Arizona Taco & Margarita Fest

The Arizona Taco & Margarita Festival is one of Arizona's most popular food festivals, bringing together the best taco vendors, margarita makers, and entertainment acts from across the state. The event celebrates the rich culinary culture of the Southwest with an emphasis on tacos and margaritas prepared by both local favorites and nationally recognized chefs.

Attendees enjoy a wide variety of taco styles, from traditional Mexican street tacos to creative fusion dishes, all paired with handcrafted margaritas made from premium tequilas and fresh ingredients. The festival also features live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.

The event is held at premier venues in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offering spacious outdoor settings with plenty of shade structures and seating areas. Whether you are a longtime taco enthusiast or a newcomer to the Arizona food scene, the festival offers a memorable day of flavor, fun, and community.

Each year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and continues to grow as one of the must-attend food events in Arizona. It supports local businesses and vendors while providing a platform for culinary innovation and celebration of Southwestern cuisine.

The Arizona Taco & Margarita Festival takes place at The Great Lawn at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. State Farm Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in the Phoenix metropolitan area, known for hosting major sporting events and concerts throughout the year.

The Great Lawn provides a spacious outdoor setting that is perfect for a food festival of this scale. The venue offers ample room for vendor booths, entertainment stages, seating areas, and open spaces where attendees can enjoy the Arizona sunshine while sampling tacos and margaritas.

Parking is available at State Farm Stadium lot W2, and the lots open early to accommodate festival-goers. The venue is easily accessible from major highways, making it convenient for visitors coming from all parts of the greater Phoenix area, Tucson, and beyond.

State Farm Stadium's infrastructure ensures that the festival can provide excellent facilities, including restrooms, first aid stations, and accessibility features for all guests. The venue's experience with large-scale events means that the festival runs smoothly from gates open to close.

The Arizona Taco & Margarita Festival features an incredible selection of tacos and margaritas from dozens of vendors. Taco offerings range from classic carne asada and al pastor street tacos to innovative creations like lobster tacos, Korean BBQ tacos, birria tacos, and vegetarian options with roasted cactus or jackfruit.

Margarita options are equally diverse, with vendors offering classic lime margaritas, spicy mango margaritas, prickly pear margaritas made with Arizona's own prickly pear cactus fruit, and premium craft cocktails using top-shelf tequilas and mezcals. Non-alcoholic beverages including agua frescas and mocktails are also available.

Beyond tacos and margaritas, the festival typically includes other Mexican and Southwestern food options such as elotes (street corn), churros, nachos, and quesadillas. Many vendors also offer dessert items, including sopapillas, tres leches cake, and Mexican-style ice cream and paletas.

The festival is a cashless venue, so all purchases are made via electronic payment including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. This streamlined payment system helps keep lines moving and ensures a smooth experience for all attendees.

Yes, the Arizona Taco & Margarita Festival is designed to be a family-friendly event that welcomes guests of all ages. Children 12 and under typically receive free admission, making it an affordable outing for families looking to enjoy great food and entertainment together.

The festival provides a safe and welcoming environment with a strict code of conduct that ensures all guests can enjoy the event without concern. Security personnel are present throughout the venue, and a first aid station is available for any medical needs.

While margaritas and alcoholic beverages are a major draw for adult attendees, there are plenty of food options and activities that appeal to younger guests. Families with small children are allowed to bring plastic bottles of formula or milk, and strollers and diaper bags are welcome at the venue.

The festival also enforces a zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior, intoxication, and other conduct that could compromise the family-friendly atmosphere. This commitment to safety and inclusivity makes the event suitable for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

When attending the Arizona Taco & Margarita Festival, the most important items to bring are a credit or debit card for purchases, sun protection (sunblock, hats, sunglasses), and your cell phone for photos and communication. The venue is cashless, so electronic payment is the only accepted method for food and drink purchases.

You are allowed to bring one factory-sealed, non-frozen 500mL (16.9 fl. oz.) bottle of plain water per person. No other beverages, including sodas, flavored water, or sports drinks, are permitted inside the venue. This policy helps maintain food safety and supports the festival vendors.

Dress appropriately for the Arizona weather. Events are typically held on sunny days with warm temperatures, so comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes for walking on grass, and layers for cooler evenings are recommended. Check the weather forecast before attending to plan your outfit accordingly.

Leave prohibited items at home or in your car. The festival does not allow outside food, alcohol, coolers, drones, e-cigarettes, weapons, or laptop computers. All bags are subject to security checks upon arrival, so a small clear bag or a minimal crossbody bag will help you get through security quickly.

Parking for the Arizona Taco & Margarita Festival is located at State Farm Stadium lot W2. The parking lots open early, typically at 10:30 AM, to allow attendees plenty of time to park and walk to the festival entrance before gates open.

Festival parking costs $10 per car, payable upon arrival. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a convenient parking spot, as spaces fill up quickly during popular events. Carpooling with friends and family is a great way to save on parking costs and reduce congestion.

The parking lot is well-organized with clear signage and parking attendants to guide you to available spaces. The walk from lot W2 to The Great Lawn is short and accessible, making it easy for families with strollers or guests with mobility needs to reach the festival grounds.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also a popular option for attending the festival, especially for guests who plan to enjoy margaritas and other alcoholic beverages. A designated rideshare pickup and drop-off area is typically available near the venue entrance.