News Summary
The third annual Tacos & Tequila Festival in Grand Rapids attracted 1,500 attendees, showcasing over 150 types of tequila, family-friendly activities, and diverse food options. This year’s event marked a surge in popularity, featuring a hot wing eating contest won by Carlos Ramirez Santizo. Families enjoyed non-alcoholic options and a play area for children. Organizers expressed excitement over community feedback and future improvements, while proceeds benefited local charities. The festival celebrated West Michigan’s vibrant summer culture with free parking and shaded areas for comfort.
Grand Rapids hosted its third annual Tacos & Tequila Festival on Saturday, June 28, 2025, attracting a remarkable 1,500 attendees to Riverside Park. The event showcased over 150 types of tequila and featured twelve food vendors, giving festival-goers the chance to indulge in a variety of flavors and create their unique food and drink experiences.
This year’s festival boasted an increase of 600 attendees compared to previous years, indicating its growing popularity within the community. Co-organizer Paul Starr noted that the festival has been adapting and improving based on feedback from its guests, resulting in more diverse offerings for everyone involved.
The event provided an array of options beyond just alcohol, including non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails. Families with children were also catered to this year, as an added play area for kids provided entertainment, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Festival highlights included the popular Fatbaby Hot Wing Eating Contest, where competitors attempted to consume eight hot wings as quickly as possible. Carlos Ramirez Santizo won this year’s contest, triumphing despite the withdrawal of many competitors.
The festival took place on a picture-perfect summer day in Michigan, allowing attendees to enjoy the outdoor environment. Children under the age of ten were allowed to enter for free, making it even more accessible for families. The event offered various ticketing options priced between $29.99 and $59.99, with general admission encompassing food and drink sampling. A VIP option provided early access and additional sampling tickets for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
First-time festivalgoers, including Jamie Centilli and her children, appreciated the opportunity to share tacos and participate in festival activities, enhancing the community experience. Other newcomers, Tamera Featherson and Beth Harris, praised the food offered at the festival, giving it a perfect “10 out of 10” and encouraging others to attend.
Event organizers expressed their enthusiasm for next year’s festival, reinforcing its position as a vital summer celebration in West Michigan. The festival also served a philanthropic purpose, with proceeds benefiting Friends of the River, a nonprofit dedicated to improving water quality and access in Michigan rivers.
In addition to food and beverage offerings, the festival provided free parking, shaded areas, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees. The documented festivities were captured by MLive/Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Chloe Trofatter, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and communal spirit present at this annual gathering.
As the event ended, attendees left Riverside Park with pleasantly full stomachs, joyful memories, and a sense of anticipation for the next installment of the Tacos & Tequila Festival.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Hosts Taco and Tequila Fest
Grand Rapids Taco and Tequila Festival Returns
Noco Provisions Celebrates 10 Years in Grand Rapids
Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Taco & Tequila Fest Returns
- Wikipedia: Taco
- The Morning Sun: Enjoy Tacos and Tequila at Grand Rapids Festival
- Google Search: Taco and Tequila Festival Grand Rapids
- Fox 17: Taco and Tequila Fest Returns to Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tequila
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Taco and Tequila Festival 2025
- Google News: Taco Tequila Festival 2025
