You’re going to want to read this with a side of lime + salt because the Chattanooga Margarita Festival will take over the First Horizon Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 10.
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., folks can sip their way through a sample passport, trying 10 mini margs while enjoying bites from local spots + music spun by a DJ. Bonus: The night features a friendly competition among the vendors.
Whether it’s salted, shaken, stirred, or frozen, 21 local spots will serve its best take on the classic drink using Don Julio Tequila. Attendees will vote on their favorite — crowning one participant with the title of “Best Margarita.”
Here are five spots we recommend stamping on your passport:
- Mayan Kitchen | Introducing last year’s winner for its blood orange marg with a grapefruit salt rim, we’re hoping for tangy flavors from this spot known for its Latin cuisine + tequila bar.
- Little Coyote | This smoked meats + fresh tortillas restaurant offers classic flavors on its everyday menu — and we heard they will be serving up a watermelon margarita for the event.
- Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina | We would gladly take any sample this spot makes — especially if it’s similar to the hibiscus marg that uses hibiscus from the tequila to the salt on the rim.
- Amada Tapas & Wine | Taking after its namesake, expect the “Mean Green” margarita to be as lovable as the seasonal drinks on its menu.
- 423 Taco | This joint is one of Editor Haley’s favorite places to sit outside + enjoy a specialty margarita — so much so, that it sparked this roundup last year.
Bonus: If you haven’t tried Massey’s Kitchen’s, Stir’s, or State of Confusion’s house margaritas, this will be your chance — and they might even have something special to pour up.
Wanting to see who ends up in the limelight? Tickets are on sale now + will change prices closer to the event:
- Tier One | $49 — ends Friday, July 12
- Tier Two | $54 — starts Saturday, July 13
- VIP | $95 — new this year + gets you early entry, a complimentary welcome beverage, and access to a VIP area
Note: This event is 21+ only and you must show a valid ID for entry.
