By: Blanca Beltran-Robinson
Houston’s iconic Frida Festival is celebrating two decades of honoring the life and legacy of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. What began in 2005 in the East End has grown into a vibrant, citywide celebration of Latin American culture, creativity, and community.
Founded by Houston artist Lizbeth Ortiz, the festival was born from a desire to create space for artistic expression and cultural pride. With support from fellow artist Iris Contreras, Ortiz helped grow the event through the East End Studio Gallery, producing hundreds of exhibitions and empowering local artists.
Today, the Frida Festival is a signature event of MuXerHTX, an all-female artist collective dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices in the arts. Their mission: to foster collaboration, celebrate diversity, and promote the work of women artists through festivals, exhibitions, and workshops.
Over the years, the festival has transformed venues like Hardy & Nance Studios, Discovery Green, and the Navigation Esplanade into colorful hubs of music, dance, and visual art. From 2018 to 2024, it welcomed over 30,000 attendees, becoming a beloved tradition for Houstonians and visitors alike.
“The festival serves as a platform to uplift our community, celebrating the strength of our spirit and the richness of our culture,” said Frida Festival curator Lizbeth Ortiz.
This year’s 20th anniversary celebration will take place July 19–20 at Karbach Brewery (2032 Karbach St, Houston, TX 77092), featuring live performances, art markets, cultural showcases, and more.
More than a tribute, the Frida Festival is a platform for education, empowerment, and unity — keeping Frida’s fearless spirit alive through every brushstroke, beat, and performance.
Learn more: www.FridaFestival.org