33rd Annual

Indio International Tamale Festival

December 6-7, 2025

10 AM - 7 PM

FREE ADMISSION

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FREE PARKING AT RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

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FREE SHUTTLE TO EVENT

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FREE ADMISSION * FREE PARKING AT RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS * FREE SHUTTLE TO EVENT *

Chavez Jessup GMC TAMALE TRAIL

Join us at the Indio International Tamale Festival and start your journey on the Chavez Jessup GMC Tamale Trail — the heart of the tamale experience! Enjoy a wide variety of tamales, from traditional favorites to creative new flavors, all made with love and authentic sazón. Whether you like them classic, spicy, or sweet, every stop along the trail celebrates the rich culture and flavor behind this beloved dish.

Get ready for the Chavela Throwdown presented by Estrella Jalisco and Cantaritos — the ultimate showdown of strength and style! Experience the thrill as masked luchadores take the ring, delivering high-flying moves, dramatic flair, and nonstop action. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to lucha libre, this espectáculo will have you cheering every slam and flip.

¡No te lo puedes perder!

Photo Opportunities

Bring your friends and family (and leashed pets) to capture the holiday magic with Photos with Santa and festive backdrops across Santa’s Village. Families may take their own photos. Printed photo packages may be available on-site; additional charges may apply. Check the schedule for photo times and locations.

Holiday Toy Drive

Spread cheer by bringing an unwrapped, new gift (no toy weapons, please). Drop off between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM at Santa’s Workshop inside Santa’s Village. Your donation helps brighten a local child’s holiday.

Holly Jolly Craft Zone

Create-and-take fun for all ages! Kids can make simple ornaments, color holiday scenes, and try quick DIY projects with on-site guidance. Drop in anytime during posted craft hours.

Flock the Block

Stroll a festive lane of holiday-decorated trees by schools, nonprofits, neighbors, and local businesses—then see who has the best tree and who deserves to win! Registration required; fees apply to enter a tree. Want in? Apply to decorate a tree and join the celebration.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Enter the Tamale Eating Contest, where the goal is to eat the most cheese tamales in 2 minutes. Tamales must be fully swallowed to count. Participants must be 18+; spots are limited.

SIGN UP

Flock the Block

Flock the Block is a festive lane of community-decorated holiday trees—designed by schools, nonprofits, neighbors, and local businesses—where you can stroll, snap photos, and cheer for your favorites. See who deserves the crown for best tree! Want to participate? Registration is required and fees apply; apply to decorate a tree and join the celebration.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

The 2025 Indio International Tamale Festival is more than tamales—it’s a full celebration of music, dance, and community! Enjoy lively cultural performances and nonstop entertainment at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Community Stage. From family fun to festive rhythms, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all weekend long!

Carnival Rides

Experience family-friendly fun at the Indio International Tamale Festival with thrilling carnival rides and classic midway games! While enjoying unique and local tamales, dive into attractions and games for all ages!

An aerial view of a parking lot with several cars parked, and a white shuttle bus parked in front.

FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE

Enjoy free parking at the Riverside County Fairgrounds with a complimentary shuttle running all day to and from the festival at Miles Avenue Park (82540 Miles Ave, Indio, CA). Parking near the event is limited, so hop on the shuttle and make getting there easy!

Taste The Tradition

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Saborea la Tradición

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Comida, Cultura, y Comunidad

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Taste The Tradition 〰️ Saborea la Tradición 〰️ Comida, Cultura, y Comunidad 〰️

SPONSORS

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Indio Water Authority
City of Indio
The image displays two logos side by side. The logo on the left is for Estrella Jalisco beer, featuring a star and the words "Estrella Jalisco" and "Cerveza Dorada". The logo on the right is for Cantaritos by Jarritos, showing three traditional Mexic
Ford Bronco
Vallarta Supermarkets
Become a Tamale Vendor
Join the Mercado
Community booth
Non-Tamale Food Vendor
Sponsorships
Flock the Block
Illustration of a performer playing guitar with a microphone, promoting a professional performer application for paid performances and headline acts.
Illustration of a woman with long dark hair wearing a sleeveless peach top and yellow skirt, raising her arm, behind a teal sign that reads "Community Performer Application" with a subtitle "For volunteer performers and school or local groups."
Illustration of a woman and a child next to decorated Christmas trees with a star on top, promoting 'Flock the Block' holiday tree sponsorship for businesses, groups, schools, and families.