Marketplace

Since its founding in 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival has supported thousands of traditional artists and musicians from around the globe by selling their arts, crafts, and music in the Marketplace tent. The mission of the Marketplace is to honor and support the Festival’s participants, many of whom lack other outlets for sharing the beautiful work they create.

Located adjacent to the Arthur M. Sackler and Freer Gallery of Art, this year’s Marketplace features crafts, jewelry, textiles, and recordings related to the Colombia, Rhythm and Blues, and Peace Corps programs. We also offer some best selling items (“Best of the Best”) from past programs, such as baskets, clothing, and beadwork from India, Guatemala, Senegal, and Washington, D.C.

In addition, Smithsonian Folkways offers additional American roots, international, and children’s music from its vast catalog.

The Marketplace is open every day of the Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to enrich your life while supporting the Festival artists and musicians. Many of the items we offer are made by artists and musicians who are demonstrating and performing at the Festival—and with whom you have the opportunity to meet and interact. Many items are not available through regular retail outlets.

Here are a few things to look for in this year's Marketplace:
• The new Smithsonian Folkways CD from Colombian ensemble Cimarrón
• Musical instruments, silver filigree jewelry, and hammocks from Colombia
• Silk scarves and felt work from the Kyrgyz Republic
• Shea butter products and textiles from Ghana
• Wine vessels from Georgia
• Wool and rugs from Morocco
• Woven crafts from Tonga
• Alpaca items, ceramics, and straw crafts from Peru
• Weaving, jewelry, and leatherwork from Mali
• Wood carvings from Jamaica
• Baskets from Kenya
• Jewelry and note cards from the Philippines
• Beadwork and small needlework from Ukraine