Explore the 2026 calendar and interactive story map to find events in your region!
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University-based groups demonstrated not only how they draw on traditional music, but also how they help it thrive in a new generation.
I have volunteered and worked at several Smithsonian Folklife Festivals before, but I did not know what to anticipate when I went down to the Festival grounds on Sunday, July 1.
Visitors' eyes seemed to fall immediately on the Orphan Tower, a ten-foot high structure of dangling dolls, each artfully and intricately fashioned by South African bead-workers.
It’s been a pleasure seeing this year’s Festival through the eyes of our visitors, taking in countless details we might otherwise have missed.
“It all began when my uncle’s wife fell sick, but she told everyone that she had cancer. But sure enough, she passed away a few months later.”
Thank you to all the staff, interns, volunteers, organizational partners, participants, and visitors.
GRAMMY-nominated musician Christylez Bacon is well known for his imaginative blending of acoustic and hip-hop music
The University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station work with Vermont maple-syrup makers to improve the state’s signature crop.
Christylez Bacon discusses the importance of improvisation in hip-hop and accepts a challenge to create a freestyle rap using ten random words.
Professor Charlie Bamforth from UC Davis delivers a wonderful talk about the positive merits of America’s favorite cold beverage.
Support the Folklife Festival, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, sustainability projects, educational outreach, and more.