The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC hosts a concert and festival series each summer that promotes Native musicians, films, artists, and entertainers from across the Western Hemisphere. These activities are fun for the whole family and a great way to learn about Native American culture.
Location: National Museum of the American Indians, 4th St. and Independence Ave., SW. Washington, DC (202) 633-1000. The closest metro stations are L’Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian and Federal Triangle.
See a map and directions to the National Mall.
Events calendar 2016
Cherokee Days – June 10-12, 2016, 10 am – 5 pm The three federally recognized Cherokee tribes – the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians – will come together to celebrate their common heritage and showcase some of their famous artists, storytellers, musicians and dancers. There will also be language and genealogy presentations and takeaway activities for kids. Tsa-La-Gi dancers will perform the bear dance, the bison dance, the quail dance, and the friendship dance.
Mayo Sumak: Quichwa Film Showcase –Â June 17-19, 2016. Friday, 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm The showcase is a celebration of indigenous and community cinema in the Quechua languages spoken in the Andes and by immigrants in the United States. .
Choctaw Nation Arts and Music Festival – June 24-25, 10 am – 5 pm The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma celebrates its tribal history and heritage with two days of artist demonstrations and hands-on activities for children. Special concerts will be presented by Choctaw recording artists Samantha Crain and Lainey Edwards. Meet and greet the princesses of the Choctaw Nation and learn more about the Choctaw culture.
Living Earth Festival – July 15-17, 2016. This three-day event is packed with activities for the whole family. Each day will feature artist demonstrations, manual activities for children, traditional food demonstrations and tastings, and music and dance performances. Special events include a Native Food Symposium on Friday, a two-episode screening of Seasoned with Spirit on Saturday, and a Native Chef Cooking Competition on Sunday.
IndigeArts CREATE: A Kay WalkingStick Soiree – August 5, 2016, 5: 30-8: 30 pm To celebrate the final weeks of the Kay WalkingStick, An American Artist exhibition, a retrospective of the life’s work of noted American painter Kay WalkingStick, NMAI host a special event Friday night featuring DJ Young Native music, refreshments, gallery tours, and hands-on painting for adults (courtesy of ArtJamz; workshop fees apply).
WalkingStick Weekend: Hands-On Salon – August 6-7, 2016, 10 am-5pm This family weekend celebrates the final weeks of the Kay WalkingStick: An American Artist exhibition. He will present Martha Redbone in concert every day, honoring her Cherokee heritage and musical influences. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to attend gallery talks, meet Navajo and Nez Perce protesters who will present their insights into the designs that inspired recent WalkingStick paintings, and participate in a number of art activities related to the art of WalkingStick.
Read more about the Museum of the American Indian
For more information on how to visit the area, check out 10 Things To Know About The Mall In Washington DC
