Harlem is arguably one of the most special places in the world. A joyful, brilliant, and resilient cradle of Black American culture, it carries a rich legacy of Black American history and creativity. So each year, New Yorkers come together to celebrate Harlem with a week-long party called Harlem Week. This year, Harlem Week runs August 1-17, with a schedule of exciting, engaging events encompassing culture and social impact.
August 1
Senior Citizens Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building
Honoring Black elders. Senior Citizens Day has always been one of the most important elements of Harlem Week. The event will include health screenings, health demonstrations, and performances
August 2, 9, 16
7 a.m.-3 p.m., 109th Street & Park Avenue – 125th Street & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
One of the most famous block parties in America, Summer Streets is a passionate celebration of New York summers featuring biking, walking, running, jumping, meditating, skipping, skating, dancing — all to the beat of sumptuous live music!
August 4
Arts & Culture/Broadway Summit – Men in the Arts and Mental Health
6-8 p.m., virtual
A discussion of mental health issues affecting men.
Harlem on My Mind Conversations
7-10 p.m. Location TBD
A conversation with Men in Arts & Culture discussing the importance of mental health.
August 5
3-9 p.m., 135th St. bet Adam Clayton Powell Jr & Fred. Douglass Blvd, Morningside Avenue btw. West 125th & 126th Streets
A night of community-building and seeking to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement. Bounce houses, face painting, food, and fun. Meet leaders and personnel from your local precinct and interact with neighbors, community members, and local businesses with the common goal of partnership and safety.
August 6
5:30-8:30 p.m., Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building, 163 W 125th Street
Presented by Columbia Climate School & The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.
A discussion on climate change and its disproportionate negative impact on communities and countries of color.
August 7, 14
4-10 p.m., 12th Ave & W 131st St
A highlight of Harlem Week for foodies, the Uptown Night Market is a family-friendly celebration of global cuisine.
August 9
Hazel Dukes Memorial Family Health Walk
9 a.m.-12 p.m., 135th Street & St. Nicholas Avenue
A family walk to promote health and honor the memory of Harlem heroine and trailblazer Hazel Dukes, who headed New York’s NAACP.
4-7 p.m., Central Park Great Hill
Picnic, live jazz music and swing dancing in one of America’s greatest parks.
August 10
12-7 p.m.
The outdoor event includes:
The opening of the International Village, showcasing vendors and exhibitors with items for sale ranging from arts & crafts, jewelry, clothing, unique accessories, international foods and more.
Music will be the highlight: Artz, Rootz & Rhythm featuring local, community and emerging performers of varying genres. The Gospel Caravan featuring local, national and international gospel performers.
A Presentation from Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute — a celebration of the diaspora tracing the journey from Africa through the Caribbean and to Harlem.
Concert Under the Stars featuring the HARLEM WEEK All-Star Band led by “Music Director to the stars,” Ray Chew and joined by national and international performers. Special Musical Salutes to Kool & The Gang and Roberta Flack
August 11
Children’s Corner – Books On The Move, “Mommy Moment”
12-2 p.m
6-8 p.m., virtual
Forum for discussion on issues important to youth and what they can do to have an impact.
August 12
12-3 p.m., virtual
Featuring key discussions on Community Development, Economic Development & Diversity, Technology & Cyber-Security with experts from business and political sectors.
Harlem on My Mind Conversations A Conversation on Justice, Reform, and the Future
9-10 p.m., virtual
Topical discussions featuring thought leaders whose works are inspired by and/or benefit Harlem and similar communities
August 13
10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Great Hall at City College. 160 Convent Ave.
Representatives from over 40 business sectors disseminate information and conduct workshops and discussions on career development.
Harlem on My Mind Conversations – Celebrating Our Magic through Fashion
7-8 p.m., virtual
Topical discussions featuring thought leaders whose work is inspired by and/or benefits Harlem and similar communities.
August 14
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive
Top health providers host a transformative day of health, wellness, and fun, entirely focused on YOU.
5-7 p.m., Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building
An evening of top flight music. A feature of the Harlem Music Festival.
Banking and Finance for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs
6-8:30 p.m., Chase Community Banking Center 55 W 125th St
Financial advice for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
August 16
1-6 p.m., West 135th Street from St. Nicholas Avenue – Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
With performances from local, national and international artists, the Harlem Broadway Row fashion show, health testing stations and hundreds of food vendors, arts, crafts, music, jewelry, hats, sculptors, corporate exhibitors, and games.
Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee
2-4 p.m., Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture 515 Malcolm X Blvd
Children from 1st – 5th grade test their spelling prowess for prizes in this fun competition.
HW/IMAGENATION Outdoor Film Festival
6:30-10 p.m., St. Nicolas Park,, St. Nicholas Ave & 135th St.
Free outdoor screening of “Wicked” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
August 16, 17
12-5 p.m., Howard Bennett Playground 32 W 136th St
Time and space children ages 5 to 12 years and their family members enjoy storytelling, children’s entertainment (performances showcasing tap dancers, dance troupes, step shows, hip-hop, theater, poetry, vocalists, etc.), arts & crafts, double dutch competitions, face painting, technology information, information on health services, and more.
1-5 p.m., 135th Street from 5th Avenue to St. Nicholas Avenue
The day that started it all in 1974! This is Harlem Week’s largest and final day, featuring three stages of entertainment, food, the Harlem Health Village, Harlem Broadway Row, performances from Broadway productions, local, national, and international artists in various musical genres from Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Reggae, Soca, Latin, and more.
For more info, visit harlemweek.com.
Very much love Harlem Week
For the first 15 years
It was as fabulous as it is now
However
West Indian folks, some never all.
Would denigrate our time
Oddly , I would inform them
We’ve never had a murder
You murdered Cuomos aide
STFU
I feel as though in some instances..they feel..superior to us.
I find that hilarious
Just a note
Picking rumblings last week
We should join with their WDParade
For that a No.
Sybil Ward
Harlem