Circus Life and Migration Announced as Themes of 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival

This year is the festival's 50th anniversary

The Smithsonian has announced the themes of its 2017 Folklife Festival on the National Mall: circus life and migration.

"Circus Arts" will take visitors behind the scenes to learn the tricks of the trade from artists, coaches, costume designers, makeup artists, musicians, technicians, prop and tent designers, riggers, poster artists, wagon builders, cooks and others make the circus possible.

Workshops, performances and a circus school will be offered as part of the program.

"On the Move" is meant to focus on how the migration of people to and within the U.S. has affected American culture. Themes of multilingualism, diversity and identity will anchor this section, featuring performances, workshops, sports and art demonstrations and discussions.

The Smithsonian has yet to reveal what types of food will be offered at this year's festival or the exact schedule of events.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the festival, which celebrates the culture of various states, countries, regions and cultures.

The free festival will run from June 29 to July 4 and July 6 to July 9 on the National Mall between Seventh and 12th streets.

The festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Evening performances will start at 7 p.m.

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