Back to the Future: Uvalde’s Y2K Festival Brings the Early 2000s to Life
By Teresa Chavarria
River Walk Magazine
Dust off your butterfly clips, break out the frosted lip gloss, and get your best throwback fits ready—because Uvalde is throwing it all the way back to the Year 2000!
The creative force behind the beloved bakery brand Foxy Cakes, Samantha Morales, is back at it again with an even bigger and bolder event: the Y2K Festival, happening October 17–18 at Uvalde Memorial Park. This two-day celebration is set to capture the glitter, glam, and unforgettable pop culture moments of the early 2000s.
This comes on the heels of a massive success: last year, Morales rallied over 70 vendors and drew more than 1,000 attendees to her now-legendary Hello Kitty and Friends Festival. “We were blown away by the love and support from the community,” Samantha shared. “People drove in from other cities just to be part of it.”
With that momentum, this year’s Y2K Festival is scaling up. Organizers are expecting 100 vendors and even more attendees. The team has expanded into a two-day format to accommodate the growth—and the excitement is already building.
A Celebration of Y2K Culture
From flip phones and low-rise jeans to N*SYNC, TRL, and Mean Girls, the festival promises a complete sensory throwback to a time when pop culture ruled everything. “We’re leaning into the fun, bold, and sometimes ridiculous spirit of the early 2000s,” Morales laughed. “People want that nostalgia. They want to celebrate together.”
The scenic Uvalde Memorial Park will transform into a vibrant hub of music, fashion, food, crafts, and community. Families can expect themed photo ops, costume contests, music mashups, and retro-inspired eats that take you right back to your childhood—or teen years.
Vendor Call: Limited Spots Available
Craft and food vendors are being accepted through July, and demand is already high. Those interested can apply via the event link. Samantha and event coordinator Christela Mendoza are eager to welcome a new wave of entrepreneurs, artisans, and creators from Uvalde and surrounding areas.
“We want to continue creating platforms for small businesses,” Mendoza emphasized. “These events aren’t just fun—they help fuel our local economy and spotlight homegrown talent.”
A Community United by Joy
For Samantha Morales, hosting these events is about more than cupcakes and nostalgia—it’s about cultivating unity and joy in a town that deserves to shine. “We want to keep Uvalde thriving, to give families and youth something exciting to look forward to,” she said. “The more we come together, the stronger we are.”
Whether you're reliving the golden age of pop or discovering it for the first time, the Y2K Festival is where memories are made and friendships are formed.
Let’s party like it’s 2000. See you in October!
