Frida Fest

Frida Fest

-Traveling Frida Bed Procession!-Lowriders!- Opening Reception - Cristina Kahlo, Guest of Honor, Lectures, Photography Exhibit and Book Signing; Nacha Mendez Trio; Weekend Frida Kahlo Mini Film Fest! Caros Rovelo, Profession of Mexican American Studies and Art History; Scholarship Awards Ceremony! Spanish Tapas! Frida Drag Show!

Proceeds from the Festival benefit the Nacha Mendez Music Scholarship for New Mexican Girls of Color. 

Date: June 26-28, 2026

Schedule of Events:

Friday 12:00 noon
Professor Carlos Rovelo Talk at SFCC - Frida’s Bed
Open to the public.

The Traveling Frida Bed and portrait of Frida by Ben Garza on display.
Ben Garza’s portrait of Frida to be auctioned off during the festival and proceeds
donated to the Nacha Mendez Music Scholarship.
https://www.bengarzastudios.com/

FRIDAY — OPENING NIGHT - 6:00 PM
Frida Bed parked outside La Casa Sena

Drinks & Appetizers
Music by the Nacha Mendez trio
Festival painter Susie Cortez begins her portrait of Frida.
https://sooztheartist.com/

SATURDAY — FILM & FESTIVAL EVENTS. 12:00 noon
at Jean Cocteau

Q&A with Cristina - Maria Martinez director of El Museo Cultural is the moderator
12:00 noon

Cristina Kahlo Book and Poster Signing
Susie Cortez festival painter on site will paint Frida’s portrait to be donated to the
organization after the festival.
Photographer Simon Lopez and board member Toni Viva Munoz will charge $10. for the
snap shots with the Frida bed. Simon will also photograph the whole weekend.
Afternoon Documentary Screening at Jean Cocteau- Naturaliza Viva 108. Minutes.
Introduced by Carlos Rovelo.
(All weekend films dedicated to the festival)

THE 2026 NACHA MENDEZ MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
AWARDS GALA 5:00 PM
New Mexico School for the Arts and Zane Bennett Gathering Space for the awards
ceremony. Special guest speakers,
Music by NMSA students TBA.
Aztec dancers blessing of the awardees at NMSA at 4:30
Frida Bed parked outside NMSA. Also, the launching of the official festival food The
Frida Pie!
Awards ceremony and community service award.
Music by Nacha, Melanie, Carla and Chase.
Lowrider display outside NMSA

SUNDAY — TALKS, RECEPTION & CONCERT. 4:00PM
4:00 PM — Museum of International Folk Art
Cristina Talk and Book signing
Photography Display
Frida Bed, festival painter Susie Cortez on site
5:00–6:30 PM — Reception
MOIFA Atrium - Buffet style paella and tapas reception by Chef James Campbell
Caruso.
Music by guitarist Daniel Ward.
7:00–8:00 PM — Frida Drag Show

Tickets: Tickets go on sale May 16, 2026 

Cost: $250 Festival Pass Per Person will include entry into each festival event. Individual Event tickets are also available. 

Friday, June 26, 2026 $80 per Person Opening Reception;

Saturday, June 27, 2026 $50 Per Person for Q&A and Book and Poster Signing with Cristina Kahlo)

Saturday, June 27, 2026 The Awards Gala is Free

Sunday, June 28, 2026 Christina Kahlo Talk and Book Signing and Photo Exhibit $50 per person 

Sunday, June 28, 2026 Paella and Tapas Reception by Chef James Campbell Caruso La Boca $75 per person

Sunday, June 28, 2026 Frida Drag Show Closing Celebration is $25 per person 

NOTE: Traveling Frida Bed will be viewed  at various llocations. At each location, photgpraher Simon Lopez wil lbe available to take photographs for a $10 donation to the scholarship fund.