Welcome to the Sunshine Festival

Experience the magic of rural innovation at Sunshine Festival. We blend accessibility, creativity, outdoor experience, art, and technology to create a unique festival.

Activities at 2025's Sunshine Festival

CREATE WITH PURPOSE

Get your hands dirty and your ideas moving. From printmaking to cyanotype, adobe brick making to zines, our workshops are all about making things that matter. Whether you're trying something new or leveling up your skills, this is where art meets action. (Click below to learn more about the workshops offered at this year's Sunshine Festival.)

LISTEN BEYOND GENRE

From country to folk, from house to pop, we’re blending borderlands soul and boot-stomping rhythm. Our music lineup is intentionally eclectic. We’re curating spaces where unexpected, magical moments of connection can happen—because that’s what so many of us are craving right now. (Click below to explore the artists you can see perform at this year’s Sunshine Festival.)

ROAM INTO WONDER

Explore wild places, unexpected moments, and incredible views. Our outdoor experiences include group bicycle rides, hikes, and story-rich wanderings that get you out of your head and into the landscape. It’s not just some fresh air—it’s a whole fresh perspective. (Click below to learn more about the outdoor experiences offered at this year's Sunshine Festival.)

FLOW BY DESIGN

Tech doesn’t have to mean screens and noise. Dive into hands-on experiments, build with smart tools, or remix tradition with innovation. These workshops and installations show how creativity, accessibility, and tech can actually work together—and have fun doing it. (Click below to learn more about the workshops at this year's Sunshine Festival.)

Check out the Full Schedule of activities and events at 2025's Sunshine Festival!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the festival?

The Sunshine Festival takes place just outside of Questa, New Mexico, on private land in Sunshine Valley. Since the site doesn’t yet have a physical address, you can use the following coordinates to map your route: 36°50′32.36″ N, 105°35′16.23″ W

To find us, copy and paste those coordinates into Google Maps, Apple Maps, or any GPS app. It will take you straight to the festival entrance on Sunshine Valley Road.

What are the festival dates and hours?

The Sunshine Festival takes place on August 30, 2025. Gates open at 11:00 am, and activities run through 11:00 pm.

How much are tickets?

If you’re local (anywhere in the Enchanted Circle, Amalia, or Costilla), you get in free. Everyone else pays by donation at the gate. No one will be turned away for lack of funds—we want you here.

What can I expect at the Sunshine Festival?

At Sunshine Festival, you can expect a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and outdoor experiences that will inspire and amaze. Join us for a truly unforgettable experience.

What should I bring?

Absolutely YES: Water, sun protection, cash, a camp chair, food/snacks, and a good attitude. This is a grassroots festival, so come prepared to be outdoors and self-reliant.


Absolutely no: Alcohol, weed, or drugs of any kind.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Yes! The Sunshine Festival is designed for a wide range of audiences—including families. We’ll have outdoor activities, art, and live music that are open to all ages. That said, this is a secular festival with eclectic music (think country, house, fusion, and more), so some performances may include occasional colorful words. We recommend checking out the artist lineup in advance to decide what’s best for your crew. No explicit or aggressive content—just real music for real people. ♡

Are pets allowed?

Yes—well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome at the Sunshine Festival. Please make sure they’re under control at all times and that you clean up after them. And of course, service animals are always welcome!

Is the site accessible?

Not very—but we’re working on it. As a brand-new festival, our site isn't yet ideal for those with mobility challenges. That said, we’re deeply committed to accessibility and will do everything we can to assist. If you’d like to attend and need support—like finding gear rentals or navigating terrain—reach out and we’ll help make it happen.

Is there parking?

Yes! Parking will be available near the festival site and will be clearly marked. It’s free, and volunteers will be on hand to help guide you in.

What happens if it rains?

We’re a rain-or-shine event. Bring a poncho, boots, or whatever helps you dance in the drizzle. Severe weather plans are in place, but barring anything extreme—we keep rolling.

Can I volunteer?

YES, please! We need folks to help with setup, teardown, trash, and workshop support. It’s a great way to get involved behind the scenes. [Volunteer signup form coming soon—check back here before launch.]

Are there accommodation options near the festival site?

In town Questa, you'll find a handful of cabins, RV campsites with hookups, tent camping areas, and a few Airbnbs.

Just up the road in Red River, there are more extensive options—including hotels, lodges, and additional cabin rentals.

You can also explore dispersed camping on nearby BLM and USFS lands for a more off-grid experience.

Can I camp at the festival?

Not yet—but we’re working on it. On-site camping isn’t available during our Root Year (2025), but it’s a high priority for future festivals. In the meantime, you can find nearby tent and RV campsites in and around Questa, as well as additional camping options on public BLM and USFS lands.

About us

Sunshine Festival is a new cultural festival rooted in the creative vision of CEO Naoma STaley and the hands-on leadership of production partners Ray Mendoza and DJ Luisa. Designed as a catalyst for rural innovation, the festival blends accessibility, music, outdoor experience, and regenerative values with a focus on quality, care, and community impact.

 

We’re building something from the ground up—starting small, and with intention. This is our Root Year, and we’re committed to doing the future proud.

OUR PARTNERS

The Root Year of the Sunshine Festival wouldn't be possible without our Partners. Show them some love by visiting their pages and 

OUR SPONSORS

The Root Year of the Sunshine Festival wouldn't be possible without our Partners. Show them some love by visiting their pages to support!

DROP US A LINE!

Got a Question? Want to pitch in?

Whether you’re a potential performer, vendor, volunteer, musician, accessibility advocate, or just curious human—we’d love to hear from you!

Drop us a line and someone from the (tiny and mighty) team will get back to you soon.