Folger Gala

Sponsor the Gala at the Presenting Partner level

This elevated experience combines luxury, artistry, and exclusivity, making this the premier choice for an extraordinary Gala experience.

All benefits for Benefactor, plus:
Sponsorship at this level can be customized to fit your party. Benefits can include:

• Private seating to entertain up to 16 guests
• Customized wine selections
• Top recognition on Gala materials and recognition as Folger donors on
  folger.edu for the calendar year
• Curated entertainment: intimate presentations ensuring an unforgettable
  experience

This level is sold out.

Sponsor the Gala at the Benefactor level

All benefits for Producer, plus:
An evening for 16 at the 2025 Folger Gala, including:

• Premier seating in the Reading Room
• Top recognition as a Benefactor on Gala materials
• Specialty curated dining experience

Sponsor the Gala at the Producer level

All benefits for Innovator, plus:
An evening for 10 at the 2025 Folger Gala, including:

• Premium seating in the Reading Room
• Special acknowledgement in the Gala program
• Customized wine and cocktail selection

Sponsor the Gala at the Innovator level

All benefits for Prime, plus:
An evening for 10 at the 2025 Folger Gala, including:

• Premium seating in the Reading Room
• Special acknowledgement in the Gala program, and acknowledgment by the
  Folger Director during the Gala

Sponsor the Gala at the Prime Sponsor level

All benefits for Major, plus:
An evening for 10 at the 2025 Folger Gala, including:

• Premium seating in the Great Hall
• Recognition for gift

All benefits for Friend, plus:
An evening for 8 at the 2025 Folger Gala, including:

• Recognition as a Major sponsor, including the Folger Gala
  webpage, Gala program, Gala invitation, and recognition in the
  Folger’s Annual Report

Sponsor the Gala at the Friend level

All benefits for Patron, plus:
An evening for 2 at the 2025 Folger Gala, including:

• Complimentary parking for all guests
• Cocktail reception

Sponsor the Gala at the Patron level

An evening for 1 at the 2025 Folger Gala, including:

• Complimentary parking for all guests
• Cocktail reception
• Recognition on the 2025 Folger Gala webpage and printed Gala program, and in the Folger’s Annual Report

Shakespeare has been embedded in American life since the country’s founding, and the 2025 Folger Gala is taking its inspiration from Shakespeare in America and a uniquely American art form: jazz. The 2025 Folger Gala will highlight the jazz age, offering a night of electrifying music and entertainment that showcases the vibrant artistic movement that was the Harlem Renaissance.

The Gala will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Folger Shakespeare Library, beginning at 6 p.m. A reception will be held in a marquee tent on the plinth in front of the Folger’s historic East Capitol Street façade. The space will offer spectacular views of the U.S. Capitol bathed in evening light. Guests will then continue into the East Pavilion, the Shakespeare Exhibition Hall, and the Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall. Festivities will continue throughout the building.

The event is attended by influential figures from various sectors; celebrities and politicians; community leaders and Capitol Hill neighbors; notable academics; and lovers of music, art, theatre, and of course, Shakespeare!

The evening includes a red-carpet arrival, a reception on the plinth and inside the East Pavilion, a formal dinner, and entertainment throughout the evening. It is also an opportunity to learn about the Folger and its many treasures. Please note: This schedule is subject to change.

• 6 p.m. – Reception, music, entertainment under a marquee tent in front of the Folger’s historic façade
• 6:30 p.m. – Welcome and brief remarks
• 6:45 p.m. – Reception, open bar, music, and entertainment enveloping the Folger’s guests as they move between the building and the marquee tent.
• 7:15 p.m. – Three-course dinner in the Reading Room, Great Hall, Founder’s Room, East Pavilion, and on the Folger Theatre stage
• An evening of live entertainment – If music be the food of love, play on!
• 9:00 p.m. – Music, entertainment, and more drama to behold!
• And the night continues…!

Ticket pricing ranges from $2,500 for a single ticket to $100,000-$250,000 for premier, private spaces, depending on the number of seats and location. Sponsorship packages include premium seating, recognition, and other benefits.

We anticipate 350+ guests for the Gala dinner and entertainment.

The event aims to raise funds to support all the Folger’s work as a dynamic cultural organization. The Folger reaches thousands of people each year through education, theater, exhibitions, research, and a variety of family and community programming. The philanthropic support provided to the Folger ensures its world-class collection of Shakespeare is available to the broadest possible audiences.

Guests are encouraged to wear formal or black-tie attire with a touch of creative flair to honor the era (think Jazz Age/Art Deco/Harlem Renaissance). We encourage you to make a fashion statement.

Performances will be held throughout the evening, and dinner will be served in several unique spaces throughout the building, including the picturesque and historic theatre stage, Reading Room, and Great Hall.

Valet parking will be provided for all guests.

Yes, dietary needs and preferences will be accommodated. Please include any special requests when purchasing tickets or RSVPing.

Yes, there are several corporate sponsorship opportunities with benefits including recognition and exclusive seating. For more information, please contact Aileen Marquez (amarquez@folger.edu) and/or Rachel Overby (roverby@folger.edu).

Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online or by contacting the Development Office at TContisQuinn@folger.edu.

If you cannot join us for the Gala but would still like to provide support, you can make a fully tax-deductible donation online.

For more ways to give, please see this page: https://www.folger.edu/join-support/how-to-give/

For questions, please contact Tina Contis-Quinn, Executive Assistant to the Director of Development, at TContisQuinn@folger.edu or 202-675-0303.