SAACA
  • ABOUT
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CULTURAL EQUITY
  • WHAT WE DO
    • BUSINESS & ARTS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS & HEALTHCARE
    • ARTS EDUCATION
    • CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
    • CREATIVE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
  • GET INVOLVED
    • DONATE AND SUPPORT
    • VOLUNTEER
    • INTERN
  • EVENTS & FESTIVALS
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART & MUSIC FESTIVALS >
      • CRUISE, BBQ & BLUES
      • DESERT RIDGE MUSIC & MURALS
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • SAHUARITA ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • SKY ISLANDS FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • ORO VALLEY FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • ORO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
      • ORO VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
      • TEMPE ART BLOCK PARTY
      • TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL
    • CULINARY EVENTS >
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • SALSA, TEQUILA & TACO CHALLENGE
      • SAVOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC >
      • LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOOKOUT
      • ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES
      • RIVERFRONT PARK CONCERT SERIES
      • STEAM PUMP CONCERT SERIES
  • ART PROGRAMS
    • OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS - CALL TO ARTIST
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION
    • SAHUARITA CAPTURING COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST
    • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
    • VENTANA GALLERY AT ROCHE >
      • 2023 ROCHE CULTURE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION >
        • OBJECTS
        • PEOPLE
        • PLACE
        • TRADITIONS
      • 2022 ROCHE CELEBRATING MOEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
      • 2021 ROCHE LUNG CANCER AWARENESS EXHIBITION
    • AARP CELEBRATING ARTISTS VIDEO SERIES
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE
    • SLOW FOOD COOKING CLASSES WITH SLOW FOOD
    • TRANSPORTATION ART BY YOUTH 2022 >
      • Gila Monster
      • Glowing Scorpions
      • Prickly Pear Everywhere
  • CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS
    • ABOUT THE CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
    • VENUE & SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS

SOUTHERN ARIZONA
salsa, tequila &
​taco challenge

OVER 70 COMPETING RECIPES | SALSA | TEQUILA | TACOS | LIVE MUSIC | CULTURE

2023 DATE & LOCATION
​COMING SOON

Cocktail craft and culinary creativity are taken to a new level at the 10th Annual Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge. Tequila infused popsicles, sno-cones, and mixed drinks will surprise attendees with refreshing colors, while kimchi, blueberry-jalapeno and “Smokeless Fire” salsas will spice up their palettes. 

More than 1,000 attendees support the community while attending this fun event to sample and vote for the best salsa, tequila and tacos in the region from participating mixologists and chefs.  Attendees will experience culture at its finest; combining the culinary arts, live music, and entertainment that highlights the strength and diversity in our community.  Join us for one of the most colorful summer “foodie” events in Southern Arizona. 

The event will distribute awards from professional judges as well as People's Choice Awards in over 15 categories to participating restaurants and exhibitors.
Many chefs and mixologists came to the table to win culinary supremacy, but they are also there to support important charitable causes in the community. This creative collaboration combines resources to help raise monies for SAACA community arts outreach programs and local programming outreach by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. 
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V.I.P. Admission includes 1 hour early entry into the event at 6 PM, Valet Parking, Tequila Toast and commemorative shot glass plus all General Admission access. Only 300 tickets will be sold. 

General Admission tickets include libation, and menu samplings from over 40 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs, with custom salsa and tequila cocktails in over 15 categories. Includes access to live entertainment all night.

21 AND OVER EVENT

EVENT PARTNERS

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LOCATION

La Encantada Shopping Center
2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718

La Encantada is an upscale, outdoor shopping center located in Tucson, Arizona at the Northwest corner of Skyline and Campbell Ave.  The event is located in the upstairs and downstairs walkways throughout the shopping center. 

GET INVOLVED

Stay tuned on how to get involved in the 2022 event. 

2019 ENTERTAINMENT

Ballet Folkorico La Paloma is a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the native folk dances of Mexico. By doing so, we hope to arouse pride and heritage in the Mexican- American community. We also educate the general public through our colorful and entertaining performances. Ballet Folklorico La Paloma has responded to the need of positive and responsive programs for young people in our community since 1982. Through the reinvestment of time, funds, and energy we have been able to help develop positive, and committed young people who will make a better future for generations to come.
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​Santa Pachita is a Tucson band that has been playing together since 2012. Guitarist, Miguel Reyes, and bass player, Victor Cruz, started the band after working together on other musical projects. They brought in talented musicians that have a variety of different musical backgrounds. The result is a danceable fusion of ska, cumbia, and rumba-salsa. The congas, flute, and trumpet add depth to the energetic music that is influenced by bands like Manu Chao.
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Troy Gray Duo, Flamenco Guitarist, has been playing guitar for 30 years and has performed quite often in Arizona and Colorado. One of the most in demand flamenco guitarists, he performs weekly in resorts, clubs, theaters and festivals throughout Southern Arizona. He performs solo as well as with other wonderful, accomplished musicians such as Native American Music Awards "Artist Of The Year" classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala and six-time Grammy Nominee percussionist Will Clipman.

Learn more about this group at www.troygrayguitar.com
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Donovan White, Live Painter, has a healthy fondness for 80’s and 90's pop art. A popular tattoo, skateboard, and visual artist, you are just as likely to see Donovan painting on pots and pans or an antique kitchen knife as a canvas. Donovan likes to incorporate humor into his work and takes inspiration from many culinary and southwestern themes. 
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2019 PARTICIPANTS
Each restaurant is serving a combination of salsas, tequila cocktails, tacos and more!

RESTAURANTS
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El Coronado Family Restaurant
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Queen Ceviche
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The Grill at Quail Creek
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Daniela's Cooking
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Santiago's Mexican
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[POPPED] Artisan Popcorn
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Reforma Modern Mexican. Mezcal + Tequila
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Angie's Kick Ass Salsa
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Tubac Salsa Company
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Rigo's Restaurant
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YWCA Tucson
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​Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain
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The Gallery Golf Club

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Casino Del Sol
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Benson City Grille
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Angie's Gourmet To Go
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Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
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Savaya Coffee Market
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The Living Room
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The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
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Royal Catering
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Cafe a la C'Art
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Fermented Tea Company Kombucha
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Cafe Botanica
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Calle Tepa
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Peppersauce Kitchen
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Salsa de Lazo
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Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta
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Pima Community College Hospitality Leadership
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Americano Mexicano
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San Carlos Grill
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Crossroads Restaurant
LIBATIONS
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La Cumbre Brewing Company
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New Belgium Brewing Company
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Jarritos
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Pure Love Juice
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3 Amigos Tequila
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Jugo Fuerte
​Spiked Agua Frescas
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Dos XX
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Sierra Nevada
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Four Peaks Brewing Company
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Estrella Jalisco
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Barrio Brewing Co.
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Roger Clyne Mexican Moonshine Tequila

2019 Hotel Partner

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Book Your Reservation
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
It’s tranquil, yet mesmerizing. Private, yet wide open. A distinctive luxury hotel in Tucson where historic charm and modern luxury unite. Built in the early 1900s, our 80-acre, certified green resort is flawlessly set at the base of the striking Santa Catalina Mountains. A favorite Tucson luxury resort and vacation destination, Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa offers visitors of all ages the joy of getting close to nature with on-site hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Learn more at
https://www.westwardlook.com/
Special Event Resort Rate $79 per Night
​A shuttle between La Encantada and Westward Look will be available all evening for hotel guests.

Photo Gallery

Event Winners

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

2018 Challenge Winners

People's Choice 1st Place Salsa
Angie's Kick Ass Salsa
Hot Salsa

People's Choice 2nd Place Salsa
Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain
Sweet Mango Chile Salsa

People's Choice 3rd Place Salsa
Angie's Gourmet to Go 
Fire Roasted Tomato Mango Habanero Salsa
  
Judge's Choice, Best Traditional Salsa
Crossroads Restaurant
Tomatillo Salsa


Judge's Choice, 2nd Place Traditional Salsa
The Grill at Quail Creek
Brasas Salsa

Judge's Choice, Best Alternative Salsa
Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain
Sweet Mango Chile Salsa

Judge's Choice, 2nd Place Alternative Salsa
The Tequila Factory 
Fruit Pico De Gallo Salsa

People's Choice 1st Place Tequila Sip
​The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
Berry White

People's Choice 2nd Place Tequila Sip
3 Amigo's Tequila
8 Year Extra Anejo

Judge's Choice 1st Place Tequila Sip
Cruz Del Sol Tequila 
Cruz Reposado Tequila

Judge's Choice 2nd Place Tequila Sip
3 Amigo's Tequila
8 Year Extra Tequila

People's Choice 1st Place Taco
El Coronado 
Birria Taco

People's Choice 2nd Place Taco 
The Grill at Quail Creek
Pork Belly Taco

Judge's Choice 1st Place Taco
Tequila Factory
Tecate Traveling Taco 

Judge's Choice 2nd Place
The Living Room
Chilaquiles


Most Creative Display
Rigo's Restaurant

Safe Ride Partner​

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To help ensure all attendees make it to and from the event safely we have partnered with Lyft to encourage everyone attending the festival to plan ahead and keep the community safe. 

​First Time User: Redeem up to $20 in Free Lyft Credit using code: SAACA
 
Existing User: 10% off your ride to and from the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge using code: SAACA19

Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors

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Social
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About
​

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.
  • ABOUT
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CULTURAL EQUITY
  • WHAT WE DO
    • BUSINESS & ARTS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS & HEALTHCARE
    • ARTS EDUCATION
    • CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
    • CREATIVE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
  • GET INVOLVED
    • DONATE AND SUPPORT
    • VOLUNTEER
    • INTERN
  • EVENTS & FESTIVALS
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART & MUSIC FESTIVALS >
      • CRUISE, BBQ & BLUES
      • DESERT RIDGE MUSIC & MURALS
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • SAHUARITA ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • SKY ISLANDS FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • ORO VALLEY FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • ORO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
      • ORO VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
      • TEMPE ART BLOCK PARTY
      • TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL
    • CULINARY EVENTS >
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • SALSA, TEQUILA & TACO CHALLENGE
      • SAVOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC >
      • LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOOKOUT
      • ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES
      • RIVERFRONT PARK CONCERT SERIES
      • STEAM PUMP CONCERT SERIES
  • ART PROGRAMS
    • OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS - CALL TO ARTIST
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION
    • SAHUARITA CAPTURING COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST
    • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
    • VENTANA GALLERY AT ROCHE >
      • 2023 ROCHE CULTURE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION >
        • OBJECTS
        • PEOPLE
        • PLACE
        • TRADITIONS
      • 2022 ROCHE CELEBRATING MOEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
      • 2021 ROCHE LUNG CANCER AWARENESS EXHIBITION
    • AARP CELEBRATING ARTISTS VIDEO SERIES
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE
    • SLOW FOOD COOKING CLASSES WITH SLOW FOOD
    • TRANSPORTATION ART BY YOUTH 2022 >
      • Gila Monster
      • Glowing Scorpions
      • Prickly Pear Everywhere
  • CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS
    • ABOUT THE CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
    • VENUE & SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS