Taco Fest, Toronto’s largest and most anticipated food fiesta, is set to take over Fort York from August 9th to 11th. Let’s taco ’bout what’s in store at this three-day celebration of tacos, tequila, and all things Mexican!

For the 8th annual fiesta, Taste Toronto has curated a vendor line-up of over 45 of the city’s top restaurants with more than 250 varieties of tacos, both traditional Mexican cuisine and new takes on classics to choose from. Special to Taco Fest, some vendors have prepared off-menu dishes that will be exclusively offered at the festival. A few must-try menu items include:

• Booyah – Ice Cream Taco

Fresh-made ice cream in a waffle cone shell, topped with whipped cream, chocolate or caramel sauce, and crushed Oreos or sprinkles.

• Dope as Duck – Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Mexican-Style Street Corn

Grilled corn smothered in creamy mayo and coated in crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for a fiery twist on a classic.

• Dos Tacos – Taco Like a Mac

A smash burger-style taco with melted cheddar, Mac sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and pickles.

• El Trompo – Al Pastor Taco

Marinated pork with pineapple chunks, fresh onion, and cilantro, all wrapped in a beetroot tortilla.

• Heirloom – Hot & Honey Fried Chicken Taco

Crispy fried chicken with hot and honey sauce, creamy slaw, pickled cucumber, and aioli.

• Hielito Bits – La Piña

Fruit slushy served in a pineapple with flavours like Piña Colada or Pineapple Mango.

• Jarocho Mexican Cuisine – Golden Crispy Potato Tacos

Three fried tortillas filled with savoury potato, topped with lettuce, sour cream, and melted cheese.

• King Catering – Jerk Chicken Tacos

Spicy jerk chicken with coleslaw, chilli aioli, coconut garlic sauce, and green onions in a soft tortilla.

• Kong’s Hot Tacos – The Bulgogi King Taco (Award-Winning)

BBQ ribeye with fried kimchi, red pepper aioli, iceberg lettuce, shallots, onions, and cilantro in a flour tortilla.

On the event’s final day, the public will have a chance to vote for the city’s “Best Taco.” The winning restaurant will receive the coveted golden taco trophy (and undisputed taco bragging rights).

For those brave enough to add an extra kick, try out Canada’s largest hot sauce bar to enhance the taco experience and turn up the heat. While tequila lovers can enjoy tastings from over 32 different tequilas. For those looking to deepen their love and knowledge,  join the exclusive Tequila & Mezcal School to learn more about these exquisite spirits while crafting signature cocktails and enjoying tastings.

Guests can escape to the vibrant Los Cabos brand activation to relax and enjoy a taste of paradise while savouring signature cocktails and playing fun lawn games. Or join in on salsa dancing fun and see performances by an authentic Mariachi band happening throughout the weekend. More Taco Fest interactive experiences include the Wholesale Club Guac School, a relaxing Jarritos Chill Zone, and a full-service bar to savour handcrafted specialty cocktails such as Margaritas, Palomas Mi Casas, and many more!

Grab some friends because this is nacho-average festival! For more information, visit thetacofest.com and follow on Instagram @thetacofest and Tiktok @tacofest.