Folger Gala

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 $1,000 for a single ticket (or $500 for patrons age 40 and under) to $2,500-$250,000 for sponsorship packages, 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.