Blue Corn Festival to take place March 7, 2026 in Phoenix
Arizona Humanities (AH) and the NDN Girls Book Club (NGBC) proudly present the Second Annual Blue Corn Festival—a monthlong celebration honoring Indigenous foodways, art, storytelling, and community. This year’s series of events begins with virtual and in-person programs throughout the month and culminates in the main festival on Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11 AM - 4 PM, at the historic Ellis-Shackelford House in downtown Phoenix.
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING VENDOR APPLICATIONS.
Thank you for all of the support! The full vendor list will be announced soon.
What to Expect
The Blue Corn Festival brings together families, creators, educators, and community members for a vibrant, intergenerational experience. Festival features include:
Local cuisine and traditional blue corn–inspired dishes
Art displays from Indigenous and local artists
Poetry readings, storytelling, and live musical performances
Family-friendly activities for all ages
Free books for children and families written by Indigenous authors, provided through our partnership with NGBC
Why Blue Corn?
Honoring History and Foodways
At the heart of the festival is the significance of blue corn, a crop deeply rooted in the history and lifeways of Indigenous peoples across the Southwest. For generations, communities including the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache have cultivated this drought-tolerant food and incorporated it into ceremony, cuisine, and cultural identity. Today, blue corn remains an essential bridge between the past and present, carrying forward stories of resilience, tradition, and innovation.
Our Mission
The Blue Corn Festival uplifts Indigenous voices while fostering new conversations about food sovereignty, cultural continuity, and shared heritage. By celebrating blue corn and its enduring importance, the festival inspires hope for the future and strengthens connections between generations within Arizona’s Native communities.
Join us as we honor tradition, celebrate creativity, and build community—one story, one meal, and one shared experience at a time.
By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
Festival Schedule
Beauty All Around Us Zine workshop - Feb. 7, 2026 at 12 PM. Sign up here.
Blue Corn Painting Party, Feb. 19, 2026 at 6 PM. Sign up here.
Beauty All Around Us Zine Reading, March 3, 2026 at 6 PM. Sign up here.
Festival Map
COMING SOON!
Festival FAQ
Can I bring my children?
- Yes! Please bring your little ones. We will have a kids corner with family-friendly activities for all ages.
Where is the best place to park?
- Culver St is open and available for free street parking, as well as in the parking lot of Margaret T. Hance Park, and in the parking lot of New City Church.
Will there be restrooms at the festival?
- Yes, there is an ADA-compliant restroom located inside the Ellis-Shakelford House, along with multiple porta-potties on the festival grounds.
Have More Questions? Contact Amber McCrary, our Programs Manager.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR? PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT OUR SPONSORSHIP PACKET.
QUESTIONS? PLEASE REACH OUT TO OUR PROGRAM MANAGER, JULIANNE CHENG. YOUR SUPPORT MAKES THE ANNUAL CONTINUATION OF THIS FESTIVAL POSSIBLE.
