Watch Live
In the Story Circle
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Since 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has celebrated the power of culture, creativity, and community on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Although this year’s plans were upended by the global pandemic, we remain committed to making space for sharing ideas, food, and music.
Through the summer and fall of 2020, we will continue with a series of online Story Circle conversations and performances, highlighting artisans and experts from the United Arab Emirates, Northeast Brazil, the Smithsonian Conservation Commons, and more. We’ll also add to the national conversation about racism, intersectional discrimination, and building an equitable, just society.
Featured Video
Upcoming Events
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Thursday, August 13, 12–1 p.m. ETEncuentro en el Smithsonian: Susana Baca y Nidia Góngora -
Thursday, August 20, 12–12:45 p.m. ETStory Circle: Islands on the Edge – North Carolina’s Maritime Culture in the Time of the Pandemic -
Thursday, September 17, 12–12:45 p.m. ETEncuentro en el Smithsonian: Rubén Rada y Pedrito Martinez
Current Research
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Northeast Brazil
Celebrate the creative spirit of Brazil’s northeast and explore how its communities shape and respond to the environments surrounding them.
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United Arab Emirates
From poetry to perfume, explore past and present traditions of the region as resources for connecting communities and envisioning a sustainable future.
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Earth Optimism
Meet scientists, anthropologists, and other specialists to learn about conservation in action at the Smithsonian and in our communities.
Festival Blog
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July 28, 2020Remembering Jim Morris, Festival Co-Founder
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July 15, 2020The Roots and Remedies of Ginseng Poaching
Our Purpose
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The purpose of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is to collaborate with cultural practitioners, communities, and heritage professionals to spark curiosity, catalyze intercultural exchange, and create participatory experiences that nurture human connection.
Through research, curation, live programs, and digital storytelling, the Festival communicates an unwavering commitment to representing diverse cultures as a positive force for cultural equity, inclusivity, and the common good.
