World Margarita Championship
Saturday, June 6, 2026
SOLD OUT
Raise a glass—Tucson’s most spirited culinary showdown is back! The World Margarita Championship is the city’s ultimate cocktail and culinary competition, where top chefs and mixologists bring their creativity to life in a high-energy evening filled with flavor, artistry, and community. Guests sip, savor, and vote for their favorites as Tucson Originals Restaurants pair signature bites with bold margarita creations that redefine what this iconic drink can be.
This isn’t just a tasting—it’s an immersive cultural celebration. Live music sets the mood, interactive arts experiences bring creativity to every corner, and chef meet-and-greets connect you to the culinary minds behind the magic. Presented in partnership with Tucson Originals Restaurants, the Championship is more than a competition—it’s a tradition that unites craft, culture, and community while supporting Art State Arizona’s mission to make the arts essential to everyday life. Admission is ticketed, with both General Admission and VIP options available.
Dates & Times
June 6, 2026
VIP Admission opens at 5pm
General Admission doors open at 6pm
Tickets
VIP Tickets $100 SOLD OUT
INCLUDES EARLY ENTRY TIME AT 5PM & ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE VIP LOUNGE
**21 And Over Event** Tickets include all General Admission benefits, one-hour early access to the event, a welcome Premium Reserve Tequila Toast, and a VIP After Event Lounge.
General Admission Tickets $80 SOLD OUT
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.
Location
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
3800 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85718
Set against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is a premier desert destination blending Southwestern architecture with expansive, resort-style amenities. The property features multiple outdoor pools, a signature golf course, spa facilities, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor event venues. Its flexible meeting and event spaces, paired with panoramic mountain views and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere, make it well-suited for large-scale gatherings, conferences, and immersive experiences that reflect the Sonoran Desert landscape.
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
Volunteer
Art State Arizona offers unique opportunities to get involved as a volunteer at our festivals, exhibitions, and community programs. Volunteer shifts are posted 30 days before each event, giving you the chance to sign up early and find a role that matches your interests—whether it’s welcoming guests, supporting artists, helping with setup, or keeping the energy flowing throughout the day. It’s a great way to connect with the creative community, gain hands-on experience, and be part of bringing Arizona’s cultural events to life.
Participate as a Restaurant, Mixologist or Purveyor
Bring the Heat. Earn the Crown.
Ready to compete? Register today to showcase your culinary creativity in the World Margarita Championship. All participating chefs, mixologists, and purveyors will receive food and beverage credits from Shamrock Foods, plus a cash stipend from Art State Arizona to help offset participation costs.
Fill out the registration form to secure your spot, or contact Da’Lice Shepard at dalice@artstateaz.org to learn more about the event and how to get involved.
Participating Competitors
The star of the night: margaritas, reimagined in ways you’ve never tasted before. From bold ingredient pairings to elevated classics, Tucson’s best bartenders showcase the artistry of mixology. Paired alongside, Tucson Originals Restaurants and guest chefs serve up signature bites designed to complement each cocktail—savory, spicy, and unforgettable. VIP guests also enjoy a private dessert reception with live music to cap off the evening. .
Participating Culinary Artists
- Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
- Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery
- Bashful Bandit Barbecue
- Bisbee Breakfast Club
- Casa Asada – Taqueria y Cerveceria
- Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails
- Dirty T Tamarindo
- El Cisne Restaurant
- El Corral Primerib House
- Humo Cocina Mexicana
- Kingfisher Bar & Grill
- La Chingada Cocina
- Mama Louisa’s
- Noble Hops
- Obon – Sushi Bar Ramen
- [POPPED] Artisan Popcorn
- Redbird Scratch Kitchen
- Reforma Modern Mexican. Mezcal + Tequila
- RoadHouse Cinemas
- Roasted Green Chile Butter
- Rocco’s
- Sawmill Run Restaurant
- Seis Kitchen
- Sip Social Southern AZ
- Sonoran House Sam Hughes
- Tabu Restaurant Bar
- Taco Rustico
- The Royal Room, The Best Place to Be!
- The Neighborhood Bar
- The Roasted Chile
- The Westin La Paloma
- Tohono Chul Park Garden Bistro
- Tortilleria Arevalo
- Tucson Chefs Catering Services
- Whiskey Del Bac
- Zio Peppe
2026 Winners
2026 CHALLENGE WINNERS
2026 World Margarita Championship – Winners
JUDGES’ CHOICE – BEST BITE
1st Place
La Chingada Cocina
Taco de Lomo Asado
Heirloom blue corn tortilla with an asadero cheese costra, filled with finely chopped Vera Earl tenderloin and grilled bone marrow. Finished with wild Sonoran chiltepin chimichurri
2nd Place
The Westin La Paloma – Casa 71 Tequila Lounge
Chef Devin Pinto, Teddy Pettit & Luis Del Toro
Queso Birria
3rd Place
Tohono Chul Park Garden Bistro
Chef Jon Sikora & David Marks
Prickly Pear BBQ Pork Sandwich
JUDGES’ CHOICES – BEST MARGARITA
1st Place TIE
La Chingada Cocina
La Perla
A refreshing blueberry mint margarita crafted with bright citrus, cooling mint, and a smooth blueberry finish.
1st Place TIE
The Westin La Paloma – Casa 71 Tequila Lounge
Chef Devin Pinto, Teddy Pettit & Luis Del Toro
Flor De Mezaica, Pura Vida Mezcal, Lux Marchino, Hibiscus
2nd Place
Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery
Mixologist AJ Mortazavi
Elote Margarita
3rd Place
Sawmill Run Restaurant
Mixologist Nickolas Avram
Tequila Cocktail, Soft Landing
Blanco · Honey · Lemon · Amaro Nonino ·
PEOPLE’S CHOICE – BEST BITE
1st Place
La Chingada Cocina
Taco de Lomo Asado
2nd Place
Humo Cocina Mexicana
Enchilada Verde
3rd Place
Westin La Paloma
Queso Birria
PEOPLE’S CHOICE – BEST MARGARITA
1st Place
Humo Cocina Mexicana
La Nina
2nd Place TIE
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
Chef Jose Contreras
Desert Mezquite Margarita – smoked mesquite desert flavors
2nd Place TIE
Seis Kitchen
La Desert Rose Sandia
Fresh watermelon Agua Fresca
Rose agave syrup, orange liqueur, dehydrated rose petals, hibiscus power, finished with tajin
3rd Place
Tohono Chul Park Garden Bistro
Margarita Salad
Creative Cocktail Cucumber, Tomato Foam, Local Microgreens
2025 Winners
2025 CHALLENGE WINNERS
2025 World Margarita Championship — Winners
Judges’ Choice – Best Bite (tie)
- Gap Kitchen — Fried Guacamole & Duck Totopa
- Humo Cocina Mexicana — Mole Enchilada Bites
People’s Choice – Best Bite
- Bashful Bandit Barbecue — Smoked Beef Cheek Tacos
Judges’ Choice – Best Margarita
- Chef Roderick LeDesma — Desert Blossom Margarita
- Bisbee Breakfast Club — Blackberry Blaze
- Third Place (tie)
- Dante’s Kitchen + Cocktails — Orange Dreamsicle Margarita
- Gap Kitchen — Grilled & Chilled Margarita
People’s Choice – Best Margarita
- Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen — Margarita del Sol
- Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar — Mr. Pepino
- Scratching the Plate — Pomegranate de Tigre
