Courtesy image
SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center has officially opened entries for the 44th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2026 Poster Contest, inviting artists from around the world to submit original designs celebrating one of Texas’ most iconic musical traditions.
The contest — a long-standing and beloved tradition — selects the signature artwork that will represent the 2026 Tejano Conjunto Festival, scheduled for May 14–17, 2026. The overall winner will receive $2,000, and the top design will appear across all festival marketing materials.
“This contest brings together creativity and cultural pride,” said Cristina Ballí, Executive Director of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. “It’s a long-standing tradition that not only promotes Conjunto heritage, but it also gives emerging and professional artists alike a chance to be part of something meaningful.”
Open to All Ages, All Skill Levels — and Now, Artists Worldwide
2019 Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio Poster contest finalists. | Credit: Vic Gonzalez / Tejano Nation
The poster competition welcomes professional artists, beginners, and students from middle school through college, and for 2026, organizers emphasize that the contest is open to artists everywhere — worldwide.
Entries should visually capture the spirit and energy of Conjunto music, a genre deeply rooted in South Texas but beloved across borders. Posters must include the words “Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2026”, and any accordion imagery must depict a button accordion, the core instrument of Conjunto music.
There are no entry fees, and participants may submit work to both open and professional categories.
Important Dates
- Entry deadline: Monday, January 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. CST
- Winners announced: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Winner recognition: Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. CST during the festival at Rosedale Park
Artists must submit a completed official entry form with full contact information. Entries missing complete details may not receive winner notifications.
About the Tejano Conjunto Festival
Jaime DeAanda performs with young fan at Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio 2025. | Credit: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation
Founded 44 years ago, the Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio is the first and longest-running Conjunto festival in the world and remains the most influential celebration of the genre. Each year, more than 10,000 fans from Texas, the U.S., Mexico, Europe, and Asia gather to enjoy live performances, dances, workshops, and cultural showcases. The festival continues to inspire similar events worldwide and stands as a cultural pillar honoring the music and traditions of South Texas Tejanos.
Where to Enter
Complete rules and the official entry form are available at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center website. For questions or submissions, artists worldwide can email festival coordinator Mariaelena Villarreal at conjunto@guadalupeculturalarts.org.
More festival details, including lineup and ticket information, will be announced in the coming months on the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s website and the official Tejano Conjunto Festival Facebook page.
For more information, visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org.
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