A free four-day festival is coming to this Smithsonian Museum to celebrate its big 10th anniversary

Ten years after opening its doors on the National Mall, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is throwing a milestone party—and everyone is invited. From September 24 to 27, the museum will host "The Reunion," a vibrant four-day festival celebrating a decade of storytelling, preservation and community.

Guided by the theme "Welcome Home: Our Legacy Continues," the celebration brings together millions of supporters who have made NMAAHC a global landmark. Since its historic 2016 opening, the museum has welcomed nearly 14 million in-person guests, educated over 1.1 million students and teachers, and reached more than 65 million digital visitors through its Searchable Museum platform. Acting Museum Director Shanita Brackett notes that celebrating this decade is an honor stemming from "a dream more than 100 years in the making."

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Attendees are encouraged to wear shades of purple—the museum's signature color—as the festivities expand beyond the National Mall to historic sites like The Wharf. Highlights of the multi-day lineup include:

• Thursday, September 24: A full day of interactive museum activations marking the official 10-year opening day.
• Friday, September 25: A special edition of Understanding America, featuring Founding Director and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III in conversation with journalist Laura Coates.
• Saturday, September 26: "The Purple Ball: Echoes of the Pearl," a high-energy fundraising gala at The Wharf hosted by comedian Bill Bellamy, featuring live performances by Jermaine Dupri & Friends and DJ D-Nice.
• Sunday, September 27: "Violet Vibes," a free, full-day community gathering at The Wharf celebrating memory, culture, and togetherness.

Even the renowned Sweet Home Café is getting in on the festivities, as Executive Chef Ramin Coles has curated an exclusive anniversary menu available throughout the weekend. For history buffs, the celebration coincides with the release of "What a Dream Can Do: Building a Collection, Preserving a Legacy," a 320-page companion catalog detailing the origin stories behind iconic artifacts like Harriet Tubman’s hymnal and the Tuskegee Airmen training biplane.

"The Reunion" promises a perfect blend of joyful commemoration and profound history. Make a plan to be in D.C. this fall to join the celebration. To reserve free program passes, purchase ball tickets or learn more about the schedule, visit nmaahc.si.edu/10Years.