Richmond residents will have two opportunities to celebrate Muslim American Heritage Month on Saturday, July 26 with events highlighting the culture, history and contributions of Muslim Americans.

The day begins with the American Muslim Heritage Celebration at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, 601 W. Broad St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature cultural tables, traditional clothing, storytelling and snacks from a variety of countries, offering attendees a chance to connect with members of the local Muslim community and learn about their traditions.

Masjid Bilal, the city’s oldest mosque located in Church Hill, is a partner in the celebration and will also host its own festival later that day. Heritage Fest will run from 2 to 8 p.m. at the mosque, located at Chimborazo and Marshall streets. The event will include live entertainment, food vendors, a back-to-school bookbag giveaway, voter registration and exhibitions focused on wellness, safety and small businesses. Activities for children include a bounce house and basketball games.

The recognition of Muslim American Heritage Month in Richmond began last year through a proclamation by the mayor’s office in partnership with community leaders.