Since 2017, High Spirits Hospitality’s Tacos N’ Tequila Fiesta always takes place on a Sunday, almost always features perfect weather, and leads to the best Cinco de Mayo memories: any bad memories occur the following day by participants who indulge a bit too excessively. With dozens of tequila-focused cocktails available, it takes the strength of a mariachi band to resist trying every single one. 

With 9 years of taco and tequila flavors, this fiesta -presented by Lunazul Tequila- has learned a thing or two since its inauguration. They now feature 20+ vendors serving their best cocktails and dishes, but the real hero was the fiesta booth layout. Maps scattered the terrain to entice people to explore and High Spirits Hospitality utilized as much of the Judson Mill’s event space as they could. This meant shorter lines, more “all-you-can-eat,” and that the crowd could disperse throughout multiple rooms and locations. There was plenty of shade for a hot spring day, and it was so fun to navigate. The poor staff were running miles to make sure each vendor had what they needed, but for the participants and guests, it was a genius fiesta crowd-control concept. 

Another awesome feature of Tacos ‘N Tequila is that it only runs from 2pm-5pm. As it is all-you-can-eat and drink, having a mid-day start and end time meant less problems getting home and less issues with inebriation. Although the cocktails were amazing, most people were too busy eating, and if they weren’t eating, too busy dancing on one of the two dance floors. If they weren’t dancing, they were taking photos at one of the two photo locations, or staying cool on the blowup slip and slide, or checking out the VIP lounge, or picking up free prizes after finding the hidden Pico Pete Cactuses, or getting pummeled by giant, adult-sized, blow up balls. Friends could throw humongous wrecking balls with the intent of kicking its target off the center point: both barbaric yet so entertaining. Combine that and alcohol, and it made for a great time for all… except maybe the brave and silly -mostly guys- in the middle. 

Speaking of drinks, there were some insanely cool concoctions. Magnetic South Brewery had a gose Cuervo Margarita with their sour-fruited gose, barrel aged tequila and salt or Tajin rim and Entre Nous featured a Cabbage Wham Berry margarita with red cabbage infused Lunazul reposed tequila, blackberry shrub, smoked lavender honey syrup, lime and pineapple. Oddly, the cabbage cocktail was my all-time favorite of the day.

I also found three of my new favorite tacos: Califa’s Baja Fish Taco with crunchy cabbage, zesty pico de Gallo, garlic cilantro sauce, etc, Augusta Street Market’s smoked brisket taco with salt and vinegar potato chips, pickled red onion, lettuce, and guajillo-horseradish cream and Avenue’s homemade tortilla with black beans, some kind of white cheese, some kind of meat, and all I know is whatever was on it was jam-packed with flavor and seriously delicious. 

It’s a pretty amazing event honestly. They sold out their original ticket allowance for the 2025 event and yet the layout of the fiesta did not feel crowded. There was plenty of food, plenty of fun, and although I’m personally not a tequila fan, I found a few I really loved and they had plenty of water and mocktails present. High Spirit Hospitality always does a great job, but this event is a signature for them. Plus, it’s 100% women-owned, which makes me really love it. 

If you have questions about next year’s event, keep your eye on the Tacos ’N Tequila Fiesta here, though you can safely assume the next date will be May 2nd. 

If you want an inside glimpse into the fiesta and how it went, here is my instagram cover with sneak peaks at the food, drinks, and ambiance. 

General admission is usually $60 and VIP is $85. 

Winners of the Tacos ’N Tequila Fiesta:

Most Creative Taco: Tavola 

Most Creative Cocktail: Field House 

Peoples Choice Taco: Augusta Street market 

Best Traditional Taco: Up on the Roof 

Best Traditional Cocktail: Papi’s Tacos 

Best Side-Kick: Modelo Private Dining

People’s Choice Cocktail: Southern Side Brewing Co. 

Best Overall Taco: Califas

Best Overall Cocktail: Swordfish