Date
Wednesday
Apr
23

April 23

Shakespeare Day

Celebrate Shakespeare Day with a bang! Read your favorite sonnet, watch a Shakespeare play, or visit the birthplace of the Bard - all from the comfort of home!

Yearly Date
April 23
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Shakespeare Day on April 23! This special day honors the life and works of one of the most influential authors in history, William Shakespeare. Born in 1564 and having passed away in 1616, Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets that are still studied today by people all over the world. He revolutionized language with his lyrical writing style, creating some of the most iconic phrases ever uttered.

Shakespeare Day Timeline

1564
William Shakespeare's Birth
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, William Shakespeare would grow up to revolutionize English literature and drama.
1599
Construction of the Globe Theatre
Supported by his acting company, The Lord Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare builds the Globe Theatre in London, a major venue for his plays.
1616
Shakespeare's Death
Shakespeare passes away on his assumed birthday, April 23, at the age of 52, but his works continue to be cherished and celebrated.
1623
Publication of The First Folio
The First Folio, which is the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, is published by John Heminges and Henry Condell.
1769
First Shakespeare Jubilee
Actor David Garrick organizes the first Shakespeare Jubilee in Stratford-upon-Avon, celebrating Shakespeare's legacy.

How to Celebrate Shakespeare Day

1

Read a Shakespeare Play

Start with one of the most popular plays like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, or Macbeth. Reading the works of Shakespeare is a great way to get to know him better.

2

Attend a live performance

If you are lucky enough to have access to a nearby theater that puts on Shakespeare plays, it's a great experience to attend a live show. If not, there are many touring companies performing all over the country.

3

Visit a historic site

Head to Stratford Upon Avon, England and visit Shakespeare's birthplace. You can take a tour of his home and learn about the life and works of The Bard.

4

Watch an adaptation

Rent or stream 10 Things I Hate About You or any other adaptation of one of Shakespeare's plays. It's a fun way to explore the stories in modern form.

5

Host a movie night

Invite your friends over for movie night and watch one of the classic adaptations like Kenneth Branagh's Henry V or Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet.

Why We Love Shakespeare Day

A

Shakespeare's plays are timeless classics

William Shakespeare wrote some of the most beloved and well-known plays of all time. Whether it's "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet" or "Macbeth," these pieces have stood the test of time and remain relevant and compelling centuries later. It's no surprise that these classic stories continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world today!

B

Shakespeare had a profound impact on English literature

No matter where you look, it's impossible to ignore the influence of William Shakespeare on English literature. His works laid the foundation for so much of the language and structure we use today, which is why he is often considered one of the greatest writers in history.

C

Shakespeare touched our emotions

The beauty of Shakespeare's writing lies in its ability to speak directly to our hearts. Through his words, he conveys messages about love, loss, friendship and betrayal that still resonate with us centuries later. This is why his legacy will never be forgotten - his plays give us an insight into our own lives and remind us of what it feels like to be human.

Shakespeare Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 22
Saturday
2024
Apr 22
Monday
2025
Apr 22
Tuesday
2026
Apr 22
Wednesday
2027
Apr 22
Thursday