This summer marks the 39th time we have had the honor of bringing together people from communities across the United States and around the world. The Festival has been called a magical event, because when we bring together so many exemplary practitioners of cultural and occupational traditions, amazing things can happen. In order to make your experience a memorable one, let me suggest some things we have learned over the years.

Talk to the participants. The Festival is quite different from other Smithsonian exhibitions in that the artists are here for you to meet. Whether they are Omani embroiderers, bomba and plena musicians, smokejumpers or chefs, they are all accomplished artists. And you will probably not get a chance to learn from their like, face to face, ever again. They are the best in the world at what they do, and they have agreed to come to share their knowledge with you. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.