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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.
Family Workshop: The Fantastical World of Shakespeare
Family Workshop: The Fantastical World of Shakespeare
Dive into the fantasy world of Shakespeare and explore the world of fairies and wizards! Choose from two free workshops for ages 5-7 and ages 8-11.
Sat, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:30am & 1pm
“How to Tell My Story”: Language and Identity in Othello
“How to Tell My Story”: Language and Identity in Othello
Join Folger Education to dive into language and identity in Othello during this virtual professional development session for teachers.
Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 8pm (ET)
Shakespeare as a Starting Point: Shakespeare with Community | The Reading Room Festival
Shakespeare as a Starting Point: Shakespeare with Community
The annual festival kickoff explores the unexpected ways Shakespeare’s legacy has endured, and how engaging with theater-making enhances the relevance and value of Shakespeare in the everyday lives of people.
Thu, Jan 30, 2025, 6:30pm
DC, I Love You | The Reading Room Festival 2025
DC, I Love You
"DC, I Love You" is an immersive performance experience that brings real love stories to life across the neighborhoods where they originated. This workshop at the Reading Room Festival offers a first look at one of the scripts.
Sat, Feb 01, 2025, 12pm
Folger Book Club:
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
Folger Book Club:
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
Folger Book Club:
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
Our February 2025 book club tells a story of a long-lost opera and shocking secret.
Thu, Feb 6, 2025, 6:30pm
Workshop and Community Read: "Sweet Blood" with Camille Simone Thomas
Workshop and Community Read: "Sweet Blood" with Camille Simone Thomas
Join Whose Democracy? Artist Fellow Camille Simone Thomas for a workshop and community read of her speculative historical fiction play "Sweet Blood," set in 1727 Jamaica.
Sat, Feb 08, 2025 at 3:30pm
Folger Salon with Alex Baines, Rob Clines, and Anandi Rao
Folger Salon with Alex Baines, Rob Clines, and Anandi Rao
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, Feb 20, 2025 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
Cocktails and Conversation with Luis Carazo
Cocktails and Conversation with Luis Carazo
Engage your imagination and take a walk along the hero’s path with Luis Carazo! Learn about the world of role-playing games, its place within the broader spectrum of storytelling, and its impact as a community and empathy building tool.
Thu, Feb 27, 2025 at 7pm
Power on Parade
Power on Parade
With Mardi Gras on the horizon, the Folger considers how the pageantry of parades has led to participation in our democratic process.
Sat, Mar 1, 2025 at 6pm
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