Harlem Week is set to conclude its annual programming with a dynamic final weekend on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17. The two-day celebration will feature the Harlem Music Festival, Summer in the City, and the grand finale, Harlem Day, paying tribute to the community’s rich cultural heritage and a special salute to the late Lloyd Williams.
Saturday’s Highlights: Fashion, Spelling, and Music
Saturday’s festivities kick off with a lineup of engaging events for all ages. The Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee will test the brilliance of young spellers at 2:00 PM. Following that, the annual Adult Urban Fashion Show will take the stage at 4:00 PM, featuring a special tribute to Harlem icon, Momma Z.
Music will be a central part of the day, with a special salute to Latin music legends Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Eddie Palmieri. The tribute will be led by musician Bobby Sanabria’s Big Band and other special guests. Additionally, attendees can visit various health testing stations available throughout the day.
Harlem Day: A Grand Sunday Celebration
Sunday, August 17, will serve as the culmination of the week-long celebration. The day’s events will feature a mix of performances, tributes, and community engagement.
A major highlight is Broadway Row, which will bring performances from some of the biggest shows in New York City to the streets of Harlem, including Lion King, MJ The Musical, Hell’s Kitchen, and Hamilton. The stage will also host a Jazzmobile salute to Harlem native Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
Musical tributes will be plentiful, with a Harlem Week Block Party honoring legendary DJ DJ Clark Kent and singer-songwriter Angie Stone. There will also be a centennial birthday celebration for Malcolm X and a special tribute to musical genius Quincy Jones by Ray Chew, the music director for Dancing with the Stars. The weekend will also serve as the soft launch for the new Harlem Music Festival and will include a “Boots On The Ground” parade for the NYC Children’s Festival.
Many prominent figures are expected to make special appearances, including musician Busta Rhymes, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and District Attorney Alvin Bragg, among others. A key moment of the day will be a tribute to Lloyd Williams, who worked tirelessly to improve the community and shape Harlem’s cultural and economic identity for more than 50 years.