Tucson is gearing up for an extraordinary culinary and musical extravaganza as Taco Fest prepares to transform Rillito Park into a lively celebration on Saturday, April 26. Organized by Activated Events, this one-day festival promises an unbeatable combination of delicious tacos, premium tequila tastings, and high-energy entertainment that will delight food enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The event marks an exciting shift for Activated Events, known for their popular Boots In The Park country music series, as they venture into the world of hip-hop and Mexican cuisine.
The centerpiece of Taco Fest is an impressive musical lineup featuring some of hip-hop’s most recognized names. Attendees will enjoy performances by T.I., Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Chingy, and Trick Daddy on the main stage, bringing nostalgic hits that defined an era. Beyond the music, the festival offers additional entertainment including authentic lucha libre wrestling matches and an impressive display of Arizona’s finest lowriders. Ticket options cater to various preferences, with General Admission available at $79, VIP access at $159, and special tequila tasting tickets for $29, allowing guests to customize their festival experience.
- Attendees enjoy a vibrant scene at the Tucson Taco Fest, filled with tacos, tequila, and live performances from notable hip-hop artists. Source: @matthewboomer – tucsonfoodie.com
The culinary landscape of Taco Fest will feature an impressive array of local vendors serving up creative and authentic offerings that showcase the diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine. Fifteen carefully selected food vendors will line the festival grounds, including popular establishments such as Sonoran Grillz, known for their mesquite-grilled specialties, and Flaco’s Tacos, a local favorite serving authentic street-style tacos. Other notable participants include Young’s Smoke-N Barbeque LLC, bringing their unique fusion of barbecue and Mexican flavors, and The Baja Shrimp, specializing in seafood tacos with a coastal twist.
The variety doesn’t stop with tacos, as vendors like Dante’s Kitchen + Cocktails will offer creative culinary innovations, while dessert specialists Warm N’ Fluffy and Churrolicious will satisfy sweet cravings with traditional Mexican treats. Beverage options will be equally impressive, with Docs’ Sweet Tea and Lemonade providing refreshing non-alcoholic choices alongside the festival’s extensive selection of adult beverages. For those seeking liquid refreshment, the event boasts an extraordinary collection of over 100 premium tequilas available for tasting, plus ice-cold beers, margaritas, and micheladas to complement the flavorful food offerings.
Tucson holds a special distinction as the inaugural stop on this year’s Taco Fest tour, which will continue to Norco, California in May and conclude in Albuquerque, New Mexico in June. This multi-city celebration represents an exciting new direction for Activated Events, a company with more than 15 years of experience organizing large-scale music festivals throughout the Southwest. While traditionally focused on country music events, their expansion into the taco and hip-hop fusion space has already seen success with previous Taco Fest performers including Ice Cube and Flo Rida.
The decision to launch the tour in Tucson highlights the city’s rich culinary heritage and lively food culture. Located at Rillito Park, 4570 N. First Ave., the festival grounds provide an ideal setting for this celebration of food and music. Activated Events’ expertise in creating immersive festival experiences ensures that every aspect of Taco Fest is carefully curated to deliver maximum enjoyment. From the quality of vendors to the flow of activities, attendees can expect a well-organized event that showcases the best of taco culture while providing a full day of entertainment for all ages.
