Tucson, AZ – July 17, 2025 – Southern Arizona’s most flavorful fundraiser is back for its 13th year! The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge returns on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the beautiful El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, blending bold cuisine with cultural spectacle—all to benefit the arts in our region.

More than just a tasting event, The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge is an all-senses celebration of culinary creativity and community spirit. Presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and El Conquistador, A Hilton Resort, the event draws together over 30 of the region’s top chefs and mixologists, each vying for the titles of Best Salsa, Best Tequila Cocktail, and Best Taco. Guests will enjoy unlimited samplings of more than 70 original recipes—from vibrant handcrafted cocktails to innovative tacos and salsas in every imaginable flavor.

But beyond the flavors and fanfare lies a deeper mission: supporting the arts as essential community infrastructure.

“We believe food is one of the most powerful forms of artistic expression and cultural storytelling,” says Da’Lice Shepard, Director of Marketing and Programs at SAACA. “This event is about celebrating that creativity while directly funding year-round programs that uplift local artists, arts advocacy, and cultural educators across Southern Arizona and beyond.”

All the Flavor. All the Fun.

The event is a full-sensory experience packed with high-energy entertainment, live art, and cultural performances:

  • Lucha Libre Wrestling presented by Rockstar Wrestling
  • Traditional and contemporary music and dance from Mariachi Innovacion, Ballet Folklorico Los Mextucaz, and classical guitarist Eduardo Costa
  • Live painting installations from five local visual artists
  • Chef and bartender meet-and-greets
  • $2,000+ in raffle prizes, including local gift cards and artisan gift baskets
  • Special guest emcee and wrestling host: Frank Powers

Ticket Information:

  • VIP Admission – $135
  • Includes early entry at 5 PM, a welcome tequila toast, access to the VIP After-Party Lounge, and all general admission benefits
  • General Admission – $100
  • Entry begins at 6 PM and includes unlimited tastings and entertainment

Limited tickets available.

Early Bird Discount: Save 10% with code “EARLYBIRD” until July 25, 2025

21+ Event | Tickets at saaca.thundertix.com

Turn the Flavor Into a Getaway

Make it a weekend to remember with a stay at El Conquistador, A Hilton Resort, with exclusive event rates starting at $159/night. Book with Group Code SAC829 or call 1-888-370-0980.

Book Directly Online

Why Your Ticket Matters

Proceeds from the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge directly support SAACA’s mission to strengthen community through the arts, culture, and culinary innovation. Each ticket helps fund vital programs that:

  • Provide arts therapy services for veterans, seniors, and individuals facing health challenges
  • Offer performance and exhibition opportunities for hundreds of local artists and musicians
  • Deliver arts-integrated education in schools and community spaces
  • Support cultural festivals that celebrate Southern Arizona’s heritage and diversity

In an era of shrinking arts funding, your participation is more than a night out—it’s an investment in the soul of our region.

Eat. Sip. Vote. Celebrate.

This isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. Join us this Labor Day Weekend as we celebrate flavor, creativity, and connection—one taco at a time.

 

Confirmed Participants – 2025 Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge

  • Dante's Kitchen & Cocktails – Pineapple Margarita & Prime Rib Taco
  • The Roasted Chile – Green Chile Cookies & Green Chile Kahlua Fudge
  • 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 – Jefita’s Salsa, Paloma Cocktail, Quesabirria Taco, & Calabacita Crisp
  • Westbound and Tap & Bottle – Tequila Cocktail
  • 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, Melon Margarita Snow Cone & Smoked Tri-Tip Taco
  • Cocktail Lab AZ - Ray Ray's Sonoran Spirit Tea

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