TACO WARS 2026

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

Join us on THURSDAY, MAY 28 at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market Pavilion. All tickets include a taco from each chef and drink samples. This event is for people 21+ years old. NO exceptions. ID required for entry.

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!
• Faster check in lines
• More seating for everyone
• More outside area for mingling

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

**No children permitted. Nobody under 21. ALL guests must have ID on them to check in

***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.

• Christus Emergency Room Nurses, Taco Emergency (community team) 2025 winner "Top Taco"
• Raymond Naranjo, Manko, 2025 Third Place
• Eric Stumpf, Boxcar
• Michael Dooley, Sunday at Grams
• Jerry Dakan, Santa Fe Community College Culinary Program
• Damian Herrera, Juicy Foods
• Johnny Vee, Las Cosas Cooking School
• Randy Tapia, Mystic Mesa / Poki Tako
• Victoria Bruneni, Capitol Cafe / What THE Truck
• Nate Clements & Craig Moya, Time Traveler Gastropub
• Johnny Vee, Las Cosas Cooking School

more chefs TBD...

• Caravedo Pisco
• Patron Tequila
• Tito’s Vodka
• Los Poblanos
• Little Toad Creek
• As Above So Below Distillery
• OM Chocolate Liqueur

more drink stations TBD...

Marketplace Tables:

• Espanola Humane Animal Shelter (raffle items and merch)
• The Liquid Muse (cocktail books and festival merch)
• Apicklypse, pickles and hot sauce
• Tia Zia's, craft mustards, halvah, and other treats

more exhibitors TBD...

*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. 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 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

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Santa Fe, Contests in Santa Fe, Festivals in Santa Fe.