Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association (TKMA) began as a group of friends gathering regularly on Friday nights for potlucks and jammin’ in the kitchen. TKMA was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax Exempt No. 86-0514808) in 1986 to further public awareness and interest in acoustic music and other folk arts by promoting and producing the annual Tucson Folk Festival.
The Tucson Folk Festival is one of the longest-running folk music festivals in the country and has grown to be Arizona’s largest free to the public music festival. The annual three-day event celebrates American Folk Music traditions and all the wonderful variations, from Bluegrass to Blues, and Mariachi to Zydeco! This family-friendly festival is held in some of the most historic sections of Downtown Tucson. Featuring multiple stages of acoustic music and hundreds of performers, the festival annually entertains well over 13,000 fans coming from all over Arizona and tuning in online from across the nation. This two-day event also features a wide variety of food and craft vendors, a beer garden, interactive music workshops, a Family Show, the Roger Mikulas Young Artist Showcase for performers under 18, a Ballad Tree for songwriters, Elise Grecco Marketplace for food and craft vendors, and the Stefan George Songwriting Competition. Over 250 volunteers contribute annually to the success of this festival.
FREE to the public since its beginning in 1986, the Festival is one of the most beloved events on the Tucson calendar.
TKMA and the Tucson Folk Festival are volunteer-led endeavors relying on the hard work and generous donations of supporters, volunteers, the community and the TKMA Board of Directors, Staff and Members. All proceeds and funds acquired by TKMA are allocated to the promotion and production of the Tucson Folk Festival.
Our Mission
The Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association (TKMA) furthers public awareness and interest in acoustic music and other folk arts by promoting and producing the annual Tucson Folk Festival; one of the oldest FREE folk music festivals in the country! TKMA is an all-volunteer-operated, member-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Support Our Work
You can support the mission of TKMA and the annual Tucson Folk Festival in many ways. Visit here to make a one-time or recurring donation on Paypal, become an annual member, or get involved as a sponsor or volunteer.
