Dozens of taco trucks, mariachi bands, folk dancers and a big Kids Zone at Camp Jordan in East Ridge. Here's how the Chattanooga Taco Festival works, what it costs and how to plan your visit.
The Chattanooga Taco Festival is exactly what it sounds like: a weekend at Camp Jordan in East Ridge with dozens of food trucks and vendors, mariachi music, folk dancers and a big kids' area, all built around tacos. It's a family event first, which makes it a different animal from the downtown tasting festivals that are strictly 21 and up.
What It Is and Who Runs It
The festival is produced by Touch the Sky Events, a Chattanooga-area event company that describes itself as faith-based and focused on clean, family-friendly events. Local coverage of the 2025 edition also credited Passanante's Home Food Services as a co-presenter. The first festival was held in 2022, and the May 2025 event was billed as the 4th Annual Chattanooga Taco Festival.
Expect Mexican and Latin food from a long row of trucks and booths, along with live entertainment. In 2026 the lineup included the Ensamble de Mexico dancers and mariachi bands, stilt walkers and artisan vendors selling crafts and gifts.
When It Happens
The festival hasn't stuck to one season. The 2025 edition was the first weekend of May, while 2026 moved to the last weekend of September and grew to three days for the first time: Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday until late afternoon. In 2026 the hours were 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Because the timing has shifted, don't assume next year will land on the same weekend. The dates box at the top of this page switches to the next festival as soon as it's announced.
Where It Is
Camp Jordan is at 323 Camp Jordan Parkway in East Ridge, right off I-75 at Exit 1. The festival uses both the outdoor grounds and the Camp Jordan Arena, and in 2026 it ran indoors and outdoors at once, which helps if the weather turns.
Tickets and Admission
2026 admission: $10 at the gate, with young children admitted free, and parking was free. Earlier editions were free to enter (the 2025 festival advertised free admission), so check the organizer's listing each year before you go. Food is paid for separately at each vendor.
What to Expect
- Food: more than 35 food vendors and food trucks in 2026, heavy on tacos, plus sweets and drinks.
- Music and dance: mariachi bands and traditional Mexican dance performances.
- Kids Zone: bounce houses, a foam pit, face painting and mini golf, plus a free petting zoo and a free pirate ship play area in 2026. Past years have also had pony rides.
- Shopping: artisan and craft vendors. The 2025 edition drew more than 120 local vendors in total.
Getting There and Parking
Take I-75 to Exit 1 in East Ridge and follow Camp Jordan Parkway to the park. Parking is on site and was free in 2026. Friday's session is the shortest, so if you want the full spread of vendors and entertainment, Saturday gives you the most hours.
Tips
- Bring cash and a card. Each vendor sets its own payment options.
- Pace yourself. Split orders with your group so you can try more trucks before you're full.
- Check the weather. One day of the 2025 festival was canceled because of weather, so look at the organizer's social pages on the morning you go.
- Make it an East Ridge outing. The East Ridge antique district is a short drive away if you want to browse after lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Chattanooga Taco Festival?
The festival has been held in both spring and fall. The 2025 event was in early May and the 2026 event was the last weekend of September. The dates box at the top of this page shows the next festival once it's announced.
How much does it cost?
In 2026, admission was $10 with young children free. Food and drinks are bought separately from each vendor.
Is parking free?
Yes. Parking at Camp Jordan was free in 2026.
Is it good for kids?
Very. The Kids Zone, petting zoo and play areas are a big part of the event, and the organizer focuses on family-friendly festivals.
Is the festival indoors or outdoors?
Both. In 2026 it used the outdoor grounds and the Camp Jordan Arena.
Can't wait for the festival? Our guide to the best tacos and Mexican food in Chattanooga and our list of the best tacos in Chattanooga cover where to eat the rest of the year.
Details about businesses mentioned in this article (hours, offerings, atmosphere, and more) may change or may not be fully accurate. Spot something that needs a correction? Let us know and we'll fix it right away.
