Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

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Sealaska Heritage Institute Celebration

“Of the People” Festivals The largest gathering of Southeast Alaska Native people, Celebration was held in 1982 as an opportunity for Alaska Native people to engage with their ancestral songs, dances, customs, and regalia. That first Celebration helped spark the renaissance of Native culture, language, and art that continues to flower today. With Native dance and song at the center, Celebration has grown to draw thousands and to include an art market, art exhibitions, fashion, food, and more. Celebration is organized biennially in Juneau by the Sealaska Heritage Institute, and everyone is invited to join. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Culinary Arts. Cost: Tickets may be purchased at Centennial Hall during the event. Four Day-Pass General: $35 Youth (ages 7-12): $20 Elder (ages 65+): $20 Children 6 and under: Free Daily Admission General: $20 Youth (ages 7-12): $10 Elder (ages 65+): $10 Children 6 and under: Free. Event Location: Juneau, Alaska. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – Saturday, June 6, 2026. Centennial Hall Juneau, AK. For more info visit sealaskaheritage.org.

DC STEAM Expo

Spotlight Programs 12:30–3:30 p.m. ET Throughout this semester, fourth-grade students across DC Public Schools are challenged to identify issues affecting their neighborhoods, apply STEAM concepts in developing creative solutions, and build upon their personal experiences within their communities. The project culminates in the first-ever DC STEAM Expo, a poster-based science fair organized by the National Children’s Museum and hosted in the National Museum of American History’s Coulter Plaza. Categories: Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Washington, D.C. Saturday, June 6, 2026. Coulter Plaza, National Museum of American History Washington, D.C.

Telling Florida Food Stories

“By the People” Events 6–7:30 p.m. ET In this interactive program, journalist and author Dalia Colón provides an overview of Florida’s history through the lens of food, from Indigenous foodways to the rise and fall of the citrus industry, to modern sustainability efforts. Through audience story sharing and audio and video clips, Colón keeps the discussion energized and personalized for each community. See more in the Florida Reflections event series. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free. Event Location: Melbourne, Florida. Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Eau Gallie Public Library Melbourne, FL. For more info visit floridahumanities.org.

A Toni Morrison Community Read-Out

“By the People” Events 6:30–8 p.m. ET Shaker Heights Public Library and the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers present a Toni Morrison Community Read-Out, an evening of shared reading, live performance, and conversation celebrating Song of Solomon. As part of Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison, this program invites community members to read the novel in advance—available through the library catalog and local bookstores—and then gather for collective reflection and discussion. The evening will include a featured performance alongside shared reading and conversation. See more events in the Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison series across the state. Categories: Films. Performances. Cost: Free. Event Location: Shaker Heights, Ohio. Thursday, June 11, 2026. Shaker Heights Public Library Shaker Heights, OH. For more info visit ohiocelebratestonimorrison.org.

US@250: Big Watch Film Screening & Discussion

“By the People” Events 5:30 p.m. ET Together, we’ll watch a short excerpt from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new film directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, followed by a community discussion. The featured segment from THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,“The Spirit of Service,” explores service as a core American value, from the nation’s founding through to the present day – examining volunteerism, civic participation, public leadership, and more. Expert facilitators will guide thoughtful conversations about “remembering together,” considering questions such as: What moments from our past define who we are and point to a shared future? , What are the key historical moments in your town’s or community’s history? , How does focusing on these moments shape your sense of your community’s future? See more events in the Big Watch series across the state of New Hampshire. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Films. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.nhhumanities.org/programs/3191/us250-big-watch-film-screening-amp-discussion. Event Location: Gilford, New Hampshire. Thursday, June 11, 2026. Gilford Public Library Gilford, NH. For more info visit www.nhhumanities.org.

Fiddle & Fork Festival

“Of the People” Festivals Presented by the Blue Ridge Music Center and The Bluffs Restaurant, Fiddle & Fork Festival celebrates the music and foodways of the Blue Ridge Mountain region that stretches from Alabama to Pennsylvania. In its inaugural year, the festival includes an immersive dinner of locally sourced ingredients, music performances, food and craft demonstrations, and interviews with local musicians. Categories: Performances. Culinary Arts. Demonstrations. Cost: Kick-Off Dinner: Tickets on sale soon An Evening with Steep Canyon Rangers: $20-45 All other events are free and open to the public. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org/concert-events/steep-canyon-rangers-2026/. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Event Location: Galax, Virginia. Friday, June 12, 2026 – Sunday, June 14, 2026. The Bluffs Sparta, NC Blue Ridge Music Center Galax, VA. For more info visit www.blueridgemusiccenter.org.

Sing Democracy 250 Signature Concert

Spotlight Programs 4 p.m. ET Sing Democracy 250 is a stirring musical odyssey commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with performances by choirs across the United States in 2026. Through exciting new music, the performance brings people together to reflect on American history and our responsibilities to each other and our country. Sing Democracy 250 believes that music holds the power to transcend divisions, affirm diversity, and inspire hope and harmony for our nation, so that our democracy is not just remembered but renewed for the next 250 years. The power of democracy is in the voice of its people, and every voice matters. This concert will feature Together In Hope Choir, the Congressional Chorus, the National Children's Chorus - Scholars Washington, D.C. and the Main Line Symphony Orchestra, with a cameo appearance by Denyce Graves. Accessibility: DAR Constitution Hall offers wheelchair accessible seating and assistive listening services for this event. ASL interpretation and… Categories: Performances. Cost: $28–40. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.ticketmaster.com/sing-democracy-250-washington-district-of-columbia-06-13-2026/event/1500647A0023C4D8. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices. Event Location: Washington, D.C. Saturday, June 13, 2026. DAR Constitution Hall Washington, D.C. For more info visit www.singdemocracy250.org.

Gather: Folklives and Foodways

“By the People” Events 5–8 p.m. ET How do community traditions inform where we’ve been and where we’re going? How are folklives an expression of our place in the world? Join Maine Humanities and Chocolate Church Arts Center for a special public event celebrating the stories we tell through music and foodways, and what they say about our connections to the past and our hopes for the future. This evening event will include a community meal, musical performances, dance, and a panel discussion with the featured guests and performers:  Samuel James, blues musician , Firefly the Hybrid, Penobscot Nation performer , Jasmine Tintor (Penobscot) co-founder of Katahdin Kitchen , Al-Mashreq Ensemble: Music of the Arab East. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Culinary Arts. Performances. Cost: $10 minimum. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.chocolatechurcharts.org/events/gather-folklives-and-foodways-13-jun#tickets. Event Location: Bath, Maine. Saturday, June 13, 2026. Chocolate Church Arts Center Bath, ME. For more info visit www.mainehumanities.org.

Folklife @ Arts and Industries Building

Spotlight Programs In June and July, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage hosts free programs in the Arts and Industries Building, including the Folklife Marketplace gift shop, hands-on activities with artists and radio DJs, a pop-up exhibition of objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals, and the conversation series “For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future 250.”  Folklife Marketplace  June 16–July 12 (Tuesday through Sunday) The Smithsonian Folklife Marketplace is bringing together artists and makers from across the United States in a place where culture is not just displayed but actively exchanged—a living expression of craft, creativity, and community. Visitors can shop, attend hands-on workshops with local and visiting artists, enjoy music and interviews, as well as explore Folklife Festival history in the Storied Objects exhibition.  See the full Marketplace schedule and register for workshops on Eventbrite. For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future… Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Workshops. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free to enter. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Arts and Industries Building. Event Location: Washington, D.C. Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Sunday, June 21, 2026. Arts and Industries Building Washington, D.C.

Consider This with Poet & Novelist Naomi Shihab Nye

“By the People” Events 7 p.m. PT Join Oregon Humanities for a conversation with the extraordinary poet and novelist Naomi Shihab Nye about nations and communities. What makes this nation, the United States, what it is? How do nations change over time, and what moves those changes? How do communities become what we hope them to be? How should we strive to live together in community? See the whole Consider This event series. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: $15 (limited number of free tickets). Get Tickets/Register: https://albertarosetheatre.com/event/consider-this-with-naomi-shihab-nye/alberta-rose-theatre/portland-oregon/. Event Location: Portland, Oregon. Thursday, June 18, 2026. Alberta Rose Theatre Portland, OR. For more info visit oregonhumanities.org.

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Anacostia Community Museum

Spotlight Programs 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, a full day honoring history, creativity, wellness, music, and tradition. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to reflect, celebrate freedom, preserve cultural traditions, and create joyful spaces rooted in connection, resilience, and collective healing. This family-friendly celebration invites guests of all ages to gather in joy and reflection. Enjoy a full day of family-friendly programming, including: • Everyday Herbalism & Modern-Day Pickling Workshop • Rooted Recipes Interactive Recipe Exchange • The Art of Roller Skating: “Style” Roller Skating as American Folk Art • What’s Cracking: History and Culture of the Black Community and Shellfish Main Stage entertainment featuring: • Host: Sir Harvey Fitz • DJ Heat • Black Alley • Chuck Brown Band • Autumn Labella • Play Back Theater • Headlining Performance by R… Categories: Performances. Demonstrations. Workshops. Lectures & Discussions. Kids & Families. Culinary Arts. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-freedom-celebration-tickets-1989219016627. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Washington, D.C. Friday, June 19, 2026. Anacostia Community Museum Washington, D.C. For more info visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual

Spotlight Programs 8–10 p.m. CT “Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual” is the renowned Silkroad Ensemble’s current touring program with artistic director Rhiannon Giddens, exploring how we can experience music to better understand our world, find comfort, process loss and a changing environment, and rebuild community based on our own humanity. Drawing from Italian tarantella, Congolese string music, Indian tabla, and American roots music, the ensemble offers a special Juneteenth program during this weekend on Tulsa’s Guthrie Green. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma. Friday, June 19, 2026. Guthrie Greene Tulsa, OK. For more info visit guthriegreeneventscalendar.eventcalendarapp.com.

What Do We Stand For?

“By the People” Events 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT Join philosopher Scott Samuelson for “What Do We Stand For?” a guided reflection and discussion series exploring the ideals behind the founding of the United States and how they resonate today. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this program encourages dialogue about our democracy across perspectives and generations.  See more events in the What Do We Stand For? series across the state of Iowa. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free. Event Location: Union, Iowa. Monday, June 22, 2026. Union Public Library Union, IA. For more info visit www.statehumanities.org.

Folklife @ Arts and Industries Building

Spotlight Programs In June and July, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage hosts free programs in the Arts and Industries Building, including the Folklife Marketplace gift shop, hands-on activities with artists and radio DJs, a pop-up exhibition of objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals, and the conversation series “For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future 250.”  Folklife Marketplace  June 16–July 12 (Tuesday through Sunday) The Smithsonian Folklife Marketplace is bringing together artists and makers from across the United States in a place where culture is not just displayed but actively exchanged—a living expression of craft, creativity, and community. Visitors can shop, attend hands-on workshops with local and visiting artists, enjoy music and interviews, as well as explore Folklife Festival history in the Storied Objects exhibition.  See the full Marketplace schedule and register for workshops on Eventbrite. For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future… Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Workshops. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free to enter. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Arts and Industries Building. Event Location: Washington, D.C. Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – Sunday, June 28, 2026. Arts and Industries Building Washington, D.C.

America@250: An Opportunity for Civic Renewal

“By the People” Events 6–7:30 p.m. ET Dr. Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan will discuss the United States’ founding documents and guiding political principles as well as the importance of using this sesquicentennial anniversary of U.S. Independence as an impetus for a civic renaissance. She will discuss ways to strengthen civics education and to increase civic participation to reignite democracy in Florida. See more in the Florida Reflections event series. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free. Event Location: Cocoa, Florida. Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library Cocoa, FL. For more info visit floridahumanities.org.

ROMP Bluegrass Festival

“Of the People” Festivals Produced by the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky, ROMP Bluegrass Festival integrates the traditional sound and soul of the genre with emerging voices from across the country. ROMP’s full weekend of programming includes onsite camping, food and craft markets, jam sessions, workshops for all ages, and music stages throughout Yellow Creek Park. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Workshops. Cost: Adults – $37–87/day or $172/full pass (early bird prices) Kids 12 and under – Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/rompfest/romp-2026. Event Location: Owensboro, KY. Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Saturday, June 27, 2026. Yellow Creek Park Owensboro, KY. For more info visit www.rompfest.com.

Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo & Indian Relay Races

“Of the People” Festivals Rain or shine, the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo is an annual gathering with activities for the whole family that celebrates the rich folk cultures of Idaho’s ranching communities. From four-man trailer-loading teams to mutton-busting kids, the cowboys and cowgirls of Blackfoot compete in events modeled after the skills and routines of working ranchers. The weekend also features Indian Relay Races, a centuries-old tradition of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, as well as music, food, and displays showcasing leather workers and gear artisans. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Cost: $8-15/day. Get Tickets/Register: https://blackfootranchrodeo.com/events/. Event Location: Blackfoot, Idaho. Thursday, June 25, 2026 – Saturday, June 27, 2026. Eastern Idaho State Fair Grounds Blackfoot, ID. For more info visit blackfootranchrodeo.com.

Arkansas Folklife Festival

“Of the People” Festivals The Arkansas Folklife Festival celebrates the traditions, stories, and creativity that make Arkansas home. Drawing from the living cultures of the state’s six “culturesheds,” the festival honors both longstanding traditions and the new expressions that continue to grow from them. Rooted in joy and neighborly connection, the Arkansas Folklife Festival brings people together through music, craft, foodways, storytelling, and shared experience. Here, Arkansans gather to celebrate the traditions that shape everyday life, learn from one another, and take pride in the vibrant cultural landscape that connects communities across the state. Categories: Performances. Workshops. Culinary Arts. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Demonstrations. Cost: Free. Event Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas. Friday, June 26, 2026 – Sunday, June 28, 2026. Riverfront Park North Little Rock, AR. For more info visit www.arkansasfolklifefestival.org.

Weaving a Nation

“By the People” Events In commemoration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, Humanities Nebraska invites visitors to explore a selection of lesser-known stories from our country’s rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives. This festival will include family-friendly events, engaging workshops, and Chautauqua-style presentations that allow audience members to interact with historic figures. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Cost: Free. Event Location: Hastings, Nebraska. Friday, June 26, 2026 – Saturday, June 27, 2026. Hastings College Hastings, NE. For more info visit humanitiesnebraska.org.

All Humans Are Created Equal (Concert of Colors Neighborhood Program)

“Of the People” Festivals 2–7 pm ET Through collaborations with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and community-based organizations across Metro Detroit, the Concert of Colors will host a series of free neighborhood events celebrating the cultural traditions that have helped shape our nation. Together, these programs remind us that the journey toward a more perfect union begins with listening, sharing, and creating solutions together. Featured artists: La Santa Cecelia, Sonia de los Santos. Presented in partnership with Mexicantown Community Development. Categories: Performances. Cost: Free. Event Location: Detroit, Michigan. Saturday, June 27, 2026. Mercado Plaza 2826 Bagley St. Detroit, MI. For more info visit www.concertofcolors.com.

Lindsborg Folksdanslag

“By the People” Events 3 p.m. CT Lindsborg, Kansas, is known for its strong Swedish heritage and the remarkable ways these traditions are being passed down to the next generation. The Lindsborg Folkdanslag is no exception. This group of folk dancers will demonstrate lively variations of the polska, waltz, polka, and engelkas and invite the audience to join. They will perform in handmade costumes—some handed down from early ancestors—and can share those stories too. Categories: Performances. Cost: Free. Event Location: Newton, Kansas. Saturday, June 27, 2026. Newton Public Library Newton , KS. For more info visit www.humanitieskansas.org.

Piconland: Conversation and Documentary Film Screening in Minden

“By the People” Events 3–5 p.m. PT Learn more about the history and cultural significance of Nevada’s official state drink, the Picon Punch. Join Nevada Humanities for a free screening of the documentary film Piconland, followed by a conversation with director Mark Maynard and local panelists about Basque heritage and traditions in Nevada. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Films. Cost: Free, but registration encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/piconland-conversation-and-documentary-film-screening-in-minden-tickets-1987626364963?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. Event Location: Minden, Nevada. Saturday, June 27, 2026. CVIC Hall Minden, NV. For more info visit www.nevadahumanities.org.

Reclaiming Our Stories: Centering Indigenous Voices Across California

“By the People” Events 7–9:30 p.m. PT Join California Humanities for a powerful evening of storytelling, reflection, and connection at a special live recording of the new podcast “Reclaiming Our Voices: Voices of Indigenous Peoples of California.” This event brings together Indigenous leaders, artists, educators, and community voices to share perspectives that deepen our understanding of California—past, present, and future. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reclaiming-our-stories-live-voices-of-indigenous-peoples-of-california-tickets-1985963819244. Accessibility: Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Los Angeles, California. Saturday, June 27, 2026. Autry Museum of the American West Los Angeles, CA. For more info visit calhum.org.

Folklife @ Arts and Industries Building

Spotlight Programs In June and July, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage hosts free programs in the Arts and Industries Building, including the Folklife Marketplace gift shop, hands-on activities with artists and radio DJs, a pop-up exhibition of objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals, and the conversation series “For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future 250.”  Folklife Marketplace  June 16–July 12 (Tuesday through Sunday) The Smithsonian Folklife Marketplace is bringing together artists and makers from across the United States in a place where culture is not just displayed but actively exchanged—a living expression of craft, creativity, and community. Visitors can shop, attend hands-on workshops with local and visiting artists, enjoy music and interviews, as well as explore Folklife Festival history in the Storied Objects exhibition.  See the full Marketplace schedule and register for workshops on Eventbrite. For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future… Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Workshops. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free to enter. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Arts and Industries Building. Event Location: Washington, D.C. Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Sunday, July 5, 2026. Arts and Industries Building Washington, D.C.

July 4th Celebration with Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band

“By the People” Events 11 a.m.–1 p.m. CT Celebrate the Fourth of July at The MAX with a free performance by Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band. Led by “Fife Master” Shardé Thomas, granddaughter of the legendary Othar Turner, and percussionist Chris Mallory, their performance will honor freedom in all its forms: our nation’s independence, the emancipation of a people, and the creative spirit that defines Mississippi’s global artistic impact. Come early and shop fresh produce at Earth’s Bounty, plus enjoy free admission to The MAX (special hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.). Stop by the Alexander Family Church Gallery to view an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood featuring Othar Turner, Jessie Mae Hemphill, and Abe Young, legends of Mississippi Hill Country fife and drum music, on loop through August 1 (courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions). Categories: Performances. Culinary Arts. Kids & Families. Cost: Free. Event Location: Meridian, Mississippi. Saturday, July 4, 2026. Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience Meridian, MS. For more info visit www.msarts.org.

Folklife @ Arts and Industries Building

Spotlight Programs In June and July, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage hosts free programs in the Arts and Industries Building, including the Folklife Marketplace gift shop, hands-on activities with artists and radio DJs, a pop-up exhibition of objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals, and the conversation series “For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future 250.”  Folklife Marketplace  June 16–July 12 (Tuesday through Sunday) The Smithsonian Folklife Marketplace is bringing together artists and makers from across the United States in a place where culture is not just displayed but actively exchanged—a living expression of craft, creativity, and community. Visitors can shop, attend hands-on workshops with local and visiting artists, enjoy music and interviews, as well as explore Folklife Festival history in the Storied Objects exhibition.  See the full Marketplace schedule and register for workshops on Eventbrite. For the Common Good: Smithsonian Voices on Our Shared Future… Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Workshops. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free to enter. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Arts and Industries Building. Event Location: Washington, D.C. Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026. Arts and Industries Building Washington, D.C.

Native American Ribbonwork Traditions

“By the People” Events 5:30 p.m. CT As a member of the Menominee and Potawatomi tribal nations, Jancita Warrington’s presentation shares the rich cultural tradition of woodland ribbonwork. As Indigenous people were forced from their homelands near the Great Lakes to Kansas, these traditions made their way to the prairie. Warrington will share the history, symbols, and styles found in this tradition, demonstrate how it’s done, have examples of her own incredible work on display, and demonstrate one of the dances that was made for the women of the Anishinabae Nations. Categories: Demonstrations. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Wamego, Kansas. Thursday, July 9, 2026. Wamego Public Library Wamego, Kansas. For more info visit www.humanitieskansas.org.

Montana Folk Festival

“By the People” Events Humanities Montana will be supporting programming at the 2026 Montana Folk Festival as part of the By the People initiative. The festival’s programming centers on community interaction and the dynamic celebration of diverse Montanans throughout the state. Planned programming includes creating space for oral histories/storytelling, workshops, and panel discussions. Categories: Performances. Workshops. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free. Event Location: Butte, Montana. Friday, July 10, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026. Butte, MT. For more info visit montanafolkfestival.com.

Abbe Museum’s Dawnland Festival of Arts and Ideas

“Of the People” Festivals Organized by the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, the Dawnland Festival of Arts and Ideas highlights the arts, stories, homelands, and ways of knowing of Wabanaki people. The Dawnland Festival convenes panel discussions on critical issues facing Native communities in Maine and the Northeast, alongside live performances and an artist market. Rooted in principles of decolonization, collaboration, and dialogue, the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas debuted in 2024 with the aims of supporting the Native creative economy and promoting Indigenous thought leadership. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: TBA. Event Location: Bar Harbor, Maine. Saturday, July 11, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026. College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor, ME. For more info visit www.abbemuseum.org.

Obon Festival at New York Buddhist Church

“Of the People” Festivals In Japanese Buddhist tradition, Obon is an annual festival that honors the ancestors, typically celebrated with services, visits to the cemetery, lanterns, and folk dancing. This year, the New York Buddhist Church, established in 1938, brings its Obon back to 106th Street for a day of taiko drumming, origami crafting, and community remembrance. Categories: Performances. Workshops. Kids & Families. Cost: Free. Event Location: New York, New York. Sunday, July 12, 2026. New York Buddhist Church New York, NY. For more info visit www.newyorkbuddhistchurch.org.

Concert of Colors

“Of the People” Festivals Each summer, the Concert of Colors transforms cultural institutions across metropolitan Detroit into vibrant epicenters of free music, dance, foodways, and community dialogue—and now, through strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, it extends that energy from February through November with neighborhood cultural music programs throughout the city. Founded in 1993 by Ismael Ahmed and the New Detroit coalition, the festival has grown into one of the nation’s largest and longest-running free global music festivals and proudly anchors the annual Forum on Community, Culture & Race. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Films. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Detroit, Michigan. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Sunday, July 19, 2026. Detroit, MI. For more info visit www.concertofcolors.com.

Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival

“By the People” Events The 46th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival is a family-friendly event featuring over 100 invited craftspeople, authentic folk foods, KidFest activities, and live bluegrass and country open jams. Guests can enjoy free Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons, watch the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, and taste their way through the Gumbo Cookoff. It’s a full day of fun, food, music, and culture—celebrating the best of Louisiana traditions. As part of the By the People series, members of Native Nations Intertribal will perform two sets of traditional Native American music and dance between 3 and 4 p.m. Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue will perform two sets of classic country, honky tonk, and Americana music between 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. Categories: Performances. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana. Saturday, July 18, 2026. Prather Coliseum Natchitoches, LA. For more info visit www.nsula.edu.

Native American Beadwork Workshop

“By the People” Events Time TBA Join Native American artist Alan Groves (Northern Ute and Hopi) for a hands-on beadwork workshop exploring the history and artistry of Indigenous beadwork. Participants will learn how Native artists once used natural materials such as porcupine quills before European contact and how trade introduced glass beads that shaped modern Ute beadwork traditions. Through demonstration and discussion, Groves shares cultural knowledge and highlights the importance of learning from diverse perspectives through Native art and storytelling. Categories: Workshops. Cost: TBA. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Salt Lake City, Utah. Saturday, July 18, 2026. Museum of Utah Salt Lake City, UT. For more info visit history.utah.gov.

Piconland: Conversation and Documentary Film Screening in Reno

“By the People” Events 1–3 p.m. PT Learn more about the history and cultural significance of Nevada’s official state drink, the Picon Punch. Join Nevada Humanities for a free screening of the documentary film Piconland, followed by a conversation with director Mark Maynard and local panelists about Basque heritage and traditions in Nevada. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Films. Cost: Free, but registration encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/piconland-conversation-and-documentary-film-screening-in-reno-tickets-1989332952412?aff=oddtdtcreator. Event Location: Reno, Nevada. Saturday, July 18, 2026. Ferino Distillery Reno, NV. For more info visit www.nevadahumanities.org.

Stars, Stripes, and Stadiums: America’s 250th & FIFA 2026

Spotlight Programs Celebrate the World Cup and America’s 250th at the National Museum of African Art! Enjoy a moderated panel discussion, a Sounds of Africa concert, drop-in artmaking, a slideshow featuring soccer photography, and drinks for purchase! 3pm-4pm, Panel Discussion featuring FIFA photojournalist Kwabena Ofori (Lecture Hall, S2) , 3pm-7pm, Drop-in artmaking creating mini tifo--signs or banners created by fans (Pavilion) , 7pm-10pm, Sounds of Africa Concert featuring Sugarlane (Sylvia Williams Gallery, S1), Image Credit: Victor Ekpuk, Drawing, 1994, Ink, marker, and pencil on paper, 17.3 x 18 cm (6 13/16 x 7 1/16 in.), National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Gift of the artist By attending this event, you grant the Smithsonian Institution permission to photograph, film, videotape you and/or record your voice and likeness in connection with or the promotion of the project. Co-sponsor: Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Throughout the Museum. Cost: FREE. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988935210756?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Celebrations. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Workshops. Performances. After Five. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Saturday, July 18, 2026, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Agua, Sol y Sereno

“Of the People” Festivals Agua, Sol y Sereno is an organization with more than thirty years of experience in theater, working at the intersection of the performing arts—music, dance, and visual arts—and social, community, political, and cultural responsibility. They conceive of their work as a form of artivism that bridges the contemporary and the traditional, connecting audiences with long-standing cultural memories. Their activities take place in a wide range of contexts, from performance halls to popular festive settings such as the Fiesta de San Sebastián, among others, in Puerto Rico. Agua, Sol y Sereno es una organización con más de 30 años de trayectoria que trabaja el teatro desde la intersección de las artes performáticas—música, danza y plástica—y la responsabilidad social, comunitaria, política y cultural. Conciben su labor como un artivismo que articula lo contemporáneo con lo tradicional, conectando así al público con memorias culturales duraderas. Sus actividades se desarrollan en diversidad de escenarios y contextos de… Categories: Performances. Workshops. Cost: TBA. Event Location: Loíza, Puerto Rico. Monday, July 20, 2026 – Monday, July 27, 2026. TBA Puerto Rico. For more info visit www.aguasolysereno.org.

The Heart and Soul of Volga German Life

“By the People” Events 6:30–7:30 p.m. CT From heartfelt wedding songs to solemn funeral hymns, Volga Germans in Kansas depended on music to be a lifeline of connection—across generations, and sometimes across oceans—and to mark life’s most sacred movements. In this presentation, Jerry Braun shares the rich musical traditions of the Volga German community and highlights how music shaped the culture as people moved to the Kansas plains from Russia. Through a live vocal performance of traditional folk songs, audience members will discover the heart and soul of Volga German music and the artistry behind instruments like the dulcimer, accordion, dolcette, and harmonica. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Performances. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Newton, Kansas. Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Newton Public Library Newton, KS. For more info visit newtonplks.libcal.com.

Lindsborg Folksdanslag

“By the People” Events 1:30 p.m. CT Lindsborg, Kansas, is known for its strong Swedish heritage and the remarkable ways these traditions are being passed down to the next generation. The Lindsborg Folkdanslag is no exception. This group of folk dancers will demonstrate lively variations of the polska, waltz, polka, and engelkas and invite the audience to join. They will perform in handmade costumes—some handed down from early ancestors—and can share those stories too. Categories: Performances. Cost: Free. Event Location: Emporia, Kansas. Saturday, July 25, 2026. Emporia Public Library Emporia, KS. For more info visit www.humanitieskansas.org.

This Land Is... Sunday Supper and Conversation Series

Spotlight Programs 5–6:30 p.m. PT The Huntington’s “This Land Is ...” initiative invites visitors to reflect on the American story through the lens of land, drawing from library, art, and botanical collections to spotlight relationships between place, U.S. history, and American identities. A series of four “Sunday Suppers” focuses on particular Los Angeles neighborhoods, diaspora communities, and native ingredients. Categories: Culinary Arts. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: TBA. Event Location: San Marino, California. Sunday, July 26, 2026. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens San Marino, CA. For more info visit www.huntington.org.

Menominee Pageant

“Of the People” Festivals A revived tradition of the Menominee Nation, the annual Menominee Pageant is a show of pantomime, live music, and Native dance that marks the beginning of Menominee Powwow week each summer. Since the pageant’s renaissance in 2016, the College of Menominee Nation has imagined the event as an opportunity to engage performers and storytellers across generations, bridging heritage with contemporary theater practices and highlighting culture bearers of all ages. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Cost: Free. Event Location: Keshena, Wisconsin. Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Woodland Bowl Keshena, WI.

All My Relations Celebration

“Of the People” Festivals All My Relations Celebration is an annual music, dance, and art festival presented by the Levitt Pavilion Denver, in collaboration with Quiet Star Collective. Nominated for Indigenous TV’s “Outstanding Concert” award in 2024, the gathering stands at the heart of the movement to highlight Indigenous creatives, with programming that includes vendors, resource booths, performances from both upcoming and world-renowned Native artists, and a newly launched youth music camp in partnership with Rock the Rez. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Shopping/Book Signing. Workshops. Cost: TBA. Get Tickets/Register: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/amrc-ft-snotty-nose-rez-kids-with-sierra-spirit-cary-morin-trio-2026-08-09-levitt-pavilion-denver-den-6f7593. Event Location: Denver, Colorado. Sunday, August 9, 2026. Levitt Pavilion Denver Denver, CO. For more info visit www.facebook.com.

Montclair Jazz Fest

“Of the People” Festivals The Montclair Jazz Festival was created by Jazz House Kids to reflect its mission of using jazz as a tool for education, mentorship, and community connection. As a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young people through the traditions and culture of jazz, the organization launched the festival in 2010 to share that spirit with a wider audience. Today, it has grown into the largest outdoor summer jazz festival in the New York metropolitan area—celebrating the living legacy of jazz while inspiring and uplifting the next generation of artists. Categories: Performances. Cost: Free. Event Location: Montclair, New Jersey. Saturday, August 15, 2026. Lackawanna Plaza Montclair, NJ. For more info visit www.montclairjazzfestival.org.

This Land Is... Sunday Supper and Conversation Series

Spotlight Programs 5–6:30 p.m. PT The Huntington’s “This Land Is ...” initiative invites visitors to reflect on the American story through the lens of land, drawing from library, art, and botanical collections to spotlight relationships between place, U.S. history, and American identities. A series of four “Sunday Suppers” focuses on particular Los Angeles neighborhoods, diaspora communities, and native ingredients. Categories: Culinary Arts. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: TBA. Event Location: San Marino, California. Sunday, August 16, 2026. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens San Marino, CA. For more info visit www.huntington.org.

Chautauqua Lecture Series: The Importance of Gathering

Spotlight Programs Chautauqua Institution is a nonprofit destination where ideas, creativity and lifelong learning come together during a nine-week summer season. For more than 150 years, it has brought people together on the shores of Chautauqua Lake to explore the best in human values through the arts, education, religion, and recreation. Described by Theodore Roosevelt as “America at its best,” Chautauqua continues to reflect and renew the nation’s cultural and civic life through dialogue, artistic expression and community.During this week, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Chautauqua investigates and celebrates togetherness as a critical component of what it means to be human. Categories: Workshops. Lectures & Discussions. Performances. Culinary Arts. Cost: $0-$140, depending on event. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.chq.org/things-to-do/events/?_weekly_themes=week-nine. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Captioning. Assisted listening devices. Event Location: Chautauqua, New York. Saturday, August 22, 2026 – Sunday, August 30, 2026. Chautauqua Amphitheater Chautauqua, NY. For more info visit www.chq.org.

August Quarterly Festival

“Of the People” Festivals First celebrated over two centuries ago, the August Quarterly Festival—also known as the “Big Quarterly,” or the “Independence Day” of Delaware—commemorates the founding of the first African American Union Methodist Church by Peter Spencer in 1813. Today, the annual festivities continue to be hosted by Mother African Union Church in Wilmington, Delaware, and include music, dance, food, health awareness initiatives, and educational programming. The celebration honors religious freedom for all people, recognizing in particular the enduring struggle for freedom and dignity among African Americans across the United States. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Cost: TBA. Event Location: Wilmington, Delaware. Sunday, August 23, 2026 – Sunday, August 30, 2026. Mother African Union Church Wilmington, DE. For more info visit augustquarterly.org.

G.O.A.T. Picnic

“Of the People” Festivals Derived from a 1950s Labor Day picnic tradition and fife player Othar Turner’s 1998 album, Everybody Hollerin’ Goat, G.O.A.T. Picnic today is a free, annual music festival that takes place in Coldwater, Mississippi. Fresh from its seventy-fifth anniversary, the gathering continues to honor its mission to foster good neighborhood, highlight the best of Hill Country blues, and pay homage over Mississippi-style goat cuisine. Categories: Performances. Culinary Arts. Cost: Free. Event Location: Coldwater, Mississippi. Friday, August 28, 2026 – Saturday, August 29, 2026. Coldwater, MS. For more info visit goatpicnic.com.

All My Relatives Festival

“Of the People” Festivals Mitakuye Owas’iƞ * All My Relatives * Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ Festival is a free, multigenerational celebration of Indigenous performance, design, and community that takes place every summer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Presented by Levitt at the Falls and the Wokini Initiative at South Dakota State University, All My Relatives explores the ancestral and innovative cultures of the region’s Native diaspora, rooting its programming in family-friendly, interactive activities. Categories: Performances. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Workshops. Shopping/Book Signing. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Saturday, August 29, 2026. Levitt at the Falls Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For more info visit www.levittsiouxfalls.org.

Caribbean Summerfest (Concert of Colors Neighborhood Program)

“Of the People” Festivals 5:30–10 pm ET Through collaborations with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and community-based organizations across Metro Detroit, the Concert of Colors will host a series of free neighborhood events celebrating the cultural traditions that have helped shape our nation. Together, these programs remind us that the journey toward a more perfect union begins with listening, sharing, and creating solutions together. Featured artists: Luciano, Universal Xpression, Vibrations. Presented in partnership with Caribbean Cultural and Carnival Organization (CCCO). Categories: Performances. Cost: Free. Event Location: Detroit, Michigan. Saturday, August 29, 2026. Marygrove College Detroit, MI. For more info visit www.concertofcolors.com.

Black Rock City

“Of the People” Festivals Burning Man is a thriving worldwide community of artists, makers, and community organizers, guided by the “10 Principles,” with events happening all over the globe. Burning Man spawned from Black Rock City, the annual Burning Man event in the Black Rock Desert. Black Rock City is an annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance.  Image Credit: World Fair of Unity by Mark Rivera, 2025 (photo by Jamen Percy). Categories: Performances. Workshops. Celebrations. Demonstrations. Cost: Ticket costs vary. Get Tickets/Register: https://burningman.org/black-rock-city/ticketing-information/. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Event Location: Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Sunday, August 30, 2026 – Monday, September 7, 2026. Black Rock City, Nevada. For more info visit burningman.org.

This Land Is... Sunday Supper and Conversation Series

Spotlight Programs 5–6:30 p.m. PT The Huntington’s “This Land Is ...” initiative invites visitors to reflect on the American story through the lens of land, drawing from library, art, and botanical collections to spotlight relationships between place, U.S. history, and American identities. A series of four “Sunday Suppers” focuses on particular Los Angeles neighborhoods, diaspora communities, and native ingredients. Categories: Culinary Arts. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: TBA. Event Location: San Marino, California. Sunday, August 30, 2026. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens San Marino, CA. For more info visit www.huntington.org.