[Editor’s note 08/21/2025: updated participant list, marked VIP tickets as sold out]
Southern Arizona’s flavorful fundraiser returns on Sunday, August 31. The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge will transform El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, into a tasting ground of epic proportions.
Now in its 13th year, the event blends culinary showmanship, cultural celebration, and community advocacy into one vibrant evening. Over 30 chefs and mixologists will compete for Best Salsa, Best Tequila Cocktail, and Best Taco.
A Flavor-Packed Evening of Entertainment
The challenge offers unlimited samplings of more than 70 original creations. Guests can expect everything from bold tacos to inventive cocktails.
Alongside the flavors, the event brings high-energy entertainment:
- Lucha Libre wrestling presented by Rockstar Wrestling
- Performances by Mariachi Innovación, Ballet Folklorico Los Mextucaz, and guitarist Eduardo Costa
- Live painting from local artists
- Meet-and-greets with participating chefs and bartenders
- $2,000+ in raffle prizes and artisan giveaways
Frank Powers will serve as the emcee and wrestling host throughout the night.
Event Details and Tickets
General Admission is $100 and includes unlimited tastings. VIP Admission is sold out.
The event begins at 6 p.m. for general admission ticket holders.
Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Purchase tickets at saaca.thundertix.com.
Make it a weekend with a stay at El Conquistador, where exclusive event rates start at $159 per night. Book with Group Code SAC829.
Why This Event Matters
Proceeds benefit the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA). The organization funds art therapy for veterans and seniors, educational arts programs in schools, and festivals that celebrate regional heritage.
“We believe food is one of the most powerful forms of artistic expression and cultural storytelling,” said Da’Lice Shepard, SAACA’s Director of Marketing and Programs. “This event is about celebrating that creativity while directly funding year-round programs that uplift local artists.”
Meet the Participants
This year’s lineup includes:
- 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 and 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 variety of Ready to Drink spirit teas
- Whiskey Del Bac – Locally produced 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 and charred tomato salsa & Watermelon and Cucumber Tequila Smash & Oaxaca Chile and Achiote Smoked Carnitas
- El Rustico – Salsa Mada Norteña & Grapefruit Tequila Cocktail & Taco Al Vapor de Canasta
- Borderland Spirits – Artisanal Variety of Bacanoras
- VMC Cocktails – Ready to Drink Paloma
- Tequila Comisario || Stellar Spirits and Wines – Artisanal, Small Batch, Handcrafted Tequilas
- Spicy Shrooms – Serrashii Salsa – Fiery serranos meet earthy mushrooms
For more information, visit saaca.org/salsatequilataco.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
