The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is set to bring three days of food, music, and community celebration to downtown Greenville Oct. 16–18.
The festival kicks off Thursday, Oct. 16, with a Welcome Dinner at Hotel 27 featuring dinner by David Crews and Friends, music by Aubrey Holman and “Cadillac” Michael Dennis and Big Time, and a dance party beginning at 9:30 p.m. Tickets or VIP passes are required for entry.
On Friday, Oct. 17, festivities continue with Food Truck Friday downtown starting at 11 a.m., featuring live music by Alanna Mosley and Ralph Miller. The Friday Night Concert on the Main Stage begins at 4:30 p.m., an hour earlier than in previous years, and will feature performances by Kiersi Joli, the Calvin Duncan Jr. Band, and Ryan Cooper.
Festival armbands are $5 and valid for both Friday and Saturday, required for everyone age 4 and older after 4 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday. Armbands can be purchased at festival gates.
Saturday’s events begin with the Chuck Jordan Memorial Parade at 9 a.m., traveling a new route from Main and Walnut to Washington and Walnut. Attendees can enjoy the Flavors of the Festival Hot Tamale Event Tent at Hotel 27 with seated tastings at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m.
Two live music stages will keep the energy high throughout Saturday. The Main Stage will feature the Grassfire Bluegrass Band, Sam Joyner, Julian Primeaux, Jerakin Singleton Band, and headliner Blues Traveler. The Cotton Trailer Stage will showcase Lightnin’ Phil, Sidney Cobb, Linden Dinkins, and Chris Gill and Adib Sabir.
The event is headlined by Blues Traveler who take the stage on Saturday night at 7 p.m. on the main stage.
In a safety update, organizers emphasized that the safety and well-being of guests, vendors, and the community remain top priorities. The festival partners with the Greenville Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi State Police, and private security to maintain a secure environment.
Recent safety enhancements include gated layouts, designated entry points, and plain-clothed security officers. Bags may be subject to search at gates, and coolers are not permitted.
“We take this responsibility personally, as our families are here too, enjoying the festival alongside you,” organizers said in a statement.
The Saturday schedule remains unchanged, and attendees are encouraged to visit youth booths presented by Planters Bank and watch artist Aubrey Holman painting live in the Artist Nook from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organizers said they look forward to another incredible weekend of “music, food, art, and community spirit,” continuing Greenville’s tradition of hosting one of the safest and most enjoyable events in the state.
