When the International Folk Art Market opens each summer, bringing around 150 artists from more than 30 countries to the Santa Fe Railyard, a one-of-a-kind cultural experience beckons. This year the festival is from July 9-12.
Inside the 2026 International Folk Art Market: Celebrating Handmade Traditions from Around the World
“IFAM brings the world together,” says Nadia Hamid, the Market’s director of artist development and social impact. “We pop up a miracle world in which so many types of artists and visitors can interact. You cannot travel the world in one day, but you can do that at IFAM.”
Established 22 years ago, IFAM attracts more than 20,000 attendees over one weekend and relies on the help of 1,500 volunteers who come from all over the country, creating a beautiful experience for both shoppers and participating artists.
In addition to shopping for artwork from places like Fiji (new in 2026), Argentina, Morocco, and Nepal, market-goers can witness artist demonstrations, see performances, enjoy food, and hear incomparable stories from the artisans who are preserving their cultures and traditional ways through the objects they make with their hands.
“We amplify the value of handmade art,” Hamid explains. “The world is getting more and more mechanized, and in the face of the issues we have with climate change, handmade practices are invaluable.”
A New Supportive Step for 2026
As successful as IFAM is, it is always striving to be better, do more, and help artists in more innovative and tangible ways. This year, for the first time, all 32 first-time participating artists are sponsored by IFAM. This means all of their logistical costs are covered by IFAM—from round-trip international flights and accommodations to access to the market conference, which helps them with visual merchandising and storytelling.
“We want to make sure they’re ready to share more about their heritage, their authenticity, the artists they work with who aren’t there in the booth, and what their futures look like,” Hamid says.
Putting together a market of this size and scope is no small feat. There’s a lot that has to happen behind the scenes to ensure attendees remain focused on the artists—not inconveniences like the heat or grumbling stomachs.
Jacci Gruniger, IFAM’s chief operating officer, who joined the organization in November 2025, was a longtime attendee before joining the team.
“We want the customer to walk in and have a magical experience and not even wonder how it happens,” she says.
Since IFAM takes place in July in the desert, it’s hot. This year, patrons can expect more shade structures, extra water stations, and more opportunities to sit down and eat.
On Saturday night, IFAM offers a Night Market, where shoppers can browse booths from 6 to 9 p.m. while enjoying drinks and live music. The lively evening will feature headliner Elida Almeida, a singer-songwriter from Santiago, an island in the Republic of Cabo Verde, whose soulful music will serenade the Railyard.
“I love that we are able to give people this kinesthetic, tactile, auditory experience,” Gruniger says.
Story by Maria Manuela
Photography by Gabriella Marks
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