Sombrero Fest 2025 in Texas

The Sombrero Festival, or Sombrero Fest, is a vibrant three-day celebration in Brownsville, Texas, that honors the cultural ties between the U.S. and Mexico. Held annually during the Charro Days holiday in late February, this festival brings together the communities of Brownsville, Matamoros, and Tamaulipas for a festive and lively occasion. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities, including kids' rides, live entertainment, and delicious food from independent vendors.

Festival Events

The Sombrero Festival in Brownsville, Texas, is a lively three-day celebration that takes place during the Charro Days holiday, bringing together local culture, music, and food. The event spans from February 28 to March 2, featuring activities like the Chili Cookoff on February 28, the Charro Days Classic 5K and 1M runs on March 1, and a variety of fun competitions, such as the Jalapeño Eating Contest, Waiters Race, and Taco Eating Contest on March 2. In addition, the festival includes unique events like the Frijolympics and Tortilla Frisbee Toss, along with food booths and live music, making it a vibrant occasion for all ages.

Music Lineup

The music lineup for Sombrero Festival 2025 in Brownsville offers an exciting mix of performances across main stage & big tent. Lineup will be available shortly.

Kids Activities

The Sombrero Festival offers a variety of free activities for kids throughout the event, held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at a tent near the Water Fountain. The fun begins at 1 pm on Thursday and Friday and at 10 am on Saturday. Activities include games like Chalupa, Musical Chairs, Pin the Mustache on the Charro, Ban Bag Toss, Chancla Toss, Ladder Ball, and contests such as the Costume and Grito Contests. Each participating child can win one free prize, with special prizes for contest winners.

Schedule & Tickets

The Sombrero Festival opens at 1 pm on Thursday, 11 am on Friday, and 7 am on Saturday. The first three hours each day offer free admission and free kids' rides. After that, general admission is $15, but children under 12 can always attend for free with an adult. Guests arriving during free admission hours can stay all day.

Location & Parking

The Sombrero Festival is held in Washington Park, located in the Mitte Cultural District on the edge of historic downtown Brownsville. This park does not have a parking lot, but parking is available on the surrounding city streets. Additionally, some local businesses and private property owners set up paid parking lots for festival attendees.

Other Events

The Sombrero Festival offers a membership program that includes a range of exciting events. Members can enjoy mixers, held between September and January, the Annual Costume Gala on the night before the festival opens, and the Kayak Fun Race at Cobbleheads Bar & Grill in February. Additionally, members can participate in the Raising of the Sombrero, the first-holiday event of the new year.

History

The Sombrero Festival, founded in 1985 and first held in 1986, is a Brownsville original created to enhance the spirit of Charro Days. Now the largest event in Cameron County, Texas, it attracts approximately 60,000 attendees annually. The festival not only provides a fun and festive environment but also benefits local non-profit organizations, raising significant funds for various causes in the community.