Arizona event promotion company Forty8 Live! is offering Mexican food aficionados the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s cuisine. On Sept. 24 at noon, the 11th Annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest returns to Dr. A.J. Chandler Park with more than 20 local restaurants, live musical performances by 90s alt-rock group Everclear and GRAMMY®-award winning band Ozomatli, the iconic mechanical Rockin’ Taco ride, shaded and misted structures, family-friendly entertainment offerings and more. Restaurants will be serving up a variety of shrimp, fish, carnitas, al pastor, barbacoa, birria quesa, vegetarian and BBQ taco dishes. The festival will feature music throughout, from mariachi band members serenading attendees at the entrance of the festival, to DJ Sombrero spinning popular hits to keep the energy going.
“Rockin’ Taco has brought together engaging entertainment with authentic eats for over a decade, and we’re excited to bring back one of the longest-running taco festivals in the country,” said Mike O’Donnell, director of partnerships at Forty8 Live!
For adults, mixologist-led “Margarita & Michelada Masters” classes will be available with a variety of fruit, jalapeno and mix flavors to choose from. Spice fanatics looking to prove their prowess can enter a hot chili pepper eating contest, during which participants will compete by chomping on:
· The Carolina Reaper: about 1,400,000 to 2,200,000 Scoville units of extreme heat, with a sweet and fruity flavor.
· The Moruga Scorpion: about 1,200,000 to 2,009,000 Scoville units of extreme heat, with a fruity flavor.
· The Chocolate Bhutlah CS: more than 2,000,000 Scoville units of extreme heat, with a smoky and fruity flavor.
· The Red Bhut Jolokia Ghost: about 855,000 to 1,041,427 Scoville units with a bitter flavor.
· The Yellow Ghost: about 300,000 to 400,000 Scoville units with a sweet and fruity flavor.
A free-to-enter “Little Amigos” children’s play area will also be provided, accompanied by family-friendly yard games like cornhole, ladders and Kong Pong.
“For 2022 we’re focusing on making this outdoor event as tasty, comfortable and cool as possible with so much incredible food and music from Ozomatli and Everclear,” said David Horen, director of events at Forty8 Live! “We’re bringing out plenty of shade, misters and amenities to keep guests in the moment and focusing on the food and fun and music of Rockin’ Taco.”
Gates will open for attendees at noon with festivities running until 9 p.m. Due to Downtown Chandler’s new parking policy for special events, it is recommended that guests plan ahead on where to park using the free parking structure map provided on the Forty8 Live! website.
The 11th annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will support local nonprofit partner Greater Cause.
Presale general admission tickets start at $25 online and will increase incrementally until event day. Children 12 years of age and younger are free to attend.