Hitting a milestone: Albuquerque Folk Festival celebrates 25 years; 2023 event held at NHCC

Five stages of music.

About 100 performers.

These are just a few of the stats that the 2023 iteration of the Albuquerque Folk Fest will bring to the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7.

“This is the second year that we’ll be at the NHCC,” says Rose Day, event spokeswoman. “We have plenty of events for everyone in the family.”

Day says Albuquerque Folk Fest is also celebrating its 25th year.

“The community has been so supportive over the years that the festival continues to grow,” she says. “Being at the NHCC, we’re able to spread out even more for the performances.”

This year’s headliners for music includes: Dirk Powell and Cedric Watson, Charm City Junction, Nathan & Jessie, The Here and Now, Kellie and Pete, and Matt Watroba.

Hitting a milestone: Albuquerque Folk Festival celebrates 25 years; 2023 event held at NHCC

Day says the festival also includes local performers to the mix. They are: Bayou Seco, Snorty Horse, Baracutanga, Higher Ground, Bébé La La, Adobe Brothers, Albuquerque Chinese Folk Dance Ensemble, Lasotras, The Rebbe’s Orkestra-klezmer & Judaic Band, Eileen & the In-Betweens, ATC Stringband and Janice Belflower.

Day says along with entertainment on three performance stages, the festival emphasizes participation, teaching, learning, with many participatory activities, including workshops, sing-alongs, jam with the band, dance, and children’s musical activities.

“There will be five workshops for singing, dancing and musical instruction,” she says. “Guests will also get a chance to participate in a jam with a band.”

There will also be a storytelling tent, as well as other activities for children.

“The committee works hard to bring together all types of entertainment for a broad audience,” she says. “We’re excited that we’ve hit this milestone, and we’re looking forward to seeing the festival grow more. We’re planning on expanding it for next year.”