The historic Tucson Folk Festival returns for its milestone 40th year, April 4 – 6, 2025! During the first weekend in April, Downtown Tucson will be transformed into a live music hub, featuring over 150 performances and 400 musicians across six stages near Jácome Plaza.
This year’s headliners include national and regionally celebrated acts spanning sounds and decades, including Cheryl Wheeler & Kenny White, Mendoza, Heavy Diamond Ring, Abbie Gardner & Marc Douglas Berrardo, Missy Andersen & Her One Man Band, Scott Cook, Tesoro, Las Azaleas, and D Faktion Nyne.
Saturday evening features the iconic and danceable Orkesta Mendoza. Led by Sergio Mendoza of Calexico acclaim, the band melds indie rock with Latin rhythms like mambo, cumbia, and ranchera. Saturday also features the soulful storytelling and dobro of Abbie Gardner (of Red Molly) paired with bluesy wit of Marc Douglas Berrardo, indie folk outfit Heavy Diamond Ring, and a special family show performance from the Desert Museum Family Band. The clever songwriting of Canadian artist Scott Cook will also feature along with the all-female, mariachi-inspired ensemble, Las Azaleas, and local waila band D Faktion Nyne.
Sunday at the festival features the brilliant songwriting of Cheryl Wheeler and special guest and fellow songwriting luminary, Kenny White. A celebration of 40 years of festivities culminates in this performance from these legendary folk artists. Earlier in the day, Missy Andersen and Her One Man Band bring their signature blues blend from Silvery City, and Tucson flamenco outfit Tesoro will excite with their stirring acoustic performance. Bruce Phillips is back as the Sunday family show headliner, celebrating the festival’s 40th after previously headlining during its 20th anniversary.
The Family Show on the Wildflower Stage is sponsored by the Rio Nuevo District. The Wildflower Stage is a part of the festival KidsZone, which features a full slate of Young Artist Showcase programming throughout both Saturday and Sunday. The KidsZone also boasts a musical instrument petting zoo by JamPak, face painting, and no cost arts and crafts for youth. Organized by Board Member Ron Pandy, the Roger Mikulas Young Artist Showcase brings over 30 performances by some of Tucson’s youngest and most promising musicians.
Sunday morning the Wildflower Stage will pay tribute to the festival’s history. “Cheers to 40 Years: Folk Festival Legacy Stories with Our Founders” will feature past TKMA presidents, board, and staff members who have made their mark discussing the festival’s history in a round table format.
Storytelling takes center stage when the 2025 Stefan George Memorial Competition gets festivities going at the Jácome Plaza Stage on Friday, April 4 from 6 PM – 9 PM. Over 90 entrants competed for eight spots in this finalist showcase, which rewards its 1st and 2nd place winners with a spot on the Plaza Stage on Saturday night. This year’s finalists include a majority of Arizona songwriters, as well as representation from Oregon and Southern California: Annia Anna, Arielle Silver, Gabrielle Pietrangelo, Jon Frailey, Lara Ruggles, Ryan David Orr, and The Brothers Reed.
2023 winners Fox and Bones and 2024 winners Admiral Radio headline the concert with respective closing and opening performances.
Featuring six distinct stages, each venue offers a unique listening experience that showcases some of the city's most historic landmarks.
The Presidio Museum Stage immerses audiences in history, set within the walls of the Presidio San Agustín, where artists prepare in a 150-year-old Sonoran home. The North Church Stage provides ample space for dancing, featuring Tucson’s top blues, country, and Americana acts. The Court Stage, Telles Stage, and three dedicated workshop and song circle tents surround the Old Town Artisans block, offering intimate settings ideal for acoustic performances. All stage locations are within walking distance of Jácome Plaza (Stone & Pennington).
This year’s festival will present over 150 acts and 400 performers, delivering an unforgettable lineup of live music. The diverse selection of artists will span a wide range of roots-based genres, including folk, Americana, country, blues, mariachi, flamenco, and rock.
Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. The Elise Grecco Community Marketplace will feature local artisans, crafts, and culinary offerings, while the Festival Beer Garden provides a space to relax and socialize. Families can explore the KidsZone, which includes interactive musical and artistic experiences. Festival-goers can also participate in raffles and purchase commemorative merchandise, including shirts, mugs, and collectibles featuring this year’s festival artwork—created by celebrated Tucson cartoonist David Fitzsimmons. All merchandise sales directly support the festival.
The community is also invited to the Tucson Folk Festival Kickoff Showcase and Fundraiser, taking place on Thursday, April 3, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Monterey Court. This special evening will feature performances by more than 15 festival artists, with all proceeds supporting the festival’s mission to remain free and accessible to the public.
