Exploring Youth Culture Around D.C.: Off the Beaten Path

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is scheduled to enliven the National Mall in early July. However, the youthful spirit resonates beyond the festival grounds. For those arriving early or seeking a breather from the bustling festival atmosphere, several nearby museums offer free exhibitions that celebrate the significant contributions of young individuals to society and highlight the works by festival participants this year.

OSGEMEOS: Endless Story

For enthusiasts intent on engaging with the Festival’s “Streetwise” programming, which showcases how creative expressions of youth take shape in public spaces, look no further than the Hirshhorn Museum’s latest exhibition.

OSGEMEOS: Endless Story features the most extensive display of work by Brazilian twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, celebrated worldwide as OSGEMEOS. This exhibition includes numerous pieces never before exhibited outside Brazil. Visitors will be captivated by drawings tracing the evolution of the brothers’ artistic journey—from their childhood home’s walls to city landscapes, alongside documentation of their graffiti and murals. This unique showcase draws inspiration from their mother’s embroidery, as well as elements of American hip-hop culture, breakdancing, and a fantasy universe they invented as children.

When: Open Monday from noon to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Ave. SW and Seventh St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

Delighting Krishna: Paints of the Child-God

Hosted at the National Museum of Asian Art, Delighting Krishna invites visitors to “imagine a god who manifests as a playful child.” This exhibition provides insights into how the Hindu Pushtimarg community interacts with the divine and experiences joy and revelation through devotion.

When: Available until August 24, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Gallery 24, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20013

Family Workshop: Draw and Display

This workshop allows families to tour the Delighting Krishna exhibition and create their own fabric artwork inspired by South Asian pichwai paintings. Participants will use diverse craft materials to explore ways to display their creations. Recommended for kids aged six to eleven.

When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 1:30–3 p.m. and 3–4:30 p.m.
Where: ImaginAsia Studio, National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20013

Greensboro Lunch Counter

A significant moment in history occurred in 1960 when four Black American college students staged a sit-in at a “whites only” counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, demanding equal service. Their peaceful protest sparked a nationwide youth-led movement against racial inequality in the South.

Visitors can view the lunch counter and stools where these courageous students sat, part of a larger exhibition titled In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness across three museum floors.

When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560

Building Trades: Work at D.C. Memorials

Amid the hustle of the city, taking a moment to appreciate detailed hand-carved inscriptions at D.C.’s key memorials proves rewarding. Created by Nicholas Benson, a participant in the Festival, this work is found at the World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.

When: Open twenty-four hours a day
Where: National World War II Memorial, 1750 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024; Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, 1964 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20004; Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20202

The Teen Experience by the Museum of Contemporary American Teenagers

Celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the term “teenager” in American culture, MoCAT presents The Teen Experience in collaboration with American University. This exhibition showcases emerging artists’ honest portrayals of teenage life in 2025 through a variety of artistic mediums and interactive installations.

When: Available until August 10, Wednesday–Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: American University Museum, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Gallery Talk – The Teen Experience

Join the curators and artists of MoCAT for a detailed discussion about The Teen Experience. Advance registration is encouraged.

When: Friday, June 27, 2 to 3 p.m.
Where: American University Museum, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

THE INVISIBLE SKATE THEORY

Highlighting the regional skateboarding scene, this exhibition includes artifacts from Imilla Skate, an all-female skate collective from Bolivia that participated in the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Curated by Kat “Gato” Salazar, the exhibition emphasizes the importance of third spaces in urban areas that foster creative community, offering a broader understanding of today’s skate culture.

When: Open until August 16, Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Mason Exhibitions Arlington, 3601 North Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22201

Now that there’s a clearer picture of the vibrant youth culture thriving in D.C., visitors should carry that passion into the Folklife Festival, set to showcase a diverse array of people and cultures dedicated to preserving heritage from July 2 to July 7.

In conclusion, the flourishing youth culture around D.C. is a fascinating reflection of today’s society. The ability to witness renowned exhibitions not only stands as an educational experience but also highlights the creativity and resilience of young artists. As even the best reviews might fall short of capturing personal observations, utilizing platforms like LocalsRide enables users to book verified car services with skilled drivers at reasonable prices. This eases the hassle of transportation while exploring numerous cultural experiences in various locations, ensuring a comfortable journey. LocalsRide offers options that are transparent and user-friendly, making it a go-to resource for anyone seeking personalized transfers and trips. Book your next adventure with LocalsRide.com.