It’s time to celebrate the cuisine that makes Tucson so special.

From 3 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, the Tucson International Mariachi Conference is hosting the 23 Miles of Mexican Food Festival at the MSA Annex.

This is the Tucson International Mariachi Conference’s first year hosting the event, which serves as a fundraiser for the educational opportunities available at the conference.

This year’s festival will showcase samplings from dozens of local chefs, restaurants, and food trucks including El Taco Rustico, El Cisne, La Estrella Bakery, Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, Delicias, El Chinito Gordo, and many more. In other words, expect a lot of tacos, fajitas, molé, raspados, sopes, elote, cocktails, and beer at this tasting experience.

Tickets are $60 per person and include all of the samples you can handle.

This year, Crooked Tooth Brewing Company collaborated with the Tucson International Mariachi Conference to create El Grito — a kettle sour brewed specially for the 23 Miles of Mexican Food Festival. Made with nearly 80 pounds of fresh pineapple and “dry hopped” with chiltepin peppers, El Grito will be available as the official beer of the event.

Read our September 2022 article “Crooked Tooth Brewing celebrates mariachi with its latest beer collaboration.”

Oh, and we can’t forget about the entertainment at the festival.

While you’re chomping down on some grub, your ears and eyes will be delighted by the performances by Zona Libre, MeXcal Arizona, Compania de Danza Folklorica Arizona, Giselle Aubrey, and the Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo.

Plus, as mentioned earlier, proceeds from the event will help support Tucson International Mariachi Conference student workshops and scholarships.

The 23 Miles of Mexican Food Festival is being held at the MSA Annex, which is located at 267 S. Avenida del Convento. For more information and to buy your tickets, visit eventbrite.com.