October 16–18, 2026

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Join us now!

Camp Naco

2118 W. Newell St.

Naco, AZ

85620


Become a Festival Speaker

Share the stories, cultures, and ideas that make the Borderlands unforgettable.

The Unbelievable Borderlands Festival celebrates the rich history, cultures, landscapes, and communities that shape our region. We invite historians, artists, writers, educators, researchers, community leaders, and storytellers to submit proposals for presentations, panels, workshops, demonstrations, and conversations.


All submissions will be reviewed by our programming team for consideration in the festival lineup.


Topics of Interest

We welcome presentations related to:

  • Borderlands history and heritage
  • African American history and the Buffalo Soldiers
  • Indigenous cultures and traditions
  • Migration and community stories
  • Art, music, and literature
  • Archaeology and preservation
  • Foodways and regional traditions
  • Environmental and natural history
  • Contemporary issues and perspectives
  • Unexpected, unusual, and "unbelievable" stories of the Southwest


Presentation Formats

  • 45–60 minute presentations
  • Panel discussions
  • Hands-on workshops
  • Demonstrations
  • Storytelling sessions
  • Performances
Become a Speaker

Become a Sponsor

Help Bring the

Unbelievable Borderlands to Life


The Unbelievable Borderlands Festival is more than a weekend event—it's a celebration of the stories, cultures, and communities that make our region extraordinary. By becoming a sponsor, you help preserve history, amplify diverse voices, and create meaningful experiences that inspire visitors of all ages.

Your support helps make speakers, exhibits, performances, educational programming, and community events possible while advancing the ongoing preservation and revitalization of Camp Naco.


Why Sponsor?

Sponsors receive opportunities to:

  • Showcase their commitment to preserving Borderlands history and culture
  • Connect with visitors, families, educators, and community leaders
  • Gain recognition through festival marketing and promotional materials
  • Support educational and cultural programs that benefit the region
  • Help ensure this unique celebration remains accessible and impactful


Sponsorship Opportunities

We offer a variety of sponsorship levels to fit organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals who share our vision. Custom sponsorship packages are also available.


Click here to download our sponsorship package.


Become a Sponsor

Get Your Tickets
Experience the

Unbelievable Borderlands Festival



The Unbelievable Borderlands Festival is more than a weekend event—it’s an invitation to explore the stories, cultures, and communities that have shaped the Borderlands. Join us October 16–18, 2026, at historic Camp Naco for a celebration of history, art, music, food, and storytelling that brings our region’s incredible past and present to life.

From the legacy of Buffalo Soldiers to the voices of the communities who call the Borderlands home, the festival creates space for connection, discovery, and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.


What to Expect?

Festival attendees will have opportunities to:

Discover stories that reveal the rich history and diverse experiences of the Borderlands
Enjoy performances, films, exhibits, workshops, and conversations with storytellers and artists
Explore historic Camp Naco through tours and immersive experiences
Connect with community members, historians, educators, and fellow explorers
Celebrate the people and places that make this region extraordinary


Join the Celebration

Tickets are now available! Reserve your place at the Unbelievable Borderlands Festival and be part of a weekend that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future.

Click here to reserve your festival tickets.

As our festival schedule comes together, it will be posted here so you can explore sessions, speakers, and events as they’re confirmed.

Meet Our Festival Caterer:

Jeffrey Lazos-Ferns & Tarra Lazos Creative


Experience the Borderlands through the stories we share, the food we gather around, and the landscapes that have sustained generations. We are honored to welcome Indigenous foodways expert Jeffrey Lazos-Ferns and the Tarra Lazos Creative collective to the Unbelievable Borderlands Festival for two unforgettable culinary experiences.


Through a storytelling-driven tasting experience and guided Plant Walk & Tasting, guests will explore the connections between Indigenous foodways, Black culinary traditions, and the regional flavors of Sonora. From traditional ingredients to the stories held within the landscape, these experiences invite guests to discover the Borderlands through culture, community, and connection.


Join us as we celebrate the people, traditions, and shared histories that make this region extraordinary.