'Harlem Week' Is Back With 17 Days Of Celebrations Next Month

HARLEM, NY — Harlem’s biggest block party is back — and this year, it’s a whole 17 days worth of free community events to celebrate and inspire the neighborhood.

From Aug. 1 to Aug. 17, the 51st annual HARLEM WEEK will take over uptown with free live music, tributes to famous Harlem neighbors, food, fashion, community health events, and a job fair — all under the banner of this year’s theme: "Celebrate Our Magic."

That magic, organizers say, is rooted in Harlem’s rich cultural history and enduring spirit.

"Our rich history and culture is just that, magic,” said Lloyd Williams, co-founder and chairman of HARLEM WEEK.

What started in 1974 as a one-day event has evolved into a two-week-long celebration of Harlem championing Black joy, creativity and progress.

"From the cultural revival that was the Harlem Renaissance to institutions like the Apollo Theater and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, this year’s theme embodies that despite challenges we may face, our creativity and our joy is magic," Williams said.

This year’s lineup is as ambitious as ever, with tributes to neighborhood legends like NAACP leader Hazel Dukes, Congressman Charles Rangel, musician Roberta Flack, actor Harry Belafonte, the band Kool & The Gang, and more.

The summer celebration also features free activities for kids, including story times, arts and crafts, a coding challenge, a spelling bee, a double-dutch competition, and more.

This year, the celebration will also include adult programming, including a climate change conference on Aug. 6, a job and career fair on Aug. 13, and a health summit hosted by Black Health Matters on Aug. 14.

Meanwhile, foodies and art lovers can indulge at the Uptown Night Market or the Summer in the City festival, which includes live music, theater and a fashion show.

On Aug. 17, the celebration will host HARLEM DAY, a family-friendly closing party with three stages of entertainment, with food and craft vendors from around the world, organizers said.

For a full lineup of events, including the Percy Sutton 5K, Harlem Summerstage, and outdoor movie nights, click here.

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