SHREVEPORT, La. — Taco Wars 2026 drew a record crowd to downtown Shreveport on May 2, highlighting regional taquerias and generating strong sales for participating vendors at one of the nation’s largest one-day taco, salsa and tequila festivals.
The event, held outside the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, featured 13 taquerias from Northwest Louisiana and East Texas. Organizers said 90% of taco sales went directly to the participating businesses, underscoring the festival’s role in supporting local food vendors.
La Reyna Del Sur won the festival’s top honor, the Golden Taco award for Best Taco, along with a $1,000 cash prize, following a blind tasting by a panel of judges that included chefs Dylan Teekell and Melvin Nelson. Ramirez Mexican Restaurant received the Best Salsa award and a $500 cash prize after earning the most votes from attendees.
The festival was presented by the Prize Foundation in partnership with several sponsors and local organizations. The Hispanic Heritage Alliance of Northwest Louisiana assisted in recruiting vendors, while the Shreveport Regional Arts Council organized live performances, including mariachi and regional music acts.
Organizers said the event continues to grow as a cultural and economic driver for the region, drawing visitors and increasing exposure for local businesses.
The Prize Foundation, a nonprofit based in Shreveport, produces Taco Wars as part of a broader portfolio of events aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, workforce development and tourism in Northwest Louisiana.