Get ready for some authentic NYC parties. Harlem Week returns this weekend for its 48th year.
This year, in addition to the core theme of empowering the black community, organizers are focusing Harlem Week on important focus points such as inspiration, impact and legacy. From August 12 to August 21, the festivities will celebrate the arts, culture and resilience of the Harlem community and welcome guests to enjoy a variety of food and events.
Harlem Week kicks off with Seniors Day at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building. The free events will include health demonstrations, health testing, performances, a Demystifying Technology panel and even a senior hat fashion show, among others.
The celebration will continue on August 13, with a charity 5k run and walk aimed at gun violence awareness. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to do so by registering at this connection.
Sunday will wrap up the first weekend of Harlem Week, and celebrations are in order at the Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial. Dubbed “A Big Day in Harlem,” the day-long event will feature numerous performances and appearances, including of R&B artist Kenny Lattimore. This will be Harlem Week’s first major outdoor public event and will be free to attend. The line-up of activities will begin at noon with the opening of the International Village, which will feature vendors and exhibitors offering a variety of items from the sale, including clothing, jewelry, accessories, art and international food.
Entertainment options are also plentiful. Artz, Rootz & Rhythm will transport visitors with showcases from local and emerging artists, and will be followed by The Gospel Caravan, an ode to the gospel genre featuring local, national and international artists. The day will culminate with the Under the Stars Concert, which will feature performers backed by the Harlem Music Festival All-Star Band. A full list of performers for the day can be found here.
The coming week will be filled with events and celebrations leading up to Harlem Day on August 21st. On August 17, from 6-10 p.m., Marcus Garvey Park will become the host stage for the Imagenation Outdoor Film Festival. Celebrating Marcus Garvey on his birthday, the event will feature music and a film tribute to Garvey, African Redemption: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Garvey.
On the same day, Harlem Week will also host a talent night celebration at the Apollo Theater, where Tabitha C. Williams, host and producer of What’s eating Harlem, will present Harlem Week scholarships to students. Hosted by comedian Capone, Amateur Night at the Apollo will also feature music by DJ Jess before each show. Those interested in attending as an audience member can purchase tickets, which start at $31, here.
To get the crowd dancing, Harlem Week will host Harlem Summerstage on August 18, and you don’t need tickets to attend. Live performances in a variety of genres, including R&B, jazz, gospel and soul, will bring the music festival to life and welcome free audiences from 5:30–7:30 at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza.
On Aug. 21, Harlem Week will culminate in Harlem Day, a day-long lineup of performances and activities that will entertain guests from 1-7 p.m. The festivities will take place on West 135th Street, and they will be spread over three stages of entertainment. There will be a Sundae Sermon dance party, a school fashion show and a host of performances from Broadway productions and a variety of musical artists. Vendors will set up shop to offer guests food and drink, as well as jewelry and clothing, and there will even be exhibits and games to entertain the public. Harlem Day is free to attend, and you can view the lineup of artists and activities here.
For those who can’t make it in person, Harlem Week will also be available virtually. By visiting the website, everyone will be able to enjoy additional shows and summits, including Economic Development Day, the Health Summit, a Broadway Summit and the Harlem On My Mind Conversation series, among others. Users will also be able to shop exhibitors and vendors online, as well as virtually enjoy and participate in activities from the stage using the site’s interactive platform.
“All New Yorkers are invited to participate in the Harlem Week experience as we pay homage to the staples of our city. Both seniors and children will be able to celebrate local education, restaurants, technology and theater, Lloyd Williams, Chairman of Harlem Week, said in an official statement. “You’ll hear music ranging from Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, Soca, Latin, Caribbean, Afrobeat and more. Remember—you haven’t made this town until you’ve made it Uptown, so make it up to Harlem. We can’t wait to see you!”
For a full list of events and activities, you can visit Harlem Week website.
