We want everyone to have a good time at SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery’s “Celebration of Music,” so we have put in place some guidelines and policies to ensure the safety of our visitors and of the museums’ collections.
Required Wristbands
America Now is a free event that is open to the public; no tickets are required. However, wristband entry is required to enjoy the live performances in the Kogod Courtyard.
Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in the museums’ F Street lobby beginning at 4 pm on Saturday, June 22. Line queueing is strongly discouraged. Doors to the Kogod Courtyard will open at 5:45 pm. When the Courtyard reaches capacity, the Smithsonian’s security officers will put into effect a one-in, one-out policy. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the museums’ galleries all evening long.
Restrictions on Personal Items
For the safety of all our guests, backpacks and coolers are prohibited during this event. Permitted, hand-carried bags—including purses, drawstring bags, and diaper bags—must not exceed 16 inches x 16 inches x 8 inches. Exceptions may be made for diaper bags and other bags used for ADA/medical reasons that are backpacks. The Smithsonian’s security officers will determine what is permitted in the museums’ galleries and the Kogod Courtyard, and may inspect any bags, boxes, and packages upon entrance or exit.
The Smithsonian’s guidelines for visitors has additional useful information.
Free Shuttle from the National Mall
Travel in comfort between the America Now locations on the Smithsonian Solstice Shuttle. This free shuttle connects all the Smithsonian Solstice Saturday locations and runs every 30-35 minutes from 5:30 pm to midnight. Stops are located at the Madison Avenue entrance (National Mall side) at the National Museum of American History and at the F Street entrance for SAAM and the National Portrait Gallery.
