Question 1

ADA ACCESSIBILITY AT SOMBRERO FESTIVAL

Accepted Answer

Accessibility for all patrons is a high priority for Sombrero Festival.

BATHROOMS - We always include handicapped and wheelchair accessible bathrooms in all of our bathroom areas (Madison St., Adams St. @ 8th, 7th St. @ Adams). 
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PARKING & ADA Accessible parking - Washington Park does not have dedicated public parking lots. ADA parking will be available at 7th Street and Madison Avenue on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry will be through 6th Street and Madison Avenue. A valid ADA placard or license plate is required.
View Official ADA Parking & Street Closure Notice (PDF)

CONCERT ADA Accessibility - For the main stage, Sombrero Festival sets up barricades in front of the stage to allow for dedicated space for wheelchair bound patrons and a guest to see the show.
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ATMs - Sombrero Festival partners with South Texas Vending for on-site ATM machines which are low profile and fully accessible for our wheelchair bound patrons. These are placed throughout the park near ticket booths for convenience. There will be an ATM on-site beginning on Tuesday for pre-sale tickets.
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PARK GROUNDS ADA COMPLIANCE - If you have concerns about accessibility issues related to Washington Park, please contact us at info@sombrerofestival.com.(info@sombrerofestival.com) Given that the park is the property of the City of Brownsville, some concerns may be outside the purview of Sombrero Festival, Ltd., but we will happily take them to the city and work together to address them so that your experience at Washington Park every day of the year is a pleasant one.

Question 2

Where can I park for the Sombrero Festival?

Accepted Answer

The Sombrero Festival takes place at Washington Park in Brownsville, Texas. Washington Park does not have a dedicated parking lot.
The festival is held at Washington Park, which does not have a dedicated parking lot. Parking is available on nearby city streets. Some local businesses and private property owners may offer paid parking lots during the event. Sombrero Festival is not affiliated with these private parking operations.

View Official ADA Parking & Street Closure Notice (PDF)

Question 3

PETS & SERVICE ANIMALS

Accepted Answer

Pets are allowed at Sombrero Festival, and are required to be under the control of the owner at all times. Bringing pets to Sombrero Festival is discouraged later in the day and at night, as the number of patrons does not make for a pet-friendly environment. Service animals are allowed at all times.

Question 4

TICKETING

Accepted Answer

PRE-SALE Sombrero Festival Tickets can be purchased online (convenience fees apply), and at the park on Tuesday and Wednesday the week of the festival from 6pm - 9pm. 
Tuesday and Wednesday are cash only sales.
(DISCOUNTED PRE-SALE TICKET PRICES ARE SOLD ONLY AT THE PARK ON TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY VS. THE REGULAR PRICE OF $20 GENERAL ADMISSION PRICES WHICH WILL BE CHARGED AT THE GATE ON THE DAYS OF THE FESTIVAL AND FOR ONLINE PURCHASES.)

Question 5

WRISTBANDS, ENTRY & RE-ENTRY TO PARK

Accepted Answer

Sombrero Festival offers free admission the first 3 hours each day. Patrons coming in during the free times are welcome to stay all day, even after the free times have ended. Patrons who pay for admission will be issued a wristband which must be worn to gain admission to the park after the free admission time has ended. The wristband must be worn in the way intended by the manufacturer, using the wristband adhesive, must be worn so that it is not so loose that it can be easily slipped off of your hand. If you leave the park, your wristband will get you back in on that same day the wristband is for. IMPORTANT: THE WRISTBAND MUST BE IN GOOD CONDITION TO BE ADMITTED, NO SIGNS OF TEARING, TAMPERING, ETC. A WRISTBAND IN GOOD CONDITION IS YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE. SOMBRERO FESTIVAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY/RE-ENTRY TO ANYONE PRESENTING A WRISTBAND WHICH APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN TAMPERED WITH, WHICH IS NOT ATTACHED AS DESIGNED, WHICH IS BEING WORN TOO LOOSELY, OR WHICH APPEARS TO BE COUNTERFEIT.

Question 6

ENTRY, SECURITY & SEARCHES

Accepted Answer

Anyone seeking entry to Sombrero Festival whether during free times or during paid admission times is subject to being searched by Sombrero Festival Security Staff. This includes a search of your person and any property you have with you, e.g. purses, diaper bags, fanny packs, backpacks, tote bags, etc. 
 • PATRONS INTENDING TO BRING ANY TYPE OF BAG WITH THEM ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO USE A CLEAR PLASTIC BAG OR A SEE-THROUGH BAG TO AID IN EXPEDITING THE SEARCH PROCESS. 
 • IF YOU REFUSE TO BE SEARCHED, YOU MAY BE DENIED ENTRY TO SOMBRERO FESTIVAL AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF SOMBRERO FESTIVAL STAFF.​
 • THESE PROCESSES ARE IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THOSE ATTENDING SOMBRERO FESTIVAL EACH YEAR, AND ARE PLANNED IN COORDINATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Question 7

LOST & FOUND

Accepted Answer

Sombrero Festival Security handles lost & found items. A Security booth can be found on the 8th St. side of the park beside Cantina II. Food vendor & beverage booths face the park grounds, Security is the only booth on 8th St. which is set further back and faces 8th St. It is located behind the park electrical panel on 8th St. nearest the intersection of 8th & Madison St. After the festival you can contact Valley Wide Security to inquire about lost & found items at: 956-544-4726.

Question 8

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Accepted Answer

There is no shuttle service associated specifically with Sombrero Festival, however, Brownsville Metro has routes which will bring you to downtown from most points in the city. Some routes may require a transfer. Additionally, some local hotels offer shuttle service to guests at their properties to and from Sombrero Festival. We are very proud to have the Marriott Courtyard (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/brocy-courtyard-brownsville/rooms/)as a partner hotel property in Brownsville which offers free shuttle service to guests at their property.

Patrons who intend to consume adult beverages at the event are encouraged to have a designated driver, or to take advantage or taxis or ride sharing services. None of these services are affiliated with Sombrero Festival, Ltd.

Question 9

ATMS

Accepted Answer

Vendors at Sombrero Festival are free to accept cash or electronic forms of payment, at the sole discretion of each individual vendor. Sombrero Festival sells tickets for beverages on a CASH-ONLY basis at ticket booths placed throughout the park. For your convenience, we place ATM machines in close proximity to each of these ticket booths. They are free-standing low profile units, to ensure accessibility.

Question 10

BATHROOMS

Accepted Answer

Washington Park has no dedicated bathroom facilities so Sombrero Festival brings in portable bathroom units, including handicapped and wheelchair accessible units. Bathrooms available for use by the public can be found along Madison, Adams, and 7th Street. The units are serviced daily.

Question 11

VENDORS & GAME OPERATORS

Accepted Answer

Anyone wishing to become a vendor or game operator at Sombrero Festival must submit an application for consideration. We allow very limited vendor opportunities for non-food items, and all are considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are looking to sell non-food items you should be prepared to send pictures of the merchandise and your setup for consideration by Sombrero Festival, Ltd. 
Sombrero Festival works to ensure a variety of food options, and optimum placement of games, rides, and food booths based on the needs of the festival. Placement of any food booth, game, or ride is at the sole discretion of Sombrero Festival, Ltd.
​

Question 12

SEATING

Accepted Answer

There are a limited number of chairs available around the park during Sombrero Festival. There are no assigned or reserved seating for shows, and Sombrero Festival regularly relocates and/or removes chairs prior to headliner performances and at peak times. Patrons are welcome to bring folding chairs. Please note that most performances, especially on the main stage, typically have a standing audience, so visibility may be limited when seated.

Question 13

WEATHER

Accepted Answer

Sombrero Festival is a Rain or Shine event. In the event of inclement weather the show will go on. There are no refunds for admission or tickets due to inclement weather. 
If ever there is a severe weather situation, Sombrero Festival reserves the right to make adjustments to the schedule as needed to ensure the safety of patrons, volunteers and performers.

Question 14

BEVERAGES & ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Accepted Answer

All beverages sold by Sombrero Festival operated booths only accept tickets. Very few food vendors are allowed to sell beverages for cash. 
All servers of alcoholic beverages at Sombrero Festival are TABC certified. Patrons wishing to consume alcoholic beverages should be prepared to show a valid photo id verifying that you are of legal age to purchase alcohol in Texas. Minors will not be served alcoholic beverages. All Servers are authorized to refuse service to any patron who does not have valid proof of legal age and/or to any patron who appears to be intoxicated. The decision to refuse service is at the sole discretion of each TABC certified server in accordance with state law.

Question 15

CAN I BRING WATER OR BABY FORMULA INTO THE PARK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, given the South Texas heat, and the importance of nutrition for children, patrons are allowed to bring water and formula into the park. The water or formula must be for personal use/consumption or for use/consumption by your immediate family/those in your party. Distribution or resale to other patrons at Sombrero Festival is prohibited.

Question 16

AREA ATTRACTIONS, HOTELS, & TRAVEL OPTIONS

Accepted Answer

For more information about Brownsville's area attractions, hotel options, and airport details, visit the Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.visitbtx.com.(https://visitbtx.com/) To reserve your flight, book now at https://flybrownsville.com/ (https://flybrownsville.com/)and stay updated by following Visit Brownsville socials on Facebook – Visit Brownsville Tx (https://www.facebook.com/visitbrownsvilletx/)and Instagram - @visitbrownsvilletx (https://www.instagram.com/visitbrownsvilletx/)for the latest updates.
Brownsville is a city full of exciting experiences, from its rich historical sites and vibrant cultural events to outdoor adventures like birdwatching at wildlife refuges and relaxing on nearby beaches. Whether you're exploring local dining or attending unique events, Brownsville has something amazing for every visitor.​
We are proud to have the Marriott Courtyard (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/brocy-courtyard-brownsville/rooms/)and the Residence Inn by Marriott (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/brori-residence-inn-brownsville/overview/)as hotel partners of Sombrero Festival. These properties offer free shuttle service to and from Sombrero Festival for hotel guests.

Question 17

Frequently Asked Questions

Sombrero Festival Dates & Times

THURS. FEB. 26

1pm-12am

CLOSED

FRI. FEB. 27

11am-12am

COMING SOON

SAT. FEB. 28

7am-12am

Feb. 25 - Feb. 27, 2027

Washington Park 700 E. Madison St. Brownsville, TX 78520

Gates Open 1pm Th./ 11am Fri./ 7am Sat. - first 3 hours free

FAQ

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