Welcome Home: 10th Anniversary Community Weekend
Welcome Home: 10th Anniversary Community Weekend celebrates a decade of the National Museum of African American History and Culture with music, dance, art, food, family activities, workshops, demonstrations, and opportunities for visitors to connect and create together. The weekend is part of the Museum’s larger celebration, The Reunion, and welcomes visitors of all ages.
Programming includes a special anniversary menu at Sweet Home Café, commemorative merchandise in the Museum Store, hands-on art and zine-making, dancing, a children’s birthday party, a live go-go performance, interactive dance workshops, a painting and frozen-treat activity, and genealogy assistance.
When: Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026
Featured event hours: Saturday, September 26, 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Venue: National Museum of African American History and Culture, multiple locations
Tickets: Free; registration required
Friday, September 25: The Meaning of Home: A Treasures Zine Project runs from noon–3:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Classroom for ages 8 and up. Participants can explore the meaning of home and belonging through photographs, drawings, words, and collage. Music and Dancing takes place in Heritage Hall from 1:00–2:30 p.m., with an afternoon of music, movement, and community dancing.
Saturday, September 26: The NMAAHC Kids Museum Birthday Party runs from 10:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. on the Fourth Floor Overlook for children ages 3–8 and their families. Activities include art inspired by the Museum’s building, a community balloon art wall, and a birthday sing-along. Proper Utensils Band performs live go-go music from 2:00–3:00 p.m., highlighting the energy and community spirit of Washington, D.C.’s go-go tradition.
Sunday, September 27: Dance Dimensions VA leads interactive dance activities in Heritage Hall from 11:00 a.m.–noon, 1:00–2:00 p.m., and 3:00–4:00 p.m. These participatory workshops and performances explore movement and the legacy of Black stage performance. Paint, Scoop and Preserve: Make Sweet Memories runs from noon–3:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Classroom for ages 7 and up. Participants create paintings inspired by food, family traditions, and personal memories while enjoying frozen treats; no prior painting experience is needed. Public genealogy sessions are available from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Family History Center on the Second Floor and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Throughout the weekend: Sweet Home Café offers a special 10th Anniversary menu experience, and the Museum Store sells special 10th Anniversary merchandise commemorating the Museum’s first decade.
Ages: The overall celebration welcomes visitors of all ages. Individual activities have specific age guidance: the zine project is for ages 8 and up, the Kids Museum Birthday Party is for ages 3–8, and Paint, Scoop and Preserve is for ages 7 and up.
Type: Celebrations, demonstrations, kids and family activities, shopping and book signing, and workshops
Registration: Registration is required for the event. Genealogy sessions are separately available on a first-come, first-served basis.