SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Taco lovers can start planning their fall weekend plans: the Arizona Taco Festival is returning to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for two days of tacos, tequila, live entertainment and one fiery competition.
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick near Loop 101 and Talking Stick Way.
Organizers say this year's event will feature a lineup of Arizona taco chefs, agave spirit tastings, multiple music stages, celebrity chefs, live cooking demonstrations and interactive art experiences.
Chef Beau MacMillan will return as host of the second annual Taco Fest Bar Brawl, where chefs compete in a culinary showdown. The festival will also feature the Agave Show, a VIP tasting experience showcasing more than 20 agave spirit brands with tequila tastings, flights and craft cocktails.
Food and drinks won't be the only attractions. A kids zone sponsored by American Family Insurance will offer rides, bounce houses and games, and children 12 and under will be admitted free. Parking will also be free.
The festival's taco lineup will include Arizona favorites such as Taco Chelo, Cuisine Prive, Ghost Street Asian Taqueria, Cinder at the Peak, Flacos Tacos and Creations by Sergio. Organizers said the full vendor lineup is expected to be announced within the next month.
Tickets are available through the festival website and will be sold online only. Organizers said there will not be a box office at the event, and ticket prices are expected to increase on the day of the festival.
Food and drink prices will vary by vendor. Most taco vendors are expected to offer at least one taco option for $5 or less, while alcoholic beverages will start at $9 and nonalcoholic drinks will start at $4.
The festival will take place rain or shine. Organizers said October temperatures are typically in the mid-80s to mid-90s, with shaded areas available throughout the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring sunscreen, wear a hat and stay hydrated.
The Arizona Taco Festival has become a popular fall food event in the Valley, bringing together local chefs, taco fans and agave enthusiasts for a weekend celebration of Arizona's food scene.
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