Mesa Verde National Park and Mesa Verde Association are co-hosting the annual Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, 2026. This gathering celebrates the living cultures of the Southwest and provides space for artists to share knowledge, demonstrate techniques, speak with visitors, and offer artwork for sale.
On Saturday, July 4, 2026 on the grounds outside the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center there will be an art market and Traditional Hopi Dances from the Hopi Village of Shungopavi, performed by the Lomayestewa Family. Seventeen artists will be allotted a 10'x10' booth space during the art market, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to sell their work and talk with visitors about their craft and culture. Performances by the Lomayestewa Family will occur outside the east entrance of the visitor center at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00 pm.
On Sunday, July 5, 2026 at the Mesa Verde Museum, four cultural demonstrators will be provided dedicated space for a one-hour formal demonstration and conversation with park visitors about their art or craft and its relevance to Indigenous culture. Demonstrators will be able to sell their work during their demonstration time. Also on Sunday, July 5, 2026 the Lomayestewa Family will perform traditional Hopi dances at the Chapin Mesa Amphiteater at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Artists and cultural demonstrators will be selected through a random lottery process. There are no application or participation fees. Artists and performers interested in participating in this festival can apply online here, by emailing festival@mesaverde.org or calling 970-529-4647. Applications will be accepted until June 15, 2026, unless all available spots are filled ahead of time.
Selected participants will need to provide their own booth set up, tent, weights, chairs, means to accept payment, and overnight accommodation. Participants will also be asked to submit a short biography and a photo for display during the event. Biographies may include information about their Pueblo, Tribe, or cultural affiliation, as they wish to be indentified. Setup for the art market will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Additional parking and logistical details will be provided to selected participants.
