13 Taquerias Compete for Ark-La-Tex's Top Taco Title at Taco Wars 2026

Annual festival celebrates the region's vibrant taco culture with a family-friendly celebration of food, music, and community.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:57am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a single, iconic taco ingredient like a lime wedge or tortilla, repeated in a grid pattern with bold, neon-inspired colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the vibrant and celebratory atmosphere of the Taco Wars festival.The vibrant and flavorful taco culture of the Ark-La-Tex region takes center stage at the annual Taco Wars festival, where local taquerias compete for the coveted title of Best Taco.Shreveport Today

The Ark-La-Tex's biggest taco celebration, Taco Wars 2026, is set to take over the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium on May 2nd. This year's festival features 13 local taquerias competing for the coveted title of Best Taco, as judged by a panel of experts from across the South. In addition to the taco competition, the event offers family-friendly activities, live music, and a salsa-tasting contest where attendees can vote for their favorite.

Why it matters

Taco Wars has become a beloved annual tradition that showcases the diverse and thriving taco culture of the Ark-La-Tex region. The festival not only celebrates the culinary talents of local taquerias but also brings the community together through food, music, and shared experiences.

The details

The 13 taquerias competing in this year's Taco Wars include some of the region's most popular and acclaimed taco spots. Attendees can purchase tickets ($1 each) to sample the tacos, which range from 2 to 5 tickets per taco. In addition to the taco competition, the festival features a salsa-tasting contest where attendees can vote for their favorite salsa using a free voting token. A panel of judges from outside the Shreveport area will determine the winner of the Best Taco award, ensuring an impartial decision based solely on flavor.

  • Taco Wars 2026 takes place on May 2, 2026 from 11 AM to 8 PM.
  • The festival is an annual event that has been held in Shreveport for the past several years.

The players

Taco Wars

An annual taco festival in the Ark-La-Tex region that celebrates the area's vibrant taco culture and features a competition for the title of Best Taco.

Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

The historic venue hosting Taco Wars 2026, located in Shreveport, Louisiana.

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What they’re saying

“Taco Wars has become the must-attend event for taco lovers in the Ark-La-Tex. It's a celebration of our region's incredible taco culture and a chance for the community to come together over great food and good times.”

— Krystal Montez, Event Organizer

What’s next

The judges will announce the winner of the Best Taco award at the end of the Taco Wars festival on May 2nd.

The takeaway

Taco Wars 2026 promises to be a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that showcases the diverse and thriving taco culture of the Ark-La-Tex region. The festival's taco competition, salsa tasting, and community-focused activities make it a must-attend event for local food lovers and taco enthusiasts.