Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Seven days aren’t enough to contain all the arts, culture, and history in Harlem Week
By
Precious Fondren
Published Aug 12, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Felix Lipov/Shutterstock
By
Precious Fondren
Published Aug 12, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
For 10 days from August 12th to 21st, Harlem residents and visitors alike will celebrate the neighborhood’s art, entertainment, culture, and neighborhood’s history as part of Harlem Week, a mix of in-person and virtual events aimed at bringing the community together. What started in 1974 as a one-day event labeled Harlem Day, meant to encourage fellowship among neighbors, has grown over the years to reflect and showcase the vibrant scope of the area.
“After the last few years of not being able to celebrate together, we’re ecstatic to have the majority of our activities be in-person events,” Harlem Week Chairman Lloyd William told Gothamist via email. “As I’ve said, you haven't done this town ‘til you've done it uptown, so do it up in Harlem!”
This year’s theme is “Inspiration, Impact, and Legacy,” and activities will include live jazz performances, dance parties, and a back-to-school fashion show. “We hope that attendees will share in the emotional act of celebrating Harlem culture,” Williams said. “We’re paying tribute to key elements of the community so that everyone of all ages can enjoy local restaurants, education, and entertainment.”
Harlem Week ends with a vast street fair on 135th Street, which includes three performance stages.
Courtesy Harlem Week
The following list includes a few highlights of what Harlem Week will offer, but be sure to check out the official website for a list of all featured events.
Senior Citizen Day
Senior Citizen Day is kicking off the events, which will go on for more than a week. Those who attend will see health demonstrations and testing, performances, a “Demystifying Technology” panel, and a Senior Hat Fashion Show. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building; August 12th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
At-Home Dance Party
If you prefer to stay in, but are still interested in attending an event, you can hop on the Harlem Week website to livestream at-home dance parties five times throughout the celebration. The party will take place under the Apollo Theater marquee. August 12th, 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th at 5 p.m.
Great Jazz on the Great Hill
If you prefer to dance in person and bust your moves to some live music, then this event is for you. Attendees are encouraged to bring “a picnic, blanket, and dancing shoes." The Jimmy Heath Legacy Band, Antonio Hart Quartet and Tammy McCann are scheduled to perform in the free concert, and swing dancing is encouraged. Great Hill in Central Park; August 13th, 4-7 p.m.
Apollo Theater Amateur Night Salute to Harlem Week
The iconic Apollo Theater is hosting a handful of events, including a special Amateur Night set to celebrate Harlem Week's 48-year history. Tabitha C. Williams, host and producer of "What’s Eating Harlem," will host and present scholarships to local students. Patrons will of course also take in a roster of young performers showcasing their talents. Grab your tickets here. Apollo Theater; August 17th, 7-10 p.m.
Harlem Day
It’s totally understandable if you want to conserve your energy for the “largest and final day” of the Harlem Week festivities. Running for six hours in the heart of Harlem on 135th Street, Harlem Day will feature three stages of entertainment, a Sundae Sermon Dance Party, performances from Broadway productions, and presentations by Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera, Jazzmobile and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Among the big acts scheduled to perform on the St. Nicholas Avenue Main Stage are Dru Hill, Slick Rick, and Doug E Fresh. West 135th Street; August 21st, 7-10 p.m.
Tagged
outdoor concerts
harlem
apollo theater
street fairs
Precious Fondren
Precious is a former WNYC & Gothamist culture reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
An excellent and diverse month of concerts are in store for October.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Oct 2, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. ET
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
October is spooky season at the movies in New York City
By
Emma Stefansky
At the Museum at FIT, an argument for dolls as the ultimate fashion influencers
By
Quinn Moreland
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .