Events June 21-23: Meet Choctaw Princesses, Skate Like the Pros and Unplug with Vandaveer

Experience the culture of the Choctaw people, learn about innovations in skateboarding and get in touch with your folksier side with Vandaveer

Professional skateboarders
Professional skateboarders and a panel of experts will talk about creativity and innovation in the skating world and provide tips, tricks and demonstrations Saturday. Photo courtesy of Flickr user TalPeled

Friday, June 21: Choctaw Days

Come get your Choctaw on at a two-day festival and learn about the history and heritage of this Native American people. Enjoy Native food, dance performances, singing and storytelling, and bring the kids to meet Choctaw Nation princesses. Friday’s event will begin in the morning with a flute performance, a social dance, and a presentation on the history of Choctaw food. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. American Indian Museum.

Saturday, June 22: Innoskate

Skateboarding enthusiasts and fans, enter the world of Tony Hawk. Come to the American History Museum Saturday to learn about skate technology, fashion and tricks from pros like Hawk, Rodney Mullen and Paul Schmitt. This event will celebrate creativity and innovation in the skating world and and host panels to discuss skating’s impact society, so grab your board and be prepared to change the world with it. Weather permitting, there will also be a demonstration by select professionals and other invited skaters. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. American History Museum.

Sunday, June 23: Luce Unplugged with Vandaveer

Cross over to the dark side of folk music with D.C.-based alt-folk band Vandaveer. With their melodic Americana sound, the band sings of universal gloomy themes, such as death, murder and ghosts. They will perform at the American Art Museum after a staff led art talk about an object the band feels relates to their music. Enjoy free coffee and tea while you bask in the ambiance of art and music. Free. Talk at 1:30 p.m., music at 2 p.m. American Art Museum.

Also, check out our Visitors Guide App. Get the most out of your trip to Washington, D.C. and the National Mall with this selection of custom-built tours, based on your available time and passions. From the editors of Smithsonian magazine, the app is packed with handy navigational tools, maps, museum floor plans and museum information including ‘Greatest Hits’ for each Smithsonian museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

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