Except more taco-themed events popping up this year.
From the folks behind the Maverick Music Festival now comes Taco Fest: Music y Más, slated for noon-11 p.m. April 14 at La Villita. Consider Taco Fest a primer to Fiesta (April 19-29), which is like the ultimate taco festival, as it’s scheduled for the Saturday before the kick-off.
The press release promises more than 30 taquerias and more than 20 bands and DJs.
Participating kitchens include Chisme, Tommy’s Restaurant, Soluna, Tomatillos Cafe y Cantina, Don Pablo’s, Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant, La Casa de Barbacoa, Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant and Frutería, Mr. Meximum, Chela’s Tacos and Marioli. According to the release, each eatery will offer at least one taco at priced $2.
Musical acts include La Santa Cecilia, Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath, Santiago Jimenez, Jr., Girl in a Coma, Money Chicha, El Conjunto Nueva Ola, Piñata Protest, Femina-X, Bombasta, Los #3 Dinners, Grupo Frackaso, and Eddie & the Valiants.
“Taco Fest is a long overdue celebration of San Antonio’s favorite food,” said Taco Fest creative director, Jim Mendiola, who is part of the same production team behind the Maverick Music and the Día de los Muertos festivals, among others. “From foodie tacos to classic breakfast tacos, we will showcase in one place the amazing diversity of tacos that make San Antonio famous.”
Tickets range from $15 to $75; kids 10 and younger admitted free. Visit tacomusicfest.com for more info.
Other taco events to keep an eye on include the Twisted Taco Truck Throwdown, usually held in May at the VFW Post 76, which turned seven last year. I like that one because all participating trucks are told to provide at least al pastor tacos for $1.
Finally, ¡Taco Libre!, an event that began in Dallas and expanded to Austin last year, is planning to land in San Antonio this year, but has yes to find a date.