Celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of the state of Jalisco, Mexico at the 8th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival on Feb. 2 – 4, 2024 in downtown Cathedral City. The event is presented by Agua Caliente Casinos.
The weekend of merriment includes a family-friendly carnival, artisan craft vendor market, tequila tasting competition, and daily entertainment. Festivities kick off Friday, February 2, beginning at 5 p.m. and feature the raising of the flags by Cathedral City Mayor Mark Carnevale, followed by live entertainment with Outlaw Mariachi, plus the opening of the artisan market and carnival.
In addition to a giant Ferris wheel offering views of the entire city and surrounding area, the three-day carnival also will feature rides, amusements, and games for all ages, on the festival lawn in front of City Hall. Attendees will enjoy assorted crafts from a variety of artisans, and a mix of gourmet food trucks. Those 21 and older can enjoy the tequila garden with the official tequila tasting competition taking place on Friday at 7 p.m. A highlight of the weekend will be live wrestling – Legends of Lucha Libra on Saturday and Sunday evenings, followed by popular tribute bands – Dreaming of You Selena, and Carlos Santana Savor the Band.
The festival headliners, Legends of Lucha Libre, take the stage at 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday nights. Lucha Libre has played an important role in Mexican culture since the late 1950s. The sport became famous mainly due to its masked wrestlers, who incorporated their own family traditions, beliefs and fears into the design of their masks, transforming an ordinary person into a fearless character. Since the mid-1990s, Lucha Libre has become a global phenomenon with Lucha stars in every major wrestling company on the planet.
Neighboring Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City will be the site of additional Taste of Jalisco fun. They are hosting the Friday night after-party which begins at 9 p.m. and features the popular Nacho Bustillos accompanied by a full mariachi band. On Sunday, they will host the free car show in the parking lot, which will feature more than 40 cars and trucks from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Agua Caliente Casinos is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the annual Taste of Jalisco Festival for the third year in a row,” said Todd Berendji, Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Partnering with Soundskilz and the City of Cathedral City, we are honored to host two of the festival’s events here at the Cathedral City Terraza and play a part in bringing our community together. Delicious food, a fabulous car show, margaritas, Taco Flights, and an unforgettable after party, make this a must for everyone’s calendar.”
Admission to the festival is pre-sale $4 per person – available online, and $5 at the door (children 5 and under are free). Carnival rides, wrestling show, and food and drink are additional fees. Unlimited carnival ride wristbands start at $25 each and “Legends of Lucha Libre” tickets start at $26. VIP tickets which include exclusive access, premium seating, meet and greet, and other benefits are also available. Tickets for all activities are available at tasteofjalisco.com. Cathedral City residents receive free admission on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, with a valid driver’s license OR utility bill.
Festival hours are Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday noon to 9 p.m. with the carnival starting at 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Festivities take place in downtown Cathedral City, at 68600 East Palm Canyon Drive. Parking is free. For tickets and more information about the Taste of Jalisco Festival visit tasteofjalisco.com.
