Living Earth Festival

Living Earth Festival

The Living Earth Festival at the National Museum of the American Indian is a two-day celebration of the connection between art and the earth. This year's theme, "Always Becoming," focuses on clay, how it's shaped, fired, and transformed. Indigenous artists demonstrate their techniques, kids get hands-on with clay activities, and there are storytelling sessions and performances throughout both days. It's the kind of museum event where kids actually get to touch and make things, not just look. The museum itself is one of the most beautiful buildings on the Mall, and the festival spills into the outdoor spaces around the iconic "Always Becoming" sculpture by Nora Naranjo Morse.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓The hands-on clay activities are the main draw for kids, go early before materials run out.
• ✓It's on the National Mall, combine with a visit to the Air and Space Museum or Natural History Museum nearby.
• ✓The museum café (Mitsitam) has excellent food inspired by Indigenous cuisines, worth eating here instead of typical Mall food.
• ✓Both days have the same programming, so pick whichever works better for your schedule.
• ✓Stroller-friendly throughout the museum and outdoor areas.
• ✓Indoor and outdoor activities, good option even if weather is iffy.