Everything we know so far about the 2025 Tacos and Tamales festival

Head to Desert Breeze Park March 28-30 for the 2025 Tacos and Tamales Festival with food trucks, Lucha Libre, music, a carnival, art, and more.

Hold onto your micheladas! (No, seriously—it gets windy at Desert Breeze Park). The Tacos and Tamales Festival is back for 2025.

A locals’ favorite festival since its debut in 2018, this year’s annual event takes place at the Desert Breeze Event Center from March 28 to 30. The three-day Clark County Parks and Recreation event will feature local food trucks, entertainment, a kids’ carnival, art, and more

For those thinking about attending the 2025 event, here’s everything we know so far.

Tickets are cheaper if you buy them in advance

While it’s tempting to buy tickets at the door, you’ll save some money if you head online and buy them in advance. Options include a one-day pass ($6; $12 at the door); a two-day pass ($10; $15 at the door). Children (under 10) and seniors (60+) are free or $5 at the door.

Tickets to the Tacos & Tamales Festival cover entry only. While concerts, live demonstrations, wrestling shows, and people-watching are free, most attractions have additional charges.

There’s a new location

Well, newish. 

You’ll still head to the 240-acre Desert Breeze Park, but now you can munch on tacos, drink tequila, play carnival games, watch live bands, and enjoy festivities at the Desert Breeze Event Center, located at 8455 Kids Zone Parkway. Construction on the new event center was finished late last year. 

The 15-acre site is designed for outdoor festivals and other events. It features two real grass fields, restrooms, an entry plaza with a ticket office, a stage, and a couple hundred spaces in the parking lot, including ADA-accessible parking. Dogs are not allowed.

Come for the food and drinks

The major draw of the festival is right in the name: Tacos & Tamales. The 2025 food lineup has not been announced yet, but previous years featured a couple dozen local food trucks and booths, including Crazy Churro, Birria Bros Tacos, Tamales La Reina, Empanada Factory, and many more. 

Most vendors, but not all, were Latin. Vegetarians and vegans have a dedicated Meatless Mercado. There are also bars on site.

The festival entry ticket doesn’t cover the cost of food and drink. Each vendor has its own menu, and some are moderately priced. Your food cost can add up fast, so be prepared with cash or a credit card. 

Also, be prepared that lines at the vendors can get long during busier times. If you’re in a group or with your family, don’t be afraid to split up and visit different food trucks before reconvening to eat.

Bring along your patience, palate, and empty stomach.

Attendees show off their delicious dishes at the 2024 Tacos and Tamales Festival. (Fred Morledge)

Liquor tastings

A special $35 ticket for liquor lovers and craft beer connoisseurs (21+) includes entry to the festival and an exclusive tasting experience, including beers, hard seltzers, and pre-mixed cocktails. This is on top of everything else, like food trucks, bars, and entertainment.

Be sure to wash down your meal with a cold beer or michelada. (Fred Morledge)

Tequila Masterclass

Tequila lovers will brush up on tequila and mezcal history, preparation, and distinctions during a 30-minute Tequila Masterclass led by master tequila connoisseurs. The $25 guided session (21+) is intended to deepen the understanding of tequila’s heritage and flavors.

People’s Choice Best Taco and Tamales Competition

During the festival, select vendors will showcase their culinary skills in a battle to be voted People’s Choice. Attendees can vote through a QR Code on participating booths and trucks.

Stay for the jaw-dropping flips of Lucha Libre 

If you’ve never seen these skilled luchadores in the ring, you’re missing out. Performing together since 2015, the high-flying matches of Lucha Libre Las Vegas include acrobatic maneuvers, daring moves, colorful masked costumes, and soap opera-style plotlines. 

This style of athletic theater was founded in Mexico in the early 20th century, making it the oldest professional wrestling program still in existence.

You can expect tag teams, trios, and lots of drama in the Tacos & Tamales Festival ring.

Lucha Libre brings breathtaking flips and kicks to the Tacos & Tamales Festival. (Fred Morledge)

But that’s not all

Adding to the ambiance of this festive event are music performances, live painters, an art competition, cooking demonstrations, and a carnival. There’s something for all ages and the whole family.

Music

This year’s performance lineup has yet to be announced, but past years have featured talented musicians like Spanish ska band Muertos Heist, R&B and soul performer Jason Joshua, doo-wop band Vicky Tafoya and the Big Beat, and Mariachi Acero.

Live music, from ska to mariachi, keeps attendees entertained during the Tacos and Tamales Festival. (Fred Morledge)

Artistry

On Sunday during the festival, watch local artists bring their vibrant spray paintings to life right before your eyes. Those artists are battling to be crowned the most talented, and the winner will have a showdown with a master artist.

Carnival

Ride rides, play games, and win prizes at a carnival by Paradise Amusement. The carnival has an additional price.

The carnival at the 2024 Tacos and Tamales Festival is fun for all ages. (Fred Morledge)

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.