May 1, 2026 - May 2, 2026
11am - 7pm
Enjoy over 100 vendors from tamales to a wide variety of food beyond tamales to appease everyone’s palate and appetite! If you are thirsty, there will be margaritas, craft beer, wine, and cider (All proceeds from the Tamale Festival’s adult beverage sales benefit the Friends of the Central Coast Zoo Foundation). Plus a variety of merchandise vendors.
Out of the 100-plus vendors, thirty are tamale vendors from across California offering a variety of tamales for purchase from gourmet to traditional to sweet tamales. Entertainment will include your favorite Emcee, Francisco Ramirez along with Medina Light Show Designs, plus a wide variety of bands to enjoy!
Enjoy bounce houses, Zorb Balls, obstacle courses, and bungee jumps from Bubble Fun 101, face painting, balloon animals, a photo with "Waffles" the miniature Donkey & MORE!
The “Best Tamale Contest” will be in the works, where 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:
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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 not an ATM on site.
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Dogs are allowed on leashes.
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Bring your wallet to purchase tamales, food, and extra activities (Bungee jump, bounce houses, Tamale Eating Contest and Pet Costume Contest, face painting).
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Plenty of Tamales are available from vegetarian to beef to chicken to pork to sweet. Vegan options are not a guarantee. Other food options are available for purchase!
Click on the link if you are interested in being a Vendor!
Tamale Vendors
Food Vendors
Merchandise Vendors
Interested in Sponsorship? Find out more here:
Sponsor (or Commercial Vendor) Form
