Indio, CA

Great food, live entertainment, family friendly.   Free admission and free parking — it all comes together at the Indio International Tamale Festival  on December 7-8. 

The festival is held at 82540 Miles Avenue, Indio, California, in downtown Miles Avenue Park.

The Tamale Festival is part of the renowned Tamale Trail and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the Largest Tamale Festival.  The Food Network has named it as one of the top 10 food festivals in the USA!

When I attended (along with thousands of other visitors), the crowd was enjoying the activities and eagerly searching out the perfect tamale — from sweet to savoury. 

The rich heritage of the tamale was on full display. 

The Festival is definitely focused on food — but not just food. The theme for the event is a celebration of culture, flavor, and community.  Food is a central, uniting element. 

The event is complete with live music, dancing and family friendly entertainment — all of the ingredients for a great fiesta. 

The entertainment focus was at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Community Stage, with high energy musical performances throughout the festival.

After over 30 years the Festival continues to draw food lovers, locals, and visitors from Southern California and beyond to celebrate and chow down. 

To catch up on the Festival, go to: https://www.indiointernationaltamalefestival.com