Hard or soft, spicy or mild, chicken or steak…everyone loves tacos. On October 6, Baltimore will celebrate the fine food with the return of Baltimore Taco Fest, a massive festival dedicated to all things taco (and tequila…and nachos).
The Taco Festival takes place at Power Plant Live! in downtown Baltimore, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Baltimore Taco Fest: http://www.powerplantlive.com/entertainment/event/6223
What to Expect
As previous Taco Fest attendees can attest, the festival is a blast. It includes something for everyone, from tequila aficionados to young children. This year, the entire block will be shut down to allow for plenty of seating and spots to eat.
Here’s a look at what not to miss:
The Food: There will be tacos, of course! There will be over 25 local taco vendors on hand, selling individual tacos for $3 each, so you definitely won’t go hungry. Plus, there will be a giant nacho bar and – for the brave – a chili pepper eating contest. Additional vendors will also be selling items like cotton candy, cakes and desserts.
The Drinks: Visit the Tequila Expo to sample different types of tequila individually or in flights. There will also be a make-your-own margarita bar, so you can 
customize your marg just the way you like it. There will also be beer stations, water, soda and more.
The Entertainment: There will be live music and a “best dressed” contest, so make sure you come in your finest taco-oriented duds.
Best for Kids: Little ones are welcome! They will go crazy for the family-friendly activities included in the festival lineup, including a bounce house and rock wall for climbing.
Event Details
There are three levels of festival tickets available for purchase (all prices are pre-sale rates, which have limited availability):
- General Admission ($9.99) includes entry into the festival from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. and get your first drink free
- Premium ($29.99) includes entry from 1 p.m.-7 p.m., first drink free, 5 taco vouchers and a commemorative gift bag with giveaways and a bottle of hot sauce
- VIP ($49.99) includes one-hour express early access (12 p.m. entry), access to a VIP area, 5 taco vouchers, 5 drink tickets in the VIP area (excluding tequila flights and shots), private bathrooms, complimentary bottled water and a commemorative gift bag with giveaways and hot sauce
Kids 10 and under may enter the festival for free, without a ticket.
The event is organized by Taste of Your Town, an organization that hosts fun food events all over the country.
Taco Fest Logistics
As you dream about gorging yourself on delicious Mexican food, make sure you put together a smart plan for getting to and from the festival.
The first thing you should consider is where to park – finding a convenient spot will make the entire day more enjoyable. Located at 55 Market Place in downtown Baltimore, Harbor Park Garage is located adjacent to Power Plant Live!, where the Taco Festival will take place.
The garage is also easy to get to off I-83 and from other routes in and out of the city, so heading downtown and parking will be a snap.
It’s well-lit and safe, with friendly, knowledgeable staff members onsite 24/7; they’re ready and available to help you with anything you need.
Harbor Park Garage: https://backup.harborparkgarage.com/