Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Map: www.saltriverfields.com/location.aspx
OCTOBER 17-18, 2015
11am-7pm, each day
• General Admission: $12
• Margarita Lover’s Package: $18
• VIP: $100
• Kids 12 and under: free
• Tequila Expo: $20 (Saturday Only)
*all descriptions below
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
FREE PARKING!
*OTHER PARKING OPTIONS : Salty Senorita Old Town will run a bus to and from the festival every hour, all weekend long. The Lucky Express bus that runs a loop from Scottsdale Fashion Square, the W Scottsdale Hotel, and Talking Stick Casino (starting at 4pm every day) adds a Taco Festival stop to its route. And you can always just cab it, Discount Cab will have a fleet stationed at the Exit for safe rides home.
A General Admission ticket provides access to taco-topia. Inside the event, you’ll find about 40-50 restaurants dishing out $2 tacos and bars and beverage station serving margaritas, beer, water, and soda. The entire festival works on a token system – so you will purchase tokens worth $2 each and use those as cash. Vendors will be on hand to sell other food (mostly desserts) as well. ATMs will be on site, but you can use a credit card if desired.
• Lucha Libre Wrestling
• VIP Beach
• Main Bar Experiences by local bar operators
• Live Music
Stage
• Interactive Photo Booths
• Hot Chile Pepper Eating Contests
• Arm Wrestling for Tacos at the Yelp Booth
• Chef Hat Decorating in the Amica Insurance Culinary Corner
• Loco Patron 10th Anniversary Taco Eating Contests
• Taco Award Presentations: 6:50pm each day
• People’s Choice Voting
• The Legendary Tequila Expo
• The Great Ghost Pepper Challenge (100 people invited to participate!)
• Bands: The Amazing Coconauts, The Wiley One, Jaleo!
• Cooking Demonstrations on a Sub-Zero/Wolf stage
• Chihuahua Beauty Pageant
• Flair Bartender Challenge
• Herradura Barrel Art Award Ceremony
• Bands: Vintage Wednesday, Pride Through Strife, Ritmo Latino, Grupo Son Kimi-K
Sorry, no dogs allowed (except Chihuahua Beauty Pageant participants)
Experience a taco-topia of epic proportions. Over 50 restaurants and food trucks will serve $2 tacos (sold separately) with some of the most unique recipes you’ve ever tasted. Watch live bands from surf and rock to mariachi and Latin all weekend long. There’s Lucha Libre wrestling shows all weekend, too. Don’t miss hilarious eating contests, chile pepper-eating challenges, and the entertaining chihuahua beauty pageant.
Upon checking in at the event, receive enough tokens for five alcoholic beverages, one water or soda, and 10 tacos. You’ll also have access to a VIP tent with shaded seating and private bathrooms. VIP’s will also enjoy Taco Beach, a literal sandy beach area facing the main stage. Free chips, salsa, and hot, buttered tortillas are also part of the package, courtesy of My Nana’s Best Tasting. Oh, there’s also an overwhelming feeling of taco awesomeness.
Over 30 brands will make over 100 types of tequila available in this Saturday-only tent. This ticket comes with a wristband good for 10 samples of fine tequila. Tequila Expo passes must be purchased in conjunction with a GA or VIP ticket. We highly recommend purchasing these passes online – the Expo will sell out.
Purchase and receive a Souvenir Margarita Cup from Discount Cab and a General Admission ticket. Each time you fill ‘er up, you will receive an additional 4oz of El Jimador Margarita! This is truly a must have for all attendees. Buy yours today before we sell out!
Hi, I would like to enter my chihuahua into the Chihuahua Beauty Pageant. How do I go about doing that?
On he VIP ticket is the food included in the price of the ticket?
It would be convenient if we could actually buy tickets for food & drinks AHEAD of time to avoid the long, annoying lines. Seriously… Please look into making that happen.
@ Sara: We will eventually use a card system that will allow for this, but with tickets, it’s not possible to sell food & drink credit ahead of time. We are more than doubling the amount of ticket booths this year and staffing them up with the fastest-moving people you’ve ever seen. Seriously, they’re fast. Thx for the suggestion!
@ Tracy: Unlimited food from VIP Tent sponsors: Fuzzy’s Tacos, the Grilled Cheese Truck, and SNOH Ice Shavery!
@ Karissa: Sweet! Entry form here: http://aztacofestival.com/forms/2013_Chihuahua_entryForm.pdf Let us know if you have any trouble. Good luck!
@ Karla: No, it does not. We recommend the pre-sale VIP of $85 if you plan on combining it with a Tequila Expo tic. Salud!
What time does the Lucha libre wrestling start and finish on Sunday?
Just to clarify…the VIP package includes 6 drinks and unlimited food at the three vendors already listed…but to sample the tacos you still have to pay $2 each. Correct?
When does the lucha. Libre wrestling start and end on Sunday?
@Roy Both days have the same schedule: it will start at about 11:30-11:45am, and go periodically all day until sundown (about 6-6:30). Each shows last about 30 minutes and then they go for 15-minute breaks. They will be located under the Sandbar tent. You won’t miss a show if you’re at the festival more than an hour.
@Anonymous That’s correct.
@Roy Both days have the same schedule: it will start at about 11:30-11:45am, and go periodically all day until sundown (about 6-6:30). Each shows last about 30 minutes and then they go for 15-minute breaks. They will be located under the Sandbar tent. You won’t miss a show if you’re at the festival more than an hour.
VIP isn’t so VIP since you’re limited to food and still have to pay separate for tequila expo. Is $85 for premium potties worth it…no! Make VIP worth what you pay or decrease the price. So lame.
Is it cash only for the $2 tacos or can you pay with a credit card?
How do you enter the pepper eating contest?
When it is the Chihuahua pagent on Sunday?
Just curious. is the VIP section completely separate from the regular ticket holders? I was thinking about getting a VIP ticket but all of my friends have regular tickets. Will I still be able to hang with them (when I’m not using the fancy port-o-johns)?
does the VIP include both days or only one?
@Anonymous – VIP includes one day
@calcullush The VIP area is separate, but just steps away from the main area – you can most certainly hang with your friends out there and then pop into VIP to grab a drink and, as u say, use the fancy johns – haha
@Amanda – Head to the Yelp Contest Stage immediately upon your arrival to the fest and put your name on the list to be called at Check-In Time. Earlier you’re there, the better guaranteed for a spot you’ll be. Schedule here: http://aztacofestival.com/yelp-contest-stage/
@Dave Taylor – You purchase $2 tokens with cash, and then use those. This keeps lines moving faster because the taco vendors are not handling cash.
I just want to clarify…You need to buy the General Admission to get into the Festival, plus an additional $20 to get into the Tequila Expo, correct? Also if only one person is partaking in the Tequila Expo, will the other be allowed in or is it a restricted area?
Will you have any areas with seating & tables and can we bring our own chairs/umbrellas? How about a map of the overall event?
How do you enter the Bizarre Taco Eating contest on Sunday? And is there an age requirement? My son is 16 and wants to enter! Thanks!!
I have vip tickets and was wondering if children over the age of 12 could use them as well. Also with the 6 drink tickets does that include beer and wine? Thank you
If you are coming with a child under 12, do you need to buy a VIP ticket for yourself and the child or is he still free?
And, how much are the drinks?
Where do I pick up tickets bought through Social Living?
Is there anything for kids?
If I already purchased a tequila expo ticket do I have to buy a general admission ticket also?
If I purchase a VIP ticket, does my 11 year old need one too or would she be free there as well?
I bought the Living Social deal for 2 tickets which, according the deal, I will be able to pick up at will call. If one of these tickets is for someone arriving later than myself will I be able to leave the festival to give him his ticket & come back or at least pass him his ticket when he’s in line?
Hi, I’m 9 months old. Should my parents bring me? Would they be able to bring my diaper bag in? My folks really like tacos, and I’d hate for them to miss out on my behalf. Thoughts?
I purchased living social tickets, is there a separate line for that to enter?
Off of what street will the VIP entrance be?
Is it possible to scan or show the PDF ticket at entry rather than printing it – no printer at home
Can you buy tickets at the door or do you have to do it online?
Do you have to purchase the $20 tequila expo ticket on top of $12 admission?
And does the $20 tequila expo ticket include any tequila or do you have to purchase tequila in the expo too?
@Shay Yes, you do have to purchase a $12 GA ticket first, along with the $20 Tequila if you want access to that tent. The $20 Tequila Ticket offers 10 1/2-ounce pours from over 100 types of tequila.
@Jess Saturday – General Admission only at the door (VIP Sold Out). Sunday, both available at the door, but VIP will sell out early.
@Mitch – yep, phones are fine! Come on down!
@RocksNoSalt – Pima, North of Indian Bend
@Lisa No but you will get in faster because there’s no transaction to be made and we did quite a few Daily Deals. It’ll move quickly, promise!
@Tanner You’re under 12 years old so you get in free! There are ADA bathrooms that are roomy enough for changing. We recommend doing the early portion of the event though, you know, for your new-born comfort. Please drink milk responsibly.
@Holly – need you to arrive at the same time – sorry for the inconvenience! We’re just not set up for that yet.
@Shari – into the festival, 11-year olds get in free. Into VIP, they will need the kid’s vip ticket – http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3638874
@Brian – yep
@Tiffany – a HUGE kid’s zone. Kids under 12 get in free, and then most activities in the kids zone cost $2-$6 or so, depending. Be sure to visit the “Chefs Hat Decorating Zone” at Amica Insurance.
@Maryann – print and bring them with you or show your phone.
@Shawn – $6 16oz beers, $6 margs, $2 water/soda
There is reduced VIP price for children as there still is food and beverages. Obviously if it is a baby or very small child, we will not be so strict.
Yes and Yes, assuming that the two kids have their own tickets.
Festival staff will be there to sign you up.
There will be limited seating. You are welcome to try and bring a chair and umbrella, although it is quite a hectic site out there. There will be event maps (I believe).
Yes and only ticketed guests will be allowed into Tequila Expo due to space restrictions.
I am looking at entering your salsa contest and would like some more info please.
We are visiting Phoenix (from the Netherlands) for two weeks in October and like to come to the festival with 4 persons. Can we buy tickets to enter in advance or can we purchase them at the festival? Thank you
You can purchase at the Festival, but it’s always nice to have them in hand if you’re traveling. Now on sale here: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4228774
Welcome to AZ!
You’d have to enter the Taco Contest and then enter Salsa, since Salsa is a “sidecart” category to the main competition. Here’s an FAQ: http://aztacofestival.com/teams-faq/
Will there be a chihuahua beauty contest again this year? If so where can the 2014 form be located? Also, I would like to sign up for an eating contest. Can you please provide updated information on this? ie where to sign up? What’s kind of food does the eating contest consist of?
We are updating the link to the Chihuahua Form later this week. In the meantime, we are emailing it to you. We will be releasing the Eating Contest schedule next week – to sign up, you go to the Main Stage once you get to the festival to snag your spot and coordinators will give you information in checking back for the action contest(s). Thanks!
How does the 10 tacos work in the festival? Can we use them outside the tent or only in the vip with the tacos inside?
Yep, you can use those tokens outside the VIP tent, at any of the participating taco vendors.
Ok….so everything must be purchased separate? Pay GA+VIP+tequila expo+margarita lovers if we’re trying to do it all? Is there all in one package or a cheaper route? Thanks
Will there be a taco eating contest for kids? my daughter is 9 and has asked me.
So early you said with the VIP tickets you still had to pay 2 bucks a piece for the tacos, but under the VIP listing it says it includes 10 tacos. Which is it and if the tacos are included can they be from different vendors?
Nope, sorry, all eating contests are 18+.
It’s the latter. Last year, we were unable to include tacos in the VIP package. This year, we are! Yep, they can be from ANY vendor : )
When I click to purchase tickets, I didn’t see an option for a Weekend Pass ($20). Did I just overlook it?
I have a shaved ice business, what do I need to do to be a vendor there, sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Thank you.
Just emailed the form to you!
Nope, not offering that ticket option this year. Still hope to see ya both days!
So how do you go about entering the taco competion ?
Yay! Photo booths are back this year!!! I can’t wait to jump in the Awezoos photo booth again! Those guys and that crazy-giant-mirror-camera-thingy are SOOOOooooooo ridiculously FUN! Did I spell their name right? Haha!
Haha – it’s Awesoos, but close enough! We’re switching it up from Awesoos (great guys, we know!) to Sooh Media – we’re going to have THREE Photo booths, and it’s really cool how you get your pictures. Check out their website: http://sooh.com
The contest stage check-in will be by the main stage. Go there the moment you get the festival and add your name to the list. They will give you instructions about showing back up 15 minutes before the actual contest. Good luck!
If you purchase the VIP ticket, is there a way to recieve the Souvenir Margarita Cup from Discount Cab?
Hello! Is there a discount for groups?
I have a group of about 60 that would like to go 
Is there a discount on the VIP price? Last year early purchase was 85.00 but sold out before I could purchase. Also to confirm the VIP price includes the entry fee.
Nope, no discount this year – Yep, VIP includes entry.
If I get the MARGARITA LOVERS’ PACKAGE for $18 does that include the first one free????
Nope, it includes your $12 admission ticket and the $6 cup. Then, for every margarita you buy at $6, you get 4oz free (1/3 of the cup). So with 3 margaritas, you’ve received a free one.
Sorry, the VIP does not include the Souvenir Margarita Cup this year.
A VIP Ticket includes access to the Fest, so no GA is needed. Tequila Expo is an add-on to both levels of ticket (GA & VIP). Same with Margarita Lover’s. If you wanted to do it ALL, do Saturday, and purchase a VIP, Tequila Expo, and Marg Lovers.
I tried buying the tickets online as recommended (I want the GA and Tequila expo) but when I try it sends me to ticket web which charges an extra $11 . Is there a diff way to get tickets in advance without having to pay extra charges online?
Unfortunately, those Ticketmaster fees of 17-18% are standard. GA tickets will not sell out, and nor will Tequila until mid afternoon. So you could pay to fee to guarantee your tickets or avoid the fees and take a small gamble. We vote the latter because we foresee Saturday VIP being the only thing that sells out before event day : ) You should be good.
Thinking of purchasing the VIP Tickets and just wanted to know how many oz.the margaritas are?
Admin, I just want to let you know that this comment section of the page is super helpful and helps me decide and plan what our day willbe like for the evnt. Thank you for all your replies and see you there! I been spreding the word about this event since last year to every single peron I know.
12oz
That’s Taco Spirit! Thanks for spreading the word, and thanks for the acknowledgement! Cheers
I want to enter my dog into the Chihuahua contest how do I enter and what is the contest for, thank you
The form can be downloaded here: http://aztacofestival.com/chihuahua-pageant/ Let us know if you have trouble. Can you get it in the mail tomorrow (Monday)?
Can you buy admission tickets at the door?
Yep- General Admission for sure. Saturday VIP may sell out prior…
Does the festival really end at 7pm… Why so early
if i purchased a margarita lover ticket and a GA ticket thinking i needed to purchase both can i upgrade that GA ticket for a friend?
Best way to do that is to just buy the marg cup for your friend at the festival. There’s no discount for buying online, it’s just a convenience. So your friend would use their GA to get in, then get the $6 marg cup.
That’s a fantastic question. The main reason is the strain on the restaurants. Asking them to stay open any longer would make them want to kill us. BUT, we’ve talked about a Friday Night Pre-Taco Concert Party Fiesta Culinary Throwndown Thing, and will probably have that in place by next year : ) Who should headline?
if we buy VIP tickets will the kids be able to join us there for free?
Do you have a DD ticket price? because I am buying three tickets and one of us do not drink and I want two tequila expo tickets but I don’t want to leave the third person outside of the tents as they are my guest to the event
Yep, as long as you are a ticket holder
Sorry, we do not offer a DD ticket to the Tequila Expo tent, but there is plenty for your friend to see and do while you sip tequila!
False advertising. No tacos for $2. More like $6 per taco
Incorrecto! $2 per taco. Some teams may offer an upgrade, but we discourage that and all are required to have a majority of $2 tacos!
I see that there is a Kids Zone on the event map. Can you tell me what types of things are in the Kids Zone? Thanks!
When does Pride Through Stife play on Sunday?
Can I get an admin to email me ASAP I have a huge very important question… My wallet was stolen a week ago and in New Mexico they give you a print out temporary till actual comes in the mail in need to know if this will be excepted I have purchased 4 VIP tickets with all extras so please get back to me ASAP thank you very much very much appreciated
If I purchased a GA ticket online will we be able to buy the Margarita cup in person?
Do you have to buy tickets online or can you buy them at the gate?
tickets will be available at the gate. Saturday VIP may sell out in the afternoon, but otherwise, all good!
Yep!
Hello! We received your email as well and replied 2X with a phone number, too. We’re here to help!
Bouncy houses, smaller rides, slides, a few other surprises.
I bought tickets for Sunday by accident online but I wanted to go Saturday. Can I still use my GA tickets for admission today?
Thanks!
Hi admin, hope day 1 is off to a great start. I plan on biking to the fest tomorrow. Will I be able to lock up my bike safely? And will I be able to bring in my bike bag/waterbottle(plastic) into the fest?
biking … we love it! There’s no bike rack, but there’s plenty of fence. the bag and bottle are cool, they may just ask you to empty the bottle on your way in (no outside food or drink) but they may cut ya some slack because, hey, it’s hot. see you tomorrow!
Sorry but tickets are non-tranferable.
Does my dog have to be a chuihuahua to be in the contest? Would a Mexican costume suffice?
Technically, yes, but if you had a non-chihuahua and wanted pay the registration fee to support the AZ Chihuahua Rescue and you put him/her in a Mexican costume, that would be hilarious. However, no walk-up entries. You must be pre-registered to enter. Thx!
Can I purchase tickets from online and just show my phone to get in?
Sorry we missed this! Hope you learned the answer is Yes!
There was a photo booth at the event…does anyone happen to know where those photos may be? After taking pictures it had you put your email address in. I’ve yet to get anything along with any of my friends who I was with. Thanks!!
We had a bunch of them. Did you use the email address Afetters1@yahoo.com? 9 times outta 10, we can find an email address that’s got 1 letter or number from yours…
Please consider a map & menu for 2015.
Thank you,
Steve
We’d love to, but restaurants are constantly changing their menus and asking for different placements up ’till event day. Not everyone, of course, but this makes it difficult for us to print that kind of stuff. We do a general map – it gets posted on this site, to let you know what’s where, but not actual restaurant placements.
HERRADURA BARREL ART CONTEST:
In 2014, Tequila Herradura and organizers of the AZ Taco Festival selected six artists to partake in the inaugural Arizona Barrel Art Competition. Each artist painted a Herradura Tequila barrel head in the hopes of winning $1,000. Partners included The Mission, Gallo Blanco, Taco Guild, Cien Agaves, Distrito, and El Hefe Tempe. Fans voted for their favorite by clicking "Like" on Facebook. Artist Gennaro Garcia won the contest. Participating artists were:
MARGARITA LOVERS’ PACKAGE:
Reserve your souvenir margarita cup, courtesy of Discount Cab, and receive an additional 4oz of El Jimador Margarita every time you fill ‘er up at the fest. Must be purchased with a General Admission ticket. Stay tuned for the 2015 design!
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST:
Snap a picture while enjoying tacos or tequila and a post it to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #aztacofestival and you’ll be entered to win tickets to the 2015 Fest! This contest runs from the moment you read this until October 15, 2015! Please note, hashtags do not appear if your Instagram is set to "private" or if you have crazy privacy settings on Facebook.
Does the VIP price include the tequila expo on Saturday?