5th Annual Tamalada Festival

5th Annual Tamalada Festival

Sponsored by the John E. Conner Museum

Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Memorial Student Union Building (MSUB) Courtyard, 1050 W. Santa Gertrudis St. John E. Conner Museum, 905 W. Santa Gertrudis St.

The Tamalada Festival is an educational, family-friendly event that is free and open to the public. The festival brings together presenters from our South Texas communities and Texas A&M University-Kingsville to celebrate and education the history, contributions and cultural value of corn, tamales, and tamaladas.

Main Stage Performances

10:00 a.m. | Grupo Herencia Javelina - Folklorico performance and dance lessons by TAMUK student organization

11:30 a.m. | Joey Villanueva y Su Conjunto - Conjunto Performance

1:00 p.m. | Javelina Jaht 6 - Performance by TAMUK Jazz Combo, led by Dr. Theresa Chen, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies

Activities, Crafts, & More

Tamal Tasting featuring tamales from Hillcrest Tortillas, Inc. in Hebbronville.Begins at 11 a.m. until supply runs out Limit 2 tamales per adult & 1 per child, on a first-come, first-serve basisInteractive demonstrations Metate y Mano Corn Grinding Station | MANRRS TAMUK student organizationBuild-your-own Spice Blend | Sponsored by AramarkHands-on crafts & activitiesDIY Maracas | Sponsored by Athena Department, Woman’s Club of KingsvilleApplied Engineering Technology Station | Sponsored by Department of Industrial Management & TechnologyBandana Bling Bar | Sponsored by the College of Arts & SciencesTamalada Tales | Sponsored by the Anthropology Club & the South Texas ArchivesCollecting Stories & Pictures: the community is invited to share a story, picture, or memory of the university, family Tamalada, or favorite holiday tradition/foods. Food trucks & vendors | inside the MSUB and along Santa Gertrudis St. TAMUK Bookstore | MSUB 1st floor On display at the Conner Museum: Javelina Engineering Heritage: 90 Years of Engineering What’s Next