SAN ANTONIO — A global celebration of conjunto music is set to take center stage as the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces a landmark tribute to legendary accordionist Flaco Jiménez during the 44th Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival.
The festival will take place May 14 through May 17, 2026, bringing together artists from across the world to honor one of San Antonio’s most influential musical figures. Known for carrying the sound of conjunto music far beyond South Texas, Jiménez built an international following over a career spanning more than six decades.
This year’s tribute reflects that global reach, with musicians traveling from Mexico, Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, and beyond to participate in what organizers describe as one of the most internationally diverse conjunto celebrations ever held in the city.
The tribute performance is scheduled for Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m. at Rosedale Park. The evening will be curated and hosted by festival founder Juan Tejeda and Executive Director Cristina Ballí.
Leading the tribute will be Grammy Award–winning conjunto group Los Texmaniacs, who will open the evening with their signature blend of traditional and contemporary Tex-Mex sounds. They will be joined by a distinguished lineup of guest artists representing the global conjunto community.
Featured performers include Santiago Jiménez Jr., Dwayne Verheyden from the Netherlands, Honorio Imamura from Japan, Antonio Tanguma Jr. of Monterrey, Miguel Perez of Spain, and San Antonio’s own Linda Escobar, along with Arturo Jiménez and Gil Jiménez, continuing the Jiménez family’s musical legacy.
Now in its 44th year, the Tejano Conjunto Festival remains the longest-running conjunto festival in the world and a cornerstone of San Antonio’s cultural calendar. Rooted in the city’s Westside, the event draws thousands of attendees annually while showcasing both emerging talent and internationally recognized performers.
Festival activities will begin Thursday, May 14, with a free Seniors Dance, followed by three days of live performances at Rosedale Park featuring more than 40 artists and groups.
Organizers say this year’s tribute not only honors the enduring legacy of Flaco Jiménez but also highlights the global influence of conjunto music, bringing together generations of musicians and fans in a shared celebration of culture, heritage, and sound.