Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Circus Arts

This year we’re bringing the rich history and diversity of American circus arts to life on the National Mall. Visitors will see more than just a performance—you’ll go behind the scenes to learn from generations of circus families, emerging artists, and contemporary visionaries.
On the Move

Focusing on youth, culture, and migration, we’ll explore how American culture has been shaped by the movement of people to and within the United States. Together we will examine immigration and migration through cross-cultural and intergenerational dialogue about our collective past and future.
50 Years | 50 Objects

From chainsaw carvers to Southern potters, religious scroll painters to silversmiths, participants in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival have created a remarkable array of “storied objects” during the annual event. It is both an unintentional collection and a wonderful treasure.
50th Anniversary

We celebrate 50 years of Folklife in 2017, and on July 8 and 9 we invite you to our 50th reunion weekend with stories about early days of the Festival and a look to the future, as well as special workshops and performances. Share your favorite Festival memories and photos in person or online.

Festival 101

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Festival has featured participants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

Our free Festival takes place for two weeks every summer, overlapping the Fourth of July holiday. It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers. We invite visitors to sing and dance along, try craft and game workshops, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and take part in this unique cultural exchange.

Making Life Richer: The Importance of Sharing Culture

My time as an intern this summer was spent exploring the Smithsonian Folklife Festival through the lens of a camera ...

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