Texas Folklife Weekend
Programs
May 17–18, 2025
The Big Squeeze Contest Finals & Threads of Tradition Festival
Event Details
Celebrate Texas’s vibrant cultural heritage at the Texas Folklife Weekend, co-hosted by the Bullock Museum! Experience a dynamic fusion of music, art, and tradition with two special events:
Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Big Squeeze Contest Finals – Witness the grand finale of Texas Folklife's signature accordion contest as young musicians compete for the championship. Experience the energy and excitement as talented musicians showcase Texas’s diverse accordion styles! Bring blankets and enjoy live music at the outdoor Capitol Mall Amphitheater in front of the Bullock Museum.
Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Threads of Tradition Festival – Explore the rich tapestry of Texas through this one-day festival, showcasing traditional arts through live performances, artisan demonstrations, and interactive cultural activities. Visitors will have the chance to engage directly with artists, learn about their crafts, and enjoy live music and dance performances in the Grand Lobby.
The Big Squeeze and Threads of Tradition are presented by Texas Folklife as part of its mission to preserve and present Texas’s diverse cultural heritage. Since 2007, Texas Folklife has promoted Texas music genres through the Big Squeeze program, which supports vital community-based accordion music traditions.
These programs are FREE. To visit exhibitions, purchase a ticket online or in person.
Texas Folklife Weekend is co-hosted by the Bullock Museum. Support for the Texas Folklife Weekend, including the inaugural Threads of Tradition Festival, is generously provided by the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation and the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division.
The Big Squeeze 2025 is supported by Texas Folklife Board Members, members across the state, Hohner, Inc.; H-E-B; and TCA. Additional support is provided by our regional partners: the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Rancho Alegre, the City of Edinburg, the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, and other stakeholders dedicated to preserving and continuing the accordion tradition.
Your Support Matters
Every donation directly supports our ability to provide our communities with outstanding opportunities that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. Support our future with a tax-deductible donation.
Enjoy discounts, exclusive programs, free access to exhibitions year-round, and much more by becoming a Member of the Bullock Museum.
The Bullock Museum, a division of the Texas State Preservation Board, is funded by Museum Members, donors, and patrons, the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and the State of Texas.
Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. Since 1984, Texas Folklife has honored the cultural traditions passed down within communities across Texas and explored their importance in contemporary society. As the state-designated public folklife program of Texas, we promote cultural sustainability through our commitment to support artists, tradition bearers, and communities.
Public programs at the Bullock Museum explore relevant history and celebrate the culture that has shaped our modern world. Through engaging discussions, live performances, and experiential activities visitors are invited to see local connections and discover how Texas fits into a broader national story.
