5 Reasons to Attend the 2015 Mexican Food Cook-Off

We’re listing out the top five reasons you shouldn’t miss out on the Mexican Food Cook-Off this Friday in downtown El Paso.

El Pasoans love a great party and when you add incredible Mexican food, margaritas and mariachis, the party gets elevated to a whole other level!

The Mexican Food Cook-Off takes place Friday, Sept. 18 at the Union Plaza in downtown El Paso with gates opening up at 4 p.m.

1. Admission is FREE with a Metro PCS Pass

The Mexican Food Cook-Off will be charging a $3 admission at the gate but if you stop by any Metro PCS El Paso location, you can pick a pass to get in totally FREE to the event. It doesn’t get any better than free! Find your nearest Metro PCS location here.

2. There's Enough Incredible Food to Make You Weep with Joy

There is nothing else like authentic Mexican food, and El Paso has the best around -- so much so that the Food Network sent out a crew for their new show, “Taco Trip” featuring Aaron Sanchez to cover El Paso’s great street eats. This year’s Mexican Food Cook-Off will feature over 20 Mexican food vendors offering everything from tacos, tortas, flautas, gorditas, nachos and so much more!

3. The Margarita Shake-Off will Blow Your Mind

El Paso’s top bartenders from Malolam, Low Brow, 1914 have been invited to the Margarita Shake-Off taking place inside The Garden shaking up their best Margarita concoctions, featuring Cazadores tequila. They will be shaking and serving up traditional margaritas, Specialty Margaritas and Finest Call Mystery Margarita, made from mystery ingredients. Margaritas will start flowing at 7 p.m.

4. Get Your Motor Running with Games and the Car Show

The Western Tech car show will feature custom vehicles and free Loteria games throughout the day for a chance to win prizes. Make sure to take a picture at the Ruhmann Law Firm Photo Booth to save as a souvenir.

5. Rock Out at the Battle of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Mariachis & Folklorico Dancers

Mariachis and Folklorico dancers will be part of the Mexican Food Cook-Off. The Battle of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Mariachis will feature musicians performing traditional mariachi songs, ending with one rock song performed mariachi-style. While, Folklorico dancers will also take the stage performing their traditional dance, the evening will culminate with Mariachi Los Arrieros closing out the night. Hailing from El Paso, Mariachi Los Arrieros have toured all across the country and have been showcased on HBO, Showtime and are even archived at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.