Apply to Perform
Thank You
…for your interest in submitting a Tucson Folk Festival performer application to showcase your music at one of the longest-running and largest free music festivals in the country. As a volunteer-operated, member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association (TKMA) is dedicated to showcasing diverse musical traditions, supporting emerging artists, and enhancing the cultural and musical fabric of Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our organization furthers community engagement and appreciation for original and acoustic music by promoting and producing the annual Tucson Folk Festival.
The application period for this year’s festival has closed. Applications for next year’s festival will open October 1.
Juried Performer Applications
open October 1 – November 15, 2026
application period is closed
Songwriting Competition Applications
open October 1 – December 1, 2026
application period is closed
Roger Mikulas Young Artist Applications
open October 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027
application period is closed
Juried Performer Application Process & Timeline:
The Tucson Folk Festival is a free-to-the-public music festival that annually features over 150 performances and 450 musicians, including volunteer performances and paid featured acts and headliners. Performers include local, regional, and national acts featuring a range of styles. Performer selection is a blind juried process that relies primarily on recorded submissions. The selection committee makeup is 5 to 10 TKMA members, past festival performers, musicians, longtime music lovers, sponsors, and TKMA Board Members. Over 300 performers apply yearly for a coveted stage spot at the Festival. About 60% of our performers are from Greater Tucson, 20% are from Arizona (outside of Tucson), and 20% are from out-of-state.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jerry Martin, Festival Performer Coordinator, jerrymmartin@mail.com
Important Dates:
| October 1 | Application period opens. No fee through October 31. |
| November 1 | Late application period opens. $30 application fee through November 15. |
| November 15 | Performer application period closes at 11:59 p.m. No applications will be considered after this date. |
| January 1 | Performer selections & schedule announced. |
| January 15 | Performer deadline for confirmation back to TKMA. |
Songwriting Competition Information & Timeline:
The Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition is a beloved part of the Festival each year – a chance for established and emerging songwriters to share new insights and fresh songs inspired by the times and play for an audience hanging on every lyric. Each year, dozens of entrants compete for a spot in the finalist showcase at the Tucson Folk Festival. The winner and runner-up of this showcase receive a coveted evening slot at the Saturday night festival.
To watch videos from past winners,please visit this page.
Questions? Please contact our Songwriting Competition Coordinator, Jonathan Frahm, at jfrahmwriter@gmail.com.
Important Dates:
| October 1 | Application period opens. Includes a $30 non-refundable application fee. |
| December 1 | Songwriter application period closes at 11:59 p.m. No applications will be considered after this date. |
| February 5 | Songwriting finalist selections announced. |
| Friday, April 10 | Songwriting finals concert on Plaza Stage. |
| Saturday, April 11 | Songwriting Winner and Runner-Up Perform on the Plaza Stage at the Festival. |
Roger Mikulas Young Artist Application Process & Timeline:
The Roger Mikulas Young Artist Showcase is an annual performance opportunity at the Tucson Folk Festival open to anyone 18 years or younger. An opportunity for young, up-and-coming musicians, the showcase is a fun and welcoming environment that offers a chance to perform on a professional stage at a popular community event! Roger Mikulas was a strong supporter and one of the founders of the Young Artist Stage in 2006. Organized today by Board Member Ron Pandy, the showcase continues to showcase some of Tucson’s youngest and most promising musicians.
Questions? Please contact our Young Artist Showcase Coordinator Ron Pandy at RonPandy@gmail.com.
Important Dates:
| October 1 | Application period opens. |
| January 1 | Young Artist application period closes at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be considered after this date for any slots not filled on a first come basis. |
| February 15 | Young Artist Showcase Artists announced. |
| April 11-12 | Young Artist Showcase on the Wildflower Stage during the Festival Weekend. |
Check out our YouTube Channel to see highlights from last year’s performers.