The museum's annual folk art festival brings artisans from across Mexico to Pilsen to show and sell their work. Visitors can watch live demonstrations and shop ceramics, wood carvings, amate paintings, weavings, jewelry and papel picado. On Wednesday, October 14, the festival opens in the evening for an after-hours program.
For six days in mid-October, the National Museum of Mexican Art fills up with folk artists who travel from Mexico to show and sell their work. This year's artisans come from Puebla, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Chiapas and Guanajuato, and they bring ceramics, carved wood, amate bark paintings, hand weaving, jewelry and papel maché. Part of the draw is watching them work: artists give live demonstrations, so you can see how a piece is made before you decide to take one home. It's a good place to start holiday shopping with gifts that came straight from the person who made them, and to talk with artisans about their craft and where they're from. The museum is always free to enter. On Wednesday, October 14, the festival runs in the evening instead, from 6 to 8 PM, as part of the museum's Late Wednesdays series. The museum is at 1852 W 19th Street in Pilsen. If you're a member, show your card: members get 15 percent off festival purchases.
Tue Oct 13 – Sun Oct 18, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, except Wed Oct 14: Late Wednesdays: Festival After Hours, 6:00–8:00 PM. Artisans from Puebla, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Chiapas and Guanajuato; live demonstrations.
Details checked against the official organizer on Oct 5, 2026. Times and prices can change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.