Are you ready to experience one of Texas’s most flavorful celebrations? The Texas Monthly Taco Fest brings together the best taco vendors, cultural performances, and culinary demonstrations, making it a fun weekend event for taco lovers. This guide will help you navigate the Texas Monthly Taco Fest in Houston and Grand Prairie.

Get ready to discover regional taco styles, meet renowned chefs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that makes this event a highlight of the Texas culinary calendar!

What is the Texas Monthly Taco Fest?

The Texas Monthly Taco Fest takes place twice a year and honors the rich taco culture woven throughout Texas communities. Organized by Texas Monthly magazine, this festival showcases exceptional taco creations from acclaimed chefs, beloved family-owned restaurants, and innovative food trucks across the state.

This event goes beyond just serving delicious food. The festival celebrates the cultural significance of tacos in Texas, highlighting traditional preparation methods alongside contemporary interpretations. Texas Monthly’s food editors play a significant role in the vendor selection process, often highlighting restaurants and chefs featured in the magazine’s renowned taco coverage. This connection ensures that the festival represents the best of Texas taco culture as recognized by the state’s premier lifestyle publication. Visitors can experience everything from authentic street-style tacos to creative fusion varieties that push culinary boundaries!

The festive atmosphere includes cooking demonstrations where chefs share their techniques and secret ingredients. Throughout the grounds, live music performances, cultural exhibitions, and interactive activities create a comprehensive celebration of taco heritage.A portion of ticket proceeds will also go to the Zavala Family Foundation, which helps those battling cancer in the restaurant industry or who have a friend or family member fighting cancer. Those who want to make additional donations to the Zavala Family Foundation can do so through their website.

Texas Monthly Taco Fest in North Texas (Grand Prairie)

Taco lovers, rejoice! The Texas Monthly Taco Fest is coming to Grand Prairie. This marks the first stop for the Taco Monthly festival, so you won’t want to miss it! This vibrant event will showcase some of the region’s best taco talent, featuring bold flavors, refreshing drinks, and plenty of entertainment to enjoy.

Date and Time

The Texas Monthly Taco Fest North starts on May 31st from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Early access or VIP tickets are available for those who want to beat the crowds and have first choice of the most popular vendors. The gates open at 5 p.m. for VIP ticket users and 5:30 p.m. for those with general admission tickets.

Location

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Texas Monthly Taco Fest North is hosted at Epic Central in Grand Prairie, about 20 minutes west of Dallas along State Highway 161. Epic Central is home to multiple events, with indoor and outdoor seating, greenery, and more. Those attending the Taco Fest can enjoy flavorful tacos with beautiful views on the Grandlawn, located behind the Epic Central building.

Live Entertainment

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The live entertainment lineup for Texas Monthly Taco Fest North was created by Neustra Palabra. Live performers for this event are:

• Bo Bundy + Friends
• CLave H3
• DJ 5.Slow

And live poetry performed by Tammy Melody Gomez.

For those who want to learn more about the performers and their music, Texas Monthly Taco Fest has a playlist of the 2025 lineup on Spotify! To access the playlist, visitors can visit the Texas Monthly Instagram and click on the link in their bio.

Taco Vendors

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The Texas Monthly Taco Fest features a carefully curated selection of taco vendors representing Texas’s diverse culinary landscape. Festival organizers typically invite 30-50 vendors, including established restaurants, food trucks, and up-and-coming chefs from across the state.

Each vendor is selected based on quality, authenticity, and innovation, ensuring various taco styles and flavors.

Some taco vendors attending the Taco Fest are:

• Zavala’s Barbecue
• Don Artemio
• Yellow Bell Tacos
• Ramen Del Barrio
• San Taco

You can check out the complete lineup here!

Tickets and Admissions

Tickets for the Texas Monthly Taco Fest North have been on sale since February 4th and can be purchased directly through the Texas Monthly website. There are ticket options for adults and lower pricing for children.

VIP Tickets

VIP tickets for the festival are $75 per person and allow early access to the event. The ticket also includes guaranteed tacos from each vendor. Those who purchased a ticket need to show up before 5 p.m., when the gates open. These tickets tend to sell out fast.

General Admission

General admission tickets cost $50 per person and allow entry to the event at 5:30 p.m.. The ticket also provides bites from each taco vendor at the event.

Kids’ Tickets

If you have a child under 5, they are permitted free entry, while children ages 6 to 12 are $20 per child. The ticket given to the child is based on the ticket purchased by a parent or adult. If a parent buys a VIP ticket, the child will be given a VIP ticket and can enter the event at 5 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. The same goes for parents who purchased general admission tickets.

Also, for a limited time only, use the code: NP25 and get a 25 percent discount on tickets.

Parking

Visitors can park at Epic Central in the Epic Lot, located at 2960 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, Texas. It is unclear if parking is free, so bring your cash and card just in case.

Texas Monthly Taco Fest in South Texas (Houston)

South Texans, get ready for some awesome, authentic tacos this June at the Texas Monthly Taco Fest in South Texas, in the heart of Houston. This flavorful celebration brings together the region’s best taquerias, live music, and local culture for a day dedicated to the beloved taco.

Date and Time

Taco Fest South will be held from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 7th, 2025. If you purchased a VIP ticket, the doors open at 5 p.m., while those who bought general admission tickets can enter the event at 5:30 p.m.

Location

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The second location of the Texas Monthly Taco Fest is in Houston, Texas, at Discovery Green. Discovery Green is located in the heart of downtown Houston, west of the Toyota Center. Visitors can sit and enjoy tacos on the Jones Lawn, snap memorable photos by the Gateway Fountain, view public art, and get a 360-degree view of the Houston Skyline.

Live Entertainment

Those performing at the first annual Taco Fest South are:

• Bo Bundy + Friends
• Clave H3
• DJ Paul

and live poetry from Lupe Mendez

Nuestra Palabra curated the music lineup, and attendees can get a sneak peak of the artists by visiting the Texas Monthly Taco Fest Instagram for a link to their 2025 Spotify playlist.

Taco Vendors

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Taco vendors chosen for this event are known to have some of the best tacos in Texas. Event goers get to experience a wide range of culinary talent from food trucks, chefs from all over the state, restaurants, and more. Some of the taco vendors that will be at the Taco Fest in Houston are:

• El Pastor Es Mi Señor
• Henderson & Kane General Store
• La Generala
• La Santa Barbacha
• Los Weyes de la Asada
• Papalo Taqueria
• Rosas Kitchen

You can check out the complete lineup here!

Tickets and Admissions

Monthly Taco Fest South offers two ticket options for those wanting to enjoy some awesome tacos. Tickets have been on sale since February 4th and can be purchased online through the Texas Monthly website.

VIP Admission

For VIP admission, goers get early access to the event and the opportunity to try tacos from all vendors. Tickets cost 75 dollars per person and usually sell out fast.

General Admission

Visitors who purchased general admission still enjoy all the fun that Taco Fest offers from 5:30 to 8 p.m. General admission tickets also allow visitors to enjoy tacos from each vendor.

Kids Tickets

Tickets are free for children under 5, while children ages 6 to 12 cost $20 to attend. The ticket given to the child will be based on the tickets purchased by the parents. If a parent bought a general admission ticket, the child will receive a general admission ticket, and vice versa for those who bought VIP tickets.

Parking

Information about parking for this event has not yet been released to the public.

Plan Your Visit to the Texas Monthly Taco Fest

With mouthwatering tacos, live music, and vibrant cultural experiences waiting around every corner, the Texas Monthly Taco Fest is a can’t-miss event for food lovers and festival-goers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned taco enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, planning ahead ensures you make the most of your visit. Mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor the best of Texas—one delicious bite at a time.If you want to learn more about other popular events in Texas, check out our guide for the Poteet Strawberry Festival and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo guides!