Santa Fe TradFest Returns August 28–30 for a Weekend of Traditional Music

Santa Fe TradFest returns August 28–30, 2026, bringing three days of live music, workshops, jam sessions, camping and family activities to Bishop’s Ridge Camp & Retreat Center along the historic Old Santa Fe Trail.

The long-running festival celebrates traditional acoustic music from New Mexico and beyond, giving musicians and music lovers an opportunity not only to hear live performances, but also to play, learn and share music together.

Visit the Santa Fe TradFest website »

Three Days of Music in the Sangre de Cristo Foothills

The 2026 festival begins Friday, August 28, with the Songwriters Showcase at 4 p.m., followed by an evening of performances and the festival’s youth band competition.

Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend, with music beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing into the evening. Festivalgoers can move between main-stage performances, workshops, hosted jams and activities throughout the grounds.

Sunday wraps up the festival with another morning of music and family activities, with the main-stage program continuing until 1 p.m.

See the complete festival schedule:
Santa Fe TradFest 2026 Schedule

2026 Performer Lineup

This year’s festival brings together performers representing a wide range of traditional acoustic styles.

The announced lineup includes The Onlies, High Fidelity Bluegrass, Elliott and Janice Rogers, Marla Fibish, Lone Piñon, Tim May & Steve Smith and additional musicians and groups.

The weekend offers audiences a chance to hear everything from bluegrass and old-time music to Irish and other traditional styles while experiencing many of the musicians in the intimate setting that has become part of the festival’s identity.

Meet the 2026 performers »

More Than a Concert

Santa Fe TradFest is designed to be participatory. Musicians can bring their instruments and join hosted jams, while workshops throughout Saturday give attendees opportunities to learn directly from performers and local instructors.

Saturday workshops and jams begin at 10 a.m., with sessions covering instruments, musical styles and traditions throughout the day.

That emphasis on participation has been part of the festival for decades. Santa Fe TradFest traces its history to 1974 and was created as a place for people to play, listen to, learn and share traditional music.

Activities for Families and Young Musicians

Families are welcome throughout the weekend, with a dedicated Family Zone featuring games, activities and music-oriented programming for children.

Young musicians also have a place on stage through The Next Stage: Youth Band Showcase, scheduled for Friday evening. The showcase gives musicians under 18 an opportunity to perform traditional music as part of the festival weekend.

Learn more about the festival showcases »

Stay for the Weekend

For those who want the full festival experience, camping is available at Bishop’s Ridge Camp & Retreat Center. Tent and small RV camping opens Thursday, August 27 at noon and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A limited number of bunkhouse accommodations are also available. Festival organizers recommend planning ahead for anyone who wants to stay on the grounds for the weekend.

Tickets for Santa Fe TradFest

Several ticket options are available, ranging from individual-day admission to full-weekend passes.

Regular full-weekend passes are $80 and include admission to festival events throughout the weekend. Saturday all-day admission is $60, Friday evening admission is $25, Saturday evening admission is $30 and Sunday admission is $25.

Youth under 18 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

An overnight camping or bunkhouse add-on is available for $30.

Purchase Santa Fe TradFest tickets »

Santa Fe TradFest 2026

When: Friday–Sunday, August 28–30, 2026
Where: Bishop’s Ridge Camp & Retreat Center, near Santa Fe
What: Live traditional music, workshops, hosted jams, family activities, showcases and camping

Santa Fe TradFest is presented by Santa Fe Friends of Traditional Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting traditional acoustic music in New Mexico and beyond.

For schedules, performer information, tickets and complete festival details, visit:
www.SantaFeTradFest.org