Looking to add a little spice to your summer? Look no further than Taco Fest 2016.
The daylong event is coming to Burnaby on Saturday, July 16 and will feature a yet-to-be released plethora of taco vendors, including Mexican restaurants and food trucks. Organizers have also promised libations, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Twenty musical acts will also be at the event providing entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.
This is the second year for the tortilla-celebrating festival.
Last year, organizers Apocalypse Sunrise put on a smaller event at a club in Vancouver. It featured one vendor and lots of music, and the turnout was overwhelming – between 1,500 and 2,000 people showed up to grab a bite, said Johnny Matter, president of Apocalypse Sunrise.
“It was a hit in one way, but it was also a learning experience in another,” he said. “So this year, we decided to do it full on outdoors (and) add more vendors.”
On the subject of vendors, Matter wouldn’t say which food trucks or restaurants have signed up to be part of the second annual event. He plans to keep the vendor list under wraps for another month or so while he finalizes everything.
As for the move to Burnaby, Matter said Swangard Stadium is the “perfect” location for the event. The Burnaby park is close to transit, provides ample room for attendees, vendors and, of course, the two stages organizers will be building for the 20 bands scheduled to play.
Taco Fest is on Saturday, July 16 from noon to 10 p.m. at Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial St. Tickets are on sale now through Picatic and cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Kids under 10 and adults over 65 get in free. Tacos and drinks are extra.
For more info or to buy tickets, visit http://tacofest.rocks.
What you need to know about TacoFest:
It is an all-ages event.
There will be a Ring of Fire (spicy) taco eating contest.
Twenty Vancouver-based bands will perform.
Organizers have built a “giant” taco piñata and have stuffed it with prizes and goodies.
Taco Fest is collecting donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank; you can donate online or at the door.
