Buena Vida Fest

Behind the Mission

On October 8, SAHRC brought together community partners, sponsors, artists, and collaborators to share the vision behind Buena Vida Fest. The day introduced a five-year initiative connecting SAHRC’s research and diabetes awareness and prevention programs with the community through music and partnerships.

Check Out Photos from the Event

Photography by Hector Hugo Garza

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5-Year Roadmap

Building the Premier Destination Event for Diabetes Change

Buena Vida Fest is designed to grow beyond a single event. Over five years, BVF will expand from “The Concert to Stop Diabetes” into a broader platform connecting live music, public education, research, health innovation, and community action.

Year 1

2026

“The Concert to Stop Diabetes”

Inaugural Buena Vida Fest
60+ vendors
Onsite health screenings
“Nuestra Salud, It’s Our Choice!” PSA launch

Year 2

2027

Expanding the Conversation

Festival expands to two days
Adds physician + researcher roundtable
Adds healthy cuisine + beverage mixer
Adds 5K family event

Year 3

2028

Connecting the Region

Roundtable expands into a full-day, multi-topic symposium
Draws experts from greater Texas areas
Healthy Cuisine Mixer becomes a signature culinary event
PSA expands from local to state audiences

Year 4

2029

A National Movement

Festival expands to a three-day event
10K competitive + 5K family walk/run
PSA expands from state to national audiences

Year 5

2030

The Destination Event for Diabetes Change

Refines the three-day festival model
Expands national reach + participation
Strengthens research, wellness + community integration
Establishes Buena Vida Fest as a destination event

Open the full 5-Year Roadmap (PDF)

“The Concert to Stop Diabetes”

Music. Wellness. Community.

Buena Vida Fest final festival poster with the full lineup

Poster by Marlene Mejia

Buena Vida Fest (BVF), “The Concert To Stop Diabetes,” is a public health initiative created by the Social and Health Research Center (SAHRC) to address the growing impact of diabetes. Built on decades of SAHRC research, BVF brings new approaches to diabetes awareness and prevention into the community through a free public festival featuring live music, health education, and trusted community resources.

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Nuestra Salud, It’s Our Choice!

PSA Campaign

Nuestra Salud is a community storytelling and engagement campaign that extends diabetes prevention and awareness beyond the festival.

“Research can create the foundation for change. People are what give that change a future.”

The Social and Health Research Center has spent decades conducting research and developing evidence-based programming focused on diabetes, obesity, prevention, education, and community health. Buena Vida Fest connects that work with the public through an accessible community platform.