2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
June 29–July 4 and July 6–9, 2023
National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Overview

In 2023, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrates diverse American cultures through two programs: Creative Encounters: Living Religions in the U.S. and The Ozarks: Faces and Facets of a Region. As always, the Festival invites visitors to participate in music and dance performances, hands-on activities, craft workshops, conversations, and cooking and gardening demonstrations.

Hours are generally 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with evening concerts and special presentations starting at 6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. Evening concerts plus a selection of daytime programs will be livestreamed on YouTube. 

ASL interpretation and real-time captioning will be provided for all evening events, both in person and virtually, and for select daytime events. Additional accessibility services may be provided by request.

Channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube

Handles: @SmithsonianFolklife (FB, IG, YT), @SmithsonianFolk (Twitter)

Official Hashtag: #2023Folklife

Promo graphics: In Dropbox

How Can You Help Promote?

DO:

• Post to any and all social media networks. Include the dates, and invite people to join us in D.C. and online.
• Tag Smithsonian Folklife, please!
• Share a link to the Festival website.
• RSVP to the Facebook event page and invite your friends.
• Tell your audience what you’ll be doing at the Festival, how they can expect to engage with you, what you’re most excited for, or how you’re preparing behind the scenes. 
• Feel free to use our suggested images or your own—photos with your plane tickets, artwork or tools you’re bringing, etc.

PLEASE DON’T:

• Use the Smithsonian or Festival logos in any designs without approval from our office.
• Alter our promotional graphics without approval first.

Creative Encounters

Creative Encounters: Living Religions in the U.S. explores how the country’s diverse religious traditions inspire a wellspring of creative encounters and expressions. Representatives of various religious and ethical traditions will share their skills and stories within five themes: Makers of Faith (craft and placemaking), Sound Religion (music and poetry), Body and Spirit (dance and movement), Kitchen Theology (foodways and plant knowledge), and Futurisms.

Program Hashtag: #CreativeEncounters

Program Web Page: s.si.edu/CreativeEncounters (note: this is case-sensitive)

The Ozarks

The Ozarks: Faces and Facets of a Region highlights the diverse population and cultural traditions of this North American region, which includes portions of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois. The program is organized into four key themes: Celebrations and Gatherings; Stories, Sounds, and Show Business; Migrations, Movements, and Pathways; and Connections to Land and Place.

Program Hashtag: #OzarksInDC

Program Web Page: s.si.edu/ozarks 

Sample Posts for Participants & Partners

General

This summer, we’re heading to the @SmithsonianFolklife Festival on the National Mall in Wasington, D.C., June 29–July 4 and July 6–9. Our group is part of the program “Creative Encounters: Living Religions in the U.S.” OR “The Ozarks: Faces and Facets” of a region. Over two weeks, visitors can enjoy music performances, craft workshops, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, and more—all free, and a selection of events livestreaming worldwide. 

We’re excited to take part in this annual celebration of culture of, by, and for the people, and we invite you to join us in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Save the dates and learn more at festival.si.edu!

#2023Folklife

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This summer, find us at the @SmithsonianFolk Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC! We’re excited to take part and invite you to join us, June 29–July 4 and July 6–9.

Learn more: festival.si.edu

#2023Folklife

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Mark your calendars for the #2023Folklife Festival! This summer, @SmithsonianFolk gathers us on the National Mall to explore Creative Encounters and the Ozarks.

Learn more about the two weeks of concerts, workshops, and much more: festival.si.edu