The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival began yesterday, and continues this weekend through Sunday, as well as next Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5. As we mentioned back in February, this year’s themes are “Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture,” “Las Américas: Un Mundo Musical/The Americas: A Musical World,” and “Wales Smithsonian Cymru.” The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with special evening events on some days. Many of the performers will also be appearing at the Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage for free during the festival.

Whether you’re a folklife lover or hater (and we know there are plenty of you out there in the latter group), a free, family-friendly, educational festival on the National Mall can’t be all bad. Sure, the themes sometimes leave a bit to be desired, and the grass on the Mall could definitely use a rest, but the Folklife Festival does provide two weeks of free cultural events to a city with a whopping 10.7% unemployment rate.

We’ve weeded through the schedule, and give you the lowdown on each theme after the jump.