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CANCELLED - NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Monday, August 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
The Ocean Around Us Tour
One-Time Events
Explore the Sant Ocean Hall to learn about some of the exciting animals and habitats featured and how they are connected to your everyday life no matter where you live. This is a 30-minute interactive walking tour where you can meet a North Atlantic Right Whale, find out what is the most productive marine ecosystem, touch coral, and so much more.
Registration is required for this small group tour of up to 10 people. Each visitor may bring up to 3 guests, but the total number of visitors on the tour will be capped at 10.
Photo by Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall, Under the Large Jellyfish. Cost: Free. Registration is required. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, August 24, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
CANCELLED - Portrait Gallery Kids
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the Portrait Gallery! Join educators every Monday as we explore a variety of topics and artistic materials. Participants will get a closer look at art with hands-on activities, music and story times. Portrait Gallery Kids is a fun way to engage with art and each other.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-gallery-kids-tickets-654254040447?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-share-source=organizer-profile&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops.
Monday, August 24, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Creative Spaces: The Places Where Books We Love Were Written
All Programs
What makes a writer’s space so fascinating? Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s reflections on the importance of space for creativity, author Katie da Cunha Lewin examines how writers have worked everywhere from quiet garden rooms and shared family tables to bustling cafés and buses. She offers vivid portraits of memorable creative spaces, including Woolf’s tranquil room at Monk’s House, Ernest Hemingway’s Paris cafés, and Maya Angelou’s deliberately bare hotel rooms.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/creative-spaces?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/creative-spaces?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Monday, August 24, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
Mary Livingston Ripley Garden and Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Find moments of peace and inspiration during this tour of the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden and Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden. Explore the new Growing Tomorrow exhibits in each garden with one of our knowledgeable volunteers.
The tour meets outside the entrance to the Arts and Industries Building on Jefferson Drive, SW. Look for the tour sign. No registration required.
This program received support from Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250, a Smithsonian-wide initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th. Signature support for Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional generous contributions have been made by Target.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: Tour begins outside the entrance to the Arts and Industries Building at 900 Jefferson Drive, SW. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: Growing Tomorrow. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, August 24, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM.
CANCELLED - NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Monday, August 24, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Beyond Inheritance: Understanding DNA, Mutation, and Human Health
All Programs
DNA is a lifelong instruction manual that constantly changes, says science writer Roxanne Khamsi. From conception onward, mutations accumulate in every cell. Drawing on her new book Beyond Inheritance, Khamsi argues that bodies are dynamic genetic ecosystems where evolution unfolds continuously. She highlights discoveries showing how genetic variation shapes health, immunity, and aging, challenging the belief that all cells share identical DNA and revealing how this insight is reshaping medicine, from vaccines to cancer care.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/beyond-inheritance?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/beyond-inheritance?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Monday, August 24, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM.
The Fourth of July in Pekin, IN: Documentary Premiere & Discussion
“By the People” Events
6–7:30 p.m. ET
Join Indiana Humanities, the Pekin Community Betterment Organization, and the John Hay Center for a premiere screening of The Fourth of July in Pekin, IN, a new short documentary about Pekin’s annual celebration. The documentary, directed by local filmmaker Erik Thein, captures the spirit of Pekin’s Fourth of July festivities, a yearly tradition where generations of Pekin residents have come together to make the celebration the oldest consecutively celebrated Fourth of July festival in the nation.
Categories: Films. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free, with registration encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.humanitix.com/premiere-pekin-fourth-of-july-parade-documentary. Event Location: New Pekin, Indiana.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Eastern High School
New Pekin, IN.
For more info visit events.humanitix.com. CANCELLED - Play Date at NMNH: From These Lands
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Come join us as we celebrate our upcoming exhibit, From These Lands! This exhibit will explore the story of our nation through our collections. In this week's Play Date, we will be learning about different mineral science specimens highlighted in the new exhibit as well as some minerals and volcanic rock from our education collection. Families will be able to explore through play, art-making, and storytelling.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Chandra, a Space Telescope with X-ray Vision
All Programs
On July 23, 1999, the Space Shuttle Columbia launched NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory into an orbit that takes it about a third of the way to the moon. Since then, Chandra—operated for NASA by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory—has sent back to Earth images of the spectacular remains of exploded stars, found black holes, and contributed to the study of dark matter and dark energy. A panel of experts from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Northrop Grumman takes you behind the scenes to see how one of the most powerful space telescopes ever built operates.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/chandra?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/chandra?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
Story Time with DC Public Library
One-Time Events
Join us for Story Time in collaboration with the DC Public Library! Children and their grown-ups can enjoy story time as an interactive way to exercise language and literacy skills. Story Time is designed for learners ages 5 and under, but all are welcome!
For questions about this event, please email us at: HistoryTeachers@si.edu.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: 1 West. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Roman North Africa: Empire at the Edge of the Sahara
All Programs
Roman North Africa was a central force in the empire. From Morocco to Libya, Rome built on Phoenician, Punic, Numidian, and Libyan foundations. In Algeria, Timgad shows Rome’s strict military planning along the desert frontier. Tunisia’s Carthage became a major Roman capital and agricultural hub feeding Italy. Libya’s Leptis Magna and Cyrene prospered through trade linking the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa, moving grain, oil, animals, and people. Archaeologist Darius Arya illustrates how the region fed Rome, connected continents, and blended African, Punic, Greek, and Roman cultures into a powerful provincial system.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/roman-north-africa?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/roman-north-africa?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
All Programs
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan houses one of Italy’s most historically significant art collections. The museum preserves masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including works by da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Titian, and Raphael. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero explores the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana’s history and the masterpieces that make it a cornerstone of Milan’s artistic heritage. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/pinacoteca-ambrosiana?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/pinacoteca-ambrosiana?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
The 10 Plagues, Then and Now
All Programs
People have told stories about disasters throughout the ages. One of the oldest such stories is that of the 10 plagues in the book of Exodus, the disasters that forced the Egyptians to liberate the Israelites. Religious studies scholar Steven Weitzman explores how artists, writers, activists, philosophers, believers, and unbelievers of later ages have reshaped the story to give expression to their trauma, outrage, guilt, humor, and hope.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/10-plagues?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/10-plagues?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Learning from Las Vegas Food
“By the People” Events
6–7:30 p.m. PT
The Las Vegas Valley’s food history starts over 10,000 years ago, when the area’s first inhabitants lived a life of transhumance—the practice of moving to wherever resources are abundant. Join Nevada Humanities for a special online talk by Sarah Lohman, author of Endangered Eating: America’s Vanishing Foods, on the history of food and food culture in Las Vegas.
Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Culinary Arts. Cost: Free, with registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NOyCGRNwTQm9VYBA7DwyRA#/registration. Event Location: Online.
Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Online.
For more info visit www.nevadahumanities.org. NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Portrait Gallery Reading Rhythms
One-Time Events
Join the Portrait Gallery and Reading Rhythms for a reading party designed to make it easy for people to gather and read socially. We invite folks to bring any book they want while we facilitate silent reading periods, one-on-one breakouts, and group discussions about the art that everyone is engaging with. This adult program unites a community of readers to learn together and experience art with curated music.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Great Hall. Cost: Free. Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/portrait-gallery-reading-rhythms-tickets-1985367092418?aff=erelexpmlt. Categories: After Five.
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Spanish Language Docent Tour
One-Time Events
Join the National Portrait Gallery for free Spanish language tours. Experience iconic art and learn from expert guides about the faces and stories that shaped the nation. Perfect for fluent speakers and language learners alike.
The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have any questions about the accessibility of this program, or require sign language interpretation or any other accommodations, please contact us.
Event Location: F Street Lobby. Cost: Free. No registration required. Categories: After Five. Gallery Talks & Tours.
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Buddhist Ethics for Everyday Living
All Programs
Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University, returns with a follow-up to January 2026 overview on understanding Buddhist ethics to turn theory into practical application. Emmanuel outlines how Buddhist teachings might shape the way to handle stress, conflict, work, family responsibilities, consumption, and difficult conversations. The goal is not to persuade individuals toward Buddhism, says Emmanuel, but rather to consider what may be thoughtfully and usefully drawn from Buddhist ways of understanding and responding to meet the challenges of contemporary life.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/buddhist-ethics-everyday?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/buddhist-ethics-everyday?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Whale Migration and Ocean Conservation: Protecting the Paths of Giants
All Programs
Whales make some of the longest migrations on Earth, traveling thousands of miles round-trip annually. Marine biologist Amanda Hunter considers whale migration and ocean conservation and examines the growing threats whales face—from climate-driven shifts in food availability to ship traffic and ocean pollution. Hunter also highlights conservation solutions that are making a difference and uncovers the surprising ways whales help regulate ocean health and climate.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/whale-migration?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/whale-migration?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Webcasts & Online.
Thursday, August 27, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM.
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. Rissi Palmer at the Fox (Tucson Meet Yourself Concert)
“Of the People” Festivals
In collaboration with Smithsonian Folklife Festival and the Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson Meet Yourself invites you to a free concert with artist Rissi Palmer, as a part of the Smithsonian’s Of The People celebration to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Rissi Palmer describes her musical style as “Southern Soul.” In 2007, she released her debut self-titled album, charting singles, “Country Girl,” “Hold On To Me,” and “No Air.” Since then, she has independently released a children’s album, Best Day Ever; an EP titled The Back Porch Sessions; and a full length album, Revival.
Categories: Performances. Cost: Free, but registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://foxtucson.com/event/rissi-palmer/tickets/. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Tucson, Arizona.
Friday, August 28, 2026.
Fox Tucson Theatre
Tucson, AZ.
For more info visit southwestfolklife.org. Revolutionary Traces: A Conversation About Commemoration
“By the People” Events
4–5:30 p.m. ET
RI Humanities will be hosting a panel conversation with community partners who are working on the new "Revolutionary Traces" Rhode Tour. Join us for this special conversation about the ways traces of the Revolution show up in our landscape and built environments, how those commemorations shape our understanding of the period, and what they mean to us today.
Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free, with registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/revolutionary-traces-a-conversation-about-commemoration-tickets-1994959384221. Event Location: Providence, Rhode Island.
Friday, August 28, 2026.
RI Historical Society’s Aldrish House
Providence, RI.
For more info visit www.statehumanities.org. Roots of a Nation Film Festival
“By the People” Events
12–6 p.m. MT
As part of the 250th commemoration, these films explore American and Idaho history through different lenses—what we choose to remember, how stories are told, and how the past is shaped on screen. This moment invites us to look again: to consider how history has been represented over time and what those portrayals reveal about the nation we are still becoming. Watching together gives us a chance to learn not just from history itself, but from how film helps us understand, question, and reinterpret our past.
Categories: Films. Lectures & Discussions. Cost: $0–8. Get Tickets/Register: https://kenworthypac.square.site/. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Moscow, Idaho.
Friday, August 28, 2026 – Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Kenworthy Theatre
Moscow, ID.
For more info visit idahohumanities.org. The Arts and Crafts Movement in Philadelphia
All Programs
Trace the evolution of the Arts and Crafts movement in Philadelphia through a day-long exploration, led by Bonita Billman, of two remarkable sites that together tell a story of craftsmanship, community, and design. The Philadelphia Museum of Art features the exhibition “Workshop of the World: Arts and Crafts in Philadelphia, 1876–1926” and the Rose Valley Museum offers a window into one of America’s most significant Arts and Crafts communities. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: Departs Mayflower Hotel, DeSales St side 1127 Connecticut Ave NW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/arts-and-crafts-movement-in-philadelphia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
Big Moments, Little Stories
One-Time Events
Discover the power of storytelling and community through our early learners storytime experience inspired by We Make History! Through engaging stories, interactive gallery moments, and hands-on activities, children and caregivers will explore how everyday people, neighborhoods, and changemakers shape history in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Together, young learners will build curiosity and creativity.
Recommended Audience: 18 months – 7 years
Time and Schedule: 10: 30 a.m.
Duration: About 1 hour.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Sunburst Lounge. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-moments-little-stories-tickets-1990727334045?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Kids & Families.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Art Break
Kids and Family
Take time to relax, create, and connect with a hands-on art activity. Make art inspired by objects from our collections while discovering the techniques, histories, and cultures behind them. Drop by any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.!
All ages and skill levels welcome. Image credits: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photos by Cory Grace.
Venue: Asian Art Museum. Building: East Building. Event Location: Gallery 27. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Nature Journaling
Smithsonian Gardens
Drop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join Smithsonian Gardens for nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens. This program is designed to foster appreciation and connection to the natural world through observation, reflection, and creativity.
Smithsonian Gardens will provide journals, prompts, and art materials to get you started. All ages are welcome!
Find us on the East Terrace of the Haupt Garden, close to the Arts and Industries Building.
Recommended metro station: L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Silver, Orange, Green, and Yellow lines) or Smithsonian (Blue, Silver and Orange lines).
And be sure to check out the new Growing Tomorrow exhibition and discover how gardens connect people and plants!
Activities may be subject to cancellation or modification due to weather conditions. Please check the Smithsonian Gardens online calendar for the latest information: https://gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/, …
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: East Terrace of the Enid A. Haupt Garden. Cost: Free. Categories: Workshops. Kids & Families. Related Exhibition: Growing Tomorrow. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Art Bites Gallery Talk
One-Time Events
Join SAAM’s research fellows for this lunchtime series of gallery talks, each focused on one compelling artwork. Discover the stories behind these objects and the insights they offer into the United States’ ever-evolving cultural landscape. Janina López, Will Barnet Foundation Predoctoral Fellow, discusses Frank Romero’s Death of Rubén Salazar.
.
Venue: American Art Museum. Event Location: In-person | Smithsonian American Art Museum. Cost: Free | Registration encouraged
Meet in the G Street Lobby. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR3JEdR. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Friday, August 28, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
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. We Tell These Truths: One World, One Love (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, Roots Vibrations. Presented in partnership with Caribbean Cultural and Carnival Organization.
Categories: Performances. Cost: Free. Event Location: Detroit, Michigan.
Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Marygrove College
Detroit, MI.
For more info visit www.concertofcolors.com. From Spirituals to Freedom: Building America
“By the People” Events
7–8 p.m. ET
Take a musical journey through America’s past as Sparky and Rhonda Rucker blend music, storytelling, and history to explore how spirituals, folk songs, and traditional music have shaped American culture and preserved the stories of resilience, struggle, freedom, and hope. Through captivating performances and engaging narratives, audiences will discover how music has served as both a historical record and a powerful force for social change.
Categories: Performances. Cost: Free, with registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=638819~44440d59-9442-495b-a3ba-d43902c6dcd8&epguid=634892f7-4e3b-4722-811e-67fc816064cc&mdy=8/29/2026&showing=638820&. Event Location: Cartersville, Georgia.
Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The Grand Theatre
Cartersville, GA.
For more info visit bartowhistorymuseum.org. Lettice Pierce Bryan: Kentucky Homemaker
“By the People” Events
10 a.m.–12 p.m. ET
Meet Lettice Pierce Bryan, author of the first known cookbook to be written and published in Kentucky! Originally published in 1841, Lettice’s The Kentucky Housewife offered her contemporary women a guide to frontier life through recipes, remedies for illness, and practical household advice. For modern historians, Lettice’s work provides a rare glimpse into the domestic life during a time of social, economic, and technological upheaval.
Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Henderson, Kentucky.
Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Henderson County Public Library
Henderson, KY.
For more info visit www.hcpl.org. Roots of a Nation Folklife Festival
“By the People” Events
10 a.m.–2 p.m. MT
Roots of a Nation brings together a film festival and a folklife festival to consider how history is remembered, told, challenged, and carried forward. American and Idaho history includes creativity, community, conflict, dispossession, endurance, and change. We aim to create a thoughtful public space shaped by respect, curiosity, and dialogue—one that honors the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples whose stories are central to this land. Come for live folk music, traditional storytelling, hands-on cultural demonstrations, and family activities celebrating the living traditions of the Palouse and beyond.
Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Performances. Workshops. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Moscow, Idaho.
Saturday, August 29, 2026.
1912 Center
Moscow, ID.
For more info visit idahohumanities.org. FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand
One-Time Events
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand returns for another farm stand season in 2026. This farm stand is direct-to-consumer located East of the River in Ward 8.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020) every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from April 18 - November 21, 2026.*
You can learn more about what is happening at the farm stand from our friends over at FRESHFARM Markets.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand is generously supported by The Hillside Foundation - Allan and Shelley Holt.
*Weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Anacostia Community Museum for updated information.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Plaza. Cost: Free to Attend. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freshfarm-acm-farm-stand-tickets-1985418954539?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Yoga Session: Emerald Flow – Rooted & Rising
One-Time Events
A grounding Kemetic yoga experience drawing from ancient Egyptian practices. Green earth tones represent growth and renewal as participants connect to ancestral wisdom through traditional poses and breathwork. Opens with the Kemetic greeting 'Hotep' (peace) and includes ancestral acknowledgment. Attire: Please be sure to wear breathable clothing that allows for full range of movement and comfortable shoes. Participants are encouraged to embrace each workshop's color theme in their attire.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Program Room. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-session-emerald-flow-rooted-rising-tickets-1990187896573?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Workshops.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
SAMASAMA Market
Smithsonian Sponsored Events
Spend the weekend at the SAMASAMA Market at the Arts and Industries Building. Browse a lineup of local artists, makers, and small businesses featuring handcrafted goods, original artwork, home décor, vintage treasures, and more. Shop the Buena Suerte record store pop-up, enjoy music by Les The DJ, and take part in all-ages art activities hosted by Julie Wu.
Explore the exhibition, Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. When it's time to relax and recharge, enjoy a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase, including beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks.
Please note that pedestrian and vehicle access along and across the National Mall may be limited. Plan your Smithsonian visit with the Museum and Zoo Guide. .
Venue: Arts and Industries Building. Event Location: Arts and Industries Building. Cost: Free. Categories: Celebrations. Shopping/Book Signing.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Art Studio
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Calling all artists! Join the Portrait Gallery for a free, drop-in art program, where creativity knows no bounds. Every weekend, visitors of all ages are invited to explore a different artistic medium while drawing inspiration from the Portrait Gallery’s collections and exhibitions. On select weekends, learn from a featured guest artist, who will lead specialized workshops and share their expertise. To stay informed about upcoming guest artist workshops, please check the Portrait Gallery’s Eventbrite page.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-art-studio-tickets-1112707681629?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-share-source=organizer-profile&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. NY | Hands On: Cornhusk Dragonfly
One-Time Events
Corn, a vital crop for Native peoples of the Americas for thousands of years, provides food, traditional medicine, and cultural meaning. Every part of the corn plant has a purpose—even the husks. In this hands‑on activity, visitors will learn about the history and importance of corn while transforming dried cornhusks into a colorful dragonfly to take home. A fun way to explore creativity and discover new respect for this important plant. All are welcome.
*Visitors age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Coffee & Collections: Collective Tapestry of DC’s Public Art History
One-Time Events
Murals have long animated Washington, DC’s neighborhoods, serving not only as expressions of visual culture but also as enduring records of the city’s layered social and historical landscapes. Artist and curator Cory Lee Stowers—an award-winning subcultural anthropologist, muralist, and founder of ART B.L.O.C. DC, whose work bridges public art, archival practice, and community storytelling—will lead a conversation examining the role of murals and street art in shaping and reflecting the cultural fabric of Washington, DC. The conversation centers on the newly available digitized photographs from the museum’s past exhibition Whose Art Is It, Anyway? The Arts in Public Places (1990). Cory Lee Stowers is a Washington, DC–based curator, artist, author, and cultural worker whose practice operates at the intersection of subcultural anthropology, public art, and visual communication. With more than two decades of experience in graffiti culture, muralism, and urban creative systems, his work investigates questions of…
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Program Room. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-collections-collective-tapestry-of-dcs-public-art-history-tickets-1994761340868?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Workshops.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Sounds of Africa Concert featuring Son Cubano Subterraneo
One-Time Events
Grab a drink, enjoy the lively beats, and dance the night away!
The National Museum of African Art’s Sounds of Africa concert series features music from the African diaspora. This ongoing series, which runs through October, brings together a stellar lineup of artists who are pushing the boundaries of music from Africa while honoring its roots. Enjoy drinks for purchase!
Son Cubano Subterraneo brings the musical sounds of Cuba’s golden era to life! The six-piece ensemble share a passion for Cuban son, the musical style at the core of Salsa music. Their sound includes authentic Cuban instruments and a deep repertoire of styles, tempos, and songs from all the greats including Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Oscar D’Leon, and many more. Fronted by singer Steven Falcon, a Cuban native who has performed around the world, the band includes Cuban tres player Josh Schneck, Fran Vielma on congas, Eduardo Padua on bongos and hand percussion, Cristian Perez on guitar, and Jimmy Rioja on upright bass.
Sounds of Africa…
Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Sylvia Williams Gallery, Sublevel 1. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993708814734?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: After Five. Celebrations. Performances. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa at the National Museum of American History. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
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. SAMASAMA Market
Smithsonian Sponsored Events
Spend the weekend at the SAMASAMA Market at the Arts and Industries Building. Browse a lineup of local artists, makers, and small businesses featuring handcrafted goods, original artwork, home décor, vintage treasures, and more. Shop the Buena Suerte record store pop-up, enjoy music by Les The DJ, and take part in all-ages art activities hosted by Julie Wu.
Explore the exhibition, Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. When it's time to relax and recharge, enjoy a variety of food and beverage options available for purchase, including beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks.
Please note that pedestrian and vehicle access along and across the National Mall may be limited. Plan your Smithsonian visit with the Museum and Zoo Guide. .
Venue: Arts and Industries Building. Event Location: Arts and Industries Building. Cost: Free. Categories: Celebrations. Shopping/Book Signing.
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Artist Talk with Rupy C. Tut
One-Time Events
Join us for an artist talk with 2025 Outwin Portrait Competition finalist Rupy Tut. This talk will focus on the painting Portrait of a Woman. Trained in eighteenth-century traditional Indian painting, the artist grinds her own pigments, burnishes paper and uses handmade brushes. Tut’s labor-intensive practice is on display with each delicately painted leaf, eye, or whirlpool.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: 2nd Floor, The Outwin 2025. Cost: Free—registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-with-rupy-tut-tickets-1993696096694?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours.
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Portrait Gallery Kids
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the Portrait Gallery! Join educators every Monday as we explore a variety of topics and artistic materials. Participants will get a closer look at art with hands-on activities, music and story times. Portrait Gallery Kids is a fun way to engage with art and each other.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-gallery-kids-tickets-654254040447?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-share-source=organizer-profile&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops.
Monday, August 31, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Mary Livingston Ripley Garden and Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Find moments of peace and inspiration during this tour of the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden and Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden. Explore the new Growing Tomorrow exhibits in each garden with one of our knowledgeable volunteers.
The tour meets outside the entrance to the Arts and Industries Building on Jefferson Drive, SW. Look for the tour sign. No registration required.
This program received support from Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250, a Smithsonian-wide initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th. Signature support for Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional generous contributions have been made by Target.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: Tour begins outside the entrance to the Arts and Industries Building at 900 Jefferson Drive, SW. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: Growing Tomorrow. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, August 31, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM.
Curators in Conversation: American Music in Democracy
Smithsonian Sponsored Events
Join us for Curators in Conversation: American Music in Democracy, an engaging program exploring how our nation's soundtrack has shaped, challenged, and reflected our democratic ideals. This dynamic discussion is held in conjunction with the Smithsonian exhibition, Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy in America.
Session moderator Marquette Folley, content director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations, will be in conversation with Dr. Maureen Loughran, director of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and Dr. Theodore Gonzalves, curator of culture and arts at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to explore the intersections of civic action and musical expression.
Venue: Arts and Industries Building. Event Location: Arts and Industries Bldg (stage area). Cost: Free. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Related Exhibition: This event was originally scheduled for August 12.
While you're at the Arts and Industries Building, be sure to stop by Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America, a special exhibition from SITES | Affiliations’ Museum on Main Street program. Voices and Votes, based on the National Museum of American History exhibition American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, explores how Americans have taken part in our government "of, by, and for the people" over the last 250 years. Voices and Votes is on…
Monday, August 31, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
For more info visit museumonmainstreet.org. Auroras: Nature's Light Show
All Programs
Humans have watched displays of the Northern Lights in awe for centuries. Some cultures thought these colorful curtains of light arose as sparks created by the tail of an Arctic fox or from epic battles in the night sky. Sky & Telescope senior editor J. Kelly Beatty explores the fanciful explanations for these dancing lights, how powerful bursts from the sun create them, and when and where you're most likely to see an auroral display.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/auroras?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/auroras?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Monday, August 31, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
Gaudy Nights and Criminal Endeavours: The Murder Mysteries of Oxford
All Programs
Oxford’s golden spires have long doubled as the perfect setting for murder—at least on the page. Mystery writers from Dorothy L. Sayers to Colin Dexter have turned the city’s colleges, quads, and traditions into fertile ground for ingenious crimes and eccentric detectives. The same atmosphere has fueled beloved TV dramas like “Inspector Morse,” “Endeavour” and “Inspector Lewis.” Author Daniel Stashower dives into this rich tradition of Oxford mysteries, while actor Scott Sedar brings classic scenes to life through dramatic readings. The evening promises locked-room puzzles, cryptic clues, and enigmatic detectives. As Lord Peter Wimsey might have said, it promises to be “a bally good time.”.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/gaudy-nights-and-criminal-endeavours?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/gaudy-nights-and-criminal-endeavours?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Monday, August 31, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
ONLINE | Quilt Along: Block 4 by Nicolette “Nikki” Corbett
One-Time Events
Reflect on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the ever-evolving nature of the country, communities, and future we share through a Native lens by participating in a free Quilt Along hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
This five-month, mystery-style quilt along invites quilters and anyone interested in quilting to sew along. You don’t need to be an expert quilter to participate. Each month from June to October 2026, the museum will release a new block pattern, followed by a border pattern and finishing instructions, to create a commemorative wall hanging. Learn more and sign up for updates.
The fourth block pattern is designed by Nikki Corbett. Corbett's block theme addresses the time period of Our Shared Future, 2026 and beyond. The pattern will be revealed on the museum's Quilt Along page and social media channels at 10 AM ET. Join the conversation on Facebook to share your tips and tricks or learn from experienced quilters as you…
Event Location: Online only. Cost: Participation and patterns are free; materials not included. Categories: Webcasts & Online.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
For more info visit americanindian.si.edu. Play Date at NMNH: Animal Spotlight - Bison!
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, September 1st, is a special animal spotlight on bison! Families can celebrate our national mammal by making observations of bison specimens from our education collection, learn about ways they help their ecosystem, and explore how bison have been portrayed in art.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program.
Accessibility: Access services such…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals (1st Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Conservation Gallery Talk: Caring for James Hampton's Throne
One-Time Events
Join SAAM Objects Conservator Katya Zinsli for a revealing discussion on the preservation and care of The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations’ General Assembly by James Hampton. This program will highlight the unique conservation challenges and approaches associated with this iconic work.
Venue: American Art Museum. Event Location: Meet in the G Street Lobby. Cost: Free | Registration encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR3wZA9. Categories: After Five. Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: Galleries for Folk and Self-Taught Art.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Antonio Vivaldi: Revival of a Baroque Genius
All Programs
Antonio Vivaldi’s music is so beloved today that it’s hard to imagine he was virtually forgotten for nearly two centuries. In his day, the fiery-haired, virtuoso violinist and Catholic priest was celebrated for his striking innovations in Baroque form, but after his death much of the work of the “Red Priest” vanished from performance. A remarkable rediscovery of manuscripts in the 20th century swept his genius back to concert stages worldwide and revealed the astonishing scope of his creativity. Combining an illustrated lecture with live musical demonstrations, concert pianist Rachel Franklin explores Vivaldi’s restless, colorful life, his groundbreaking musical style, and the fascinating story of how his music made one of the greatest comebacks in cultural history.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/antonio-vivaldi?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/antonio-vivaldi?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Princess Grace: Celebrating an Enduring Legacy
All Programs
A historian from the Princess Grace Foundation recounts the story of the princess—who was American film star Grace Kelly before she married Prince Rainier III—her support for the performing arts, and her years as a Hollywood icon. Afterward, Princess Grace’s life and legacy are commemorated in a discussion.
Event Location: Arts & Industries Building 900 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/princess-grace?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
The Hudson Theatre: A Journey Through Broadway History
All Programs
Join Tim Dolan, actor and owner of Broadway Up Close tours, as he steps back to 1903 for an insider’s look at Broadway’s oldest playhouse, the historic Hudson Theatre. Along the way, discover the vibrant history that unfolded within its walls—from tales of tragedy and intrigue to unforgettable moments shaped by legendary figures in theater, music, and popular culture. Dolan brings the Hudson’s past and present vividly to life, offering a rare glimpse into one of Broadway’s most storied stages.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/hudson-theatre?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/hudson-theatre?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Wellness Wednesday
One-Time Events
Join the Portrait Gallery and wellness expert Aparna Sadananda for mindfulness programs inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s collection. Explore artful meditations, sound baths and musical meditations. For a detailed schedule of wellness programs please reference the specific dates below. These programs are for ages 18+ and are suitable for all skill levels. No experience is necessary.
Event Location: G Street Lobby. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-wednesdays-tickets-1982011714392?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Categories: Workshops.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
Art + History: John Trumbull's Surrender of Lord Cornwallis
All Programs
As he examines Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by John Trumbull, Paul Glenshaw is joined by Revolutionary War scholar Iris de Rode, whose groundbreaking discoveries of the eyewitness accounts of one of the top French generals depicted from life in the painting bring a fresh perspective to the French–American alliance and the French contribution to the American side of the war. Glenshaw and de Rode unfold the story of Yorktown and Trumbull, from the painting’s unveiling in the U.S. Capitol’s Rotunda in 1826 to how the creator’s unusual career as soldier, diplomat, and artist shaped this iconic work. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/art-history-john-trumbull?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/art-history-john-trumbull?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
The History and Beauty of Mount Desert Island
All Programs
Thoughts of Mount Desert Island off the coast of Downeast Maine often conjure up rugged granite cliffs rising above the Atlantic, fishing boats in rocky harbors, and the sweeping landscapes of Acadia National Park. But beyond these familiar images, it is a place where dramatic scenery and human history are deeply intertwined. Historian Ralph Nurnberger traces the island’s story from its Native inhabitants and early exploration by Samuel de Champlain through centuries of settlement and change.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/mount-desert-island?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/mount-desert-island?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
Illinois History in 10 Objects
“By the People” Events
6:30–7:30 p.m. CT
Historical objects enrich our understanding of and connection to the past. In commemoration of America 250, this program takes a look at Illinois history through the lens of ten objects from the collection of the Illinois State Museum. Each of these objects sheds light on the experiences of the people who used them against the backdrop of different times in Illinois history. Attendees are encouraged to bring an object (or photo of an object) of personal or family significance. At the end of the presentation, attendees will be invited to give voice to their own family and personal stories by sharing the stories associated with these objects.
Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Winnebago, Illinois.
Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Winnebago Community Historical Society
Winnebago, IL.
For more info visit ilhumanities.org. 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. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Marshalltown, Iowa.
Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Marshalltown Public Library
Marshalltown, IA.
For more info visit humanitiesiowa.org. The History of Flight: The Dawn of Early Flight
All Programs
In a fascinating four-part series, curators and historians from the National Air and Space Museum trace the history of flight, from humanity’s early aspirations for aerial transit, to 12 breathtaking seconds at Kitty Hawk, to the advances that came with global combat, and how jet engines and digital technology are opening a new future for aviation. This session focuses on early flight.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-of-flight?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-of-flight?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
Faith in Harmony: Ringing
All Programs
The range of emotions evoked by the sound of ringing reflects a deep connection with the human spirit, one that operates on different levels in different faiths, including Hindu, Buddhist, and Native American traditions. This free program illuminates the power of bells, chimes, and jingles to connect us to the divine—and even to heal—as we celebrate faith in harmony.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: National Museum of the American Indian Rasmuson Theater. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/faith-in-harmony-ringing?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
Big Moments, Little Stories
One-Time Events
Discover the power of storytelling and community through our early learners storytime experience inspired by We Make History! Through engaging stories, interactive gallery moments, and hands-on activities, children and caregivers will explore how everyday people, neighborhoods, and changemakers shape history in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Together, young learners will build curiosity and creativity.
Recommended Audience: 18 months – 7 years
Time and Schedule: 10: 30 a.m.
Duration: About 1 hour.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Sunburst Lounge. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-moments-little-stories-tickets-1990727334045?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Kids & Families.
Friday, September 4, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Better Together: The Benefits of Learning from One Another
One-Time Events
Do primates learn from one another? Did early humans learn in the same way? How can scientists uncover evidence of learning from the past? Come chat with Dr. Elaine Miller to explore the evolution of learning! An expert in evolutionary brain anatomy and function, Dr. Miller will use puzzles to illustrate the advantages of learning from one another, examine how this shaped the lives of early humans, and explore the clues these behaviors left behind in the archaeological record.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Hall of Human Origins. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 4, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Nature Journaling
Smithsonian Gardens
Drop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join Smithsonian Gardens for nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens. This program is designed to foster appreciation and connection to the natural world through observation, reflection, and creativity.
Smithsonian Gardens will provide journals, prompts, and art materials to get you started. All ages are welcome!
Find us on the East Terrace of the Haupt Garden, close to the Arts and Industries Building.
Recommended metro station: L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Silver, Orange, Green, and Yellow lines) or Smithsonian (Blue, Silver and Orange lines).
And be sure to check out the new Growing Tomorrow exhibition and discover how gardens connect people and plants!
Activities may be subject to cancellation or modification due to weather conditions. Please check the Smithsonian Gardens online calendar for the latest information: https://gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/, …
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: East Terrace of the Enid A. Haupt Garden, near the Arts and Industries Building. Cost: Free. Categories: Workshops. Kids & Families. Related Exhibition: Growing Tomorrow. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 4, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Lifelong Learners: Crown & Thread: A Fabric art workshop with Autumn Spears
One-Time Events
Explore the stories from fabrics, textiles and threads in this hands on workshop by local artist, Autumn Spears. Inspired by the idea that textiles can serve as personal and cultural archives, The Shape of Memory, invites us to reflect on a memory or experience that has shaped our lives and transform that reflection into a unique piece of art through fabric. Designed to encourage creativity, mindfulness, personal reflection, and connection, this two-hour workshop offers a welcoming space for participants of all artistic backgrounds and abilities. No previous artmaking experience is necessary.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Program Room. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lifelong-learners-crown-and-thread-tickets-1998470152022?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. Categories: Workshops.
Friday, September 4, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
State Fairs Line Dance
One-Time Events
Kickoff the final weekend of State Fairs: Growing American Craft with a little line dancing! Pull on your finest dancing boots and western wares for a short lesson followed by an hour of classic country line dances surrounded by artist Justin Favela’s stunning corn piñatas.
This closing program for State Fairs and Capilla de Maiz is presented in partnership with DC Rawhides.
Venue: Renwick Gallery. Event Location: Renwick Gallery, Grand Salon. Cost: Free | Registration encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR3smM5. Categories: After Five. Celebrations. Related Exhibition: State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
Friday, September 4, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
Circus Arts Conservatory: Artistry, Education, and Labor of Circus Arts
Spotlight Programs
As the nation looks back on 250 years of history, the story of the circus runs right alongside it. The circus traveled the rails and the two-lane roads, raised its canvas in towns that had no theater, and brought spectacle within reach of anyone who could pay the price of a ticket. It has always been a shared culture, made by working artists and craftspeople and offered to everyone who came through the gate.
This Labor Day weekend, the Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota, Florida, joins the Smithsonian Folklife Festival with programming that honors both the wonder of the circus and the craft and labor that make it possible.
See the detailed schedule of circus events.
Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Performances. Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL-interpreted program. Captioning. Audio description. Event Location: Washington, D.C.
Saturday, September 5, 2026 – Monday, September 7, 2026.
Arts and Industries Building; National Museum of American History
Washington, D.C.
For more info visit circusarts.org. FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand
One-Time Events
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand returns for another farm stand season in 2026. This farm stand is direct-to-consumer located East of the River in Ward 8.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020) every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from April 18 - November 21, 2026.*
You can learn more about what is happening at the farm stand from our friends over at FRESHFARM Markets.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand is generously supported by The Hillside Foundation - Allan and Shelley Holt.
*Weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Anacostia Community Museum for updated information.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Plaza. Cost: Free to Attend. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freshfarm-acm-farm-stand-tickets-1985418954539?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing.
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Painted Expressions: Masks on Canvas Workshop
One-Time Events
Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop led by artist James S. Terrell. Inspired by the symbolism and storytelling power of masks, participants will design and paint their own expressive mask artwork on canvas. Inspired by the work of David Driskell and Lois Mailou Jones, James S. Terrell will walk participants through the process of creating African-inspired masks. Using acrylic paints, brushes, paint pens, and construction paper, families and visitors of all ages will explore color, texture, and personal symbolism as they create a bold mask design that reflects identity, imagination, or cultural inspiration. Mr. Terrell will guide participants through the process and share tips for bringing their own mask designs to life. All materials are provided. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity!
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Program Room. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painted-expressions-masks-on-canvas-workshop-tickets-1998470223235?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops.
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
May You Grow Old on One Pillow: Food, Music, and the Armenian American Wedding Table
One-Time Events
Rhythms, Roots, Recipes: Community Stories of Food and Music brings together cooking demonstrations, live music, and storytelling. Each program in the series explores traditions that animate families and communities across the United States—and beyond.
Join us for an afternoon of Armenian American culture as found in one of its most cherished celebrations: the wedding feast. Father-and-son chef duo Boris and Berj Ghazarian of Bark Barbecue Cafe in Stevensville, Maryland, will be in lively conversation with acclaimed a cappella trio Zulal. As the Ghazarians prepare ghapama, a showstopping stuffed pumpkin, and manti, small meat-filled dumplings served with garlicky yogurt or tomato-sumac sauce, Zulal will share folksongs of love, beauty, and family.
Moderated by journalist Liana Aghajanian, together, we will explore how this diverse diaspora preserves and adapts its culinary and musical heritage across generations and geography.
Venue: American History Museum. Stage: National Museum of American History (Coulter Plaza). Folklife Categories: Foodways. Performance. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Captioning. Wheelchair accessible. Interactivity Level: Low (direct participation is not expected). Event Location: Wallace H. Coulter Plaza, 1 West. Cost: Free.
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
For more info visit festival.si.edu. DC | Look, Learn, Create: "Water's Edge" for Families
One-Time Events
Join a museum educator for a family-friendly interactive tour of the Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe exhibition! Visitors will engage with three of his artworks and can participate in guided discussions, and experience items from the museum's Teaching Collection. After finding inspiration from Truman Lowe’s artworks, families can continue into the imagiNATIONS Activity Center and create their own water-inspired artwork to take home. Recommended for children ages 4-10 and their families. All ages welcome. *Visitors 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. First come, first served, capacity and supplies are limited.
**This program can accommodate approximately 30 young visitors and their adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 3: Exhibition Gallery, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Related Exhibition: Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM.
Spanish Language Docent Tour
One-Time Events
Join the National Portrait Gallery for free Spanish language tours. Experience iconic art and learn from expert guides about the faces and stories that shaped the nation. Perfect for fluent speakers and language learners alike.
The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have any questions about the accessibility of this program, or require sign language interpretation or any other accommodations, please contact us.
Event Location: F Street Lobby. Cost: Free. No registration required. Categories: After Five. Gallery Talks & Tours.
Sunday, September 6, 2026, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Volcanic Explorations
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
This Tuesday is all about exploring volcanoes! Families will learn about different types of lava flow, create their own lava-flow inspired volcano artwork, and look up close at Igneous rock specimen (rocks that are formed when magma or lava cools and solidifies) from the museum’s collection.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice.…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Drawn to Figures
One-Time Events
Join us in the galleries for a drop-in sketching session with artist, Jill Galloway! Create, connect, and sketch with fellow artists, while drawing inspiration from the Portrait Gallery's collection. These drop-in style workshops will include all supplies. Open to artists of all levels, ages 18 and up.
When you arrive, please meet us in the galleries! As a reminder, the Portrait Gallery does not open until 11:30am so please do not arrive before then.
Event Location: Third Floor, "20th Century Americans". Cost: Free. Registration is not required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drawn-to-figures-tickets-1977612892397?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Much Ado About Nothing
All Programs
Much Ado About Nothing (1598–99) remains one of Shakespeare’s most beloved and frequently performed comedies, featuring such memorable characters as the witty, bickering Benedick and Beatrice and the more straightforward Hero and Claudio. Literature professor Joseph Luzzi explores Shakespeare’s lyrical language, narrative techniques, and representations of love, honor, and marriage, among other key themes. Luzzi also discusses how this riveting comedy fits into the broader arc of Shakespeare’s career as a playwright.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/much-ado-about-nothing?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/much-ado-about-nothing?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
The Little Ice Age and the “Global Crisis” of the 17th Century: The View from Northern Europe
All Programs
Seventeenth-century Europe faced war, rebellion, plague, famine, and natural disasters, all unfolding during the Little Ice Age, a long period of colder temperatures whose influence on global crises remains debated. Historian Ariel Hessayon of the University of London examines evidence from ice cores, pollen, tree rings, stalactites, manuscripts, and art to show how climate affected Northern Europe and looks at the ways in which people living at that time adapted.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/little-ice-age?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/little-ice-age?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM.
Analog Nights
One-Time Events
Slow down, unwind, and take a break from doomscrolling with a screen-free night of creativity and community at the Portrait Gallery. Bring your favorite analog hobby and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Kogod Courtyard. Need inspiration? Think needlepoint, knitting, sketching, watercolor, junk journaling, mahjong, and more. Each Analog Night will feature a spotlight activity inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s collection. Come solo or with friends! For ages 18+.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Kogod Courtyard. Cost: Free. Registration Encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/analog-nights-tickets-1982549304338?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile. Categories: Workshops. After Five.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
The Fight for Nazi-Looted Art
All Programs
The Nazis didn’t steal just art, says author and prosecutor Adena J. Bernstein: They also stole identity, history, and memory. Decades later, thousands of those artworks hang in museums and private collections not because their histories are unknown but because laws permit institutions and third parties to retain them. Drawing on research covering 13 nations, Bernstein describes how coerced sales were later treated as legitimate transactions and how survivors and their families have been asked to meet heavy evidentiary burdens.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/fight-for-nazi-looted-art?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/fight-for-nazi-looted-art?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. After Five.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
September 11: 25 Years Later - Artifacts from the Collection
One-Time Events
Three months after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress officially charged the National Museum of American History with documenting the events and preserving artifacts that would tell the story of that day. To mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, the museum will host “September 11: 25 Years Later,” providing visitors with a close-up view of some 40 objects from the three sites—New York, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Displayed on open tables rather than behind glass, these artifacts create a rare opportunity for close looking and personal reflection. Join us to come face-to-face with airplane fragments, first responders’ equipment, Pentagon material, and other recovered objects in an atmosphere that inspires respect and reflection through individual encounters with the collection.
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Tres meses después de los atentados del 11 de septiembre de 2001, el Congreso encomendó oficialmente al Museo Nacional de Historia Americana la tarea de documentar los hechos y…
Venue: American History Museum. Building: West Building. Event Location: 3W Hall of Music. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
September 11: 25 Years Later presents 9/11: Stories in Fragments film screenings
One-Time Events
Wednesday, September 9: Screenings start at 12:30 p.m. final screening starts at 3:30 p.m. Runtime 51 min.
On Wednesday, September 9, through Friday, September 11, the museum will be offering free showings of the 2011 Smithsonian Channel documentary 9/11: Stories in Fragments.
How do you grasp an event as enormous as the attacks of September 11, 2001? At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, you start small: a briefcase, a Blackberry, a victim’s sweatshirt, and a hero’s nametag. Simple objects that tell personal stories, recounted in the donors’ own words. Stories from New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, remind us that the legacy of 9/11 is not fear—it’s friendship, courage, and ordinary people pushed by extraordinary circumstances.
, Miércoles, 9 de septiembre: Las proyecciones inician a la 12:30 p.m. la última proyección inicia a las 3:30 p.m. Duración: 51 min.
Del miércoles 9 al viernes 11 de septiembre, el museo ofrecerá proyecciones gratuitas del documental de…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Warner Bros. Theater, 1 Center. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/september-11-25-years-later-presents-911-stories-in-fragments-film-scree-tickets-1997635098354?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. Categories: Films. Accessibility: Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
I Live in Fear
Films
In this drama, an elderly businessman struggles to move his reluctant family to South America because he fears nuclear attack.
I Live in Fear is the final film in which director Akira Kurosawa wrestles with the demons of the Second World War. It’s also his most literal representation of living in the Atomic Age. Here, Kurosawa depicts a society emerging from the shadows but still terrorized by memories of the past and anxieties for the future. Description adapted from Janus Films.
Director: Akira Kurosawa. Country: Japan. Released: 1955. Length: 103 min. Format: 35mm. Language: Japanese with English subtitles. Image courtesy of Janus Films.
Venue: Asian Art Museum. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://nmaamatinees.eventive.org/schedule/6a1602deeb911ffdbb07433a. Categories: Films. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Captioning. Assisted listening devices.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
The Bayeux Tapestry
All Programs
Nearly intact, and as vibrant today as it was when new, the Bayeux Tapestry was produced in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, when the fates of the kingdoms of England and France were altered ever after. Historian Samuel Collins explores the agenda and arguments laid out on the tapestry and what the latest scholarship reveals about the strategies its makers employed for rendering a biased account of the months leading up to the Battle of Hastings. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit) .
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/bayeux-tapestry?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/bayeux-tapestry?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
White House Memories: Recollections of the Longest-Serving Chief Usher
All Programs
Gary J. Walters, the longest-serving chief usher in White House history, reflects on extraordinary moments from his 37 years of service, working closely with each first family from Presidents Nixon through George W. Bush. Drawing from his book White House Memories 1970–2007, he offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into major events, including Watergate and Nixon’s final day, Queen Elizabeth II’s Bicentennial visit, the first papal visit, Election Day tensions, presidential transitions, and a detailed account of the White House on September 11, 2001.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/white-house-memories?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/white-house-memories?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: After Five. Webcasts & Online.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM.
Anacostia: Architecture East of the River
All Programs
Step beyond the monuments and virtually explore one of D.C.’s most dynamic neighborhoods with Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours. Journey east of the Anacostia River through a rich visual narrative of historic homes, cultural landmarks, and powerful stories that reveal a neighborhood defined by resilience and reinvention. Trace Anacostia’s evolution from its early roots through its transformation into a center of Black culture, activism, and civic life. Along the way, encounter preserved 19th-century rowhouses, ambitious preservation efforts, and a thriving arts scene that continues to shape the neighborhood today.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/anacostia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/anacostia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
September 11: 25 Years Later presents 9/11: Stories in Fragments film screenings
One-Time Events
Thursday, September 10, and Friday, September 11: Screenings start at 10:30 a.m. final screening starts at 3:30 p.m. Runtime 51 min.
On Wednesday, September 9, through Friday, September 11, the museum will be offering free showings of the 2011 Smithsonian Channel documentary 9/11: Stories in Fragments.
How do you grasp an event as enormous as the attacks of September 11, 2001? At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, you start small: a briefcase, a Blackberry, a victim’s sweatshirt, and a hero’s nametag. Simple objects that tell personal stories, recounted in the donors’ own words. Stories from New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, remind us that the legacy of 9/11 is not fear—it’s friendship, courage, and ordinary people pushed by extraordinary circumstances.
, Del miércoles 9 al viernes 11 de septiembre, el museo ofrecerá proyecciones gratuitas del documental de Smithsonian Channel de 2011, 9/11: fragmentos de historias. Duración: 51 min.
¿Cómo se puede comprender un…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Warner Bros. Theater, 1 Center. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/september-11-25-years-later-presents-911-stories-in-fragments-film-scree-tickets-1997635098354?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. Categories: Films. Accessibility: Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
September 11: 25 Years Later - Artifacts from the Collection
One-Time Events
Three months after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress officially charged the National Museum of American History with documenting the events and preserving artifacts that would tell the story of that day. To mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, the museum will host “September 11: 25 Years Later,” providing visitors with a close-up view of some 40 objects from the three sites—New York, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Displayed on open tables rather than behind glass, these artifacts create a rare opportunity for close looking and personal reflection. Join us to come face-to-face with airplane fragments, first responders’ equipment, Pentagon material, and other recovered objects in an atmosphere that inspires respect and reflection through individual encounters with the collection.
,
Tres meses después de los atentados del 11 de septiembre de 2001, el Congreso encomendó oficialmente al Museo Nacional de Historia Americana la tarea de documentar los hechos y…
Venue: American History Museum. Building: West Building. Event Location: 3W Hall of Music. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
The History of Flight: The Birth of Heavier-Than-Air Aviation Through World War I
All Programs
In a fascinating four-part series, curators and historians from the National Air and Space Museum trace the history of flight, from humanity’s early aspirations for aerial transit, to 12 breathtaking seconds at Kitty Hawk, to the advances that came with global combat, and how jet engines and digital technology are opening a new future for aviation. This session focuses on flight developments up to and including World War I.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-of-flight-1W0025B?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-of-flight-1W0025B?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
The World of Gustav Mahler and His Early Symphonies
All Programs
The music of Gustav Mahler, some of the most powerful and emotive of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, speaks deeply to the heart and soul of many people. In a two-part series, Baroque flutist and music professor at Carnegie Mellon Stephen Schultz traces the stylistic evolution of his first creative period and illuminates the main characteristics of his music, highlighting the programmatic, spiritual, and emotional content of his early symphonies.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/gustav-mahler?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/gustav-mahler?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
Spanish Language Docent Tour
One-Time Events
Join the National Portrait Gallery for free Spanish language tours. Experience iconic art and learn from expert guides about the faces and stories that shaped the nation. Perfect for fluent speakers and language learners alike.
The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have any questions about the accessibility of this program, or require sign language interpretation or any other accommodations, please contact us.
Event Location: F Street Lobby. Cost: Free. No registration required. Categories: After Five. Gallery Talks & Tours.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Contemporary Women Artists: Five Superstars
All Programs
Art historian Nancy G. Heller presents a richly illustrated lecture on groundbreaking women artists who have earned major awards, MacArthur “genius” grants, and international recognition. She highlights Simone Leigh’s monumental sculptures of Black women, Julie Mehretu’s layered political abstractions, Wendy Red Star’s witty explorations of Indigenous identity, Cristina Iglesias’s immersive underwater installations, and Amy Sherald’s revitalized portraiture—all showcasing the global breadth and innovation of contemporary women artists. (World Art History Certificate elective, ½ credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/contemporary-women-artists?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/contemporary-women-artists?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Shakespeare's Sonnets
All Programs
Shakespeare’s sonnets go deeply—with wisdom, sympathy, rage, and sly humor—into the heart of countless human struggles and joys, as readers have kept discovering for more than 400 years. Through close readings of a dozen poems, Robert N. Watson, a noted Shakespearian scholar, author, and poet, examines emotions ranging from nostalgia to depression, sexual desire to post-coital regret, and the art of writing a better love letter to the challenges of aging.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/shakespeares-sonnets?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/shakespeares-sonnets?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
The Life and Plight of Koalas
All Programs
Few animals are as instantly recognizable as the koala, an enduring symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife. Yet behind this familiar image lies a species in decline, with populations now only a fraction of what they were before European colonization. Wildlife conservation biologist Fred Bercovitch explores koalas’ vulnerabilities and how this emblematic marsupial offers a compelling window into the evolutionary forces that shape animal behavior.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/koalas?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/koalas?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
9/11: 25 Years Later (Air & Space Anniversary Lecture)
One-Time Events
This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11th, the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. The nation still mourns the loss of 2,977 civilians and first responders in New York, D.C. and Pennsylvania. It was a moment that forever changed the United States.
The panel brings together first responders and aviation personnel from across Washington, DC, to tell the story of 9/11 with an emphasis on stories from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Pentagon.
Join our panelists as they discuss the events of September 11, 2001, from their perspectives as well as the lasting impacts of the attack 25 years later.
Chris Browne, former manager of National Airport during 9/11 and current John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum, Daniel Creedon, former departure controller at National Airport, Michael Defina, former battalion chief of MWAA’s Fire Department at National Airport, Daryush Mazhari, former USAir Express station manager at DCA and Program Manager, Stakeholder…
Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Airbus IMAX. Cost: Free with registration. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL-interpreted program.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
ONLINE: 9/11: 25 Years Later (Air and Space Anniversary Lecture)
One-Time Events
This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11th, the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. The nation still mourns the loss of 2,977 civilians and first responders in New York, D.C. and Pennsylvania. It was a moment that forever changed the United States.
The panel brings together first responders and aviation personnel from across Washington, DC, to tell the story of 9/11 with an emphasis on stories from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Pentagon.
Join our panelists as they discuss the events of September 11, 2001, from their perspectives as well as the lasting impacts of the attack 25 years later.Chris Browne, former manager of National Airport during 9/11 and current John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum, Daniel Creedon, former departure controller at National Airport, Michael Defina, former battalion chief of MWAA’s Fire Department at National Airport, Daryush Mazhari, former USAir Express station manager at DCA and Program Manager, Stakeholder…
Event Location: YouTube. Cost: Free with registration. Categories: After Five. Webcasts & Online. Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL-interpreted program.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
New Deal Projects, Part 1
All Programs
Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the New Deal ignited an unprecedented use of government resources to address crucial public services as a way to kick-start the American economy. But President Franklin Roosevelt said that in a hundred years, his New Deal would be remembered more for its arts than its job relief. Discover landmarks, art—including dramatic bas reliefs and monumental sculptures—and other projects from the New Deal period with author David Taylor during a walking tour in Washington, D.C.
Event Location: Tour meets at the Henry F. Daly Building 300 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/new-deal-projects-part-1?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
September 11: 25 Years Later presents 9/11: Stories in Fragments film screenings
One-Time Events
Thursday, September 10, and Friday, September 11: Screenings start at 10:30 a.m. final screening starts at 3:30 p.m. Runtime 51 min.
On Wednesday, September 9, through Friday, September 11, the museum will be offering free showings of the 2011 Smithsonian Channel documentary 9/11: Stories in Fragments.
How do you grasp an event as enormous as the attacks of September 11, 2001? At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, you start small: a briefcase, a Blackberry, a victim’s sweatshirt, and a hero’s nametag. Simple objects that tell personal stories, recounted in the donors’ own words. Stories from New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, remind us that the legacy of 9/11 is not fear—it’s friendship, courage, and ordinary people pushed by extraordinary circumstances.
, Del miércoles 9 al viernes 11 de septiembre, el museo ofrecerá proyecciones gratuitas del documental de Smithsonian Channel de 2011, 9/11: fragmentos de historias. Duración: 51 min.
¿Cómo se puede comprender un…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Warner Bros. Theater, 1 Center. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/september-11-25-years-later-presents-911-stories-in-fragments-film-scree-tickets-1997635098354?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true. Categories: Films. Accessibility: Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Big Moments, Little Stories
One-Time Events
Discover the power of storytelling and community through our early learners storytime experience inspired by We Make History! Through engaging stories, interactive gallery moments, and hands-on activities, children and caregivers will explore how everyday people, neighborhoods, and changemakers shape history in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Together, young learners will build curiosity and creativity.
Recommended Audience: 18 months – 7 years
Time and Schedule: 10: 30 a.m.
Duration: About 1 hour.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Sunburst Lounge. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-moments-little-stories-tickets-1990727334045?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Kids & Families.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
September 11: 25 Years Later - Artifacts from the Collection
One-Time Events
Three months after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress officially charged the National Museum of American History with documenting the events and preserving artifacts that would tell the story of that day. To mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, the museum will host “September 11: 25 Years Later,” providing visitors with a close-up view of some 40 objects from the three sites—New York, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Displayed on open tables rather than behind glass, these artifacts create a rare opportunity for close looking and personal reflection. Join us to come face-to-face with airplane fragments, first responders’ equipment, Pentagon material, and other recovered objects in an atmosphere that inspires respect and reflection through individual encounters with the collection.
,
Tres meses después de los atentados del 11 de septiembre de 2001, el Congreso encomendó oficialmente al Museo Nacional de Historia Americana la tarea de documentar los hechos y…
Venue: American History Museum. Building: West Building. Event Location: 3W Hall of Music. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Nature Journaling
Smithsonian Gardens
Drop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join Smithsonian Gardens for nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens. This program is designed to foster appreciation and connection to the natural world through observation, reflection, and creativity.
Smithsonian Gardens will provide journals, prompts, and art materials to get you started. All ages are welcome!
Find us on the East Terrace of the Haupt Garden, close to the Arts and Industries Building.
Recommended metro station: L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Silver, Orange, Green, and Yellow lines) or Smithsonian (Blue, Silver and Orange lines).
And be sure to check out the new Growing Tomorrow exhibition and discover how gardens connect people and plants!
Activities may be subject to cancellation or modification due to weather conditions. Please check the Smithsonian Gardens online calendar for the latest information: https://gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/, …
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: East Terrace of the Enid A. Haupt Garden, near the Arts and Industries Building. Cost: Free. Categories: Workshops. Kids & Families. Related Exhibition: Growing Tomorrow. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Le Corbusier: Architect of the Modern World
All Programs
Le Corbusier—born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret in 1887—was a Swiss-French architect whose radical theories on modernism, housing, and urban planning reshaped 20th-century design. Art historian Jennie Hirsh situates his work within its political and intellectual context, highlighting landmarks such as Villa Savoye, Villa La Roche, the Unité d’Habitation, Ronchamp Chapel, and Tokyo’s National Museum of Western Art. These projects—many now UNESCO sites—demonstrate how his vision transformed how people live in cities. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/le-corbusier?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/le-corbusier?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Russian Art: From Icons to the Avant Garde
All Programs
The evolution of Russian art is inextricably bound to the rich cultural exchanges between East and West. These resulted in a fascinating blend of diverse visual languages and styles, from the late-medieval icons and frescos indebted to Byzantium to the great avant-garde experiments of the early part of the 20th century that developed side by side with various currents of Modernism in other parts of Europe. In a four-part course, art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine brings the culture of this vast country to life as she highlights some of the major art developments in Russia over the centuries. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/russian-art?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/russian-art?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Kaagaz Ke Phool (aka Paper Flowers)
Films
Watch the Trailer
Introduced by Lalitha Gopalan, associate professor of Cinema Studies at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the book Kaagaz Ke Phool (Paper Flowers): BFI Film Classics. Buy her book here in person before the show starts!
The first Indian film shot in CinemaScope, Guru Dutt’s masterpiece follows the successful filmmaker Suresh Sinha (played by Dutt) as rumors of his affair with actress Shanti (Waheeda Rehman) lead him to lose his family, descend into alcoholism, and ultimately retreat from the film industry. Initially a critical and commercial failure, the film is now revered for its technical prowess, stunning chiaroscuro images, beautiful songs, and heartbreaking, self-reflexive narrative.
Shown in a digital restoration by the National Film Archive of India.
Director: Guru Dutt. Country: India. Released: 1959. Length: 148 min. Format: DCP, B&W. Language: Hindi with English subtitles. Kaagaz Still: Courtesy of the National Film Archive of India
Book Cover: Courtesy of the…
Venue: Asian Art Museum. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://bigscreensummer.eventive.org/films. Categories: Films. After Five. Accessibility: Captioning. Assisted listening devices. Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Duck Race
“By the People” Events
10 a.m.–3 p.m. ET
Thousands gather each September for a fun-filled family event hosted by the Auburn Historical Association. The Duck Race is the main attraction with prizes for the ten fastest ducks, including a top prize of $1,000! There will be food trucks, local artisans and authors, a small petting farm, an apple pie contest, a kids baking contest, music and climbing wall. Active demonstrations of wool spinning and carding, cider pressing, blacksmithing, rug braiding, pottery making and so much more are ongoing continuously during the day. A parade to celebrate our country's 250th birthday will proceed down Hooksett Road.
Categories: Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Culinary Arts. Cost: Free. Event Location: Auburn, New Hampshire.
Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Auburn Village
Auburn, New Hampshire.
For more info visit www.nhhumanities.org. Qing Bao's Birthday Celebration
Special Zoo Events
Join us in celebrating the fifth birthday of Qing Bao, our female giant panda, on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.! This marks Qing Bao's second birthday at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Highlights:Panda keepers will present Qing Bao with a "beary" special birthday treat — a custom fruit-based ice cake made by the Zoo’s commissary team. Can’t make it to the panda exhibit? Tune into the Giant Panda Cam to catch the celebration live. Admission is free for all visitors. (Donations are welcome.), This milestone birthday is particularly special as Qing Bao is one of the few giant pandas in North America. Her presence signifies hope for the future of giant pandas and celebrates the success of our collaborative conservation efforts. Since the arrival of the first giant pandas in 1972, the Smithsonian’s conservation program has made significant contributions to the recovery of these iconic animals, leading to their removal from the endangered species list in 2016.
Join us as we celebrate Qing Bao and the ongoing…
Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Giant Panda Habitat (Asia Trail). Cost: FREE. Get Tickets/Register: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/qing-baos-birthday-celebration. Categories: Celebrations. Demonstrations.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
For more info visit nationalzoo.si.edu. FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand
One-Time Events
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand returns for another farm stand season in 2026. This farm stand is direct-to-consumer located East of the River in Ward 8.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020) every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from April 18 - November 21, 2026.*
You can learn more about what is happening at the farm stand from our friends over at FRESHFARM Markets.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand is generously supported by The Hillside Foundation - Allan and Shelley Holt.
*Weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Anacostia Community Museum for updated information.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Plaza. Cost: Free to Attend. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freshfarm-acm-farm-stand-tickets-1985418954539?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Soar Together at Air and Space: Exploring Air and Space through the Arts
One-Time Events
Discover the creativity, innovation, and imagination inspired by air and space! Bring the whole family for a day of hands-on artmaking, lively performances, and interactive experiences that explore how artists have been inspired by flight, space exploration, and the wonder of the skies.
Activities include:Listen to a reading of the book, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas and create art inspired by Alma Thomas; Dance and sing along to songs about the science and engineering of aviation, performed by STEMusic; Enjoy the play, Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly, by Smithsonian Associates' Discovery Theater; Learn how we color the cosmos, using different spectra of light; Soar Together at Air and Space Family Days are free to the public. Timed entry passes are required for entry into the museum. American Sign Language interpretation available for Kids Book Talk and Storytime.
Soar Together at Air and Space is made possible by the generous support of Northrop Grumman.
Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
For more info visit tickets.si.edu. Pollinator Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Discover how the gardens around the National Museum of Natural History create habitats that support birds, insects, and even people! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers outside the Constitution Avenue entrance to the National Museum of Natural History.
Tours may be subject to cancellation or modification due to weather conditions. Please check the Smithsonian Gardens online calendar for the latest information: https://gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/, This program received support from Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250, a Smithsonian-wide initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th. Signature support for Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional generous contributions have been made by Target.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: Pollinator Garden at the National Museum of Natural History. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: Growing Tomorrow. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM.
Where Home Takes Flight: Painting Mini-Birdhouses
One-Time Events
Celebrate creativity, family, and the idea of “home” in this hands-on mini-birdhouse painting workshop designed for all ages. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the meaning of safe spaces, participants will decorate their own wooden mini-birdhouses using vibrant paints, patterns, and personal touches. Families are invited to work together to design birdhouses that reflect their unique stories, cultures, and creativity. Whether you choose bold colors, meaningful symbols, or playful designs, each piece becomes a one-of-a-kind expression of what “home” means to you—and a welcoming space for our feathered neighbors. All materials will be provided, including birdhouses, paints, brushes, and decorative elements. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your imagination!
What to Expect:
*Fun painting activity for families and children
*Creative exploration of themes of home, nature, and community
* A take-home mini-birdhouse to inspire the family to build a larger more practical birdhouse.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Program Room. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/where-home-takes-flight-painting-mini-birdhouses-tickets-1998470452922?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Teaching Africa Day
One-Time Events
Afrofuturism & Innovation: Imagining Africa's Tomorrow, Teaching Africa Day 2026 focuses on “Afrofuturism & Innovation: Imagining Africa’s Tomorrow”.
Now in its 11th year, Teaching Africa Day provides a platform for educators, families, and the DMV community to showcase books, films, games, programs, and other resources on Africa and its rich and vibrant heritage in one place.
Through a panel discussion, innovative displays and presentations, an educational resource marketplace, and artmaking workshops, Teaching Africa Day offers diverse narratives to teach, engage, and increase students’ appreciation for the arts of Africa.
Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Throughout Museum. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996511188710?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Lectures & Discussions. Workshops.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
DC | Turtle Island in 1776: The Native World Caught Between Empires
One-Time Events
Join Native and non-Native scholars as they highlight new research on the experiences of 18th-century American Indian leaders and their tribal communities, centering Indigenous perspectives on a continental scale and examining both tribal involvement and non-involvement during the Revolutionary era.
Presentations will address Native Nations across regions of Turtle Island and their interactions with competing empires—Britain, Spain, France, Russia, and the emerging United States—while examining themes of sovereignty, diplomacy, resilience, and cultural continuity amid profound change during the war and early nation-building period.
Speakers include Philip J. Deloria (Yankton Dakota descent), Brenda J. Child (Ojibwe), Scott Manning Stevens (Akwesasne Mohawk), Colin Calloway, and Nadia Dean.
Register now for this FREE event. Individual symposium sessions and full schedule to be announced.
Image: Kimowan Metchewais (Cree [Cold Lake First Nations], 1963-2011), Turtle, 2012. Painting on canvas, 242.5 x 151 x…
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 1: Rasmuson Theater. Cost: Register now for this FREE event. Get Tickets/Register: https://tickets.si.edu/americanindian/events/9756be89-5c15-15ed-f347-01d982ad199d. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Captioning. Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
For more info visit tickets.si.edu. Feed Me Now and Evermore: The Enduring Power of African American Sunday Suppers
One-Time Events
Rhythms, Roots, Recipes: Community Stories of Food and Music brings together cooking demonstrations, live music, and storytelling. Each program in the series explores traditions that animate families and communities across the United States—and beyond.
In many African American homes, the Sunday supper remains an important moment to reconnect among family, honor ancestral ties, and share recipes reflecting history, faith, and community.
In this cooking demonstration, chef and artist Roscoe Hall and author and food historian Adrian Miller explore why the Sunday supper continues to be a cornerstone of family and cultural life. As Hall prepares brown butter crab rice and gumbo, Arkansas-based S. Juain Young and Artists United perform songs from the African American church that have long nourished hearts, souls, and movements.
Venue: American History Museum. Stage: National Museum of American History (Coulter Plaza). Folklife Categories: Foodways. Performance. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program. Captioning. Wheelchair accessible. Interactivity Level: Low (direct participation is not expected). Event Location: Wallace H. Coulter Plaza, 1 West. Cost: Free.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM.
For more info visit festival.si.edu. DC | Look, Learn, Create: "Water's Edge" for Families
One-Time Events
Join a museum educator for a family-friendly interactive tour of the Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe exhibition! Visitors will engage with three of his artworks and can participate in guided discussions, and experience items from the museum's Teaching Collection. After finding inspiration from Truman Lowe’s artworks, families can continue into the imagiNATIONS Activity Center and create their own water-inspired artwork to take home. Recommended for children ages 4-10 and their families. All ages welcome. *Visitors 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. First come, first served, capacity and supplies are limited.
**This program can accommodate approximately 30 young visitors and their adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 3: Exhibition Gallery, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Related Exhibition: Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM.
Screening of Lincoln
One-Time Events
Join the National Portrait Gallery for Created Equal: An American Ideal on Screen, a film series exploring the legacy of the phrase “all men are created equal.” In the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, generations of Americans have been inspired by this powerful expression of the nation’s founding ideals. Through the stories of figures ranging from Abraham Lincoln to Harvey Milk, discover how Thomas Jefferson’s famous words have served as a rallying cry in the ongoing struggle for equality.
Lincoln (2012)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this gritty historical drama follows Abraham Lincoln (played by Daniel Day Lewis) in the tumultuous final four months of his life. As the Civil War rages on, Lincoln works tirelessly to end the war, abolish slavery and unite the country.
Event Location: McEvoy Auditorium. Cost: Free. Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/created-equal-an-american-ideal-on-screen-tickets-1995767984767?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Categories: Films.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM.
Kronos Quartet
One-Time Events
As part of our commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the National Museum of American History invites visitors to join us in the Warner Bros. Theater as the internationally acclaimed Kronos Quartet presents an afternoon of music spanning cultures and generations, exploring themes of resilience, loss, preservation, and remembrance.
At the center of the program is Steve Reich’s WTC 9/11, a work that weaves together live performance with recorded voices from NORAD communications, FDNY radio transmissions, and interviews with people who lived and worked in lower Manhattan. The program includes works by Terry Riley, Neil Young, Laurie Anderson, Trevor Weston, and Aftab Darvishi, among others.
Kronos will also perform Stacy Garrop’s Glorious Mahalia, a work recently released on the Smithsonian Folkways label that utilizes recordings of civil rights visionary Mahalia Jackson. Following the performance, members of the Kronos Quartet will join museum staff for a conversation about the…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Warner Bros. Theater. Cost: Free, but ticketed. Get Tickets/Register: https://NMAHKronosQuartet.eventbrite.com. Categories: Performances. Lectures & Discussions.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Historic Chestertown with a Cruise on the Schooner Sultana
All Programs
Regional historian Hayden Mathews explores the rich heritage of this lovely Eastern Shore town, focusing on both land and sea. The day includes a cruise on a replica of an 18th-century vessel, as well as an historic-district walking tour guided by Chris Cerino, a former Chestertown mayor and the vice president of the Sultana Education Foundation.
Event Location: Departs from Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C St SW (corner of 6th & C Sts) Fringe stop: New. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/historic-chestertown?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours.
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 7:45 AM – 6:30 PM.
The Japanese Paper Film Project
Films
Live musical accompaniment by Duo Yumeno. Introduction by Eric Faden, supervisor of The Japanese Paper Film Project.
Glimpse some of the few surviving examples of film made on paper instead of celluloid (kami firumu), a rare form of filmmaking from 1930s Japan. Companies in this field produced both animated and live-action films, often in color. Many of the films contained synchronized soundtracks on 78 rpm vinyl.
So few film prints of this type survive because of the short period of production, the varying paper quality, and the devastation of WWII. Now, almost ninety years later, the handful of surviving prints are beginning to deteriorate. The Japanese Paper Film Project is racing against time to preserve the films before they disappear entirely.
About Duo Yumeno
New York–based koto/shamisen player and singer Yoko Reikano Kimura and cellist Hikaru Tamaki create a singular fusion sound, inspired by tradition but with a contemporary sensibility. Duo Yumeno’s repertoire includes a dynamic range of…
Venue: Asian Art Museum. Building: West Building. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://bigscreensummer.eventive.org/films. Categories: Films. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Captioning. Assisted listening devices.
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Revolutionary Boston: Cradle of Liberty
All Programs
Few American cities are as deeply entwined with the birth of the nation as Boston. From village greens where militias first mustered to crowded wharves and meetinghouses alive with revolutionary debate, trace the dramatic opening chapters of the American Revolution. Guided by historian Fred Zilian on this 4-day tour, explore the landscapes, landmarks, and ideas that transformed a cluster of colonial towns into the epicenter of a struggle for independence.
Event Location: Detailed information for overnight tours is emailed approximately FOUR WEEKS. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/revolutionary-boston?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours.
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 4:00 PM.
Masterworks of Five Centuries Series
All Programs
The 50th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society features musical masterpieces from the first decade of the 17th century to the early 21st, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments in an 7-concert series. This concert features music of John Dowland with the Smithsonian Consort of Viols.
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of American History Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/scms-masterworks-1P0916?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Performances.
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Portrait Gallery Kids
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the Portrait Gallery! Join educators every Monday as we explore a variety of topics and artistic materials. Participants will get a closer look at art with hands-on activities, music and story times. Portrait Gallery Kids is a fun way to engage with art and each other.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-gallery-kids-tickets-654254040447?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-share-source=organizer-profile&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops.
Monday, September 14, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena
All Programs
In the heart of Siena, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena preserves an extensive collection of paintings from the Sienese school, spanning the 13th to the 17th centuries. The museum traces the evolution of Sienese painting from the luminous gold-ground panels of its medieval origins, through the achievements of the Renaissance and Mannerist periods, and into the artistic developments of the 17th century. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero examines the significance of this collection and the enduring legacy of Siena’s artistic tradition. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/pinacoteca-nazionale-di-siena?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/pinacoteca-nazionale-di-siena?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Monday, September 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Smithsonian Chorus: Legends of Song: Vaudeville to Broadway
All Programs
Celebrate memorable music from the stage and screen as conductor Melodia Mae Rinaldi leads the ensemble in arrangements of the hits you know and love. No audition is required, and the song list and musical arrangements are chosen to fit the specific vocal and musical abilities of the group. Rehearsals culminate in a free performance for invited guests.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/smithsonian-chorus-legends-of-song?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Performances.
Monday, September 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Allied Strategy and Operation Overlord: The Great WWII Crusade
All Programs
Allied success on D-Day is well known, but the strategy behind Operation Overlord is less familiar. Military historian Kevin Weddle examines how the Allies developed their plan for invading Europe, highlighting the intense debates and uneasy compromises between American and British leaders. Despite clashing views and strained cooperation, they ultimately forged a unified strategy that enabled the massive June 6, 1944 cross-channel invasion—the largest and most complex amphibious operation in history.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/allied-strategy-and-operation-overlord?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/allied-strategy-and-operation-overlord?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Monday, September 14, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:30 PM.
Cahokia: An Ancient City at the Heart of America
All Programs
Once the largest urban center north of Mexico, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois, stands as one of the most significant archaeological landscapes in North America. At its peak, ca. 950–1350, Cahokia was a thriving city of tens of thousands, defined by monumental earthworks, sophisticated planning, and far-reaching influence. Today it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Site interpreter Angela Cooper places Cahokia within the broader story of Indigenous North America, outlining its deep historical roots and the shared traditions of the Mississippian world.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/cahokia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/cahokia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Monday, September 14, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM.
Art in the A.M.
One-Time Events
Inspire early childhood creativity with SAAM during Art in the A.M. Children ages up to 5 years and their caregivers are invited to the museum before hours to learn, connect, and create in the galleries. During this program, participants will learn about a variety of sculpture materials in SAAM’s Luce Foundation Center, then create their own air-dry clay artworks.
Venue: American Art Museum. Event Location: Meet in G Street Lobby. Cost: Free | Registration required
Participants must register by noon ET on September 14. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR3sl1p. Categories: Kids & Families.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 10:30 AM.
Play Date at NMNH: Megalodon Day!
One-Time Events
Join us Tuesday, September 15th, for a belated celebration of Megalodon Day (June 15th)! While Megalodons, an ancient shark that lived 23 – 3.5 million years ago, are no longer swimming in our ocean, people of all ages are fascinated by its size and large teeth! Together we will learn about this ancient shark that used to roam the ocean, make our own wearable artwork inspired by Megalodon teeth, and have the chance to hold a real Megalodon tooth!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Rediscovering Sammy Davis Jr.
All Programs
Sammy Davis Jr. was a prodigy in vaudeville, trailblazer in desegregating Las Vegas, and global superstar who shone in Hollywood and on Broadway. Performer and educator Aaron Reeder examines how Davis’s artistry intersected with questions of race, religion, and identity in 20th-century America and the contradictions of fame that defined his career. Reeder explores Davis’ life and legacy through rare recordings, archival images, and performance excerpts.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/sammy-davis-jr?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/sammy-davis-jr?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Behind the Science with Zoologist and Curator of "Bison: Standing Strong" Dr. Melissa Hawkins and Genomics Researcher Dr. Sarah Johnson
One-Time Events
“Bison Bones and Genomes”
For millennia, bison roamed the North American continent unimpeded. Numbering in the tens of millions, their presence on the Great Plains allowed the grassland ecosystems to thrive. However, over a few decades at the end of the 19th century, bison nearly went extinct with less than 1,000 animals remaining, irrevocably altering the genetic landscape of this species. Smithsonian scientists are now extracting DNA from skeletal remains collected from across the continent throughout the 19th and 20th centuries to quantify just how much genetic diversity was lost during the population crash and what it might mean for conservation efforts in the future.
This month, go behind the science with two NMNH researchers, Dr. Melissa (Missy) Hawkins, zoologist and curator of the “Bison: Standing Strong” exhibit, and Dr. Sarah Johnson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the museum, who are working together to analyze DNA from these historic specimens.
Read more about their work in this Smithsonian…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/80750497/behind-the-scienceseptember-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Jazz: America’s Signature Musical Art
All Programs
Jazz crosses lines of race, class, geography, politics, religion, and genre. In this three-part lecture series, explore the origins and proliferation of jazz, from its beginnings in New Orleans, Chicago, New York, and Kansas City to its most recent appearances in Europe and Asia. Musicology professor Anna Harwell Celenza shares recordings of blues, Dixieland, swing, bebop, cool jazz, and fusion to reveal what makes jazz vital to America’s multifaceted identity as she demonstrates how jazz has never stopped changing.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/jazz?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/jazz?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Loyalists in the American Revolution: Standing by Britain and the Crown
All Programs
Loyalists, Americans from all social backgrounds who opposed independence and supported Britain, lost nearly everything after the Revolution. Historian Richard Bell reexamines their experiences, challenging stereotypes that cast them as wealthy, cowardly elites. Using their experiences as examples, Bell examines why these men and women chose to remain loyal to Britain, what their experience of the Revolution was like, and how their lives changed once the patriots won the war.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/loyalists-in-american-revolution?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/loyalists-in-american-revolution?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Webcasts & Online. After Five.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Celebrating the Voices of hometown DC
“By the People” Events
Time TBA
Celebrate the final weeks of hometown DC, a touring exhibition and invitation to connect with the fabric of the city. The “cubes” will come together at MLK Library for the culminating exhibit. This event will feature a performance by Verbal Gymnastics Theater Company.
Categories: Performances. Gallery Talks & Tours. Cost: Free. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Event Location: Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, D.C.
For more info visit www.hometown.dchistory.org. Wellness Wednesday
One-Time Events
Join the Portrait Gallery and wellness expert Aparna Sadananda for mindfulness programs inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s collection. Explore artful meditations, sound baths and musical meditations. For a detailed schedule of wellness programs please reference the specific dates below. These programs are for ages 18+ and are suitable for all skill levels. No experience is necessary.
Event Location: G Street Lobby. Cost: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-wednesdays-tickets-1982011714392?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Categories: Workshops.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
Georgia O'Keeffe: The Mother of American Modernism
All Programs
Georgia O’Keeffe, a pioneering American modernist, became renowned for her bold paintings of flowers, bones, New York skyscrapers, and the New Mexico desert. Her partnership with photographer Alfred Stieglitz helped shape her artistic identity and public recognition. Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar follows her path from early training to her breakthrough at Gallery 291, her Lake George period, travels to Palo Duro Canyon and Hawaii, and her final move to New Mexico, offering a critical study of her major works and legacy. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/georgia-okeeffe?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/georgia-okeeffe?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
The Ecology of Dinosaurs
All Programs
For more than 140 million years, dinosaurs were among the dominant land animals on Earth. Thousands of species lived and died across all climates and environments and on every landmass. The National Museum of Natural History’s curator of Dinosauria, paleontologist Matthew Carrano, explores what life was like for dinosaurs in these ecosystems as he discusses what scientists know, don’t know, and hope to learn about the ecology of dinosaurs.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/ecology-of-dinosaurs?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/ecology-of-dinosaurs?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM.
Samarra and the Abbasid Caliphate
All Programs
Once the thriving capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, Samarra in the 9th century served as the center of an Islamic empire that stretched from northern Africa to Central Asia. Its striking spiral minaret serves as an enduring reminder of the Great Mosque that once enclosed this sacred ground along the banks of the Tigris River. Historian Justin M. Jacobs focuses on Samarra’s rare preservation of Islamic art, architecture, and city plans from the heyday of the Abbasid Caliphate.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/samarra-and-abbasid-caliphate?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/samarra-and-abbasid-caliphate?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. “And Away We Go”: A Look Back at the Early Days of Television Comedy
All Programs
The first decade of American TV comedy—from the late 1940s to the late 1950s—produced a remarkable range of live comedy and variety shows, filmed sitcoms, and late-night talk programs. Pioneering performers and creators such as Sid Caesar, Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason, and Steve Allen helped shape a new visual language of comedy that influenced television for the next 60 years. As he shares dozens of clips, media historian Brian Rose examines why this era may have produced more laughter than any other period in television history.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/early-days-of-tv-comedy?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/early-days-of-tv-comedy?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
The History of Flight: The Birth of Commercial Aviation
All Programs
In a fascinating four-part series, curators and historians from the National Air and Space Museum trace the history of flight, from humanity’s early aspirations for aerial transit, to 12 breathtaking seconds at Kitty Hawk, to the advances that came with global combat, and how jet engines and digital technology are opening a new future for aviation. This session focuses on commerical aviation.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-of-flight-1W0025C?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/history-of-flight-1W0025C?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. Eye-Popping Art: Tours for People with Colorblindness
One-Time Events
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for a docent-led tour of highlights from the museum’s collection using museum-provided, colorblind correcting glasses that bring the vibrancy of these works to life.
Image credit: Photo by Mary Tait.
Venue: American Art Museum. Event Location: Meet in the F Street Lobby. Cost: Free | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR3shB7. Categories: After Five. Gallery Talks & Tours.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:30 PM.
How Spain Supported the American Revolution: The Key Role of Bernardo de Gálvez
All Programs
Spain provided essential support to the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, with Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, playing a critical role. A historian illuminates Spain’s contributions to American independence, and a National Portrait Gallery curator highlights a painting of de Gálvez.
Event Location: Embassy of Spain 2375 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/how-spain-supported-american-revolution?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:15 PM.
Clues in the Collection: Roxie Laybourne, Forensic Ornithology, and the Smithsonian Science of Solving Mysteries
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
Join author Chris Sweeney for an engaging conversation about his book, The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne.
Part biography, part science, and part mystery, this conversation will take audiences behind the scenes of forensic ornithology and Smithsonian collections.
Sweeney will discuss the research behind the book, the cases that shaped Laybourne’s career, and the legacy of a scientist who proved that even the smallest piece of evidence can change how we understand the world.
Event Location: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. N.W. Washington, DC; for directions visit: https://www.studiotheatre.org/visit/directions-and-parking. Cost: Free. Due to space limitations, registration is required. It includes admission and two drinks. Get Tickets/Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/e4hfe3f. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Classical English Rhetoric: The Art of Choosing the Right Words
All Programs
What makes the best speeches and writings stand the test of time? What can be learned from them about how to write better ourselves? Ward Farnsworth, professor at the University of Texas School of Law and author of a series of books on English rhetoric and style, shows how small choices regarding the selection of words, the arrangement of sentences, and the creation of a cadence can put force into writing and speech.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/classical-english-rhetoric?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/classical-english-rhetoric?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM.
Visions of a Brighter Tomorrow: World’s Fairs of the 1930s
All Programs
The World’s Fairs of the 1930s offered visions of a world in flux—attempting to chart a future at a moment when nothing felt stable. As the Great Depression reshaped daily life and global tensions mounted, fairs in Chicago, Paris, and New York became spectacular stages where nations expressed optimism, power, and unease through architecture, technology, and performance. In a 3-part series, art historian Jennie Hirsh examines this trio of landmark fairs, revealing how they transformed crisis into dazzling displays that captured both the aspirations and anxieties of their era. This session focuses on the World's Fair of Chicago 1933–1934.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/worlds-fairs-1930s?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/worlds-fairs-1930s?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.
A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 59. years of ACM
One-Time Events
A Night at the Museum will be a night of history, heritage and community. On Thursday, September 17th, this after- hours celebration will be filled with live music by Marcus Mitchell and band, food, beverages and unique experiences designed to honor our shared stories while creating new memories together.
Guests can visit the Perfume Bar by Scentelier Lab and explore the connection between fragrance, memory and community. Discover how scents woven into our lives can become part of the stories that shape us. Explore We Make History after-hours and discover how history is made, told and preserved. Enjoy light appetizers along with beer, wine and spirit free mocktails throughout the event, available while supplies last.
This event is more than an anniversary. It is an opportunity to celebrate with the community and recognize stories that shape us.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
7PM - 10PM
Must be 21+ to attend.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Anacostia Community Museum. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-at-the-museum-celebrating-59-year-of-acm-tickets-1997396844731?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Celebrations. Performances. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: A Sustainability Infrastructure Tour
All Programs
Rather than treating waste as an end point, cities and counties increasingly view it as a stream of materials that can be redirected, reused, and transformed. The communities around Washington, D.C. are no exception. Urban studies lecturer Bill Keene leads an exploration of three local facilities working to recover, reuse, and regenerate and the infrastructure that makes these efforts possible. Together, these sites illustrate a powerful local ecosystem of environmental stewardship.
Event Location: Departs from the Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C St SW (corner of 6th & C Sts). Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/reduce-reuse-recycle?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
New Deal Projects, Part 1
All Programs
Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the New Deal ignited an unprecedented use of government resources to address crucial public services as a way to kick-start the American economy. But President Franklin Roosevelt said that in a hundred years, his New Deal would be remembered more for its arts than its job relief. Discover landmarks, art—including dramatic bas reliefs and monumental sculptures—and other projects from the New Deal period with author David Taylor during a walking tour in Washington, D.C.
Event Location: Tour meets at the Henry F. Daly Building 300 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/new-deal-projects-part-1-1CWB10?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Lectures & Discussions.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM.
Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Smithsonian Gardens
Take your morning break with us in the garden! Meet one of our knowledgeable volunteers by the tour sign outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. No reservation is required.
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. See gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/ for the most up-to-date information.
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: The tour begins inside the garden near the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle. Cost: Free
Tours may be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.
Big Moments, Little Stories
One-Time Events
Discover the power of storytelling and community through our early learners storytime experience inspired by We Make History! Through engaging stories, interactive gallery moments, and hands-on activities, children and caregivers will explore how everyday people, neighborhoods, and changemakers shape history in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Together, young learners will build curiosity and creativity.
Recommended Audience: 18 months – 7 years
Time and Schedule: 10: 30 a.m.
Duration: About 1 hour.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Sunburst Lounge. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-moments-little-stories-tickets-1990727334045?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Kids & Families.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. Nature Journaling
Smithsonian Gardens
Drop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join Smithsonian Gardens for nature journaling!
Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens. This program is designed to foster appreciation and connection to the natural world through observation, reflection, and creativity.
Smithsonian Gardens will provide journals, prompts, and art materials to get you started. All ages are welcome!
Find us on the East Terrace of the Haupt Garden, close to the Arts and Industries Building.
Recommended metro station: L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Silver, Orange, Green, and Yellow lines) or Smithsonian (Blue, Silver and Orange lines).
And be sure to check out the new Growing Tomorrow exhibition and discover how gardens connect people and plants!
Activities may be subject to cancellation or modification due to weather conditions. Please check the Smithsonian Gardens online calendar for the latest information: https://gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/events/, …
Venue: Smithsonian Gardens. Event Location: East Terrace of the Enid A. Haupt Garden, near the Arts and Industries Building. Cost: Free. Categories: Workshops. Kids & Families. Related Exhibition: Growing Tomorrow. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Much Here Is Beautiful Open House
One-Time Events
Join us to celebrate the opening of Much Here Is Beautiful: Photography Surveys of the U.S. Bicentennial for a look back at the nation in the years surrounding 1976. This collection of striking images captures communities across the nation during a series of regional photographic projects funded by the National Endowment for the Arts in celebration of the bicentennial. Photographers Terry Evans, Eric Baden, Sage Sohier, Wendy Ewald, Ted Wathen, Gary Monroe, Tom Arndt, Lewis Koch, Penny Wolin, Anthony Hernandez, Mark Klett, and Janet Delaney will be in the galleries to converse with attendees along with exhibition organizers John P. Jacob, the McEvoy Family Senior Curator for Photography, and Krystle Stricklin, assistant curator of photography.
Image credit: Ted Wathen, Former Company Houses, Jenkins, Letcher County, Kentucky, 1975, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the National Endowment for the Arts, 1983.63.1614, © 1975, Ted Wathen.
Venue: American Art Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Osher and Einstein Family Galleries. Cost: Free | Registration encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR3skvO. Categories: Celebrations. Related Exhibition: Much Here Is Beautiful: Photography Surveys of the U.S. Bicentennial.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
The Spirit of Artemisia
All Programs
Artemisia Gentileschi was a pioneering 17th-century Baroque artist, celebrated for her dramatic and emotionally charged paintings that often depict powerful women at the center of action. Overcoming significant personal adversity, she carved out a remarkable place for herself in the male-dominated art world. As she declared, “I’ll show you what a woman can do…you will find the spirit of Caesar in this soul of a woman.” Art historian Elaine Ruffolo explores Gentileschi’s compelling life story, artistic innovations, and enduring legacy in the history of art. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/spirit-of-artemisia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/spirit-of-artemisia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
Hometown Treasures: Capital Region (Day One)
One-Time Events
A Free Two-Day Program in Potomac, Maryland
Hometown Treasures: Capital Region brings the National Museum of African American History and Culture into the community for two days of family history, cultural discovery, and hands-on preservation experiences.
The program takes place Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, at the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center in Potomac, Maryland. Attend either day—or join us for both.
Please note: This event takes place in Potomac, Maryland, not at the museum in Washington, D.C. Bring Your Family’s History to Light
Discover how to care for the photographs, documents, textiles, heirlooms, and keepsakes that hold your family’s stories. Both days feature Professional Reviews and a free Community Expo.
Professional Reviews
Meet one-on-one with a preservation specialist for a professional review of your family treasures and heirlooms. You’ll learn more about the historical significance of your items and receive practical guidance on…
Event Location: Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center 770 Scotland Drive Potomac, MD 20854. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://tickets.si.edu/nmaahc/events/019ff225-e2ee-833d-392f-d1776e19e114. Categories: Workshops.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Lifelong Learners: Doll Making with Sherri Lumpkin
One-Time Events
Join artist Sherri Lumpkin for a hands-on doll-making workshop that brings together creativity, storytelling, and personal reflection. Participants will create their own dolls while exploring themes of self-expression, self-esteem, healing, and the stories that shape our lives.
Designed for adults of all experience levels, this welcoming two-hour workshop offers an opportunity to create, reflect, connect, and share through the art of doll making. No previous artmaking experience is required.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Program Room. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lifelong-learners-doll-making-with-sherri-lumpkin-tickets-1998488113746?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Workshops.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. Amazing Australia
All Programs
Spend a Friday evening expanding your knowledge of the world of wine as you sip along with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a summer series of delectable adventures. He takes you on an exploration of wines from Australia. This immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/amazing-australia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/amazing-australia?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Culinary Arts.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
NY | Pacific Island Film Festival: MĀRAMA
One-Time Events
The Pacific Island Film Festival of New York City provides a platform for Pacific Island cinema and promotes networking and talent development in New York City, giving the communities in and around New York City the opportunity to experience and immerse themselves in storytelling from Pacific Islanders.
Join us for a free screening of "MĀRAMA" (New Zealand, 2025, 89 min.), directed by Taratoa Stappard (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa me Ngāti Tūwharetoa), presented in English and Māori with English subtitles.
A young Māori woman, Mary, receives a mysterious letter promising information about her geneaology. She makes the journey to Yorkshire, England from New Zealand, only to learn the sender has passed. A wealthy whaler, Sir Nathaniel Cole forces Mary to become governess to his granddaughter, Anne, in his home filled with Māori belongings. Living among her ancestors’ stolen artifacts, she begins to uncover Sir Cole’s horrific crimes. Embracing her powers as a Matakite (a seer), Mary becomes Mārama and must save…
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Lower Level: Auditorium. Cost: FREE. Categories: After Five. Films. Lectures & Discussions. Accessibility: Captioning.
Friday, September 18, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand
One-Time Events
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand returns for another farm stand season in 2026. This farm stand is direct-to-consumer located East of the River in Ward 8.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020) every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from April 18 - November 21, 2026.*
You can learn more about what is happening at the farm stand from our friends over at FRESHFARM Markets.
The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand is generously supported by The Hillside Foundation - Allan and Shelley Holt.
*Weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Anacostia Community Museum for updated information.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Plaza. Cost: Free to Attend. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freshfarm-acm-farm-stand-tickets-1985418954539?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
The Plantagenet Dynasty: Power, Identity, and the Making of Medieval Britain
All Programs
Few royal houses shaped the political and cultural landscape of medieval Britain more profoundly than the Plantagenets. Ruling from the 12th to the 15th centuries, they forged an empire stretching from Scotland to the Pyrenees, developed Parliament, clashed with the Church, fought crusades, and waged the Hundred Years’ War, all while also inspiring some of the most enduring legends in British history. In a full-day seminar, historian Cheryl White traces how perceptions of the Plantagenets have evolved over time and explores why the dynasty continues to fascinate today.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/plantagenet-dynasty?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/plantagenet-dynasty?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Freedmen’s Bureau Project Transcribe-a-Thon
One-Time Events
An act of Congress on March 3, 1865 created the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands (the Freedmen’s Bureau). The records produced by the bureau are the richest source of information on the African American experience post-Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Most documents have been digitized, but not all have been transcribed. From these pages many stories can emerge, but without transcription, finding these stories can be difficult. Come and help recover forgotten knowledge about our Nation's past, and in so doing, contribute to recovering our shared history.
Participants will learn about the ongoing project to transcribe the bureau’s papers as well as how to transcribe documents and best practices. Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration is required for all participants.
Event Location: University of the District of Columbia Law School, 4340 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. Cost: Free. Categories: Workshops.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. Celebrate with Stamps
One-Time Events
Celebrate the art, culture, and creativity of stamps at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum during our Family Festival and USPS’s First Day of Issue Celebration for the new 2026 Christmas Cookies Forever® Stamps. Enjoy hands‑on artmaking, explore stories and traditions, and join us for a joyful unveiling of this year’s holiday stamps... complete with music, hands-on activities, and fun for all ages!
Activities Include: Christmas Cookies Forever® Stamps First Day of Issue Celebration: witness the official unveiling of the new 2026 holiday stamps! Stamp Art Studio with Guest Artist Heather Moulder: Create your own celebration‑themed stamp design. Make Some Music: Design your own musical instrument inspired by stamps that celebrate sound and rhythm. Latino Heritage & Lowrider Culture Activities with Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service: including hands‑on art and cultural storytelling. Story Time and More: Enjoy story time sessions and join in festive moments throughout the day. …
Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Throughout the Museum. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Celebrations.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Chuseok Family Festival
Kids and Family
Celebrate Chuseok, Korea’s beloved harvest festival, with the museum! Learn about both past and current traditions of one of the biggest holidays in Korea. Enjoy delicious food, a curated art and vendor market, family activities, and dynamic performances, including a special performance by Insun Park & Generals!
This year’s festival highlights the fascinating world of Korea’s traditional masks (Tal 탈). Learn about the unique stories and characters represented by a variety of masks and explore a collection of mask displays. Decorate your own colorful hanji (traditional Korean paper) mask, try on different masks, and capture memories in the photo booth. Enjoy special mask-themed giveaways while experiencing one of Korea’s most distinctive cultural traditions. Plus, experience a groundbreaking fusion of rock, Korean traditional music, and mask dance rhythms with Insun Park & Generals, masters of the Gangnyeong Mask Dance!
Register in advance to make sure you get the best experience. Some activities have a…
Venue: Asian Art Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Asian Art, Plaza. Cost: Free. Register in advance (recommended). Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993540289671?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Celebrations. Kids & Families. Performances. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL-interpreted program.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Family Fun | Chuseok
Kids and Family
Bring the kids to celebrate Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival! Enjoy a scavenger hunt in the Peacock Room and the Korean Art gallery. Story time in the courtyard will feature folk and fairy tales from Korea. Have fun with pattern puzzles in the Peacock Room and objects from our Hands-On collection!
No reservation required.
The National Museum of Asian Art is grateful for the partnership of our docents. They generously contribute their energy and creativity to our museum-wide festivals and make Family Fun activities happen. Image credit: National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Photo by Sonya Pencheva.
Venue: Asian Art Museum. Building: West Building. Event Location: Courtyard, Gallery 12, Gallery 14. Cost: Free. No registration or tickets (walk-up only). Categories: Kids & Families. Celebrations. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. ASL-interpreted program.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Hometown Treasures: Capital Region (Day Two)
One-Time Events
A Free Two-Day Program in Potomac, Maryland
Hometown Treasures: Capital Region brings the National Museum of African American History and Culture into the community for two days of family history, cultural discovery, and hands-on preservation experiences.
The program takes place Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, at the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center in Potomac, Maryland. Attend either day—or join us for both.
Please note: This event takes place in Potomac, Maryland, not at the museum in Washington, D.C. Bring Your Family’s History to Light
Discover how to care for the photographs, documents, textiles, heirlooms, and keepsakes that hold your family’s stories. Both days feature Professional Reviews and a free Community Expo.
Professional Reviews
Meet one-on-one with a preservation specialist for a professional review of your family treasures and heirlooms. You’ll learn more about the historical significance of your items and receive practical guidance on…
Event Location: Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center 770 Scotland Drive Potomac, MD 20854. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://tickets.si.edu/nmaahc/events/019ff225-e2ee-833d-392f-d1776e19e114. Categories: Workshops.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
NY | Hands On: Native New York Traditions featuring Danielle Soames
One-Time Events
Experience the tradition and creativity of cornhusk doll making with Danielle Soames (Mohawk), a returning Native educator at the National Museum of the American Indian and an accomplished actress, playwright, and director in New York City's theater community. Through this hands-on workshop, Danielle will share the cultural significance of cornhusk dolls to her community and guide participants in creating their own.
All are welcome! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Visitors 15 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum NY. Event Location: Level 1: imagiNATIONS Activity Center Classroom. Cost: FREE. Categories: Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
The Shape of Us: A Community Collage Art Workshop
One-Time Events
What does your community look like—and how does it shape who you are? Join us for a vibrant, hands-on collage workshop led by artist Zsudayka Nzinga, where creativity becomes a pathway to storytelling, identity, and connection. Inspired by the work of Romare Bearden, Nzinga will help participants create collages of their favorite DC communities. Using a collage technique called Chigiri-e, a Japanese art form, participants will tear and assemble brightly colored cultural landscapes of memory, culture, and space. Designed with families in mind, this welcoming workshop invites participants of all ages to explore self-expression in a supportive and inspiring environment. Together, we celebrate the beauty of our differences and the shared threads that connect us all. All materials are provided—just bring your imagination, your story, and your unique perspective.
Venue: Anacostia Community Museum. Event Location: Program Room. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-shape-of-us-a-community-collage-art-workshop-tickets-1990188927657?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Workshops. Kids & Families.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
Portrait Signs: A Tour in ASL
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Portrait Signs is a Deaf-led tour in American Sign Language that explores a variety of topics related to portraiture, history and biography, focusing on works from the museum’s special exhibitions and permanent collection.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: G Street Lobby. Cost: Free. Registration Encouraged. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-signs-a-tour-in-asl-tickets-713964475967?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-share-source=organizer-profile&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: ASL-interpreted program.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. DC | Look, Learn, Create: "Water's Edge" for Families
One-Time Events
Join a museum educator for a family-friendly interactive tour of the Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe exhibition! Visitors will engage with three of his artworks and can participate in guided discussions, and experience items from the museum's Teaching Collection. After finding inspiration from Truman Lowe’s artworks, families can continue into the imagiNATIONS Activity Center and create their own water-inspired artwork to take home. Recommended for children ages 4-10 and their families. All ages welcome. *Visitors 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. First come, first served, capacity and supplies are limited.
**This program can accommodate approximately 30 young visitors and their adult caregiver.
Venue: American Indian Museum DC. Event Location: Level 3: Exhibition Gallery, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Cost: FREE. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Related Exhibition: Water's Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM.
Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. Hispanic Heritage Month Guided Tour: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
American Latino Museum
Step into the rhythm of salsa on a guided tour of the Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Experience the rhythm, history, and energy of salsa music through a guided tour of "¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa," a bilingual multimedia exhibition presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and on view in the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History.
This vibrant exhibition traces salsa’s journey from its Afro-Cuban roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music. Featuring nearly 300 artifacts—including instruments, performance attire, album covers, and rare memorabilia—the exhibition highlights legendary artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente alongside the musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped this global tradition.
During this 45-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the music, stories, and cultural movements that brought salsa from Caribbean rhythms to dance floors across the United States.…
Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery Entrance, 1st Floor East. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-guided-tour-puro-ritmo-the-musical-journey-of-salsa-tickets-1997060151673?aff=oddtdtcreator. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
For more info visit latino.si.edu. Spanish Language Docent Tour
One-Time Events
Join the National Portrait Gallery for free Spanish language tours. Experience iconic art and learn from expert guides about the faces and stories that shaped the nation. Perfect for fluent speakers and language learners alike.
The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have any questions about the accessibility of this program, or require sign language interpretation or any other accommodations, please contact us.
Event Location: F Street Lobby. Cost: Free. No registration required. Categories: After Five. Gallery Talks & Tours.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Portrait Gallery Kids
Ongoing Tours & Activities
Children and families are invited to learn, play and create at the Portrait Gallery! Join educators every Monday as we explore a variety of topics and artistic materials. Participants will get a closer look at art with hands-on activities, music and story times. Portrait Gallery Kids is a fun way to engage with art and each other.
Venue: Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Education Center, E151. Cost: Free. No Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-gallery-portrait-gallery-kids-tickets-654254040447?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-share-source=organizer-profile&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops.
Monday, September 21, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Essence Over Detail: Expression and Sketching in Watercolor
All Programs
Discover how to capture your subject with expressive, sketch-like painting that emphasizes the most essential elements over excessive detail. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit).
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/essence-over-detail-in-watercolor?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/essence-over-detail-in-watercolor?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Exploring Color in Watercolor
All Programs
Enhance your knowledge and understanding of color theory in watercolor. Learn practical skills such as identifying and mixing colors correctly to create your own cohesive palette.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/exploring-color-in-watercolor?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/exploring-color-in-watercolor?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Dive into the Deep Sea
One-Time Events
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
This Tuesday will be all about taking a closer look at what life is like in the deep sea at the bottom of the ocean! Even though it is very dark (except for the bioluminescent animals), the deepest parts of the ocean are still full of life. Together we will learn about some of the unique animals that have adapted to live in the deep sea, make artwork inspired by the deep sea, and have the chance to see specimens that once lived at the bottom of the ocean!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in the Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall. Ocean Hall is on the 1st floor. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Figure Sculpture - In Person
All Programs
Learn clay techniques and gain an understanding of the human body, gestures, and expressions as you sculpt a full-figure piece by working from life.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/figure-sculpture?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Poetry and Art Club
All Programs
Bring your own poem—or a poem you admire—to this monthly gathering and create art that responds to it. Each session includes group tutorials, short and engaging exercises, and moments of inspiration and research.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/poetry-and-art-club?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/poetry-and-art-club?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Beginning Drawing - In Person
All Programs
This introductory course teaches the basic skills needed for drawing. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, including charcoal and pencils, students explore the rendering of geometric forms, volume, and perspective, with an emphasis on personal gesture marks.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/beginning-drawing-1E0ANX?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Introduction to Photography - In Person
All Programs
Whether you want to work in digital or film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/introduction-to-photography?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Landscape Elements in Watercolor
All Programs
Gain confidence in your ability to paint important natural elements in watercolor. Demonstrations and exercises introduce techniques for creating flowing landscapes.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/landscape-elements-in-watercolor?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/landscape-elements-in-watercolor?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Intermediate Drawing - In Person
All Programs
Participants refine and expand their drawing skills through studio practice in traditional media. Sessions focus on classic subject areas such as landscape, portrait, and figure.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/intermediate-drawing?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Beginning Oil Painting
All Programs
In this four-week class, students are introduced to materials and techniques for oil painting while laying a strong foundation for further artistic growth.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/beginning-oil-painting?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/beginning-oil-painting?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Dissecting Design with Abstract Collage - In Person
All Programs
Learn to understand design and composition in nonobjective art using mixed-media materials and techniques. Examine works by various artists to discern the elements of composition, how they have been used, and how they are expressed in different styles. In turn, apply what you learn to your practice.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/dissecting-design-with-abstract-collage?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Introduction to Photography - In Person
All Programs
Whether you want to work in digital or film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition.
Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Dr SW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/introduction-to-photography-1E0ANH?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Workshops.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Katherine Parr: More Than the “Survivor”
All Programs
Dismissed for many years as simply the “survivor” among the predominately unfortunate six wives of Henry VIII, Katherine Parr was reimagined as a matronly nursemaid who kept the ailing king comfortable in his final years, fading loyally into the background. Tudor and Shakespeare scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger draws on the latest scholarship to provide a fuller portrait of this complex woman who caught the eye of an infamous king and kept his favor in a volatile and dangerous court.
Event Location: This online program is presented on Zoom. Online Link: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/katherine-parr?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/katherine-parr?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.