The two week Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place at the beginning of July each year. Over a million visitors flock to the National Mall, which is filled with music, entertainement, crafts and food. The Independence Day festivities of the 4th of July always fall during this festival period, bringing a real vibrancy to the city.

The Festival is a research-based educational 'museum without walls' devoted to grassroots cultural heritage and each year's event focus on different cultures.

Attracting over one million visitors each year, this free event is a celebration of folklife and includes a packed programme of music, song, dance, theatre, art and crafts, cooking demonstrations, storytelling and discussion sessions. Held every year since 1967, this is a popular day out for visitors of all ages who are encouraged to participate in a number of workshops, events, presentations and demonstrations.