Atascadero’s 9th annual Tamale Festival returns in May
Two-day event features food, music, contests, and family fun
– The City of Atascadero will host the 9th Annual Tamale Festival on May 2 and 3 in the Sunken Gardens and downtown area. The two-day event will include food, drinks, live music, dance performances, contests, and family-friendly attractions.
The festival will begin Friday, May 2, with “Fiesta Friday” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The evening will feature a selection of tamale vendors and complimentary tours of Historic City Hall. The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce will also host its annual “Sip & Shop,” with more than 15 downtown businesses offering wine, beer, coffee, and cider. Shops will remain open late for the event. Tickets for “Sip & Shop” are available at atascaderochamber.org/events.
The main festival takes place Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. More than 100 vendors are expected, including approximately 30 tamale vendors from across California. Visitors can purchase traditional, gourmet, and sweet tamales, along with a variety of other food options. Beverages will include margaritas, craft beer, wine, and cider. Merchandise vendors will also be present.
Entertainment will feature Francisco Ramirez as emcee and Medina Light Show Designs. Performers include Voces Tapatias Mariachi, Ranchero artist Manuel Enrique and his horse, the Famous Dancing Horses, Aztec Folklorico Dance, and Paso A Pasito Folkloric Dance Group. Live music will take place on two stages, with performances by the Vibe Setters, Steppin’ Out Band, Big Wheel Cobra, and Brass Mash.
Children’s activities will include bounce houses, an obstacle course, bungee jump, Walk on Water attraction, face painting, balloon animals, and a photo opportunity with “Waffles” the miniature donkey.
A “Best Tamale Contest” will be held, with winners announced between 12 and 12:30 p.m. Additional contests include the “Chihuahua Pet and Costume Contest” at 2:15 p.m. and the “Tamale Eating Contest” at 3 p.m., both taking place on the steps of City Hall.
Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring money for food, drinks, merchandise, and activities. Tamales will be available for purchase to take home.
Proceeds from adult beverage sales on Saturday will benefit the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo.
For more event details and the full entertainment schedule, visit www.VisitAtascadero.com/TamaleFest.
