2026 Feel the Heritage
Feel the Heritage is Arlington County’s annual cultural celebration honoring Black history, culture, and community. This year’s event theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites residents and visitors to reflect on the people, movements, and milestones that have shaped Black history over the past 100 years.
Through live performances, interactive activities, youth programming, and community engagement, Feel the Heritage offers a meaningful and family-friendly opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate. The festival brings together local artists, performers, organizations, and residents to honor the past while highlighting the continued impact of Black history and culture in Arlington and beyond.
Explore the sections below to learn more about this year’s programming, featured experiences, and how you can participate in this special community event.
2026 PROGRAMMING
Kids Craft Station: Celebrating African American Inventors
Families are invited to visit the Kids Craft Station, where children can participate in hands-on craft activities inspired by the achievements of African American inventors. Through fun, age-appropriate projects, kids will learn about groundbreaking innovators and create crafts connected to real-world inventions that have shaped everyday life. This interactive area is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and learning, while helping young participants connect history with hands-on discovery.
A Century of Style: Black Fashion Through the Decades
The festival will also feature a dynamic Fashion Show celebrating Black fashion and style over the past 100 years. Each decade will be represented by models showcasing iconic looks that reflect how fashion has evolved alongside culture, music, and social movements. From flapper-era artistry to afros galore, the show will highlight the influence of Black designers, trends, and cultural expression, offering a visual journey through a century of creativity and style.
Community History Tree: 100 Years of Black History in Arlington
Festival guests will be invited to take part in a Community History Tree, an interactive timeline experience highlighting 100 years of Black history in Arlington. Representing a century of growth, resilience, and achievement, the tree will feature branches for each decade. Attendees can add their own “leaves” to the tree by sharing historical moments, family milestones, or community memories connected to Black history in Arlington. This collective storytelling experience creates a living timeline, honoring both well-known and personal histories, and celebrating the voices and experiences that continue to shape the community.
Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures
The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® mobile dental van will be on site offering free dental screenings and oral health education for children and families. This traveling program helps promote healthy habits and access to care by providing preventive services in a fun, welcoming environment. Stop by the Colgate truck during the festival to learn more about oral health, receive free supplies, and take part in activities that support healthy smiles for the whole family.