The collision of music styles mirrored that of bodies bumping into each other, creating a soup of sound and energy that perfectly encapsulated this year’s Festival: one that is proud to be loud.
A crucial component of being an effective changemaker is making time for joy—for the things that fill up your cup.
At the 2025 Festival, one thing is clear: young people are boldly expressing who they are.
Sustainable practices have long been important at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, but this year’s theme particularly highlights their urgency.
At the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington, D.C., becomes the temporary home for artists and experts from across the nation.
In this daily photo series, we’ll share some of our favorite snapshots taken by the Festival’s team of staff and volunteer photographers.
Well-told stories shimmer in the light, guiding our footsteps and carrying us through the unknown.
It is long overdue that we use this platform exclusively to embrace and celebrate young people for their essential role in shaping our cultural and civic landscape.