For over 100 years, American teenagers have participated in the cultural rite of prom. This summer, the Festival hosts its own Prom in the Park in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary American Teenagers.

Orquesta Manplesa may be Washington, D.C.’s youngest Latin music band, but their musicianship runs deep, with members holding music degrees from Berklee College of Music, the Conservatorio Nacional de Música (Dominican Republic), Towson University, and Kenyon College. Their electrifying performances bridge eras and regions, blending timeless classics with contemporary hits. Guided by one simple rule—“keep them dancing”—Orquesta Manplesa is more than a band; it’s a movement, a heartbeat, and a living tribute to the spirit of D.C., where music, culture, and community come together on the dance floor.

This event will happen in-person, live on the National Mall, during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on July 2-7, 2025. It will be livestreamed for online audiences and remain archived on our YouTube channel and website.