The Tempe Tardeada is a beloved community tradition, celebrating the history, music, and culture of our Hispanic community members.  Each year, the Tempe Tardeada awards scholarships to high school students pursuing higher education. 

This scholarship entitles the recipient to receive up to $2500 to be used for educational purposes.  Two or more scholarships will be awarded.

Five finalists will be selected to be interviewed by the Tardeada Scholarship Selection Committee in October. 

The winners will be notified in late October and will be presented with their scholarship checks at the Tardeada festival on Sunday, November 1, 2026. 

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant must be a resident of Tempe OR
2. Applicant must attend high school in Tempe, or in the Tempe Union High School District.
3. Applicant must be a senior in high school 

2026 Scholarship Application Coming Soon. 

Each year, in conjunction with the festival, we hold a coloring contest for youth in grades K-5.  The winners will receive a certificate and gift card to Changing Hands, a local Tempe bookstore.  

2026 Coloring Contest Submission Form

2026 Festival Information Coming Soon

Sponsorship 

Sponsoring this festival is more than just visibility, it’s about meaningful community impact. 

Review the 2026 Tempe Tardeada Sponsorship Packages

Email astyn_quander@tempe.gov to learn about sponsorship opportunities. 

Food Vendor 

The 2026 Tempe Tardeada is taking place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm. There is no fee to participate as a food vendor; however, we do ask that you keep your menu at family-friendly affordable prices and provide a limited number of free meal vouchers for our volunteers.  

All food vendors must have:

• Maricopa County Food Service Establishment Permit
•  Maricopa County Food Handlers Permit 
• State of Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax License
• Proof of insurance, naming the City of Tempe as an additional insured 

Apply to be a 2026 Tardeada Food Vendor 

Community Booth

Community Booth applications are now open for the 2026 Tempe Tardeada. Local non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Community booth space is limited. Applicants will be notified if they have been selected or placed on a wait list.  

Apply for a 2026 Community Booth

A tardeada is a social dance that is traditionally held on Sunday afternoons.  This event is the culmination of Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the historical significance of Hispanics within our community.  
 
Tempe has hosted a celebration for the last 26 years. The festival offers traditional and modern Hispanic dancing and music, tortilla-making demonstrations, a look at Tempe's historic Hispanic roots, food trucks, activities for the children and more. It's a chance for families from throughout Tempe to gather and spend time with each other. 

Check out Tempe's Hispanic History, curated by Tempe History Museum. 

Advisory Board 

Special thanks to the Tardeada Advisory Board for their work on this amazing annual event.  

Yvonne Albidrez 
Tommy Albidrez  
JoLyn Arredondo-Gibbons  
Normalicia Blanco 
Cindy Espinoza 
Clemmy Gomez 
Al Quihuis 
Joe Rojas 
Isabel Ruiz 
Hugo Tapia 

If you are interested in joining the advisory board, please email diversity@tempe.gov  

Santos Vega 

To read publications by the late Dr. Santos C. Vega, Tempe Tardeada Advisory Board Member, please visit:  

Mexicans in Tempe: https://tempehistory.org/product/images-of-america-mexicans-in-tempe/ 

The Worm in My Tomato: https://www.amazon.com/Worm-my-Tomato-Santos-Vega/dp/1934703036