“The Apollo has always been a source of pride for the community and for Harlem.”
- Dick Parsons, Apollo Theater Foundation Chairman
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Get up, get out, get involved in Apollo Community activities. Community Programs extend the Apollo Theater’s commitment to enhancing the community. Through free programs designed to engage youth, adults, schools, families, artists, and community-based organizations, community outreach activities build on the Apollo's rich history as a cultural and economic anchor to the greater Harlem area and New York City.
Get Involved
Participate in cross-cultural dialogue and debate
APOLLO UPTOWN HALL
The Apollo Theater continues to be a gathering place and “town hall” for local community residents as well as people from all across New York City. This has been demonstrated by the huge turnouts and responses here to events such as the Bradley-Gore presidential debate, President Obama’s election campaign and presidential election night outcome, and the losses of Michael Jackson and James Brown. Uptown Hall creatively and uniquely weaves panel discussions, video, texting, and live performances to enhance and develop an interactive forum for the community to discover and/or address key issues. A critical component of Uptown Hall is that the Apollo partners with other organizations to develop more diverse audiences to create a vital space for dialogue.
Past Uptown Hall presenters have included Harry Belafonte, Majora Carter, David N. Dinkins, Michael Brandon Dougherty, Michael Eric Dyson, Nelson George, Melissa Harris-Perry, Akemi Kechiyama, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, Khalil Muhammad, Al Sharpton, Melinda Weeks-Laidlaw, and Armstrong Williams.
WNYC and the Apollo Theater present
MLK Uptown Hall
A free annual event, presented in January.
Traditionally co-hosted by Brian Lehrer, WNYC’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Apollo Theater is a special edition of the Apollo’s Uptown Hall series. It brings together Harlem audiences with scholars, community leaders, and activists to engage in conversation about King’s legacy and how his teachings affect us.
Excepts from previous MLK Uptown Hall events are available online:
Audio Excerpt Video Excerpt
Step onto the storied Apollo Stage
OPEN HOUSE
A free annual event, presented during Black History Month in February.
In celebration of African-American History Month, the Apollo Theater opens its doors for a free afternoon of community programming. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Theater and step onto the legendary stage where many of the biggest icons in entertainment have launched their careers. Apollo Tour Director and Ambassador, Billy Mitchell, traditionally hosts this event.
Relish the sights, sounds and rhythms of Harlem
HARLEM WEEK
A free annual event, presented in August.
Since 1974, this neighborhood-wide annual festival celebrates the wonders of the Harlem community. Over the years it has expanded into a month long celebration including these Apollo presented events.
“Summer in the City”
The Apollo is a proud exhibitor during this free, outdoor cultural event that features a variety of events sure to interest attendees. Entertainers, exhibitors, and vendors honor the grand village of Harlem and provide delicious foods, arts & crafts, clothing, and much more.
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Amateur Night at the Apollo
Celebrates Harlem Week
Every August, in addition to the excitement generated from our first-class amateurs and hosts, during the Amateur Night at the Apollo celebrations of HARLEM WEEK, the audience is treated to special performances. Previous Harlem-connected hosts and performers have included Alyson Williams, Doug E. Fresh, Freddie Jackson, the Harlem School of the Arts, Kool Moe Dee, and Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers. Harlem residents get the added HARLEM WEEK bonus of experiencing these terrific Amateur Night at the Apollo shows for a discounted price.
To take advantage of this special discount offer, Harlem residents must present a valid photo ID and proof of residence when purchasing tickets for these shows at the Apollo Box Office. Restrictions may apply.
HARLEM WEEK’s
HARLEM DAY
The Apollo Theater presents The Apollo Hour, featuring live performances from our Amateur Night at the Apollo show and other special guests. This all takes place on HARLEM DAY’s free, outdoor main stage. The Apollo also returns as an exhibitor on this day annually, providing all attendees with entertaining experiences.
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Ring in the Holidays with Festive, Family Fun
COCA-COLA WINTER WONDERLAND
A free annual event, presented in December.
Under the twinkling lights of its famous marquee, The Apollo Theater and Coca-Cola invite you to bring the family for holiday-themed activities including picture taking with Santa Claus, giveaways, and amazing performances.
The Apollo Theater’s Tour Director and Ambassador, Billy Mitchell, traditionally hosts Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland.
Additionally, in the spirit of giving, the Apollo is a designated location for a toy and book drive benefiting charities servicing children in need. We accept new or used toys, CDs, and books, in good condition, suitable for boys and girls ages 3 to 18. We also accept new clothing for children and teenagers. The donations may be brought inside the theater and dropped in our donation box during the holiday season. All donations should be unwrapped, please.
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Kwanzaa Celebration
REGENERATION NIGHT
Presented annually in December.
Since 2006, the Apollo has presented Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night to rejoice in this holiday tradition with lively dance and music honoring the principles of Kwanzaa: family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night features the renowned Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.
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Get access to free tickets for your community organization
TICKET SUBSIDY PROGRAM
The Apollo offers free-of-charge tickets each year to numerous nonprofits. If you are the Director of a New York City-based and focused nonprofit that services New York City families who are at or beneath the poverty line, and you’d like the Apollo to consider adding your organization to our ticket subsidy list, please contact the Apollo Community Relations Department.
Contact us
The Apollo continuously strives to keep our ticket prices as widely affordable as possible. Join the free Apollo A-list to receive emails messages with discount and low cost ticket information.