SAACA
  • WHY WE EXIST
    • ABOUT US
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • SAACA BOARD LEADERSHIP
  • SERVICES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
    • CULTURAL ASSET MAPPING & CONSULTING
    • PLACEKEEPING & PLACEMAKING
    • ARTS & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS, WELLNESS & HEALING
    • ARTS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
    • ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTS ADVOCACY
    • ARTS & EDUCATION
    • FESTIVAL, EVENT & BOOKING SERVICES
  • PROJECTS
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE & DIRECTORY
    • COMMUNITY GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY & ART EXHIBITIONS AT ROCHE >
        • 2025 FACE FORWARD
      • FLINN FOUNDATION GALLERY
    • CREATIVE AGING WITH WATERMARK COMMUNITIES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL PROJECTS >
      • PUBLIC ART IN ORO VALLEY
      • PUBLIC ART IN SAHUARITA
      • PIMA COUNTY PUBLIC ART
      • PUBLIC ART IN FOUNTAIN HILLS
      • TRANSPORTATION ART BY YOUTH 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
    • COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITIONS >
      • FOUNTAIN HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • SAHUARITA CAPTURING COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
  • EVENTS
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART & MUSIC FESTIVALS >
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY FALL FOODIE & ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
      • ORO VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
      • PARK PLACE STREET ART FESTIVAL
      • PATAGONIA FALL FESTIVAL
      • SAHUARITA ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL
    • CULINARY EVENTS >
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • SALSA, TEQUILA & TACO CHALLENGE
      • SAVOR CULINARY FESTIVAL
      • SABORES DE TUCSON: AMERICA'S BEST MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL
      • THE TOAST: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC >
      • LIVE MUSIC AT PALM TERRACE
      • ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES
  • CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • ABOUT THE CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • VENUE & EVENT RENTALS
    • GETTING TO CATALYST
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS CALENDAR
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
  • GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT
    • SUPPORT OUR WORK
    • SPONSOR A PROGRAM OR EVENT
    • VOLUNTEER WITH SAACA
    • CURRENT PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTIST & VENDOR APPLICATIONS

SOUTHERN ARIZONA
salsa, tequila &
​taco challenge

OVER 70 COMPETING RECIPES | SALSA | TEQUILA | TACOS | LIVE MUSIC | CULTURE
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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:
  • 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 times

VIP Hour 5PM-6PM 
​General Admission 6PM-8:30PM

location

El Conquistador Tucson
​A Hilton Resort
​​10000 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704

admission

General 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. 
PURCHASE VIP TICKETS

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. 
PURCHASE GA TICKETS

PARTNERS

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LOCATION

eL CONQUISTADOR TUCSON,
​A HILTON RESORT

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! 
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES COMING JULY 1, 2025
REGISTER TO COMPETE AS A RESTAURANT, LIBATION OR CULINARY PARTNER
SPONSOR THE EVENT - LEARN MORE
DONATE TO THE RAFFLE

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 g
uitarrón, 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


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

PHOTO GALLERY

Social
​

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.

​
  • WHY WE EXIST
    • ABOUT US
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • SAACA BOARD LEADERSHIP
  • SERVICES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
    • CULTURAL ASSET MAPPING & CONSULTING
    • PLACEKEEPING & PLACEMAKING
    • ARTS & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS, WELLNESS & HEALING
    • ARTS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
    • ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTS ADVOCACY
    • ARTS & EDUCATION
    • FESTIVAL, EVENT & BOOKING SERVICES
  • PROJECTS
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE & DIRECTORY
    • COMMUNITY GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY & ART EXHIBITIONS AT ROCHE >
        • 2025 FACE FORWARD
      • FLINN FOUNDATION GALLERY
    • CREATIVE AGING WITH WATERMARK COMMUNITIES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL PROJECTS >
      • PUBLIC ART IN ORO VALLEY
      • PUBLIC ART IN SAHUARITA
      • PIMA COUNTY PUBLIC ART
      • PUBLIC ART IN FOUNTAIN HILLS
      • TRANSPORTATION ART BY YOUTH 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
    • COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITIONS >
      • FOUNTAIN HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • SAHUARITA CAPTURING COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
  • EVENTS
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART & MUSIC FESTIVALS >
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY FALL FOODIE & ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
      • ORO VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
      • PARK PLACE STREET ART FESTIVAL
      • PATAGONIA FALL FESTIVAL
      • SAHUARITA ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL
    • CULINARY EVENTS >
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • SALSA, TEQUILA & TACO CHALLENGE
      • SAVOR CULINARY FESTIVAL
      • SABORES DE TUCSON: AMERICA'S BEST MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL
      • THE TOAST: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC >
      • LIVE MUSIC AT PALM TERRACE
      • ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES
  • CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • ABOUT THE CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • VENUE & EVENT RENTALS
    • GETTING TO CATALYST
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS CALENDAR
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
  • GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT
    • SUPPORT OUR WORK
    • SPONSOR A PROGRAM OR EVENT
    • VOLUNTEER WITH SAACA
    • CURRENT PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTIST & VENDOR APPLICATIONS