Watch CBS News

Smithsonian Folklife Festival Opens On Mall In D.C.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is opening on the National Mall, where visitors can learn about Colombia, the Peace Corps and the history of rhythm and blues music.

The free festival opens Thursday and will run through July 4, then again July 6 through July 11. Each day includes performances and demonstrations on the mall, as well as evening events.

The Colombia section will highlight the South American nation's diversity and regional foods using an oven built on the mall. It will include demonstrations on coffee production, gold mining, architecture and music.

For the Peace Corps' 50th anniversary, the festival will include performers from around the world and a reunion hall for Peace Corps volunteers.

Songwriters and radio personalities will help present the rhythm and blues section with various concerts.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.