Taking over the National Mall Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, the 2023 World Culture Festival is expected to be the largest gathering in the nation’s capital this year, featuring the largest stage area ever built on the historic National Park property.
Over 250,000 visitors from every corner of the globe are expected to travel to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the World Culture Festival. Today, organizers already report 184,513 registered attendees who will join in-person along with an estimated broadcast audience of over one billion worldwide. Registrants to date represent:
- 60% from the capital region
- 91% from the United States representing all 50 states
- 4% from India
- 5% from 121 other countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Thailand and South Africa.
Free registration and full Festival information can be found at https://wcf.artofliving.org.
Program Schedule
*All schedules are subject to change
Friday, September 29
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Festival Village
- A one-mile stretch between 7th St and 14th St NW, featuring over 75 cultural pavilions, activities including fashion showcases, and 80+ food trucks serving international cuisines.
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase
Saturday, September 30
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Festival Village
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase
Sunday, October 1
8:00 am – 9:00 am: Yoga Festival
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Festival Village
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Main Stage World Culture Festival Showcase
Performances
An initial lineup was announced today including over 8,000 individual stage performers representing an array of human cultural art forms from around the globe. The program features all U.S.-based artists presenting music, dance, and performance art from diverse Native American and American immigrant cultures. Among them:
LOCAL
- The acclaimed Showtime Band from Howard University
- A melody performance from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC
- Pulsating beats and infectious energy of Washington’s iconic go-go bands including Junkyard Band, DJ Cool and Bela Dona Band.
- Traditional Gospel Choir with 1,000 singers – a performance by musicians from church and university choirs of 1KVoiceChoir
- Native American dance by 100 artists representing various tribes from the region perform to the powerful beats of live drums and other traditional instruments
- Traditional Mongolian Dance & Music with 100 Dancers – A vibrant and energetic dance highlighting the heritage and nomadic traditions of Mongolia
- Indonesian Dance by 100 Artists – A “wonderland dance of Indonesia” representing the country’s five main islands
- Irish Step Dance with 100 Dancers – Lively Irish dancers in traditional dress showcasing the rich traditions of the Emerald Isle
- Bolivian Folk Dance with 200 Dancers – Vibrant folk dancers of Bolivia present 4 kinds of traditional dances
- Nepalese dance with 150 artists in vibrant costumes, representing the spiritual traditions of Nepal
NATIONAL
- Global Guitar Ensemble with 1,000 guitarists playing popular sing-along classics with renowned lead guitarists, including Grammy-award winner Micki Free.
- Rhythms of reggae with Skip Marley, grandson of the legendary Bob Marley, and dancers representing the cultures of the Caribbean islands.
- One World Family Invocation – A 200-artists choir with Grammy nominated artist Chandrika Tandon
- Pop influencer Jini June performing alongside 200 children, spreading a message of harmony in song
- Amadou Kouyate and his djembe and kora orchestra, accompanied by 200 African dancers
- Kurtis Blow and other hip hop legends accompanied by 200 breakdancers, MCs, DJs and graffiti artists
- 10,000 Garba Dancers – representing a traditional folk dance of western India circle the National Mall in a spirit of celebration.
- Traditional Afghan Music & Sufi Whirling with 150 Artists – 130 musicians playing traditional instruments and singing captivating melodies along with 20 whirling dervishes
- Indian Classical Dance & Classical Symphony with 1000 Artists – Symphony of 300 instrumentalists including sitar, veena, tabla, mridangam, flute, ghatam and violin, plus 700 dancers performing a variety of classical Indian dance styles
- Latin American Dance Fusion with 200 Artists – Vibrant folk dancers representing the unique traditions of Colombia, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela
- Chinese Cultural Choir & Dance with 1,000 Artists – Chinese classical choir, classical dancers, dragons, & kung-fu in a fusion of music & movement
- Bulgarian Folk Dance by 300 Artists – 300 artists dance to the soul-stirring melodies of Bulgarian singers
- Ukrainian Dance by 200 Dancers and Choir – Exhilarating acrobatics and vibrant footwork of the hopak, a traditional Ukrainian dance
Activations
- The largest ever yoga event to take place on the National Mall, with over 2,000 instructors from various schools of yoga demonstrating a flow to more than 25,000 yoga enthusiasts. The event will be followed by a meditation led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
- Over 80 food trucks will serve culturally expressive food and beverages from around the world. Some of the cuisines include Middle Eastern (Koshary Corner), French (Taste of Montreal), Latin-American (Arepa Zone), South Asian (Rangoli), Vegan/Plant Based (Soultarian), Indonesian (Sambal), Caribbean (Patty Party), West African (Kuks Tribute), Italian (Ciao Roma), Mexican (Mexicocina), Thai (Thai Pinto), British (Salt Pot Kitchen).
U.S. Dream Academy’s POWER OF A DREAM GALA – Celebrating 25 Years of Cultivating Dreams
Monday, October 2
5:30-10:30P p.m.
Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC
Link
The U.S. Dream Academy, a Maryland based, 501(c)3 nonprofit that inspires and invests in the lives of children of incarcerated parents, will host its Annual “Power of A Dream” Gala in honor of the charity’s 25th Anniversary on Monday, October 2nd at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, presented by Amway. In celebrating its 25th year, the U.S. Dream Academy gala is held to benefit our nationally recognized after-school programs for children. The event attracts some of Hollywood’s top celebrities, corporate executives, and VIPs, as well as political and community leaders, who support and invest in the future of those children most at risk. The annual event also honors those who are making a difference in young people’s lives with their philanthropic efforts.
Alumni Keynote Speaker: Withney Simons Entertainment: Jennifer Holliday, GRAMMY and TONY Award winning Broadway Actress, Recording Artist and Gospel Singer
Special Performance: Wintley Phipps, GRAMMY nominated Gospel Singer, and Founder and CEO of U.S. Dream Academy, with the Takoma Academy Chorale
The U.S. Dream Academy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that inspires and invests in the lives of children of incarcerated parents, will host its Annual “Power of A Dream” celebration in honor of the charity’s 25th Anniversary on Monday, October 2nd at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, presented by Amway. The Black Tie Optional Event will commence with a Sponsor Reception at 5:30pm, followed by the Program at 7:00pm, hosted by NBC4 News Anchor Shawn Yancy. Celebration tickets are available for purchase.
Event Details:
In celebrating its 25th year, the U.S. Dream Academy has set a fundraising goal of $1 million for the 450 attending guests and honorees. The event will take place in the Gathering Room on the top floor of the Museum of The Bible, with sweeping views of Washington, DC. Attendees will be treated to a red carpet experience, VIP reception, an impactful Power of A Dream 25th Anniversary program, an After-Glow dessert reception, and entertainment by Grammy and Tony Award winning artist Jennifer Holliday.
“For a quarter of a century, our nonprofit has been the driving force behind positive change, impacting countless lives,” says Dr. Wintley Phipps, U.S. Dream Academy Founder and CEO. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we renew our commitment to our mission and look forward to the next 25 years of making a difference in the world.”
EVENING HIGHLIGHTS
Alumni Keynote Speaker: Withney Simons, U.S. Dream Academy Alum, Entrepreneur and Head Image Consultant at Conassauier Paris
Entertainment: Jennifer Holliday, GRAMMY and TONY Award winning Broadway Actress, Recording Artist and Gospel Singer
Special Performances & Appearances: Wintley Phipps, GRAMMY nominated Gospel Singer, and Founder and CEO of U.S. Dream Academy, Award Winning Takoma Academy Chorale
Mentor of The Year Award (sponsored by QTS): DANIEL GUERRERO
After a round of nominations from each of the U.S. Dream Academy Learning Centers across the United States, and a rigorous review by a specially selected group of QTS employees, we are thrilled to announce our mentor of the year from Salt Lake City: Daniel Guerrero.
Daniel has been in the mentorship program since March of 2022. Not only is he a mentor at U.S. Dream Academy, but he is a mentor coach and agent manager at PlusOne Company, a sales center that specializes in direct response. Although he has worked for the company for eight years, Daniel decided to go back to school to finish his associates degree. One of his courses required him to mentor in the community. He researched several other programs, and ultimately, he believed the U.S. Dream Academy mission and vision aligned most strongly with his own.
Growing up, Daniel lived in a single parent household with three other siblings. Looking back at his time in Mexico, Daniel says he “wasn’t on the right path” even at a young age. He believes without a doubt, had he been there longer, the trajectory of his life would have been much different. Looking at the parallels of his life in comparison, Daniel understands the importance of having a program to impact kids in a positive way.
Amway serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Power of a Dream Gala. Additional sponsors this year include: QTS, Centera Transport, Inc.,Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, David McDonald, Giant Food, Markerman Productions, IBOAI, NFL Foundation, and the Antoine Bethea Family Family Foundation.
Since 2001, the annual Power of a Dream Gala has raised more than $20 million to assist with the provision of high-quality after-school programs specifically tailored for children living in high-risk communities.
Today, there are more than 850 young people (DreamKids) in seven communities (Dream Cities) nationwide who benefit each day from evidence-based comprehensive youth development programming delivered through Dream Academy Learning Centers in: Baltimore, Houston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, and Washington, DC. During the pandemic, the U.S. Dream Academy developed a safe, secure “Virtual Village” online platform for our young people and mentors to maintain connection; it has now become one of our more popular ways for our mentors to connect with their mentee from anywhere in the world.
DC DreamKids are active in the annual Power of a Dream Gala, and love to engage in community outreach supporting the local shelters for people experiencing homelessness through a partnership with Giant Food.
Congressional Host Committee:
The Honorable John A. Boehner, Former Speaker, United States House of Representatives
Senator Ben Cardin, D-MD
Senator Diane Feinstein, D-CA
Congressman Pete Aguilar, D-CA
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, D-TX
Congressman Kwesi Mfume, D-MD
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC
Congressman Bobby Scott, D-VA
Congressman David Trone, D-MD
Beginning Tuesday, September 5, the AC Lounge in Capitol Hill / Navy Yard will launch Tito’s Tuesdays Yappy Hour! Every Tuesday through Halloween, the ground level patio will welcome dogs and their humans to enjoy a range of specials in partnership with Tito’s Vodka.
WHEN
Tuesdays, September 5 – October 31 (weather permitting)
5:00pm – 8:00pm
WHAT
In addition to the AC Lounge’s daily happy hour, guess will enjoy:
$10 Tito’s drink specials
$1 Pup Cups
*A portion of the proceeds each week will benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance
Each week the team will raffle Tito’s dog accessories and toys. On Halloween a Dog Costume Contest will take over the patio with an on-site dog caricature artist making pet portraits for patrons. That evening a final raffle of all entries will award a grand prize of an impressive box of Tito’s pet products including bowls, chew toys, clothes and accessories.
WHERE
867 New Jersey Ave SE (ground level patio)
Washington, DC 20003
The American Black Film Festival will be bringing a NEW comedy festival to DC this October. ‘Because They’re Funny,’ a three-day event will showcase comedic talent within the BIPOC communities, propelling a new generation of stand-up comedians to stardom.
The festival, programmed for comedy fans and industry professionals alike, will take place October 6-8, 2023, at The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC. Events DC, the premier host of conventions, sports, entertainment and cultural events in the nation’s capital, is the festival’s presenting partner.
The centerpiece of ‘Because They’re Funny’ is the “Next Up Comedian of the Year” competition, a contest to discover emerging comedians from around the world and guide them to successful careers in Hollywood. Up to 20 contestants will be chosen to perform at the festival to compete for a $25,000 grand prize and talent holding deal with a major studio or network. Comedians interested in the competition are invited to visit www.becausetheyrefunny.com for details. The festival lineup will also feature headline shows, new comic spotlights, celebrity conversations, screenings and exclusive parties.
Because They’re Funny (BTF) a new comedy festival from the producers of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and in partnership with Events DC, is focused on highlighting comedic talent within BIPOC communities. Taking place in DC for the first time this October, BTF is seeking submissions from aspiring comics who will have the opportunity
to showcase their talent on stages in the District.
The “Breakout Comic of the Year” is an annual competition to discover emerging BIPOC comedians and guide them to career opportunities in film and television. The top ten will be invited to perform at the festival and compete for $25K in cash prizes, the opportunity to open for a major headline act, and signing by a Hollywood talent agency.
WHO: ABFF has a long legacy of supporting diverse comedians dating back to its inception in 1997. BTF’s mission is to elevate the image of stand-up comedy as an art form, propel a new generation of diverse comedians to stardom, and promote content in the comedy genre created by people of color. BTF producers, Jeff and Nicole Friday have a long legacy of supporting diverse comics. Many of today’s top names have been invited to perform at their film festival including: Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, J.B.
Smoove, Chris Spencer, D.L, Hughley, Sam Jay, and Yvonne Orji, among others.
This year’s BTF lineup will feature headliner acts, new comic showcases, industry workshops,
panels, film screenings, networking events and parties.
WHEN + WHERE:
● Date: October 6-8, 2023
● Location: The Wharf in DC’s Southwest Waterfront
● Ticketing information: https://www.becausetheyrefunny.com/passes-and-tickets/
HOW: Tickets are on sale now, including the 2-Day Comedy Village Pass, 3-Day Laugh Pass,
and 3-Day Premier Pass.
Please join the DC Public Library Foundation in the MLK Jr. Lirary Great Hall as DC’s Neighborhood Librarians battle it out for the title of best Banned Book Art Installation!
We will also honor inspiring community advocates with our second Power the Dream DCPLF awards:
-TRANSFORMER AWARD
-SPOTLIGHT AWARD
-IGNITING THE COMMUNITY AWARD
October 6, 2023 | 6:00 PM VIP
7:00 PM General Admission
MLK JR. Memorial Library
The American Black Film Festival will be bringing a NEW comedy festival to DC this October. ‘Because They’re Funny,’ a three-day event will showcase comedic talent within the BIPOC communities, propelling a new generation of stand-up comedians to stardom.
The festival, programmed for comedy fans and industry professionals alike, will take place October 6-8, 2023, at The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC. Events DC, the premier host of conventions, sports, entertainment and cultural events in the nation’s capital, is the festival’s presenting partner.
The centerpiece of ‘Because They’re Funny’ is the “Next Up Comedian of the Year” competition, a contest to discover emerging comedians from around the world and guide them to successful careers in Hollywood. Up to 20 contestants will be chosen to perform at the festival to compete for a $25,000 grand prize and talent holding deal with a major studio or network. Comedians interested in the competition are invited to visit www.becausetheyrefunny.com for details. The festival lineup will also feature headline shows, new comic spotlights, celebrity conversations, screenings and exclusive parties.
Because They’re Funny (BTF) a new comedy festival from the producers of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and in partnership with Events DC, is focused on highlighting comedic talent within BIPOC communities. Taking place in DC for the first time this October, BTF is seeking submissions from aspiring comics who will have the opportunity
to showcase their talent on stages in the District.
The “Breakout Comic of the Year” is an annual competition to discover emerging BIPOC comedians and guide them to career opportunities in film and television. The top ten will be invited to perform at the festival and compete for $25K in cash prizes, the opportunity to open for a major headline act, and signing by a Hollywood talent agency.
WHO: ABFF has a long legacy of supporting diverse comedians dating back to its inception in 1997. BTF’s mission is to elevate the image of stand-up comedy as an art form, propel a new generation of diverse comedians to stardom, and promote content in the comedy genre created by people of color. BTF producers, Jeff and Nicole Friday have a long legacy of supporting diverse comics. Many of today’s top names have been invited to perform at their film festival including: Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, J.B.
Smoove, Chris Spencer, D.L, Hughley, Sam Jay, and Yvonne Orji, among others.
This year’s BTF lineup will feature headliner acts, new comic showcases, industry workshops,
panels, film screenings, networking events and parties.
WHEN + WHERE:
● Date: October 6-8, 2023
● Location: The Wharf in DC’s Southwest Waterfront
● Ticketing information: https://www.becausetheyrefunny.com/passes-and-tickets/
HOW: Tickets are on sale now, including the 2-Day Comedy Village Pass, 3-Day Laugh Pass,
and 3-Day Premier Pass.
The Boro in Tyson’s is excited to host Cushman & Wakefield’s annual chili cook-off! This year’s competition benefits the Boulder Crest Foundation and will feature 15 to 20 teams vying for the grand prize. Cushman & Wakefield employees will judge the competition.
All are welcome to stop by and enjoy
-
chili tastings
-
lawn games
-
a bar
-
live music from acclaimed singer-songwriter Brian Dunne and his band
WHEN: Saturday, October 7th from 12:00–4:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Sandlot at The Boro (1640 Boro Place, Tysons, VA 22102)
HOW: The event is free and open to the public.
