Festival-goers are gearing up for a big weekend at the Phoenix Events Complex in Phoenix, AZ. The Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest comes to town for the first time on April 15. Rapper B-Real from Cypress Hill will headline the event that also features Selena’s birthday tribute. Also performing at the music festival will be DJ Quik, Suga Free, Mr. Capone-E, Kurupt, MC Eiht, and Spice 1, among other DJs and artists. And it’s an incredible way to celebrate music, culture, and tequila!

Tacos, Tequila, and Hip-Hop

If you love music, tacos, and tequila, there’s no perfect setup for an incredible party. Throw in a mix of carnival rides, lowriders, and motorcycles, and you have a shindig with something for everyone. The Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest will also feature a competition among the Valley’s top chefs, restaurants, and food trucks as they vie for the coveted title of “Best Taco.”

There will be a cannabis park, a dab bar, and an open-air patio for smoking enthusiasts. Don’t miss the Arizona Cannabis Awards Music Festival 2023, either. Scores of cannabis cultivators, businesses, and dispensaries will offer free samples and contests on-site. Guests can participate in the taco-making contest and a rolling buffet of food trucks set up at the venue. 

Fans of Selena Quintanilla Celebrate Her Birthday at Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest

There will also be a live tribute performance to honor the life of the late singer, Selena, with a look-alike contest to celebrate her birthday. April 16 would have been Selena Quintanilla Pérez’s 52nd birthday. Selena was shot and killed in 1995 in Corpus Christi by the president of her fan club. She was just 23. Since her death, Selena has remained a significant pop-culture icon for young Latinos worldwide. Her fans honor her legacy every year to keep her memory alive. The Queen of Tejano tribute band headlines the Selena celebration starting at 10:00 p.m. 

B-Real to Headline Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest

B-Real, a long-time cannabis proponent, will rock the crowd live on stage. In 1993, his Cypress Hill crew dropped the Black Sunday album that featured the weed-infused classic “Insane in the Brain.” And in 1998, the hip-hop group released the single “Dr. Greenthumb,” based on B-Real’s alter-ego, Dr. Greenthumb. 

Kurupt, one of the members of the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, will also perform at the Tacos & Tequila Music Fest. He will perform the 1993 “Ain’t No Fun,” featuring Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Warren G.

The Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Festival starts on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Phoenix Events Complex. Doors open from noon. This event is open to all ages. However, you must be 21 years or older to enter the alcohol and cannabis areas.

Things to Do in Phoenix, AZ After the Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest

Phoenix is the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix gets 300 days of sunshine a year, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and fun activities all year round. That means you’ll find plenty to see and do in Phoenix. Let’s look at some fun things you can do in the Valley. You’ll come for the Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest. But you’ll want to stay for all the other exciting things to experience in Arizona.

Hot Air Balloons at Sonoran Desert

Start your day with a hot-air balloon ride over the desert landscape. Ascend towards the crystal clear azure sky and relish the serenity accompanying gazing across the desert. You can also arrange a sunrise ride to witness the Sonoran Desert awaken and come to life under the sun’s illuminating rays.

Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Spend some time in Old Town Scottsdale, exploring the many shops meandering through the town. At Pizzeria Virtu, you can enjoy traditional pizza, pasta, and salads prepared in the Neapolitan style. Hula’s Modern Tiki is the place to go for ahi poke,  pulled pork, or Hawaiian Loco Moco (ground beef, rice, and gravy).

Visit the Phoenix Art Museum

Wander through the exhibits at the Phoenix Museum Art Museum. Admire over 20,000 art collections spanning many different cultures and eras, going all the way back to the Renaissance. If you fancy Mexican food, check out Barrio Café, just a few meters from the museum. You can also indulge in bar hopping to enjoy different music tastes and fun crowds in the area at night.

Hiking in Papago Park

Papago Park has a scenic hiking trail covering over 150 acres and leading to the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock. Away from the brilliant views, you can visit the Phoenix Zoo inside Papago Park to see the Arabian Oryx. Other interesting species include Mexican wolves, Asian elephants, African lions, cheetahs, flamingos, and golden eagles.

Dine and Relax at CityScape

CityScape in Downtown Phoenix features glittering lights, bars, restaurants, and a variety of family-friendly festivities to bring in the nightlife vibes. They often have open-air movies in the plaza, so feel free to mingle and interact with the locals.

Hiking Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain is widely considered the most iconic peak in Phoenix. The Camelback Mountain hiking trail is very popular with locals and tourists. Try the 3-mile Cholla Trail that exceeds 1,279 feet (scary heights). You can also do the Echo Canyon Trail, which is just 2.5 miles but is steeper (up to 1,420 feet). Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and good shoes.

Spa Treatment

After your hike, wind down with a tranquil spa treatment at the Sanctuary Spa at Camelback Mountain. From facials to acupuncture, the Sanctuary Spa will give you an Asian-inspired treatment focused on rejuvenation.

Sip Tequila at the Wrigley Mansion

Wrigley Mansion offers one of the best scenic views in Phoenix. Overlooking Phoenix’s sprawling Valley of the Sun, the estate offers treats for wine lovers during their annual Wrigley Mansion Wine Festival that kicks off on the last weekend of April. The event features several delicious varieties of tequila, which come hand-crafted in bottles. Celebrate their much-loved festival with something to remember this summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest

Where is the Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest?

The Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest takes place at Phoenix Events Complex, 2209 North 99th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85037.

Is Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest open to all ages?

Yes. However, you must be 21 or older to access alcohol and cannabis booths.

How much are the tickets for Desert Blaze Taco & Tequila Music Fest?

Tickets start at $50. VIP goes for $100, and VIP “Meet & Greet” at $200.

DistilleryNearby has all the information you need to know about distilleries and spirit festivals across the country. Learn about wine, explore new festivals, and discover distillery tours nearby.