Chief Baba Neil Clarke and the Pinkster Players will return, along with other live music, performances, food, vendors, children's activities, and more.

Pinkster is an Afro-Dutch celebration that started in the colony of New Netherland (now New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). It is considered by many to be the first truly African-American holiday.

SCHEDULE:

Ongoing Throughout the Day

Free admission to the museum, including self-guided tours. Kids' Pinkster Festival activity booklet. Vendor booths.

Main Tent

11:00 AM - Welcome

The festival opens to the public.

11:15 AM - Reading of "The Pinkster Ode"

Published in 1803, "The Pinkster Ode" chronicles the happenings of the annual Pinkster festival in Albany. For this reading, we invite members of the public to read selected stanzas.

11:45 AM - Pinkster Jam/Performer Warmup

Members of The Pinkster Players and Carla and Keyes warm up for the day's programs. Musicians will also roam the grounds and museum throughout the day.

12:00 PM - "Colonial Crossroads" with Carla and Keyes

In "Colonial Crossroads," Carla Lynne Hall and Jim Keyes explore the intersections of European and West African music in Colonial America. A blend of live music, history, and audience participation, this program gives brings the sounds of early New York to life.

1:00 PM - "The Story of Pinkster" with the Pinkster Players

Part musical performance, part dance performance, and part live action play, "The Story of Pinkster" illustrates what Pinkster meant to enslaved people in the Colonial period and how they expressed themselves, maintained relationships, kept their African cultures alive, and educated the next generations. "The Story of Pinkster" is geared toward the general public and families and includes elements of audience participation.

2:00 PM - Reading of "The Pinkster Ode"

Published in 1803, "The Pinkster Ode" chronicles the happenings of the annual Pinkster festival in Albany. For this reading, we invite members of the public to read selected stanzas.

3:00 PM - "Colonial Crossroads with Carla and Keyes

In "Colonial Crossroads," Carla Lynne Hall and Jim Keyes explore the intersections of European and West African music in Colonial America. A blend of live music, history, and audience participation, this program gives brings the sounds of early New York to life.

4:00 PM - "The Story of Pinkster" with the Pinkster Players

Part musical performance, part dance performance, and part live action play, "The Story of Pinkster" illustrates what Pinkster meant to enslaved people in the Colonial period and how they expressed themselves, maintained relationships, kept their African cultures alive, and educated the next generations. "The Story of Pinkster" is geared toward the general public and families and includes elements of audience participation.

5:00 PM - Festival closes

Category: Festivals | Festival