The Arizona Taco Festival is billed as the Woodstock of Tacos. This most coveted event returned to Phoenix for its 10th year in October last year. The festival is about live music, beer, margaritas and of course the $3 tacos available from more than 50 local restaurants. A lot of people flock to the Valley for this festival and here are some of the amazing activities that the festival will host every year:
Luch Libre
Lucha Libre is a tradition with roots dating back to the 19 century. Every battle revolves around the general concept of good versus bad. It is completed with garish Lycra outfits and matching masks. As two or more wrestlers enter the ring and try to pin down their opponents across three rounds, they will risk losing respect from the audience when their mask is ripped off. At the festival, people can watch wrestlers throw down from the bleachers under a structured tent that has a lucha-themed bar. A live band offers the soundtrack.
Cooking Demos
Food bloggers will host food demos throughout a weekend. These demos include hands-on how-tos on favorite dishes like over-the-top tacos and insane churros.
Hot Sauce Sampling
Those who will attend the festival can spice things up with over a hundred hot sauces available to sample. Last year, Vic Clinco, the owner of the biggest private collection of spicy sauces in the world curated the horde of hot sauces. The chefs battled it out for the $10, 000 prize fund and served more than 100, 000 tacos.
Taco Competition
Local chefs compete for the title Top Taco trophy and bragging rights at the festival. Judges are composed of a panel of taco experts who will blind taste the tacos and determine the best one.
Tequila Expo
Nothing pairs better with tacos than tequila. Festival attendees can pick from over 100 kinds of tequila and other agave-based spirits. Classic brands and more brought out their expressions with some provided amazing cocktails for guests to sample.
Picture-Perfect Installations
Last year, an adult playground was installed for social media mavens. People could take selfies on taco seesaws or in the guacamole ball pint. Charging stations were available to ensure every moment is not missed.
Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest
Last year’s competition heated up with five rounds of scorching peppers. A medal of honor and an unlimited supply of milk and ice cream were given to the winner.