2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival Seeks Volunteers

The Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage needs volunteers before, during and after the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which will be held on the National Mall from June 26 to July 1.

This year’s program, “Indigenous Voices of the Americas: Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian,” highlights living traditions of Indigenous peoples and honors contemporary and traditional creative expressions, celebrations and community connections. This festival also marks several anniversaries for the museum, including the 20th anniversary of the museum on the National Mall and the 30th anniversary of the museum’s location in New York City.

Most activities will take place on the National Mall between Third and Seventh streets. Daytime programs by musicians, dancers, cooks, artisans, storytellers and others will run from 11 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. On select evenings, live music on the festival’s Four Directions Stage will run until 7 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.

Volunteers of all ages, abilities and skills are welcome. Volunteers perform various duties, which may include audiovisual documentation of performances and general administrative and production support, conducting audience surveys and assisting stage managers. Individuals with experience in accessibility services and Spanish and Indigenous language skills are especially encouraged to apply.

More information on volunteer opportunities, including applications, is available on the festival website or by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Charish Bishop at bishopc2@si.edu or 202-633-6527. 

About the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Inaugurated in 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival honors living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and presented in association with the National Park Service, the festival has featured participants from all 50 states, every U.S. territory and more than 100 countries. Follow the festival on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.

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SI-169-2024