The inaugural Harlem Day took place over four decades ago in 1974, an event that would later extend to Harlem Week. The annual celebration – meant to highlight the best of Harlem while promoting the neighborhood’s rich history and culture – returns this year for 10-days (so really, we’re talking a week and some change). The festivities will kick off on August 12th and run through the 21st.
This year’s 48th annual Harlem Week comes with a new theme: “Inspiration. Impact. Legacy.” Events include dance parties, the Uptown Night Market, Harlem Summerstage concerts, jazz on the Great Hill in Central Park, an outdoor film festival, and an Apollo Theater-hosted discussion with Ta-Nehisi Coates and Dr. Julius Garvey. And you'll definitely want to check out the vintage Double Decker and "Jackie Gleason" buses from the New York Transit Museum.
The MTA is a co-sponsor of the event, and will participate in the following activities this year:
August 12 – Senior Citizens Day, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building
August 13 – NYRR Harlem 5K Run & Walk & Children’s Run, 135th and St. Nicholas Ave
August 14 – “A Great Day in Harlem,” Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial Park
August 15 – Youth Conference and Hackathon, City College of New York
August 17 – Economic Development Day, Virtual
August 20 – NYC Children’s Festival and Summer in the City, W 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and St. Nicholas Ave.
August 21 – Harlem Day, W 135th Street between Malcolm X and St. Nicholas Ave
A full schedule of events can be found here. And if you can’t make it in person, don’t worry – they say, “Harlem is a state of mind,” and you can join some of these events virtually.
For those attending in person, just take the A train... or any one of these:
Subway
