FLORISSANT, Mo. — Get ready for all things tacos as the STL Taco Fest is set for Saturday, Oct. 21, at Knights of Columbus in Florissant from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The free event will feature 26 taco vendors, 22 retail vendors, a taco eating contest, a salsa dipping contest, a kid’s zone, a Halloween costume contest, live music from local Latina and Latino artists and DJs, and more.
Guests also can purchase VIP tickets that come with free tequila samplings, specialty cocktails, tacos, swag and more.
STL Taco Fest will be collecting donations for Oasis International during the festival, such as clothes, shoes and household items.
This is the second event put on by taco connoisseur Kyle Garcia, also known as “The Real Taco King.” He earned his nickname while reviewing taco spots on social media, which began right before the pandemic.
Bringing the event to Florissant is meaningful to Garcia because he grew up in St. Louis County.
“Just making an impact in the community there means a lot to me,” he said.
The first STL Taco Fest event was held in May at Kiener Plaza where more than 16,000 people attended and the taco vendors sold out, according to Garcia.
The turnout and community impact from May’s taco fest led Garcia to put on another one sooner rather than later.
For Saturday’s event, Garcia said he is expecting 10,000 to 16,000 attendees.
“I’m looking forward to all of the taco vibes,” he said. “Just seeing everyone enjoying tacos and I’m just looking forward to hearing the impact that taco fest is making in communities.”
Knights of Columbus is located at 50 Saint Francois Street.