Explore the 2026 calendar and interactive story map to find events in your region!
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Mannette has worked for 75 years to develop and popularize the steel drum, creating seven of the ten instruments used in steel drum bands today.
Gert McMullin, one of the original volunteers with The AIDS Memorial Quilt, reflects on her experiences during the early stages of the AIDS pandemic
The AIDS Memorial Quilt was impacted by a storm at the Festival, but incurred only minor damage—a testament to the resilience of the quilt, the program team, and the visitors who pitched in to help.
Mike Smith, co-founder of The NAMES Project Foundation, discusses the inspirational power of The AIDS Memorial Quilt
Emily Hoskins, a University of Illinois alumna and two-time Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball, explains how innovations at the university empower individuals with disabilities
Albus Cavus is a nonprofit collective of artists, educators, and visionaries who use art, science, and technology to improve public spaces and build healthy communities.
“Yo-Yo Queen” Marquetta Bell-Johnson recounts the power of quilting to transform tragedy into celebration
Meshell Ndegeocello performs as part of the Bring Back the Funk concert presented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The New Orleans-based funk band Dumpstaphunk performs “Do Ya” from their album Everybody Want Sum on the National Mall
The National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Folklife Festival present Clinton performing the Parliament hit “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)”
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