A Flavor-Packed Fiesta Returns to the Old Pueblo — and It’s Bringing the Heat The 2025 Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge is Serving Up Tucson’s Tastiest Labor Day Tradition

Wesley Sorce
Jul 23
2 min read

Updated: Aug 5

Tucson’s Most Flavor-Packed Fundraiser Is Back — And We're Hungry for It

The 2025 Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge Returns August 31 — Let’s Eat, Sip, and Celebrate Tucson

Tucson doesn’t just serve good food. It tells stories through spice, builds community with tortillas, and pours culture into every glass. There’s no better place to taste it all than at the 13th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge, happening Sunday, August 31, 2025, at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.

Presented by SAACA (Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance), this isn’t just a tasting event — it’s a full-blown flavor rally that supports the creative heartbeat of our region. The Tucson Tasty Show will be on the ground, celebrating what makes this city one of the most dynamic culinary and cultural destinations in the Southwest.

What to Expect

Over 30 of Southern Arizona’s top chefs and mixologists battling it out for Best Taco, Best Salsa, and Best Tequila Cocktail.
More than 70 tastings — from smoky to sweet, traditional to wild.
Live Lucha Libre wrestling by Rockstar Wrestling.
Performances by Mariachi Innovacion, Ballet Folklorico Los Mextucaz, and guitarist Eduardo Costa.
Live painting installations from five Tucson artists.
Chef and bartender meet-and-greets.
Over $2,000 in raffle prizes and artisan giveaways.
Special guest emcee Frank Powers, bringing the energy all night.

Ticket Information

VIP Admission – $135: Early entry at 5 PM, welcome tequila toast, VIP After-Party Lounge access, and full general admission access.
General Admission – $100: Entry at 6 PM, unlimited tastings, and access to all entertainment.

This is a 21+ event with limited tickets. Tickets available at saaca.thundertix.com. Use code “EARLYBIRD” for 10% off through July 25.

Make It a Weekend

Stay where the flavor is. Book a night at El Conquistador with special event rates starting at $159 per night. Use Group Code SAC829 or call 1-888-370-0980.

Why It Matters

Every ticket sold helps fund year-round arts and culture programming in our community. This includes school arts education, arts therapy for veterans and seniors, and stages for emerging local artists.

In a time when creative spaces are shrinking, this event is a powerful reminder that food, art, and culture belong at the center of Tucson life.

At The Tucson Tasty Show, we believe in flavor with purpose. This event brings the city together to celebrate the creativity that keeps Tucson thriving.

Join Us!

We’ll be there — and if you believe food can build a better city, you should be too.

Details and full participant lineup available at saaca.org/salsatequilataco.

Don't forget to watch full episodes and content on our YouTube channel, and subscribe for more exciting updates! Find us wherever you get your podcasts. Tucson is a hub for culinary creativity and innovation, led by local businesses. Let’s celebrate together!