2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC

June 26, 8:56 AMDC Family Activities ExaminerKatie Bevington

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Flickr by LollyKnit: Folklife Festival Crafts

Every year, the Smithsonian Institution puts on a festival celebrating the living cultures that influence the United States and the rest of the world.  This Folklife Festival is being held this year on June 24th through the 28th as well as July 1rst through the 5th.  The festival is open on those days from 11am until 5:30pm and is totally free to the public.  The purpose of the festival is to teach the public about living cultures and traditions that are still carried on around the world.  This is a great opportunity for families to teach their children about cultures they may never be exposed to in person.

This year, there will be three main performance themes; the oral tradition of African American culture, latin musicians from the US and Latin America, and presentations about the culture of the country of Wales.  There will be musical performances, storytelling, readings, and cooking lessons.  To see a full schedule of performances and events, visit the festival's schedule of events.

Over one million visitors come to the festival every year.  Visitors are encouraged to ride the metro.  The closest station is Smithsonian station, but it will be closed on the fourth of July.  Federal Triangle and the National Archives stops are not very far away either.  If you are in the city and near the National Mall for the 4th of July, attend this wonderful festival.  Don't forget to check out the Independence Day Parade and the Fourth of July fireworks display.