Smithsonian Folklife Festival Moves On the Road as America’s 250th Plans Take Over the Mall

Beginner | February 17, 2026

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Smithsonian Folklife Festival change: A Big Change on the National Mall

For decades, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has been a summer tradition in Washington, D.C. For many people, this Smithsonian Folklife Festival change feels surprising because the event has been part of summer on the Mall for so long. Every year, people visit the National Mall to enjoy music, food, crafts, and stories from many cultures. But in 2026, the festival will not happen on the Mall.

What the Smithsonian Announced

On February 5, 2026, the Smithsonian said it will take the Folklife Festival “on the road.” (Smithsonian news release) That means the Smithsonian will join festivals in communities across the United States and three U.S. territories instead of bringing everyone to Washington.

The Smithsonian is calling this new plan “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals.” (Smithsonian Magazine) The idea is to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by meeting people where they live—and using festivals as a way to connect communities and share culture.

What Will Still Happen in Washington

Even though the big summer festival won’t be on the National Mall, the Smithsonian says it will still host special programs in Washington, D.C. These include:

Food and music demonstrations at the National Museum of American History and the Anacostia Community Museum
A Folklife Marketplace inside the Arts and Industries Building, with handcrafted items
A special exhibition with objects and stories from past Folklife Festivals

So, if you’re visiting D.C., you can still see Folklife-style events—just not the full outdoor festival you may remember.

Why This Is Happening Now

According to reporting on the change, the National Mall is being scheduled for major America 250 events tied to President Trump’s celebration plans. One headline item is a “Great American State Fair” that is expected to end with a major festival on the National Mall in 2026. (White House fact sheet)

Another big event is the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., an IndyCar race planned for August 21–23, 2026. (Reuters) It’s being promoted as the first major motor race near the National Mall and part of the 250th birthday celebration.

In simple terms: the Mall is getting crowded, and the Folklife Festival is moving.

Why English Learners Should Care

This story is about more than festivals. It’s about how public spaces get used, how organizations respond to political pressure, and how big national celebrations can change long-standing traditions.

In business terms, you could say the Smithsonian is shifting its strategy: instead of hosting one huge event in one place, it’s expanding its reach across the country. This Smithsonian Folklife Festival change is basically a national “road show” approach—go where the people already are. That’s a classic “go where the customers are” move.

Vocabulary

Tradition (noun) – something people do regularly for a long time.
Example: The festival is a summer tradition for many families.
Relocate (verb) – to move something to a new place.
Example: The event will relocate to different cities this year.
Anniversary (noun) – a yearly celebration of an important date.
Example: The U.S. will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Community (noun) – a group of people living in the same place.
Example: The Smithsonian will visit local communities across the country.
Territory (noun) – an area controlled by a country, but not a state.
Example: The program will include three U.S. territories.
Exhibition (noun) – a public display of art, objects, or information.
Example: The museum will open a new exhibition about past festivals.
Crafts (noun) – handmade items, often artistic or traditional.
Example: Visitors can buy crafts at the Folklife Marketplace.
Celebrate (verb) – to honor something with events or activities.
Example: Many groups will celebrate America’s birthday in 2026.
Culminate (verb) – to end in an important final event.
Example: The year-long fair will culminate with a big festival in D.C.
Logistics (noun) – the planning needed to organize an event.
Example: Big events on the Mall require serious logistics.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and why is it important?
What does it mean that the festival will go “on the road”?
What smaller Folklife programs will still happen in Washington, D.C.?
What events are planned for America’s 250th anniversary that may affect the Mall?
Do you think moving the festival is a good idea? Why or why not?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should national celebrations change existing traditions? Why?
Who should decide how public spaces like the National Mall are used?
What are the pros and cons of holding big events in a capital city?
What cultural events are important in your country, and why?
How do festivals help communities connect?

Related Idiom

“Make room for” – to create space or time for something new.

Example: The Folklife Festival moved so the National Mall could make room for America 250 events.

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This article was inspired by: (Smithsonian news release), (Smithsonian Magazine), (White House fact sheet), (Reuters), (IndyCar announcement), (The Independent report), and The New York Times (topic prompt).