Join us for a sneak peek of the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival program, Youth and the Future of Culture, in a virtual preview event on Tuesday, June 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET. In this Zoom webinar, get a first look at what our staff has in store and start planning your visit for July 2–7, whether on the National Mall or online.

In this conversation, Festival director Sabrina Lynn Motley and curator Michelle Banks explore how young artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, activists, and craftspeople are sustaining cultural practices, innovating traditions, and driving change. Learn how the Festival continues to nurture the next generation of cultural practitioners as it transforms the National Mall into a dynamic third space where youth share their talents, exchange ideas, and envision the future.

This event will include live, real-time captioning (CART). American Sign Language interpretation is available upon request. Please indicate your request when registering by May 30.

Registration is free but required. Learn more and register via Eventbrite.

For media inquiries, please email folklife@si.edu.