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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!

Monday
22–28
March 2027
Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEShakespeare Week UK (Mon on/after Mar 18, 7-day)
OBSERVED INInternationally
CATEGORYPop Culture
SUBCATEGORYBooks
INTRO

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.

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TIMELINE

Shakespeare Week Timeline

Birth of Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.

Shakespeare's Early Plays

The early plays written by William Shakespeare, including Henry VI and The Comedy of Errors, start to be performed regularly.

The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare, is built on the south bank of the River Thames in London.

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.

Shakespeare in Modern Media

Shakespeare's influence pervades contemporary literature, film, and television, with modern adaptations like "10 Things I Hate About You".

Inaugural Shakespeare Week

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust establishes the first annual Shakespeare Week, a national annual celebration of Shakespeare for primary school aged children.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Shakespeare Week

EDITOR'S PICK

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.

ATTEND

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.

CREATE

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.

DRESS

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.

HOST

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Shakespeare Week

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.

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.

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.

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