Smithsonian Folklife Festival | Washington D.C.
Celebration
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, since its inception in 1967, has been dedicated to promoting contemporary living cultural traditions and paying tribute to those who practice and pass on these traditions. Hosted annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the festival has brought together participants from all 50 states and over 100 countries. As one of the most iconic cultural events on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival vividly and authentically showcases cultural traditions, crafts, and lifestyles from the United States and around the world. In 2026, the festival will be extended to a full month for the first time, exploring cultural heritage, community memory, and contemporary social issues through live performances, craft demonstrations, discussions, and interactive experiences, providing a warm and humanistic collective celebration for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.