Tucson Folk Festival

06/04/2026

Happy birthday to TKMA's own Melissa Hall-Cohn! As Melissa concludes her service as TKMA Vice President this season, we want to celebrate both her birthday and the tremendous impact she has had on our organization over the course of just a few short years.

Melissa brings a wealth of business expertise and thoughtful leadership to the Board, helping guide TKMA through important projects and challenges while always keeping our mission and community at heart. Perhaps no role has exemplified her dedication more than taking on the enormous responsibility of Volunteer Coordinator for the Tucson Folk Festival. She works behind the scenes year-round to support hundreds of volunteers, strengthen our processes, and help ensure the festival's continued success.

Please join us in wishing Melissa a very happy birthday and extending our sincere gratitude for her years of leadership, generosity, and hard work. Thank you, Melissa, for all that you do for TKMA!

06/03/2026

If you caught David Huckfelt's moving Songs of Rainer Ptacek tribute at this year's Tucson Folk Festival, here's a chance to hear him in a more intimate setting.

David returns to Tucson this Friday, June 5th, for a listening-room performance at Pidgin Palace, sharing songs from his new record alongside The Tarantula Hawks, with special guest Gabe Rozzell.

David has long carried forward the folk tradition of honoring songs, stories, and community, and we're excited to see him back in Tucson.

Ticket link in comments!

05/26/2026

Join us in wishing a very happy birthday to Jonathan Frahm — TKMA Board Secretary, incoming Board President, songwriter advocate, community builder, and one of the big hearts behind the Tucson Folk Festival.

Jonathan gives so much to this music community. From producing the Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition, to hosting Songwriter Central at Monterey Court, to championing artists and arts organizations across Arizona through Art State Arizona, he’s constantly creating spaces where people feel welcomed, heard, and inspired.

He brings thoughtfulness, humor, and heart to everything he does. In board meetings, he has a way of bringing lightness and laughter into every meeting, which reminds everyone why we do this work together. Whether he’s encouraging a songwriter, helping a volunteer, supporting fellow board members, or connecting with audience members after a show, Jonathan leads with generosity and genuine care for people.

We’re deeply grateful for his leadership, creativity, kindness, and dedication to Tucson’s music and arts community.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan! Tucson is better because of your work and your contributions.

04/28/2026

Happy birthday to TKMA Board Member, Brian Hanner! Brian, along with his partner Syndenn Sweet, are in charge of sound recorders during the Tucson Folk Festival. Brian also provides sound engineering services during festival fundraiser concerts throughout the year, and produces the annual festival compilation album.

Outside of TKMA, Brian runs Hanner House Records, and is a member of Baba Marimba and the Principal Percussionist of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra.

Thank you for all that you do, Brian!

04/20/2026

Let's just not hold back and get a look at a whole bunch of photos from the eye of C Elliott Photography at the Tucson Folk Fest

04/16/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Tucson Folk Festival.

Three days. Six stages. More than 150 performances. Hundreds of musicians. And a whole lot of moments that only happen when a community gathers around live, original music.

From first songs on the Wildflower Stage to late-night sets on Jácome Plaza… from songwriting circles to families dancing in the streets… this weekend reminded us what this festival has always been about: connection, creativity, and the simple act of sharing music together.

For over four decades, this festival has stayed true to one idea—that music should be accessible to everyone. Free. Open. Rooted in Tucson. And built by a community that shows up year after year to make it real.

To the artists who brought their stories.
To the volunteers who made it all run.
To our partners, sponsors, and supporters.
And to everyone who came downtown and made the weekend what it was—

Thank you.

We’re already looking ahead to next year, and we’d love to hear from you.

What stayed with you?
What would you love to see more of?

Take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our audience survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026TFFsurvey

This festival has always grown from the people who show up for it.

We’ll see you in 2027

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

04/12/2026

In its 41st year, the Tucson Folk Festival brings a multifaceted approach to its celebration of folk music. The event honors its roots and traditions while also showcasing its evolution by spotlighting a wide variety of artists. Read more at https://www.tucsonweekly.com/newsopinion/curr/the-past-and-future-tucson-folk-festival-highlights-new-voices.

📸: C Elliott Photography

04/11/2026

Thank you Tucson Weekly !

In its 41st year, the Tucson Folk Festival brings a multifaceted approach to its celebration of folk music. The event honors its roots and traditions while also showcasing its evolution by spotlighting a wide variety of artists. Read more at https://www.tucsonweekly.com/newsopinion/curr/the-past-and-future-tucson-folk-festival-highlights-new-voices.

📸: C Elliott Photography

04/11/2026

The Sunday schedule is packed! Get all the details in the printed guidebook available or online.

It is often at the end of an event that sponsors get thanked but we like to put it right out front on Main Street!

We couldn’t do this without the support of our great local organizations. These sponsors have been keeping the festival going for over 40 years and keeping it completely free for the community. Thanks to our great sponsors, donors, volunteers, friends and neighbors. Thank them if you see them and thank you and 🌵 ❤️

The community truly comes out for Tucson Folk Fest, and now it’s our time to shine bright!

11/03/2025

Want to be a part of the 2026 Tucson Folk Festival? There's still time to apply! The deadline for performer applications is November 15. Applications for the Songwriting Competition, Young Artist Showcase, and Vendors are still ongoing. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this historic festival in the heart of Downtown Tucson.

Learn more and apply now: https://www.tucsonfolkfest.org/festival-applications/