Skip to Content
Events

Taco Madness 2023 Early Bird Ticket Sales Are Now Live

L.A.'s OG and longest-running taco festival and the tournament are back! And we are taking it back where it all began: Downtown Los Angeles at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes beautiful courtyard.

On Saturday, May 6th, join us while we crown the online tournament and in-person "Best in Show" Taco Madness champions. For one day only, catch all of L.A.'s best taquerías in one place. From 5 PM to midnight, the Taco Life comes to you live and in person.

For tickets, click here. Reminder: Members get in for free! Every single ticket sale supports L.A. TACO and our inclusive, award-winning street-level journalism.

For some of us, tacos mean the world. They represent nostalgia, regional pride, hard work, accessibility, culture, and perhaps most important of all: sustenance. Tacos unify everybody in this city. No matter where you are from and how much this city changes, the one constant will always be tacos and the desire to know where to find the best ones for residents and visitors alike. Yet, as you’re rushing through the streets of Los Angeles to get to your next destination, it’s easy to take the flashing neon signs, trompos, and smokestacks that dot almost every other corner of this city for granted. This is why we created Taco Madness more than 12 years ago, to remind you that we live in the best taco city in the country, and it is up to you to keep it that way.

Keep driving a little out of your way to try a new spot. Keep hitting one up to feast after going to a show. Keep challenging yourself to pronounce their names in Español better. Keep tipping your taqueros and taqueras, and keep supporting your taquerías. The Taco Life calls you, Los Ángeles-dwelling and hardworking person, to show up for your favorite taquero or taquera.

This year's Taco Madness is presented by Bud Light Chelada.

Keep an eye out for our announcement of the curated list of tacos to be featured in this year's tournament and festival.

2023 Key Dates

April 3: Voting begins!

May 6th: Taco Madness Live!


Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)
Los Angeles, CA - May 04: LATaco.com’s 10th Annual Taco Madness May 04, 2019. (Brian Feinzimer)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

A Hidden Nayarit Mariscos Gem Next to a Boyle Heights Landmark

El Sarape is a lowkey mariscos spot. They don’t have Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook to advertise, making it a true hidden gem in L.A. — only those in-the-know recognize it. 

March 14, 2026

Daily Memo: 10 ICE Vehicles Used To Take One Person At Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse

At least 15 total were taken via targeted arrests by ICE agents this week in Southern California.

March 13, 2026

Haitian Asylum Seeker Found Unresponsive Days After Being Stranded at ICE-ISAP Office

Daphy Michel, 31, was surveilled by ICE via ankle monitor as part of their "Alternatives to Detention Program." She was found dead at a Pittsburgh bus shelter on March 2.

March 13, 2026

Weekend Eats: Strippers Donating Their Tips To Benefit Immigrants In Downtown

Plus a new spin on a Sinaloan hot dog, a new Korean pub, and the return of a Westside Argentine favorite.

March 13, 2026

U.S. 4th Circuit Allows State Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Adults ‘To Appreciate Their Sex’

The 4th Circuit has become the first federal appeals court to enforce laws restricting gender-affirming surgeries. “It is not irrational for a legislature to encourage citizens to appreciate their sex and not become disdainful of their sex,” Judge Julius Richardson said.

March 12, 2026

René Redzepi Exits Noma L.A. Amid Allegations, Protests, and Fleeing Sponsors

On Wednesday, the Noma head chef and co-owner announced his departure after protests broke out in Silver Lake.

March 12, 2026
See all posts