May 2, 2025 - May 3, 2025
The City of Atascadero is pleased to announce the Atascadero Tamale Festival Weekend 2025!
Friday, May 2, 2025 | 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 11am - 7pm
The event weekend kicks off on May 2, 2025, in Downtown Atascadero, with early tamale shopping and a taste of what's in store at the main event on Saturday, May 3, 2025!
On Friday, May 2nd, starting at 5:30 pm in Downtown Atascadero, Fiesta Friday is a great way to get a head start on tamale shopping and a taste of what's in store from some of this year's tamale vendors. Plus, the evening will also feature the Sip & Shop Wine Walk* until 8 pm (hosted by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce), and complimentary tours of Historic City Hall.
Fiesta Friday is FREE to attend, but be sure to bring your wallet to purchase delicious tamales and enjoy shopping Downtown!
On Saturday, May 3rd, starting at 11 am, get ready for everything you've come to expect from this annual event favorite: over 30 Tamale Vendors offering a variety of delicious traditional, gourmet, and sweet tamales from the local area and across California! Expect margaritas (and a host of other adult beverages), a variety of merchandise vendors, live music, a mariachi band, "best" tamale, tamale eating and pet costume contests, photo opportunities, and more!
FREE to attend, the event is a fun and exciting occasion for the whole family, especially for anyone who loves tamales. Don’t forget to bring your wallet to purchase delicious food, activities, and merchandise.
Entertainment Schedule:
City Hall Stage:
11 am Welcome & Voces Tapatias Mariachi Band
11:30 am Aztec Folkloric Dancers
12:15 pm Ranchero Artist Manuel Enrique
1:00 pm Famous Dancing Horses
2:15 pm Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest
3:00 pm Tamale Eating Contest
3:30 pm Paso A Pasito Folkloric Dancers
4:30-7pm Brass Mash!
El Camino Real Stage (corner of East Mall & ECR):
11:30 am The Vibe Setters
2:00 pm Steppin Out Band
5:00-7:00 pm Big Wheel Cobra
Enjoy a NEW Walk on Water attraction, bounce houses, obstacle courses, and bungee jump from Bubble Fun 101, face painting, balloon animals, a photo opportunity with “Waffles” the miniature donkey, and plenty of fun for all ages!
The “Best Tamale Contest” will be in the works, where the tamale vendors showcase their outstanding work to our celebrity judges to decide the “best” tamale. Winning tamale vendors will be announced between 12-12:30 pm!
Two popular contests not to miss, the “Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest” at 2 pm, and the “Tamale Eating Contest” at 3 pm - both on the steps of City Hall! Registration will be available at the Information booth for a nominal registration fee! Pets of all kinds can enter the Chihuahua & Pet Costume Contest, as long as they are in costume!
DO NOT MISS this popular event! Atascadero’s Annual Tamale Festival will be a fun and exciting occasion for the whole family, especially for anyone who loves tamales! The event is free to attend and enjoy the entertainment, but don’t forget to bring your wallet to purchase delicious food, activities, and merchandise; AND be sure to place your orders from your favorite tamale vendor(s) to stock up, as tamales freeze well too!
FAQ's:
-
Tickets ARE NOT Required for the Tamale Festival! You purchase directly from the Tamale vendors. Bring cash as not all vendors accept credit cards, and there is no ATM on site.
-
Dogs are allowed on leashes.
-
Bring your wallet to purchase tamales, food, and extra activities (Zorb Balls, Bungee jump, bounce houses, Tamale Eating Contest and Pet Costume Contest, face painting).
-
Plenty of Tamales are available, from vegetarian to beef, chicken, pork, and sweet. Vegan options are not a guarantee. Other food options are available for purchase!
THANK YOU to our Sponsors!
We would not be able to do this without you!
Platinum Sponsor: Glenns Repair & Rental, Central Coast Carts & Mechanics Bank
Gold Sponsor: Avila Traffic Safety
Silver Sponsors: AM Sun Solar, Kirk Consulting, MGP Coatings, Springhill Suites by Marriott
& Waste Management
Bronze Sponsors: Street Side Ale House, Kenneth Heating & Air, 5-Star Rain Gutters, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Hispanic Business Association, Lola's Letters & Latino Outreach Council!
