Date
Friday
Mar
21

March 21-27

Shakespeare Week

Join us in honoring the literary genius of Shakespeare during #ShakespeareWeek! From live performances to book discussions, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Yearly Date
March 21
Type
Week

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the literary genius and master of words, William Shakespeare, during Shakespeare Week from March 15-21! This week-long celebration was created in 2014 by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to honor the life and works of one of the most iconic playwrights in history. From his famous tragedies like Romeo and Juliet to his comedic plays like A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare's works continue to captivate audiences all over the world. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering his brilliance, there's no better time to immerse yourself in all things Shakespeare than during this exciting week.

Shakespeare Week Timeline

1564
Birth of Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.
1590
Shakespeare's Early Plays
The early plays written by William Shakespeare, including Henry VI and The Comedy of Errors, start to be performed regularly.
1599
The Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare, is built on the south bank of the River Thames in London.
1623
Publication of Shakespeare's First Folio
Seven years after his death, the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, known as The First Folio, is published.
1999
Shakespeare in Modern Media
Shakespeare's influence pervades contemporary literature, film, and television, with modern adaptations like "10 Things I Hate About You".
2014
Inaugural Shakespeare Week
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust establishes the first annual Shakespeare Week, a national annual celebration of Shakespeare for primary school aged children.

How to Celebrate Shakespeare Week

1

Host a Shakespearean movie night

Gather some friends and watch a classic Shakespearean movie adaptation like "Romeo and Juliet" or "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Serve popcorn and snacks for a fun and educational evening.

2

Attend a Shakespearean play

Check your local theater for any productions of Shakespeare's plays. Seeing a live performance is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare and appreciate his work.

3

Create your own Shakespearean sonnet

Challenge yourself to write your own Shakespearean sonnet. Use iambic pentameter and traditional rhyme schemes to create a beautiful and poetic tribute to the Bard.

4

Dress up as your favorite Shakespearean character

Get creative and dress up as your favorite character from a Shakespearean play. This is a fun way to pay homage to the great playwright and show off your knowledge of his works.

5

Host a Shakespearean trivia night

Gather your friends and test your knowledge of Shakespeare with a trivia night. Create categories like "Famous Quotes" or "Characters" to make it more challenging and fun.

Why We Love Shakespeare Week

A

Celebrate a literary icon

Shakespeare Week is a time to honor and celebrate the life and works of one of the most renowned playwrights in history. It's a chance to appreciate the genius behind plays like Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, and to gain a deeper understanding of his impact on literature.

B

Discover new perspectives

Shakespeare Week also provides an opportunity to explore different interpretations of his works. With various adaptations and performances, audiences can gain fresh insight into the complex themes and characters that make up Shakespeare's plays.

C

Engage with the community

During this week, many organizations host events and activities centered around Shakespeare's legacy. These events not only provide opportunities for cultural engagement but also allow individuals to connect with others who share a love for his work.

Shakespeare Week Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 20
Monday
2024
Mar 20
Wednesday
2025
Mar 20
Thursday
2026
Mar 20
Friday
2027
Mar 20
Saturday