The Tamale Festival welcomes restaurants, food trucks, caterers, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and community members interested in selling food, provided they meet all applicable City of Indio and Riverside County Environmental Health requirements.

Yes! The Indio Tamale Festival is a free event, open to the public. Bring the whole family to enjoy the delicious food, entertainment, and fun activities.

Yes! Individuals may apply to participate. However, all required permits, licenses, and food safety requirements must be completed before participating. Food prepared for public sale must be onsite during at the Tamale Festival, or be prepared in an approved facility or commercial kitchen rather than a residential home kitchen, unless specifically permitted under applicable Riverside County regulations for the type of food being sold.

No, a Food Handler Card is not required to participate as a vendor. However, vendors must comply with all applicable City of Indio and Riverside County Environmental Health requirements for their specific food operation.

No, tamales intended for sale at the festival may not be prepared in a residential kitchen because they are considered potentially hazardous foods requiring approved food preparation facilities. Vendors should prepare food in an approved commercial kitchen or another facility authorized by Riverside County Environmental Health.

There are several commercial kitchens throughout Riverside County that rent kitchen space by the hour or day. Some churches and community organizations may also operate approved commercial kitchens that are available for rental. Vendors are responsible for securing an approved facility before the festival. For a list of commercial kitchens, please contact the City of Indio Events Team at events@indio.org.

Yes. Every food vendor must obtain the appropriate Riverside County Environmental Health permit or authorization required for temporary food operations before participating by completing an Operator Agreement Form, which will be provided by the City of Indio.

Depending on your operation, you may be required to provide:

• Completed Vendor Application

• Riverside County Environmental Health Permit / Operator Agreement

• California Seller's Permit, if applicable

• City of Indio Business License, if applicable

• Certificate of Liability Insurance listing the City of Indio as an additional insured, in the amount of $1,000,000

• Additional documentation requested by the City of Indio or Riverside County Environmental Health

Yes. Vendors selling taxable merchandise are generally required to have a California Seller's Permit. Vendors should verify requirements based on the products they intend to sell.

Yes. Any vendor who regularly operates a business and advertises or promotes items for sale—including food, beverages, merchandise, or other products—is required to obtain and maintain a current City of Indio Business License before participating. An exception may be made for individuals who do not operate a business or regularly advertise or sell products and are participating in this event on a one-time basis.

The application for business licensing is available through our Citizen Self Service Portal (CSS). For questions, or assistance with the process, please contact blicense@indio.org or call (760) 391-4040 or (760) 391-4088.

Yes. Electrical service and power will be available to food vendors.

Mercado vendors will need to use power banks for any power needs.

Vendors should indicate their electrical needs during the application process. Additional requirements or limitations may apply based on the equipment being used. Please reach out to events@indio.org for more information.

No. Generators will not be permitted. Power banks will be permitted for any non-food vendor who requires lighting or other approved power needs.

Potable water will be available at designated locations. Vendors are encouraged to bring sufficient water for food preparation and handwashing as required by Riverside County Environmental Health.

No. Each vendor must submit their own application unless prior written approval has been granted by City staff.

Drink sales may be limited due to exclusive beverage agreements. Approved beverage agreements and any applicable restrictions will be disclosed to vendors at a later date. Vendors are not permitted to sell alcoholic beverages or tobacco-related products.

No. While the festival strives to provide a diverse variety of foods, exclusivity for specific menu items cannot be guaranteed. An exception may apply to products covered by an alcoholic beverage exclusivity agreement.

Applications are reviewed based on several factors, including:

• Menu variety

• Space availability

• Completeness of application

• Compliance with health and safety requirements

• Overall fit with the festival Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.

Applicants will receive notification after applications have been reviewed. Payment instructions, Riverside County Operators Agreement form, and additional event information will be sent upon acceptance.

No. Once a vendor has been accepted and payment has been received, booth fees will not be refundable. Note: All fees must be paid online. Payment instructions will be provided upon approval. Applicable online payment processing fees are as follows:

• E-Check: $1.95 processing fee

• Credit or Debit Card: 3% processing fee

All standard vendor booths will be 10' × 10' in size. If you require a larger footprint, additional 10' × 10' spaces must be purchased, and the applicable booth fee will be charged for each additional space. Current booth fees are:

• Nonprofit Vendor: $250

• Tamale Vendor: $400

*Each Tamale Vendor must offer at least one tamal item priced at $3.00.

• Food Vendor: $750

• Mercado Vendor: $600

Example: A Food Vendor requiring a 10' × 30' space would need three 10' × 10' spaces and would pay a total booth fee of $2,250.

All vendors are expected to remain open during official festival operating hours. Early breakdown or departure is not permitted except with approval from festival management.

Yes. Riverside County Environmental Health, the Fire Department, and City staff may inspect food booths before opening and throughout the event to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Vendors using cooking equipment, propane, or open flames will be required to meet Fire Department requirements, including having the appropriate fire extinguisher(s). Additional fire safety requirements may apply depending on your equipment and cooking methods.

Yes, food vendors may be allowed to use propane, provided all propane equipment complies with Fire Department regulations and is properly secured and operated.

Yes. Bags of ice will be available for purchase at the festival.

Vendor parking instructions will be provided prior to the event. Vehicles will need to be removed from the festival footprint before the event opens to the public.

Required items may include:

1. EZ-Up tent or canopy with appropriate weights or sandbags

2. Table(s)

3. Tablecloths or coverings

4. Lighting — battery-powered only; generators are not permitted. Non-food vendors only.

5. Extension cords and power supplies, as applicable

6. Trash cans and liners

7. Handwashing station and sanitation supplies, as required by Riverside County Environmental Health

8. Food storage equipment, including coolers, hot-holding equipment, or warming units as needed for your menu

9. Serving supplies, including gloves, utensils, napkins, plates, cups, and containers

10. Menu signage and pricing information

11.Required permits and documentation displayed or available for inspection

12. Fire safety equipment, including required fire extinguishers

Vendors are responsible for ensuring their booth setup complies with all City of Indio, Riverside County Environmental Health, and Fire Department requirements.

Additional requirements may apply depending on your menu, equipment, and method of food preparation.

Please contact the City of Indio Events Team at events@indio.org. We're happy to assist you throughout the application process and help direct you to the appropriate agency when necessary

If this is your first festival, don't let the permitting process discourage you! Many successful vendors start without an existing food business. Begin the application process early, ask questions, and allow enough time to obtain the required permits, secure an approved kitchen, and prepare your booth before the festival. Planning ahead will help ensure a smooth and successful festival experience!