 5, 2025 at 11:30am & 1pm
Folger Theatre: On stage now
A Room in the Castle
A Room in the Castle
This retelling of Hamlet from the perspective of the women of the story offers up what it’s like to be on the other end of a wild prince’s antics while delivering a message of defiant hope.
Tue, Mar 4 – Sun, Apr 6, 2025
Exhibition halls
Exhibitions
Explore our world-class collection and enjoy interactive experiences created for visitors of all ages and stages.
- Our Shakespeare Exhibition Hall is devoted to the works of William Shakespeare then and there, here and now — including for the first time a display of all 82 copies of the Folger’s First Folios; and
- In our Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall, you’ll discover exhibits of significant collection items that inspire the Folger’s work, deep dives into our vault, and special exhibitions.
Current and upcoming exhibitions
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
Out of the Vault: Into the Heart of the Folger
Out of the Vault
Encounter remarkable books and manuscripts that connect with the multifaceted work of the Folger in this ongoing exhibition.
Ongoing
How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition
How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition
Social climbing was a competitive sport in Tudor England, requiring a complex range of skills, strategies, and techniques. This exhibition explores what it takes to become an early modern mover and shaker.
Through July 2025
Family Programs
Family Workshop: The Art of the Shakespearean Power Player
Family Workshop: The Art of the Shakespearean Power Player
Dive into themes from our temporary exhibition, “How to Be A Power Player: Tudor Edition,” and connect them to Shakespeare’s words. Choose from two free workshops for ages 5-7 and ages 8-11.
Sat, Mar 22, 2025 at 11:30am & 1pm
Family Workshop: Spring Has Sprung
Family Workshop: Spring Has Sprung
Experience Shakespeare's words and their connection to nature and, weather permitting, take Shakespeare's words outdoors to the Folger's gardens! Choose from two free workshops for ages 5-7 and ages 8-11.
Sat, Apr 5, 2025 at 11:30am & 1pm
DIY at the Folger: Miniatures
DIY at the Folger: Miniatures
Make your own self-portrait, fit for the Tudor court! This free activity is inspired by the miniatures on display in the temporary exhibition, “How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition."
Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 11:30am
Family Workshop: A Power Player Spectacle
Family Workshop: A Power Player Spectacle
Join the Folger as we use our how-to guide to power playing and the words of Shakespeare to create our own spectacular production! Choose from two free workshops for ages 5-7 and ages 8-11.
Sat, May 3, 2025 at 11:30am & 1pm
DIY at the Folger: The Tudor Ruff
DIY at the Folger: The Tudor Ruff
Create and model the fashionable accessory that is the ruff! Join us for this free activity inspired by our temporary exhibition, “How to Be a Power Player: Tudor Edition."
Wed, Jun 18, 2025, 11:30am
Folger Consort
Join us for our final concert of the 2024-2025 season.
Kings and Commonwealth
Kings and Commonwealth
The Folger Consort will perform political ballads of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, along with instrumental music from the royal courts of James I and Charles I reflecting the political and religious upheavals in early 17th-century England.
Fri, May 2 – Sun, May 4, 2025
Save the date: Folger Gala
Folger Gala 2025
Folger Gala
The 2025 Folger Gala is taking its inspiration from Shakespeare in America and a uniquely American art form: jazz. Join us for a night of great music and entertainment that highlights the vibrant artistic movement that was the Harlem Renaissance.
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 6pm
O.B. Hardison Poetry Series
Join us for these remaining readings in the 2024-2025 season.
2025 Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize with Paul Muldoon and Julia Thacker
2025 Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize with Paul Muldoon and Julia Thacker
The O.B. Hardison Poetry Series and co-sponsor The Waywiser Press celebrate the 19th winner of the Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize with this year’s prize judge, acclaimed Irish poet, critic, playwright, and translator Paul Muldoon, who will read with the winning poet.
Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 7:30pm
The O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading Ellen Bass
The O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading Ellen Bass
Ellen Bass, chosen by a group of Folger Poetry supporters, will read from the work of other poets cited as a literary influence, as well as from her own work. A moderated conversation will follow the reading, with a bookselling and signing at the post-reading reception.
Tue, Apr 8, 2025 at 7:30pm
Public Humanities
Our Public Humanities program at the Folger brings together researchers and anyone with an interest in the early modern world to explore the cultures and legacies of that time. Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time, and enjoy cocktails inspired by the Folger’s rich collection of handwritten recipe books from early modern Britain—the largest in the world.
Folger Salon with Beatrice Bradley and Sara Pennell
Folger Salon with Beatrice Bradley and Sara Pennell
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, March 13, 2025 at 4:30pm
Shakespeare's Birthday Lecture: Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper
Shakespeare's Birthday Lecture: Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper
Join us for the Folger Institute’s annual Shakespeare’s Birthday Lecture with Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, who will be accompanied by a special guest.
Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 7pm
Folger Salon with Douglas Clark, Jamie Gemmell, and Patricia A. Matthew
Folger Salon with Douglas Clark, Jamie Gemmell, and Patricia A. Matthew
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, April 24, 2025 at 4:30pm
Cocktails and Conversation: "A Springtime Revival" with Douglas Clark
Cocktails and Conversation: "A Springtime Revival" with Douglas Clark
Help the Folger bring a “lost play” back to life! Short-term Fellow Douglas Clark will share his exciting recent discovery—a handwritten English translation of a pastoral comedy set on a Greek island.
Thu, May 8, 2025, 7pm
Foraged Mixology
Foraged Mixology
Join us for trivia and drinks made with several easy-to-forage plants, including the dandelion and elderflower. We’ll also be jamming out with DJ and past Artist Fellow Amy Reid, whose unique music is made from plant vibrations.
Fri, May 9, 2025, 6pm
Folger Salon with Mark Bland, Zainab Cheema, and Kate Doubler
Folger Salon with Mark Bland, Zainab Cheema, and Kate Doubler
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, May 15, 2025 at 4:30pm
Queer Dramaturgy with Alexa Alice Joubin
Queer Dramaturgy with Alexa Alice Joubin
Join Professor Alexa Alice Joubin for a workshop on queer dramaturgy before seeing the Folger Theatre production of Twelfth Night.
Fri, May 30, 2025, 6:30pm
Folger Salon with Maria Canon, Amy Cooper, and Carrington OBrion
Folger Salon with Maria Canon, Amy Cooper, and Carrington OBrion
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, June 12, 2025 at 4:30pm
Ticket information
Contact the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077 or folgerboxoffice@folger.edu.
