SOUTHERN ARIZONA
salsa, tequila &
taco challenge
OVER 70 COMPETING RECIPES | SALSA | TEQUILA | TACOS | LIVE MUSIC | CULTURE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
The 13th Annual Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge, presented by SAACA & El Conquistador, is set to elevate cocktail craft and culinary creativity once again. This highly anticipated event brings together Southern Arizona’s top mixologists and chefs, all competing for the coveted Best Salsa, Best Tequila Cocktail, and Best Taco awards.
Attendees will embark on a flavor-filled journey, indulging in creative food and cocktail samples from up to 30 competing restaurants and purveyors. Expect an array of innovative dishes— from salsa infused with chicharrones to dulce de leche dessert tacos and even watermelon Sour Patch Kids margaritas.
More than just a competition, this vibrant summer festival is a celebration of culture, community, and culinary artistry, featuring:
With over 700 attendees expected, this is one of Southern Arizona’s most anticipated culinary experiences—a high-energy, flavor-packed event that’s not to be missed.
Why Attend?
This one-of-a-kind experience is where culinary artistry meets high-energy entertainment.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening of Flavor and Festivity
Eat. Sip. Vote. Celebrate.
Save the date and get ready for the most flavorful competition of the summer.
Attendees will embark on a flavor-filled journey, indulging in creative food and cocktail samples from up to 30 competing restaurants and purveyors. Expect an array of innovative dishes— from salsa infused with chicharrones to dulce de leche dessert tacos and even watermelon Sour Patch Kids margaritas.
More than just a competition, this vibrant summer festival is a celebration of culture, community, and culinary artistry, featuring:
- Live music and entertainment
- Live artist painting and interactive experiences
- Lucha libre wrestling
- Exclusive cocktail tastings and chef meet-and-greets
With over 700 attendees expected, this is one of Southern Arizona’s most anticipated culinary experiences—a high-energy, flavor-packed event that’s not to be missed.
Why Attend?
- An Explosion of Flavors and Creativity – Indulge in bold, creative flavors from the region’s top chefs and mixologists
- A Multi-Sensory Experience – From lucha libre wrestling to live art and music, expect non-stop entertainment
- A Celebration of Local Culture – Sip, savor, and support Southern Arizona’s culinary scene
- A Friendly but Fierce Competition – Watch as Tucson’s best battle it out for top honors
This one-of-a-kind experience is where culinary artistry meets high-energy entertainment.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Evening of Flavor and Festivity
Eat. Sip. Vote. Celebrate.
Save the date and get ready for the most flavorful competition of the summer.
event timesVIP Hour 5PM-6PM
General Admission 6PM-8:30PM |
locationEl Conquistador Tucson
A Hilton Resort 10000 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 |
admissionGeneral Admission $100
VIP $135 |
TICKETS
VIP ADMISSION TICKETS
VIP TICKETS $135
ENTRY TIME 5PM
**21 And Over Event** Tickets include all General Admission benefits, one-hour early access to the event, a welcome Tequila Toast, and a VIP After Event Lounge.
ENTRY TIME 5PM
**21 And Over Event** Tickets include all General Admission benefits, one-hour early access to the event, a welcome Tequila Toast, and a VIP After Event Lounge.
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS $100
ENTRY TIME 6PM
Tickets include libation, and menu samplings from 30 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs, with custom salsa and tequila cocktails in over 15 categories. Includes access to live entertainment all night.
ENTRY TIME 6PM
Tickets include libation, and menu samplings from 30 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs, with custom salsa and tequila cocktails in over 15 categories. Includes access to live entertainment all night.
PARTNERS
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LOCATION
eL CONQUISTADOR TUCSON,
A HILTON RESORT
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10000 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
When you think of the Southwest, windswept mountains, wildflowers, fiery-red sunsets and a deep-rooted desert culture spring to mind and nowhere is this soul-stirring tableau captured more spectacularly than at the El Conquistador Tucson. Let us surprise you with the pristine beauty of the Sonoran Desert, introduce you to indigenous cultures, and inspire you with authentic flavors, experiences and unforgettable moments. Named "Best Experiential Hotel" by Hotel Interactive ® Lodging Industry Elite Awards and recognized as a Top 52 Hilton Hotel by Forbes, El Conquistador Tucson invites you to escape and experience the colors, textures, and singular details of our uniquely Southwest resort. https://www.hiltonelconquistador.com |
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Book your discounted stay during the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge weekend today!
GET INVOLVED
PERFORMERS & EVENT EXPERIENCES
At the center of the Presidio Ballroom a larger than life wrestling ring will host some of Southern Arizona's most colorful Luchadores along with a traditional Mariachi band. Three different Lucha Libre matches will decide which wrestlers will take home the title of Salsa, Tequila, or Taco champion.
Mariachi Herradura de Tucson are a community treasure, featuring some of the regions finest guitarrón, vihuela, violin, and trumpet players. The 10-piece band is the perfect soundtrack for an evening of Mexican inspired food and drinks. Phoenix artist Jesse Perry, who is known for his colorful and bold Sonoran style, will also be live painting during the event.
Mariachi Herradura de Tucson are a community treasure, featuring some of the regions finest guitarrón, vihuela, violin, and trumpet players. The 10-piece band is the perfect soundtrack for an evening of Mexican inspired food and drinks. Phoenix artist Jesse Perry, who is known for his colorful and bold Sonoran style, will also be live painting during the event.
2024 CULINARY PARTNERS
WINNERS
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2024 CHALLENGE WINNERS
Best Agave Spirit Judges’ Choice Winner - Gran Coramino Reposado People’s Choice Winner - Gran Coramino Reposado Best Ready To Drink Cocktail Judges’ Choice - Ray Ray's Sonoran Spirit Tea People’s Choice - El Jimador Best Salsa - JUDGES' CHOICE Judges’ Choice – 1st Place - Dante's Fire - Carrot Habanero Salsa Judges’ Choice – 2nd Place - Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery - Salsa Chiltapin Judges’ Choice – 3rd Place – TIE Casa Asada Taquería y Cervecería - Salsa Negra El Conquistador Tucson - Habanero Peach Salsa Best Salsa - PEOPLE'S CHOICE People’s Choice – 1st Place - Isa Bey LLC Isa Bey Mediterranean Salsa- Hot People’s Choice – 2nd Place - The Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul Fermented Fresno Chile-Fresh and Charred Tomato Salsa People’s Choice – 3rd Place - Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen Amelia's Molcajete Best Tequila Cocktail – JUDGES' CHOICE Judges’ Choice – 1st Place - Saffron Indian Bistro - "No money? No honey!" Judges’ Choice – 2nd Place - Tap and Bottle North - Tres Loco Coco Judges’ Choice – 3rd Place - Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar - Redbird Margarita Best Tequila Cocktail – PEOPLE'S CHOICE People’s Choice – 1st Place - Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom Blue Agave Bonfire People’s Choice – 2nd Place – Tie Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery South of the Barn Mai Tai Dante's Fire Peach & Nopales Margarita People’s Choice – 3rd Place - Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen Yecora Night Best Taco – JUDGES' CHOICE Judges’ Choice – 1st Place - Dante's Fire - Nashville Hot Chicken Taco Judges’ Choice – 2nd Place - Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery - Baja fish taco Judges’ Choice – 3rd Place – TIE Scratching the Plate - Duck season-Rabbit season Casa Asada Taquería y Cervecería - Caramelo Best Taco – PEOPLE'S CHOICE People’s Choice – 1st Place - Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery Baja Fish Taco People’s Choice – 2nd Place - Ranch House Grill and Brewery Casa Rancho Brisket Taco People’s Choice – 3rd Place - Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar Quesabirria |
2023 CHALLENGE WINNERS
People's Choice 1st Place Salsa El Rustico Salsa Nortena con Chicharrones People's Choice 2nd Place Salsa Goyita's Hot Salsa People's Choice 3rd Place Salsa Tucson Tamale Company Colette's Medium Judge's Choice, 1st Place Salsa Amelia's Mexican Kitchen Amelia's Molcajete Salsa (TIE) Dante's Fire Habanero Mango Passionfruit Salsa (TIE) Judges' Choice, 2nd Place Salsa Amelia's Mexican Kitchen Roasted Salsa Judges' Choice, 3rd Place Salsa El Rustico Salsa Nortena con Chicharrones People's Choice, 1st Place Tequila Cocktail The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Watermelon Sour Patch Kids Margarita People's Choice, 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail Dante's Fire "What's Up Doc?" Carrot Margarita People's Choice, 3rd Place Tequila Cocktail Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom Charred Margarita Judges' Choice, 1st Place Tequila Cocktail Saffron Indian Bistro Spicy Sonoran Desire Judges' Choice, 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail The Hacienda at the Canyon Strawberry Jalapeno Shrub Judges' Choice, 3rd Place Tequila Cocktail The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Watermelon Sour Patch Kids Margarita (TIE) Dante's Fire "What's Up Doc?" Carrot Margarita (TIE) People's Choice, 1st Place Taco Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom Smokehouse Brisket Taco People's Choice, 2nd Place Taco El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort Dulce de Leche Taco People's Choice, 3rd Place Taco Seis Kitchen Chilled Shrimp Taco Judges' Choice 1st Place Taco El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort Dulce de Leche Taco Judges' Choice 2nd Place Taco Dante's Fire Pork Belly Taco Judges' Choice, 3rd Place Taco Amelia's Mexican Kitchen Amelia's Quesabirria Taco People's Choice, Grand Reserve Tequila Tasting Canción Tequila Reposado Judges' Choice, Grand Reserve Tequila Tasting Borderland Spirits Batuq Bacanora Reserva |
2019 CHALLENGE WINNERS
People's Choice 1st Place Salsa Santiago's Mexican Salsa Santiago People's Choice 2nd Place Salsa Cafe a la C'Art Roasted Salsa Negra People's Choice 3rd Place Salsa Americano Mexicano House Chunky Red Salsa Judge's Choice, 1st Place Traditional Salsa Casino Del Sol Salsa Molcajete Judge's Choice, 2nd Place Traditional Salsa Peppersauce Kitchen Roasted Pepper Salsa Judge's Choice, 1st Place Alternative Salsa The Gallery Golf Club Pepita Salsa Judge's Choice, 2nd Place Alternative Salsa Cafe Botanica Smoked Nopal Salsa with Lemon People's Choice 1st Place Tequila Cocktail Benson City Grille Cilantro Jalapeno Lime Margarita People's Choice 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Mango Tamarind Tequila Cocktail Judge's Choice 1st Place Tequila Cocktail Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa Mojito Margarita Judge's Choice 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain The Copperhead People's Choice 1st Place Taco Santiago's Mexican Seared Short Rib Taco People's Choice 2nd Place Taco Peppersauce Kitchen Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco Judge's Choice 1st Place Taco Peppersauce Kitchen Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco Judge's Choice 2nd Place Taco Santiago's Mexican Seared Short Rib Taco Grand Reserve Tequila Tasting 1st Place Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Tequila Reposado Most Creative Display Santiago's Mexican |
2024 Raffle winners
Michael Walsh
Tiffany Greer
Ryan May
Amanda Hart
Vince Roberts
Mayra Murrieta
Bryan Acosta
Andrea Basquez
Tiffany Greer
Ryan May
Amanda Hart
Vince Roberts
Mayra Murrieta
Bryan Acosta
Andrea Basquez