Celebrate 250 Years of Cultural Democracy with us from October 2-4th, 2026

Our Great Valley Gathering visual identity, carved on linoleum block by Patricia Wakida of Wasabi Press.

 

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is partnering with festivals across the country through “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals,” in recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Fresno has been selected as one of approximately forty collaborating communities nationwide. This festival, hosted by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, is a gathering that celebrates our diverse heritage and reflects on the future of cultural democracy for our communities.

 

 

The Great Valley Gathering will feature and highlight cherished living traditions that shape the Central Valley, including:

      • Mono basketweaving
      • Chicano lowriders
      • Armenian music
      • Cowboy bootmaking
      • and community food vendors

Three days of public cultural programming in Downtown Fresno, featuring:

The festival will be free and open to the public, welcoming residents and visitors alike.

 

Presented by:
Alliance for California Traditional Arts

Festival Director:
Amy Kitchener, public folklorist

This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.

Artist & program announcements to come in Summer 2026. Be the first to get updates by signing up for emails below.

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Alliance for California Traditional Arts
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