民俗曲藝雜誌於1980年11月創刊，原宗旨在於報導介紹與社區廟會相關之民俗曲藝，如子弟戲、布袋戲及陣頭等。
1991年起將研究地域擴展及大陸，研究範圍增加宗教與儀式，研究視野進而包容整個文化現象，逐漸從一主要為報導的雜誌轉型為學術期刊。自2002年3月起，《民俗曲藝》由雙月刊改為季刊，每年3、6、9、12月出刊。以嚴謹的編審流程，期許成為國際水準的學術期刊。
Min-su ch’ü-i was
founded in November 1980, its original goal being to publish
research reports introducing traditional theatre and folklore in local society. Since 1991, the Journal’s scope has expanded to include MainlandChina
research reports introducing traditional theatre and folklore in local society. Since 1991, the Journal’s scope has expanded to include Mainland
Since
2002, the Editorial Board has worked to transform the Journal into an
internationally recognized academic publication. It is now a quarterly, and is
published every March, June, September and December.