The Festival is presented on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, in association with the National Park Service. Admission is always free.

In 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the Festival will go on the road to communities across the country and three U.S. territories. Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals is a collaboration with approximately forty festivals around the country, ranging from one-day events to weeklong gatherings.

Media contact:
folklife@si.edu

For more information, visit the Smithsonian Newsdesk and join our mailing list.