Indio International Tamale Festival 2026
From
December 06, 2026
until
December 07, 2026
(Please double-check the dates and location on the organizer below before attending.)
Categories: Media and Entertainment, Food Industry
33rd Annual Indio International Tamale Festival – Overview
The festival runs December 6‑7 2025 (10 AM‑7 PM) at Miles Avenue Park, Indio, CA. Admission, parking at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, and a shuttle service are free. The event celebrates tamales, culture, and community with food, entertainment, and family activities.
Main Exhibits & Categories
| Category | Description | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chavez Jessup GMC Tamale Trail | A curated path of tamale vendors offering traditional and innovative flavors. | Open all festival hours; ideal for tasting the “heart of the tamale experience.” |
| Chavela Throwdown (Lucha Libre) | Masked wrestlers perform high‑flying matches presented by Estrella Jalisco & Cantaritos. | Family‑friendly show; schedule posted on‑site. |
| Photo Opportunities | Santa’s Village with festive backdrops; guests may bring leashed pets. | Printed photo packages available for a fee; check schedule for photo times. |
| Holiday Toy Drive | Collect unwrapped new toys (no weapons) for local children. | Drop‑off 10 AM‑5 PM at Santa’s Workshop inside Santa’s Village. |
| Craft Zone | DIY stations for ornaments, holiday scenes, and quick projects. | Open during posted craft hours; all ages welcome. |
| Flock the Block | Community‑decorated holiday tree lane; visitors vote for “best tree.” | Registration & fees required for participants; open to public for strolling. |
| Tamale Eating Contest | Contestants eat as many cheese tamales as possible in 2 minutes. | Adults 18+ only; limited spots – sign‑up on‑site. |
| Live Entertainment | Music, dance, and cultural performances on the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Community Stage. | Continuous programming throughout the weekend. |
| Carnival Rides & Midway Games | Family‑friendly rides and classic games. | Located near the food area; tickets sold on‑site. |
| Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities | Options for tamale vendors, non‑tamale food vendors, and marketplace booths. | Contact the festival team for applications and rates. |
Additional Highlights
- Free shuttle runs all day between the fairgrounds and the festival site.
- Media kit and press contacts available through the festival website.
- Festival recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest tamale festival.
Register for entry or booths
Please register at the organizer website of Indio International Tamale Festival
Venue Map and Hotels Around
Indio - Miles Avenue Park, California, USA