When and where is Tucson Meet Yourself?
The festival takes place every October over three days — Friday through Sunday — at Jácome Plaza (101 N. Stone Ave.) and the surrounding blocks of downtown Tucson. Usually it takes place the third weekend in October. See this year’s festival page for exact dates and hours.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. TMY has been free to attend since 1974 — no fences, no gates, no entrance fees. Donations are gladly accepted and help keep it that way.
What is there to do?
Eat your way through dozens of food vendors, catch live music and dance on multiple stages, watch folk artists demonstrate their craft, visit the Culture Kitchen and culture pavilions, shop the Festival Store, and talk with the tradition bearers who make it all. Come for the food, stay for the culture.
How do I get there and where do I park?
The festival is in Jacomé Plaza one block west of the Ronstadt Transit Center, with two Sun Link Streetcar stops nearby (Eastbound is Broadway/Church and Broadway/Stone and Westbound is Congress/Church and Congress/Stone). Paid parking is available in downtown garages, including accessible spaces. Accessible drop-off and pick-up sites ring the festival footprint.
Is the festival family friendly?
Very. Kids’ hands-on activities run all weekend in the Folk Arts areas, and all programming is all-ages.
Can I bring my dog?
Service animals are always welcome. For pets, please check the current year’s Plan Your Visit page for this year’s policy before bringing them — the festival is crowded, loud, and can be hot for animals.
Is the festival accessible?
Yes — wheelchair and scooter loans, accessible pathways and restrooms, assistive listening at every stage, ASL/CART interpretation for select events, and a quiet Tranquility Tent. See our Accessibility page for full details.
What should I bring?
Cash and cards both work at most booths, but some vendors are cash-preferred; ATMs are downtown. Bring a refillable water bottle — free water stations are located throughout the festival. October in Tucson is usually warm and sunny, so hats and sunscreen are wise.
What is the Taste of the Festival Passport?
A ticketed add-on offering five exclusive small plates from a curated set of vendors. Passports go on sale in August and are included free with Friends of the Festival membership. The passports tend to sell out early, so be sure to buy yours ASAP!
Who puts on the festival?
Tucson Meet Yourself is produced by the Southwest Folklife Alliance, a nonprofit affiliate of the University of Arizona. Folklorist “Big Jim” Griffith and Loma Griffith founded the festival in 1974, making it Tucson’s longest-running festival.