Skip to main content

Welcome to the Festival

Since the Festival of American Folklife first began in 1967, more than 10,000 generous people have traveled to Washington to share with us their wisdom and talent. In explaining and demonstrating their skills as singers, dancers, musicians, cooks, artisans, storytellers, and workers, they have represented legions more in their home communities. Because of the time and knowledge they have shared with us, our lives have been enriched, while our cultural understanding of the aesthetic variety in this and other nations has been broadened. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian's archive of folklife research and programming experience grows incrementally ...

Read Full Article

Support the Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, sustainability projects, educational outreach, and more.

.