Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2025: Youth and the Future of Culture

The 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, themed "Youth and the Future of Culture," will take place from July 2–7 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between Seventh and Twelfth Streets. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of young people worldwide.

The festival features youth-led and youth-centered programs that highlight how younger generations are shaping both cultural traditions and innovations. In the “Streetwise” tent, visitors can experience lowrider car restoration, street art, graffiti, and skateboarding demonstrations—showcasing the global impact of urban arts. Teenage DJs will provide music throughout the day, creating an energetic and immersive atmosphere.

Another major highlight is the “Next Generation Artisans” program, where young craftspeople demonstrate heritage skills such as stone carving, blacksmithing, and decorative painting. These artisans work alongside seasoned mentors to emphasize the importance of preserving traditional building trades.

The “Native Language Reclamation” initiative will feature youth-led efforts to revive endangered Indigenous languages, with performances and

In the “Wordsmiths and Storytellers” section, young poets, hip-hop artists, and performers will lead workshops and share their narratives, reflecting the central role of language in cultural identity.

Daily activities run from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with evening concerts starting at 5:30 p.m. For details, visit the official website: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-presents-2025-annual-folklife-festival-july-2-7 om