Circus Arts
On The Move
MARK A MILESTONE WITH THE
SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
This summer the venerable Smithsonian
Folklife Festival celebrates 50 years of
cultural exploration and exchange on the
National Mall. To mark the occasion, the
Smithsonian presents a series of dynamic
programs exploring the diverse identities
and creativity found in communities
throughout the United States.
“Circus Arts” lifts the tent flap on the people
who make circus one of this country’s great
art forms. Youth performers and master
artists will learn from one another in a
circus school, while visitors try their hands
at juggling, tightrope walking, and more.
Most nights, the Festival will close with a
performance under the Big Top.
Another program, “On the Move,” examines
migration and cultural expression from the
vantage point of America’s youth. Spoken
word workshops, music performances, and
sports demonstrations will shine fresh light
on issues of identity, representation, and
community engagement. As always, two
of D.C.’s best kept secrets — the Festival
Marketplace and Festival food concessions
— will feature exquisite artisan-made crafts
and tasty bites.
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which
takes place June 29 to July 4 and July 6 to
9, is free to the public. You can find it on the
National Mall between Seventh and Twelfth
streets, in front of the National Museum of
Natural History. Daytime programs run from
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening performances
starting at 7 p.m.
For details, visit festival.si.edu.
SUMMER 2017 57 FLYWASHINGTON.COM