Folk Life Festival

The Festival is held outdoors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between the Smithsonian museums. There is no admission charge. Visitors should dress for hot and humid weather. Parking around the Mall is extremely limited, so visitors are advised to use Metrorail. The Smithsonian station (Mall exit) is at the Festival site. Federal Triangle and National Archives stations are close by. For general Smithsonian visitor information, call 202.633.1000 (voice) or 202.357.1729 (TTY).

Getting Here

Planning a visit to the Festival? goSmithsonian  can help you plan your trip—from where to stay to what's happening at the Smithsonian. Visitwww.gosmithsonian.com/lodging  for more information.

Festival Hours

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with special eventstaking place most evenings.

Thursday, June 30 

Motor City Stage, 6 - 9PM
An Evening with Soul Train and Dance Party

A panel discussion with Kenard Gibbs, the current CEO/Partner of Soul Train holdings; Tony Cornelius, son of “Soul Train” founder Don Cornelius; Tyrone Proctor, dancer and member of the original Soul Train Gang; Nick “NickFRESH” Puzo, DJ and Soul Train historian; and Questlove, Soul Train historian and drummer for the Roots. This is followed by a dance demonstration and party.

Also check out all of the programs going on thru out the festival in July.