TACO WARS 2026

START SUMMER RIGHT at TACO WARS(R). Vote for Top Taco and Top Cocktail. Tix include tacos, drink samples, mariachis! Over 21 only, BRING ID

START SUMMER RIGHT with TACO WARS by The Liquid Muse Events

This annual community event was created by The Liquid Muse in 2017 and federally trademarked in 2020.

Must be 21+ years old. No children. NO exceptions. ID required for entry.

Join us on THURSDAY, MAY 28 at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market Pavilion. All tickets include a taco from each chef, drink samples and music from Mariachi Sonidos del Monte.

At TACO WARS, some of our area's most beloved chefs present a signature taco reflecting their own personal style - any kind of cuisine is welcome.

Guests mingle with friends, taste delicious food and drinks, and vote for their favorite taco. That chef receives a Nambe plaque naming them "Top Taco" plus a $250 cash prize. We also name 2nd and 3rd place.

What is new for 2026?

• Guests vote for Top Cocktail as well as Top Taco!
• Seating available for everyone
• Outside area for mingling

VIP Tickets: Enter at 5 pm, priority seating, tray for tacos

General Admission Tickets: Enter at 6 pm, seating available

*The chefs below are confirmed, however, chefs and drinks are subject to change

**No children permitted. Nobody under 21. ALL guests must have ID to enter

***No refunds. If your plans change, you can give your ticket to a friend (over 21) who can check in under your name with their own valid ID.

Featured Chefs:

• Christus Emergency Room Nurses, Taco Emergency (2025 Winner, community team)
• Fernando Ruiz, Escondido (2025 Second Place)
• Raymond Naranjo, Manko (2025 Third Place)
• Michael Dooley, Sunday at Grams
• Jackson Ault, Santa Fe Chef
• Jerry Dakan, Santa Fe Community College Culinary
• Craig Moya & Nate Clements, Time Travelers Pub
• Eric Stumpf, Boxcar
• Victoria Bruneni, What THE truck
• Damian Herrera, Juicy Foods
• Johnny Vee, Las Cosas Cooking School
• Randy Tapia, Mystic Mesa / Poki Tako
• Rafael Zamora, Gatsby’s
• Edgar Velasquez, Social Kitchen + Bar at Sage Hotel
• Luis Ortiz, Bonita

2026 Featured Cocktails:

• Caravedo Pisco
• Tito’s handmade Vodka
• Patron Tequila
• Tequila Ocho
• Dalla Terra Italian Spirits
• OM Chocolate Liqueur
• Los Poblanos Spirits
• Little Toad Creek Brewery & distillery
• As Above So Below hand crafted spirits
• Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery

Marketplace Tables:

• Espanola Humane Animal Shelter & Clinic, support their incredible work
• Apickleypse, Craft Hot Sauce
• Rhodes Reserve, Vintage Cocktail Glasses
• Tia Zia's Kitchen, Small batch beer mustard, halvah, and caramels
• TACO WARS merch table - hats, t-shirts, and Chef aprons

*Must be over 21 years old to attend. No children of any age are permitted.

*Every guest must have their valid driver's license, passport, or state ID on their person to enter. Please taste responsibly.

*No re-entry: If you leave the event, you may not return.

*We follow state and federal laws and reserve the right to refuse service to people who appear intoxicated.

Did you know that Espanola Humane Animal Shelter is now offering FREE SPAY AND NEUTER and discounted or FREE VACCINES to ALL dogs and cats? Support their amazing work by stopping at their TACO WARS table for cool merch and an amazing Tito's Vodka gift basket full of pet-friendly swag.

For over three decades, the shelter has managed an open-door shelter that welcomes every animal without charge because they believe the most humane approach is to never turn away an animal in need. Española Humane has remained dedicated to providing free spay/neuter services – almost 7,000 free surgeries every year - more than any other shelter in New Mexico. Learn more at EspanolaHumane.org