Of the People

The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals

In 2026, Tucson Meet Yourself was selected as one of approximately 40 festivals nationwide to collaborate with the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as part of Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals — a national initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The collaboration brings a new Of the People Village to TMY’s October 2026 festival weekend, featuring three spaces: a Narrative & Dialogue Stage hosting facilitated civic conversations on work, culture, and belonging; Occupational Folklife Demonstrations showcasing workers from distinctly Tucson trades and professions; and a Citizen Journalism Summit and Community Media Hub bringing together local journalists, independent mediamakers, and students to discuss the role of community media in a healthy democracy.