Celebrate the 2026 National Heritage Fellows with Free Events in Washington, DC

The National Endowment for the Arts will host two free public events to honor the 2026 National Heritage Fellows, recipients of the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. The first event, on Tuesday, September 29, will feature the premiere of eight short tribute videos, filmed in the Fellows’ communities, that explore their lives, art forms, cultural traditions, and efforts to pass their knowledge to others. A conversation with the honorees will follow. On Wednesday, September 30, the Fellows will receive their medals at an award ceremony featuring remarks by the recipients and short musical performances by several honorees. See below for full details and information on how to reserve free tickets. Both the ceremony and films will also be available to view at arts.gov/Heritage.

The 2026 National Heritage Fellows are: 

• Juan Díes and Victor G. Pichardo, Mexican Folk Musicians (Chicago, Illinois)
• Belen Escobedo, Conjunto Tejano Fiddler (San Antonio, Texas)
• Giovanni Hidalgo, Latin Percussionist (Ocoee, Florida)
• Gerry Milnes, Folklorist & Documentarian (Elkins, West Virginia)
• Patrick Olwell, Flutemaker (Athens, Georgia, and Nellysford, Virginia)
• Frank Rabon, CHamoru Dancer & Choreographer (Hagåtña, Guam)
• Cary Schwarz, Saddlemaker & Leather Artist (Salmon, Idaho)
• Lloyd Harold Kumulā‘au Sing, Jr. and May Haunani Balino-Sing, Hawaiian Twined Basketry Artists (Wahiawā, Hawai‘i)

National Heritage Fellowships Film Screening and Conversations

WHAT: The National Endowment for the Arts will premiere eight short documentary films about the 2026 National Heritage Fellows. Together, their stories celebrate the breadth of folk and traditional arts that exist in this country and help tell the story of America. The film screening will be followed by a conversation with the honorees.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle at the Mead Center for American Theater (Arena Stage)
1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

TICKETS: This event is free and open to the public. Advance reservations are suggested, but not required. You may reserve your tickets here. 

Films will be available on the Arts Endowment website and YouTube page following the premiere.

National Heritage Fellowships Awards Ceremony

WHAT: National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Mary Anne Carter and members of Congress will honor the 2026 National Heritage Fellows at an awards ceremony, which will include presentation of medals, remarks by the recipients, and short musical performances by several of the honorees. This event is hosted by the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET

WHERE: Library of Congress's Coolidge Auditorium in the Thomas Jefferson Building
10 First Street SE, Washington, DC.

TICKETS: This event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on arts.gov/Heritage and available to watch on demand following the event.

About the National Heritage Fellowships

Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Heritage Fellowships recognize individuals and groups for their artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to our nation’s traditional arts heritage. Including the 2026 class, the Arts Endowment has awarded 502 National Heritage Fellowships since 1982, recognizing artists working in more than 200 distinct art forms, including bluegrass musicians, blacksmiths, tap dancers, quilters, folklorists, and many others. More information about the National Heritage Fellows is available on arts.gov/Heritage.