Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge 2025 – Tucson’s Ultimate Flavor Fiesta

Tucson, grab your forks (and maybe some stretchy pants). The Salsa, Tequila & Taco

Pictures from previous events

Challenge returns this Labor Day Weekend — Sunday, August 31, 2025 — at the stunning Hilton El Conquistador Resort.

This isn’t just another tasting event. This is a full-blown showdown, where more than 40 chefs, mixologists, and artisans bring their A-game to compete for your vote. With over 100 samples on one all-inclusive ticket, you’ll eat, sip, and vote your way through one of the biggest culinary celebrations in Arizona.

And because this is Tucson, it comes with all the extras: live Mariachi, folklórico dancing, lucha libre wrestling in a full-size ring, live art, and staycation deals that’ll keep the party going all weekend long.

What’s Cooking: The Competitor Lineup

The Tasty combo

Here’s who’s stepping into the ring (spatula in one hand, cocktail shaker in the other):

• Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails – Pineapple Margarita & Prime Rib Taco

• The Roasted Chile – Green Chile Lemonade Margarita

• White Stallion Ranch – Grilled Pineapple Roasted Poblano Salsa, Pineapple Mezcal Cocktail & Pork Belly Al Pastor Taco

• Barnyard Crafthouse – Salsa Naranja, Melon Margarita & Baja Pork Taco

• POPPED Artisan Popcorn – Variety of Artisan Popcorn

• Tortilleria Arevalo – Green & Red Chile Tomatillo Salsa & Shredded Beef Tacos

• Humo Cocina Mexicana – Salsa Fresca, Verde Salsa, Horchata Margarita & Pollo and Rajas Taco

• Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen – Verde Tatemada Salsa, Cucumber Margarita & Al Pastor Taco

• AtEaseCookz – Jefitas Salsa, Paloma Cocktail, Quesabirria Taco & Calabacita Crisp

• Westbound and Tap & Bottle – Prickly Paloma

• GAP Ministries – Grilled Lemonada Cocktail & Steak and Eggs Taco

• La Chingada Cocina – Menu TBD

• Hot. Flash Chile Products – Roasted Green Chile Butter

• Dirty T Tamarindo – Chamoy-Coated Candies

• Scratching the Plate – Mansana Bandera Salsa, Bloody Maria Margarita & Conejo en Jardin Taco

• Tucson Chefs – Mango Flame Salsa & Magenta Margarita

• St. Cruz Restaurant – Peach Surprise Salsa & Backyard Carnitas Taco

• Ole Cocktail Co. – Paloma Cocktail

• El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort – Guajillo Espresso Salsa, Hibiscus Conquista & Octopus Verde Taco

• Isa Bey – Mediterranean Salsa

• Ranch House Grill & Brewery – Watermelon Serrano Salsa, Ice Melons Margarita Snow Cone & Red Chili Smoked Tri Tip Taco

• Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea – Locally produced spirit teas

• Whiskey Del Bac – American Single-Malt Whiskey

• Saffron Indian Bistro – “Tastes Like I’m Not Going to Work Tomorrow” Coconut-Infused Tequila Boba Cocktail

• Tandem American Eatery – Cheeky Devil Salsa Picante, Spiced Hibiscus Cocktail & BLTaco

• Lindy’s on 4th – Menu TBD

• Breakthru Beverages – Variety of Tequilas

• Seis Kitchen – Candied Apple Margarita & Taco Cochata

• Cayman Jack – Ready-to-Drink Classic Margarita

• Tohono Chul Garden Bistro – Fermented Fresno & Charred Tomato Salsa, Watermelon & Cucumber Tequila Smash & Oaxaca Chile Achiote Smoked Carnitas

• El Rustico – Salsa Mada Norteña, Grapefruit Tequila Cocktail & Taco Al Vapor de Canasta

• Borderland Spirits – Variety of Bacanoras

• VMC Cocktails – Ready-to-Drink Paloma

• Tequila Comisario / Stellar Spirits & Wines – Small-Batch, Handcrafted Tequilas

• Spicy Shrooms – Serrashii Salsa (Fiery Serranos meet Earthy Mushrooms)

That’s right — Tucson’s heavy hitters, hidden gems, and new talent all bringing the fire. Nobody gets left out, and nobody leaves hungry.

Other entertainment

Event Details

Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Labor Day Weekend

El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort – 10000 N Oracle Rd

• General Admission: $100 – Entry at 6PM, unlimited samples & live entertainment

• VIP Admission: $135 – SOLD OUT – Early entry, tequila toast, exclusive VIP lounge

• 21+ Event

Stay & Play: Book a 3-night stay at the Hilton El Conquistador for $159/night plus tax and get a complimentary ticket (limited availability).

Tickets:

Tickets

– Use promo code SAACA for 10% off.

Why Tucson Loves It

This isn’t just a food festival. It’s a Tucson tradition and one of the best things to do on Labor Day weekend. Every ticket supports the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), fueling the arts, food, and cultural creativity that make our region so unique.

Come hungry. Leave inspired. And remember — when you eat, sip, and vote at the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge, you’re helping build a stronger, tastier Southern Arizona.

Eat. Sip. Vote. Celebrate. Repeat.