Texas Folklife Weekend: Big Squeeze Finals/Threads of Tradition Festival
Dates: May 17–18, 2025
Time: 11 AM–2 PM (Saturday), 11 AM – 3 PM (Sunday)
Location: The Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Performances by: Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters (Saturday)
Austin Japanese Minyo Group (Sunday)
MC: Shonnie Murrell
Co-hosted by: The Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Big Squeeze Finals | May 17, 2025 @ 11:00AM — 2:00PM
Threads of Tradition Festival | May 18, 2025 @ 11:00AM — 3:00PM
Celebrate Texas’ vibrant cultural heritage at the all-new Texas Folklife Weekend, co-hosted by the Bullock Museum! Experience a dynamic fusion of music, art, and tradition with two signature events:
Celebrate Texas’ vibrant cultural heritage at the all-new Texas Folklife Weekend, co-hosted by the Bullock Museum! Experience a dynamic fusion of music, art, and tradition with two signature events.
The Big Squeeze Finals
May 17
11 AM to 2 PM (1100 to 1400)
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’ diverse accordion styles! Bring blankets and enjoy live music at the outdoor Capitol Mall Amphitheater in front of the Bullock Museum.
With music, art, and culture blending into one unforgettable weekend, Texas Folklife Weekend offers something for everyone. Enjoy free, family-friendly activities and explore local food and beverage vendors in collaboration with the Bullock Museum.
Inaugural Threads of Tradition Festival
May 18
11 AM to 3 PM (1100 to 1500)
Texas is often portrayed as a land of cowboys, ranchers, and football players. The Threads of Tradition Festival challenges that narrative by celebrating the artistry of women who live, work, and create in Texas.
This one-day festival will showcase traditional arts through exhibitions, performances, and hands-on presentations in music, dance, visual arts, cuisine, and more. Visitors can engage directly with artists, learn about their crafts, and enjoy live music and dance performances in the Grand Lobby at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
Texas Folklife Weekend is co-hosted by the Bullock Museum and Texas Folklife. Support for the weekend, including the inaugural Threads of Tradition Festival, is generously provided by the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, Texas Folklife Board Members, members across the state, and the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division.
The Big Squeeze 2025 is made possible with support from Texas Folklife Board Members, members across Texas, Hohner, Inc., H-E-B, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Additional support comes from our regional partners: the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Rancho Alegre, the City of Edinburg, the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, and other dedicated stakeholders committed to preserving and celebrating the accordion tradition.