For the first time since 2019, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is bringing the Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge. This is the 10th annual competition, as a matter of fact, and will take place from 5 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton El Conquistador on Saturday, August 26.
The event will feature more than 30 participants including some of Tucson’s finest chefs, mixologists, and culinary businesses. On the day of, they’ll all be contending for the title of best salsa, tequila, and taco in Southern Arizona as attendees and local celebrity judges cast their votes for their favorites.
This is the event where craft cocktails and culinary creativity are taken to new levels.
Tequila-infused popsicles, snow cones, and mixed drinks will surprise attendees with refreshing colors, while kimchi, blueberry-jalapeño, and “smokeless fire” salsas will spice up their palettes. Once you’ve tried each of the samplings, you’ll then vote for your favorite.
Live music and dance performances will also be the highlight of the night with an assortment of mariachi, folklorico, Mexican pop, and more.
Get Your Tickets!
General Admission Tickets are $80 per person and include libation, menu samplings from more than 30 restaurants and chefs, and custom salsa and tequila cocktails in more than 15 categories. Your ticket also includes access to live entertainment all night.
If you’re looking for something more, VIP Admission Tickets are $100 each and include one-hour early entry into the event at 5 p.m., valet parking, a tequila toast, a commemorative shot glass, and everything included in General Admission. Keep in mind that only 150 VIP tickets will be sold.
Raffle Tickets
Raffle baskets include hundreds of dollars in prizes donated by community and event partners. The raffle tickets are on sale now for only $10 for two tickets and $20 for five.
Proceeds from the event help support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s (SAACA) creative arts programs throughout Arizona. SAACA is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities.
The Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge is taking place at the Hilton El Conquistador, 10000 N. Oracle Rd. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit saaca.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
