WORTH THE DRIVE: Your guide to Columbus Taco Fest this weekend

Taco festival?

People love tacos and that fact will be proven in a big way this weekend when the 2nd Annual Columbus Taco Fest will be held at Genoa Park from noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.

Some of the best capital city food trucks will be on hand, and let's not forget the taco's number one teammate ... tequila!

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Here's a look at everything you need to know about this event from the event organizers.

WHERE AND WHEN 

The party starts at noon at Genoa Park located at 303 W. Broad St., Columbus. Be prepared for significant lines, as last year they got long. Admission is free.

BE PREPARED 

Come hungry. Really hungry. And please, for the love of all things taco, make sure to bring your valid ID. They don’t want to have to deny anyone the greatness that is tequila (and beer too for all you tequila haters).

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RESEARCH 

They know you want tacos, tequila and music, but make sure to visit the listing of vendors and music line-up. There’s lots of deliciousness and fun waiting for you, so don’t forget to keep yourself updated in order know exactly what to expect; there’s too much taco for you to just wing this.

PLANNING 

There will be lines. In fact, really long lines. Wear your comfiest shoes, grab a drink, charge your phone for some social media surfing and taco fest selfies; whatever you have to do to make the wait less of a drag. Because you will be waiting, but trust us when we say it will be worth it once you get your hands on all that tortilla-stuffed goodness. If you’re coming to indulge in a certain taco vendor, get to them first so you can ensure you share the love with them.

GO EARLY 

If you haven’t been to a food festival (what are you doing with your life) attendee lines are a ritual and you want to try every taco that your little taco filled heart can get. So make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy the fest and grab a bite from vendors by arriving early. This will also help you avoid the lines for a little longer. Plus, for all you day drinkers out there, it gives you a chance to get a head start at the beer trucks and drink stations.

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DRINK TICKETS 

In order to indulge in some booziness, you will need to purchase drink tickets. There will be three stations on the festival grounds for you to purchase these from. Have your ID ready, as you will be asked for ID. All drink ticket sales are non-refundable.

FAMILIES AND FUR BABIES 

Organizers welcome everyone of every age (dog years included) to come and enjoy the fest.

PARKING 

For information on parking you can visit: columbustacofest.com/parking-2

STROLLERS, BLANKETS AND CHAIRS 

These items are allowed. Bag searches will be conducted at the door.

FOOD VENDORS 

• Barroluco Argentine Comfort Food

• Big Bamboo Caribbean G

• Caribe Sur

• Cazuelas Mexican Grill

• El Sabor Street Food

• El Sazon Latin Street Food

• Glazed Churro Bar

• Gess Who Tacos

• Holy Taco Food Truck

• J-Pops

• Maya Burrito Co

• Mi Tradicion To Go

• Si Señor Taco

• Si Señor Taco ii

• Sweet Tooth

• Tacomania

• Taquitos Truck

• The Burrito Bus

• The Funky Truckeria

• The Wicked Lobstah

• Tortilla Street Food

ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP 

• The Deeptones,8-10 p.m.

• Honey & Blue, 6-7:30 p.m.

• Al Son Del Iya, 4-5:30 p.m.

• Liberty Deep Down, 2-3:30 p.m.

• Los Borirengues Del Swing, Noon-1:30 p.m.

• Music from DJ Whit Taylor and DJ Papi Juan will be featured throughout the day

LEARN MORE 

Visit Facebook or columbustacofest.com.

Contact this contributing writer at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com.

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