The Washington, DC area is filled with lots of fun and unique festivals during the summertime, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is one of the most fascinating. This year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place throughout the month of June, and its final weekend runs from July 7 through July 10 on the National Mall.
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival features booths and exhibits that teach visitors how the Basque country maintains its rich culture, including its renowned cooking techniques, the Euskara language and more. The Sounds of California portion of the festival shows visitors how the music and stories have influenced the state's diverse culture, and it includes music workshops and an evening concert series. There is also an On the Move tent, which explore migration, immigration and other cultural shifts through stories, discussions and more.