Taco Fest Bringing Lucha Libre Wrestlers to Lake View this Weekend

The first weekend of fall is officially upon us, but for the first time this year, it's bringing more than autum leaves and crisp, cool temperatures.

I present to you the first annual Sam Adams’ Lakeview Taco Fest.

The inaugural fiesta is slated to hit Southport Avenue between Addison Street and Newport Avenue on Sept. 21-22. Running from noon to 10 p.m., the festival will be all about the tortilla-stuffed favorite.

“Whether one prefers theirs with a hard or soft shell and filled with a meat, chicken, guacamole or one of dozens of imaginative ingredients, expect this new September event to be a popular addition to the Windy City's outdoor street fest scene,” said event organizers in a statement. “There will also be beer and taco pairings, an activity/play area for kids, and visitors will be able to text vote for Chicago's ‘Best Taco.’"

Sponsored by brewer Sam Adams, the fest will feature at least a dozen of their seasonal beers on tap at tents around the event. 

In addition, lucha libre—also known as Mexican wrestlers—will make an appearance at the event from 5-6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Southport and Cornelia. 

Thus far the food purveyors for Taco Fest include:

• Café El Tapatio: Portabella with mango salsa and shrimp with chili tacos
• Toons Bar & Grill: Tex-Mex smoked brisket and pulled-pork Asian slaw tacos
• The Pony: Duck, smoked beef and pork belly tacos
• Mystic Celt: Cactus and steak tacos
• Crosby's Kitchen: Pulled pork and rotisserie chicken tacos
• Taco Joint
• Taco Factory: Traditional beef, chicken and chorizo tacos
• Zocalo

Saturday, September 21

• 3:30  p.m.—Rico (funk/soul)
• 6:00 p.m.—Get Up With the Get Downs (funk)
• 8:00 p.m.—Freddy Jones Band (roots rock)

Sunday, September 22

• 3:30 p.m.—Stache (pop/rock)
• 6:00 p.m.—Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute)
• 7:45 p.m.—Wedding Banned  (pop/rock)