The annual Tucson Meet Yourself (TMY) Folklife Festival is back, ready to transform downtown Tucson into a lively celebration of cultural diversity from October 4-6. Organized by the Southwest Folklife Alliance, this cherished festival showcases a wide array of traditions worldwide, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the richness of folklife through food, music, dance, and more. The festival will take place at Jácome Plaza and its surrounding areas.
Festivalgoers will find food offerings from over 50 vendors representing nearly 40 countries and regions this year. Expect dishes from familiar favorites like Polish kielbasa and Cuban ropa vieja alongside new culinary delights like Oaxacan, Korean, Syrian, and Southern BBQ cuisine. Whether you’re craving Takoyaki Balls or something new, TMY has something to satisfy every palate.
Performances will be a major highlight, with over 75 live music and dance shows spread across three stages. Traditional dancers, musicians and even audience participation workshops will be offered. Unique to this year is the Accordion Encuentro, which pairs Waila music from the Tohono O’odham Nation with Chamame from Argentina – a true fusion of sounds and cultures.
In addition to the performances, more than 70 artists will share their folk art, representing communities from the Sonoran Desert and beyond. This includes a rare in-person experience with Loom Market, an online marketplace that connects artisans and customers.
The festival’s Folklife Here Pavilion offers an especially eclectic mix of folklife, featuring drag queen makeup artistry, barbershop traditions and women corridistas, among others.
TMY also invites attendees to reflect on their own lives, with prompts scattered around the festival grounds that encourage people to think about the customs they share with family and friends. From nicknames to everyday traditions, there’s a unique opportunity for everyone to explore their roots.
The Culture Kitchen is back, offering live cooking demos and stories from various local favorites, including the Tucson Chinese Chorizo Festival and Anita St. Market. For kids, the Kidlore Pavilion will offer hands-on activities like origami and paper flower-making along with interactive performances and even a musical instrument “petting zoo.”
Accessibility is a priority at this year’s festival with features like a low-sensory Tranquility Tent, wheelchair and scooter rentals and ASL programming to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the festivities.
“Bringing together so many cultures and expressions into the public square, Tucson Meet Yourself invites us to savor our differences and discover our commonalities,” Co-Director Bryan Falcón said. “By paying attention to our folklife – the ways we express our uniqueness through food, song, dance, clothing, and artifacts – we can gain an understanding of ourselves and our neighbors, and we can have fun doing it!”
Whether sampling traditional foods, dancing to live music, or reflecting on your cultural heritage, TMY promises an unforgettable experience. The festival embodies the spirit of community, reminding us of the rich diversity that makes Tucson a vibrant place to live. Learn more at tucsonmeetyourself.org.
