America's Best Mexican Food Festival
Saturday, August 8, 2026
America’s Best Mexican Food Festival is more than a culinary event—it’s a full-sensory journey through the rich, diverse regions of Mexico. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, this immersive evening brings together the artistry of food, culture, and music for an unforgettable experience.
Curated by 30+ of the Southwest’s most celebrated chefs and culinary partners, the festival invites guests to explore regionally inspired tasting experiences that showcase the depth and beauty of Mexican cuisine.
The event unfolds across distinct culinary regions—including Northern Mexico, Central Mexico, the Pacific Coast, and Southern Mexico & the Yucatán Peninsula—each brought to life through authentic dishes, live music, visual art, and cultural storytelling. From flame-grilled carne asada to complex, heritage moles, vibrant coastal seafood, and slow-roasted cochinita pibil, every bite tells a story rooted in tradition and innovation.
Presented in collaboration with Visit Tucson, this experience celebrates the powerful intersection of food, art, and culture.
More than a festival, this is a celebration of identity, heritage, and community.
Proceeds support Art State Arizona, helping fund vital cultural programs, arts education, and opportunities that sustain and elevate the region’s creative economy.
This is where flavor meets culture. Where tradition meets innovation. And where Tucson’s culinary spirit comes to life.
Admission is ticketed, with both General Admission and VIP experiences available.
Dates & Times
Saturday, August 8, 2026
VIP – 5:00-8:30pm
GA – 6:00-8:30pm
Tickets
VIP Tickets $150 Each
Includes Early Entry at 5:00 PM & Access to the Exclusive VIP Lounge (opens at 6:00 PM)
This is a 21+ event
VIP guests receive early access beginning at 5:00 PM, a full hour before General Admission entry at 6:00 PM—offering the opportunity to explore, taste, and engage with chefs and mixologists in a more relaxed setting.
Enjoy a first taste of America’s Best Mexican Food Festival with tastings from 30+ top chefs and culinary partners, alongside live music, immersive art, and cultural experiences representing the diverse regions of Mexico.
Beginning at 6:00 PM, VIP guests gain access to the exclusive VIP Lounge, featuring specialty libations and curated bites available throughout the remainder of the evening.
VIP tickets include all General Admission benefits, with added access and elevated experiences throughout the event.
General Admission Tickets $115 Each
Entry Begins at 6:00 PM
This is a 21+ event
General Admission guests receive entry beginning at 6:00 PM. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled entry time, as early line access will be restricted.
Step into America’s Best Mexican Food Festival and enjoy full access to an immersive evening of food, culture, and celebration.
Experience tastings from 30+ top chefs and culinary partners, alongside live music, immersive art, and cultural experiences representing the diverse regions of Mexico.
Explore regionally inspired tasting stations that bring the flavors, traditions, and creativity of Mexico to life—set against the stunning backdrop of The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.
Location
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
3800 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718
The event takes place indoors within the banquet rooms and foyer spaces at the resort
Nestled in the stunning foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Westin La Paloma Resort offers breathtaking desert views, lush amenities, and a resort-style experience that elevates this culinary celebration. Onsite parking is available, and rideshare drop-off zones will be clearly marked. The venue is ADA-accessible, ensuring every guest can savor the evening with ease.
Turn Your Night Into a Getaway
Turn your evening into a seamless getaway at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. Festival guests can enjoy a special rate of $144 per night, with the daily resort service charge waived—making it easier than ever to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
Stay just steps from America’s Best Mexican Food Festival, skip the drive, and unwind in a beautiful resort setting after an unforgettable night of food, music, and culture.
Rooms are limited and available through July 7, 2026 (or until sold out), so we recommend booking early to secure your stay.
Participating Culinary Partners
One Night. Four Regions. Countless Flavors.
More than 30 of Arizona's most celebrated chefs, restaurants, artisans, distillers, and culinary creators come together for one unforgettable evening. Explore the flavors of Mexico through inspired menus representing four distinct culinary regions.
Participating Restaurants, Vendors & Featured Menu Items
Agave House
Region: Pacific Coast
- Agave House Margarita
- Shrimp Aguachile
- Morita Salsa with House-Made Tortilla Chips
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
Region: Pacific Coast
- Shrimp Mango Ceviche
- Oyster with Fish Caviar
At Ease Cookz
Region: Central Mexico
- Mole Poblano Chicken Wing
Boca Tacos
Region: Southern Mexico & the Yucatán Peninsula
- Cochinita Pibil Gordita
Borderland Spirits
Region: Northern Mexico
- Assorted Bacanora & Agave Spirits
Cafe La Indita
Region: Northern Mexico
- Fresh Handmade Tortillas
- Popover Tacos
Casa Asada – Taquería y Cervecería
Region: Northern Mexico
- Shaved Beef Rib Taco
- Hibiscus Margarita
Casa Del Rio
Region: TBD
- Menu Coming Soon
Cola Blanca Bacanora
Region: Northern Mexico
- Bacanora Tastings
El Antojo Poblano
Region: Central Mexico
- Mole con Pollo
El Cisne Restaurant
Region: Southern Mexico & the Yucatán Peninsula
- Mole Chicken Tender
- Red Sangria
El Taco Rustico
Region: Northern Mexico
- Pulpo Zarandeado al Trompo
Guadalajara’s Grill
Region: Northern Mexico
- Birria Taco
- Chicken Tinga Taco
- Handmade Salsa
HUMO Cocina Mexicana
Region: Northern Mexico
- Tamal Sonorense
- Bacanorita de Jamaica
La Estrella Bakery
Region: Multiple Regions
- Assorted Mexican Pastries
La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood
Region: Southern Mexico & the Yucatán Peninsula
- Las Magdalenas
- Cochinita Pibil
- Tropical Essence Cocktail
Penca
Region: Central Mexico
- Barbacoa de Cordero con Salsa Borracha
- Ensalada de Betabel con Jalapeños
- El Jimador Cocktail
[POPPED] Artisan Popcorn
Region: Northern Mexico
- Artisan Popcorn (Various Flavors)
Roasted Hatch Green Chile Butter
Region: Northern Mexico
- Roasted Hatch New Mexico Green Chile Butter
Sonora Moonshine
Region: Northern Mexico
- El Taco Sonora
- El Desierto (Bacanora Cocktail)
Taqueria Pico de Gallo
Region: Pacific Coast
- Shrimp Tacos
- Fish Tacos
- Fruit Pico de Gallo
The Roasted Chile
Region: Northern Mexico
- Green Chile Prickly Pear Margarita
Tortilleria Arevalo
Region: Northern Mexico
- Chicken Asada
- Guacamole Salsa
- Red Salsa
- Cinnamon Iced Tea
Tropilandia Raspados
Region: Central Mexico
- Raspados
- Aguas Frescas
Westin La Paloma Resort
Region: Central Mexico
- Al Pastor Tacos
- Going Bananas Cocktail
Westin La Paloma Resort – VIP
Region: Pacific Coast
- Braised Octopus with Plantain, Romesco & Tropical Salsa
- Mesquite Smoked Short Rib with Nopales & Chiltepin Cactus Fruit Glaze
- Dulce de Leche Alfajores with Coconut
- Chocolate Alfajores with Pistachio
- Passion Fruit Margarita (Tequila)
- Dessert Bloom (Mezcal)
Whiskey Del Bac
Region: Northern Mexico
- Whiskey Del Bac Classic
- Whiskey Del Bac Dorado
- Whiskey Del Bac Normandie
- Whiskey Del Bac Ode
Partners & Sponsorship
Sponsoring an Art State Arizona event is more than brand visibility—it’s an investment in the creative future of our state. Our events bring together diverse audiences, cross-sector partners, and local artists to activate public spaces, fuel economic impact, and build community through culture. As a sponsor, your organization becomes a visible champion of innovation, equity, and well-being—demonstrating a clear commitment to the power of the arts to transform lives and strengthen Arizona’s cultural and economic vitality.
Special thanks to our current event Sponsors and Partners
