21+ Event

VIP Entry: 5 PM | Event Ends: 8:30 PM

Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to entry. Early line access will be restricted.

Location: The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

Experience an elevated evening at the World Margarita Championship with exclusive VIP access inside The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.

VIP guests receive one full hour of early entry beginning at 5 PM, offering first access to top margarita competitors, shorter lines, and a more relaxed tasting experience before General Admission begins.

Your VIP ticket includes all General Admission benefits, along with:

• A welcome tequila toast
• Early access to all margarita tastings and food samplings
• Access to a private VIP Lounge

Presented by Art State Arizona and Tucson Originals Restaurants, the World Margarita Championship brings together the region’s top chefs and mixologists for a spirited culinary competition. Guests can enjoy signature margaritas and featured bites while voting for People’s Choice awards, alongside judging for top honors including Best Margarita and Best Bite.

Set within a luxury resort setting, the event also features live entertainment, interactive experiences, and opportunities to connect with some of Tucson’s most celebrated culinary talent.

Proceeds support local arts initiatives and help highlight Tucson’s vibrant community of independently owned restaurants.

21+ Event

General Admission Entry: 6 PM | Event Ends: 8:30 PM

Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes prior to entry. Early line access will be restricted.

Location: The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the World Margarita Championship, set within the beautiful surroundings of The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.

General Admission guests receive access beginning at 6:30 PM and can enjoy a dynamic tasting experience featuring margarita and food samplings from over 20 local restaurants, purveyors, and mixologists.

Presented by Art State Arizona and Tucson Originals Restaurants, this spirited culinary competition brings together some of the Southwest’s top chefs and bartenders as they compete for top honors including Best Margarita and Best Bite.

Guests are invited to sample a wide variety of offerings and cast their votes for People’s Choice awards while enjoying live entertainment and interactive experiences throughout the evening.

This high-energy event has become one of the region’s most anticipated culinary celebrations, offering opportunities to connect with Tucson’s vibrant food and beverage community in a lively and engaging setting.

Proceeds support local arts initiatives and help highlight Tucson’s thriving network of independently owned restaurants.

VIP ADMISSION — 21+ EVENT ONLY
VIP Entry begins at 5:00 PM. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled entry time, as early line access will be restricted.

Location:
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa – 3800 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718 
3800 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718

Experience America’s Best Mexican Food Festival like a VIP.

Enjoy exclusive early access from 5:00–6:00 PM, giving you a head start on the evening’s most sought-after culinary experiences. Indulge in tastings from 30+ top chefs and culinary partners, alongside live music, art, and immersive cultural experiences representing the diverse regions of Mexico.

Relax and recharge in the VIP Lounge, featuring specialty libations and curated bites available only to VIP guests.

VIP perks include:

• Early entry and reduced wait times
• Access to the exclusive VIP Lounge
• Specialty cocktails and elevated tastings
• Upgraded seating areas
• Discounted LYFT ride home

America’s Best Mexican Food Festival is a premier culinary celebration honoring Tucson’s rich Mexican food heritage while supporting two vital cultural organizations: Art State Arizona and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. A portion of proceeds directly benefits their educational and cultural programming.

Presented in collaboration with Visit Tucson and Tucson Foodie, this immersive festival invites guests to explore the flavors of Mexico through regionally inspired tasting stations led by some of the Southwest’s most talented chefs. Each experience is designed to transport you through Mexico’s culinary landscape—brought to life through food, art, and music.

21 and UP ONLY EVENT – General Admission Entry begins at 6 PM. Please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes before scheduled entry as the line will be restricted before that time.

Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa 3800 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718

Join the festivity with a General Admission Ticket for $115, providing access from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Enjoy full entry to the event, where you can sample culinary creations from over 30 top chefs and culinary partners, accompanied by live music and immersive art experiences representing the diverse regions of Mexico.

America’s Best Mexican Food Festival is a premier culinary celebration, honoring Tucson’s rich Mexican food heritage while benefiting two essential cultural organizations: Art State Arizona and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. A portion of the event proceeds will directly support the educational and cultural initiatives of both organizations.

Presented in collaboration with Visit Tucson and Tucson Foodie, this immersive festival offers attendees a chance to explore the diverse flavors of Mexico through a series of regional tasting stations, led by some of the region’s most talented chefs. Each section of the event will transport guests to a distinct region of Mexico through food, art, and music, bringing the flavors and traditions to life.

21+ EVENT ONLY – VIP Entry is at 5 PM! Please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time, as line access will be restricted prior to that.

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

Tickets include all General Admission benefits, one-hour early access to the event, a welcome tequila toast, and access to the VIP Event Lounge. A total of 350 VIP tickets will be available.

The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge, presented by Art State Arizona & El Conquistador, returns to celebrate cocktail craftsmanship and culinary creativity. This highly anticipated event brings together Southern Arizona’s top mixologists and chefs, all competing for the coveted titles of Best Salsa, Best Tequila Cocktail, and Best Taco.

Attendees will embark on a flavor-filled journey, indulging in unlimited food and cocktail samples from up to 30 competing restaurants and purveyors.

More than just a competition, this vibrant celebration of culture, community, and culinary artistry features:

Live music and entertainment
Live artist painting and interactive experiences
Lucha libre wrestling
Exclusive cocktail tastings and chef meet-and-greets

21+ EVENT ONLY – General Admission entry begins at 6 PM! Please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time, as line access will be restricted prior to that.

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

Tickets include libations and menu samplings from 30 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs, featuring custom salsas and tequila cocktails. Includes access to live entertainment all night. A total of 400 General Admission tickets will be available.

The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge, presented by Art State Arizona & El Conquistador, returns to celebrate cocktail craftsmanship and culinary creativity. This highly anticipated event brings together Southern Arizona’s top mixologists and chefs, all competing for the coveted titles of Best Salsa, Best Tequila Cocktail, and Best Taco.

Attendees will embark on a flavor-filled journey, indulging in unlimited food and cocktail samples from up to 30 competing restaurants and purveyors.

More than just a competition, this vibrant celebration of culture, community, and culinary artistry features:

Live music and entertainment
Live artist painting and interactive experiences
Lucha libre wrestling
Exclusive cocktail tastings and chef meet-and-greets