2 of our favorite festivals to kick off the season!
There couldn’t be more delicious way to kick off the Yakima Valley festival and event season than with vibrant cultural celebrations complete with tacos, tamales, music, local artisans and traditional performances. From April to December, the valley has a fantastic lineup of festivities and fun and it all begins the first weekend of May with Yakima Taco Fest and Sunnyside Cinco de Mayo!
Yakima Taco Fest
Yakima’s newest favorite food festival celebrates the Valley’s vibrant Latino culture and agricultural heritage. After phenomenal success and growth the first four years, this year’s festival promises to be even better. In 2023, the festival drew nearly 4,000 people to the new location at State Fair Park. After all, what’s better than tacos, live music, craft beverages and cultural traditions?
It’s a delicious day filled with tacos from all the locals’ favorite vendors, as well as an array of other foods and drinks. Along with traditional and fusion tacos, enjoy local craft beer, wine, cider and signature cocktails. It’s also a day to dance to the rhythms of Latin music and enjoy traditional performances, art displays, and artisan goods in the mercado. Most importantly, it’s a day to bring the valley’s diverse community together and give recognition to local, small businesses and the region’s agricultural workers.
Yakima Taco Fest is hosted by the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CWHCC). The event was inspired by the desire to bring the community together through food and music while appreciating our region’s cultural diversity. Check out last year’s event video and read more about the inspiration behind the festival. This event is picnic style. Bring your blankets or folding chairs! Mark your calendar for May 4 and be sure to buy your tickets.
Sunnyside Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Food, fun and festivities are what Sunnyside’s Cinco de Mayo festival is all about. Vibrant cultural traditions fill the small town for one of the Northwest’s largest celebrations of Hispanic culture.
While not widely celebrated in Mexico, in the United States celebrations both big and small abound on this day honoring Mexican culture and heritage. In the small town of Sunnyside, Cinco de Mayo brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the rich traditions and cultural roots of many who call it home. Over the span of the weekend, May 3 to 5, thousands of people will come from across the region to take part in the festivities.
The annual parade is a festival highlight, including traditional Mexican dancers in vibrant colors and festive, traditional dress. In Central Park, sample traditional Mexican flavors with tacos, tamales, churros and more. Take in cultural performances throughout each day showcasing traditional dances, music and attire that give visitors a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of Mexico. The charro, or dancing horses, competition is another special highlight. A car show opens the day on Saturday and the rhythms of traditional and contemporary Latin music fill the days and evenings. The event is open to all at no cost.
More Fun to Come …
Check out all the fun and festivities on the calendar around the Yakima Valley from now through December. Whether you’re looking for music and craft beverage festivals, cultural events, rides and runs, live music in the vineyards, or hot air ballons over the Yakima River, we have the lineup for you!
Categorized in: Family Fun, Food and Dining, History and Culture, Live Music
