What
Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge
When
7– 10 p.m. Sunday, September 3
Where
La Encantada Shopping Center
2905 E. Skyline Dr.
More Info
saaca.org
Facebook Event Page
A triple threat of salsa, tequila, and tacos is on the horizon, and the only way to defeat it is to consume them all one by one.
During Labor Day weekend, the Southern Arizona Arts & Culture Alliance is hosting the annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge at the La Encantada Shopping Center from 7 – 10 p.m. on Sunday, September 3.
Prepare yourself for some unique and unexpected cuisine, tequila infused popsicles, sno-cones, and mixed drinks featuring every color of the rainbow.
Awards will be handed out from professional judges, as well as “People’s Choice Awards” in over 20 categories.
Tickets are $55 per person and the 21 and older event includes over 100 samplings of signature salsas, tacos, tequila cocktails, and beer.
Plus, if the food and drinks aren’t enough to keep you fired up, live music will be lighting up one of the multiple stages at La Encantada.
To make yourself feel better about the amount of food and drinks you’ve had, the event raises funds for the Southern Arizona Arts & Culture Alliance and Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Participating Restaurants
- Angie’s Gourmet To Go
- Gringo Grill & Cantina
- La Botana
- Queen Ceviche
- Rigo’s Restaurant
- More to be announced soon
Local restaurants interested in participating in this year’s Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge can fill out an application to join in on the fun.
Entertainment Schedule
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Mariacho Estrellas de Tucson
- 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Salsarengue Orquesta
- 8:30 – 9 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
- 9 – 10 p.m. – An encore performance by Salsarengue Orquesta
If you’re worried of falling into a deep sleep afterwards, the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is offering a special room rate of $99.
La Encantada Shopping Center is located at 2905 E. Skyline Dr. To purchase your tickets, visit saaca.org.
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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.















