Midland's 39-Year Summer Tradition Goes Indoors

The Mex-Tex Family Fiesta has become a cornerstone of Midland's cultural calendar, and the 2026 edition promises to be the most comfortable yet. For nearly four decades, this celebration has drawn thousands to experience authentic Mex-Tex culture, and this year's decision to move the entire event indoors—complete with air conditioning—removes the traditional trade-off between enjoying great food and avoiding the West Texas heat.

Cook-Offs, Cars, and Live Music

At its core, the fiesta centers on legendary competitions that have built the event's reputation. The cook-off categories include Menudo, Brisket, and Corn, with cash prizes and prestigious Mex-Tex Champion Awards for the top teams in each category. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or have a family recipe you've been perfecting for years, the cook-off stage lets you compete for recognition in front of thousands of attendees.

The Mex-Tex Classic car show, featuring a partnership with Goodfellas Hair Studio, celebrates automotive culture with custom lowriders, vintage builds, and custom bikes. Awards include Best in Show and Fan Favorite categories, drawing enthusiasts from across West Texas.

The concert lineup—still being finalized as of the page update—will feature performers including De Parranda, Angelina Victoria, Milla 22, Sammy Arriaga, Asaltø, and an Emilio Navaira tribute band featuring Emilio Navaira IV & Diego. Set times and stage announcements are expected to roll out via the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's social media channels.

Family-Friendly Design

Kids 12 and under get free general admission, with a dedicated Kids Zone offering balloon artists, face painting, and interactive games. The festival runs from noon to midnight, providing a full day of activities for families and groups.

Food Truck Row lines the main entrance with curated vendors selected to maximize sales for participating operators through menu protection—limiting direct competition. An indoor vendor market offers 10×10 climate-controlled spaces for merchandisers and small businesses looking to reach festival crowds. Both vendor and food truck applications close on May 10th.

Supporting the Community

Every ticket purchased supports the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's mission of fostering local economic growth. The chamber also welcomes volunteers aged 18 and up, offering flexible shifts, choice of roles, an official staff t-shirt, and free event entry in exchange for a few hours of work.

VIP table packages seat eight and include stage-side seating, artist meet-and-greets, private snack bar access, and two complimentary drink tickets per person. Children 12 and under receive free general admission but must have a VIP ticket to enter the VIP area.