If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday in Waco, Texas, the Margarita Festival 2025 is the place to be. The festival takes place on September 20, 2025, where you can sample a wide variety of margaritas, from classic to creative flavors while enjoying live music and food vendors. It’s a great opportunity to explore new tastes and vote for your favorite margarita.
I’ve found that tickets are available for purchase, which include a sampling card and voting chip so you can participate in picking the best margarita of the event. There are also VIP options that offer extra perks like additional raffle entries for a chance to win a trip to Mexico. Whether you’re a margarita fan or just looking for a lively event in Waco, this fest offers something for everyone.
Essential Details for Margarita Festival Waco Texas 2025
I’m excited to share the key information you need to enjoy the Waco Margarita Festival this year. From when and where it happens to what the festival offers and who should consider joining, these details will help you plan your visit smoothly.
Event Dates and Location
The Waco Margarita Festival takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The event runs from noon to early evening.
It’s held at The Backyard Waco, located at 511 S 8th Street, in Waco, TX. This outdoor venue is perfect for a day of sampling margaritas and enjoying live music.
Tickets are required for entry. Once you have a ticket, you get a sampling card and a voting chip, which lets you try margaritas from some of Waco’s best bars and vote for your favorite.
About the Festival and Organizers
The festival is hosted by the International Margarita Organization, which brings together margarita lovers from across the area.
More than 2,500 people attend to enjoy margarita tastings featuring premium tequila and larger sample sizes served over ice. You can expect a lively atmosphere with music, food vendors, and friendly competition.
The goal is to let the crowd decide who makes the best margarita in Waco by casting votes with your chip. It’s both a tasting event and a contest all in one.
Who Should Attend
If you love margaritas or just enjoy good drinks and a festive vibe, this event is for you. It’s ideal for locals, visitors, and anyone interested in trying a range of margarita flavors.
Whether you want to relax with friends, explore new drink ideas, or participate in choosing the top margarita creator, this festival offers a fun way to connect.
It’s also great for those who appreciate tequila and want to experience premium options in a casual setting. Just be sure to bring your ID and a taste-ready attitude!
Tickets and Admission for Margarita Festival Waco Texas
Attending the Waco Margarita Festival means choosing the right ticket for your experience and understanding what you’ll get with each option. You’ll want to know the perks of general admission versus VIP, age rules, and how your participation supports local causes.
Ticket Types and Prices
There are two main ticket options: General Admission and VIP. General Admission offers access to all festival areas, with sampling cards for margarita tastings and one raffle entry for a trip to Mexico. VIP tickets cost more but include early entry, exclusive sampling with premium tequilas, and two raffle chances.
Tickets generally range between $40 for General Admission and about $75 for VIP. You can purchase tickets online before the event at platforms like Eventbrite. Buying ahead guarantees your spot since the festival draws in over 2,500 margarita lovers.
VIP and General Admission Benefits
With General Admission, I get a sampling card to try margaritas from 10 different booths, plus a single voting chip to choose the best margarita. Food vendors and live music enhance the experience, making it easy to mingle around the festival area near The Backyard, close to venues like the Waco Hippodrome Theatre and J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House for post-festival plans.
VIP tickets offer perks like early admission from noon, which means shorter lines and calmer crowds. Along with faster entry, VIP guests receive samples from premium Patron Tequila drinks and double entries for the Mexico trip raffle. It’s a smooth way to enjoy the festival with less hassle, and I can recommend pairing it with a stay at nearby hotels like Hotel Herringbone or AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown for a full weekend experience.
Age Restrictions and Entry Policy
The event is 21 and older only, strictly enforcing ID checks at entry. No one under 21 can taste margaritas or enter the main festival grounds. I bring my government-issued ID or a driver’s license to avoid any issues.
Pets and outside alcohol are prohibited. Security checks are routine at the gates, so plan accordingly. If you’re coming with a group, keeping your tickets and personal items handy will speed up entry.
Charity and Community Impact
The festival supports local charities with proceeds from raffle ticket sales and part of ticket revenues. Every raffle ticket for the Mexico trip benefits local causes, so when I buy extra raffle tickets, I know my money goes beyond just fun.
This event highlights Waco’s lively community scene. It collaborates with venues like the Waco Convention Center and supports small businesses including Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, known for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere. Celebrating margaritas here means also supporting Waco’s economy and charitable efforts.
Festival Experiences at Margarita Festival Waco Texas
Attending the Waco Margarita Festival means enjoying a lively mix of tasting, entertainment, and tasty food. It’s all about discovering the best margarita in Waco, soaking in good vibes, and sharing the fun with fellow margarita lovers.
Sampling Margaritas and Voting for the Best
One of the best parts for me was sampling a variety of margaritas from local bars and mixologists. The festival offers 10 different 3.5 oz margarita samples, featuring everything from classic lime to unique, premium tequila blends. They even serve them over ice to keep the flavors fresh.
After tasting, you get to vote for your favorite margarita using a voting chip. It feels great to have a say in crowning the best margarita in Waco. The competitive spirit adds excitement, and you really get to explore what the local scene has to offer.
Live Entertainment and Activities
The atmosphere here is vibrant, with live music keeping the energy up throughout the event. Bands play a mix of styles, adding to the festive mood. I noticed engaging activities happening around, like raffles—there’s even a trip to Mexico giveaway announced later in the day.
These activities make it easy to mingle and enjoy more than just drinks. Whether you want to chill with friends or meet new people, the entertainment and games keep the festival lively and interactive.
On-Site Food and Drink Options
Food vendors offer a solid variety of options to pair with your margarita tastings. I found everything from classic festival snacks to more substantial bites that complement the cocktails well. The food presence helps balance the tasting experience.
Besides margaritas, you’ll find other drink options, ensuring everyone in your group stays happy. Having good food and a range of beverages on site means the festival is comfortably set up for a full day of enjoyment without needing to leave.
Where to Stay and Things to Do Near Margarita Festival Waco Texas
Finding the right spot to stay and planning some activities nearby can really make your Margarita Festival experience even better. I focused on hotels that are close, plus some places to eat and explore. Getting around Waco is pretty easy, so I’ll cover that too.
Recommended Hotels Near the Festival
The Backyard Waco, where the festival happens, sits near downtown, so staying close means less travel stress.
Hotel Herringbone is a popular choice with cozy rooms and great service just a short drive away. It’s a good balance of comfort and convenience.
If you prefer something familiar, the AC Hotel by Marriott Waco Downtown puts you right in the heart of the city. It’s modern and stylish, ideal if you want to walk to nearby restaurants and shops.
For a unique touch, I’d check out boutique hotels, but these two options are solid, especially if you want to rest up quickly after sampling margaritas.
Exploring Waco Before and After the Event
Waco has plenty to offer beyond the festival. I like stopping by Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a local favorite known for its excellent coffee and welcoming vibe. It’s a great spot to start your day.
For dinner or a relaxing evening, J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House is one of my go-to places. They serve a nice selection of whiskeys, and the atmosphere fits well after a day of festival fun.
Downtown Waco itself is walkable, with boutique shops and local eateries scattered around. It’s easy to add some exploring to your trip without straying far from where you stay.
Transportation and Getting Around
Waco’s pretty manageable when it comes to transport. Most hotels near the festival are within a few miles, so rideshares or short drives work well.
I recommend rideshare apps if you plan to enjoy margaritas, so you can skip parking hassles.
If you’re up for walking, downtown and the festival are close enough to cover on foot from several hotels.
Public transportation isn’t as strong, so having a car or using rideshare gives you more freedom, especially if you want to visit spots like Bitty & Beau’s or J.S. Barnett’s without rushing.
Tips to Enjoy Margarita Festival Waco Texas
To get the most out of the festival, it helps to come prepared with the right items and a plan for staying comfortable and safe. Making smart choices about what to bring and how to pace yourself will make a big difference in your experience.
What to Bring and What Not To Bring
I always bring my ID, ticket, and some cash for food and vendors. A small, refillable water bottle is a must since hydration is key. Sunglasses and sunscreen protect you from the Texas sun.
Avoid bringing large bags, glass containers, or outside alcohol as the festival usually has restrictions. A portable phone charger also comes in handy if you want to snap photos or stay connected.
Light, comfortable clothing is best. Wearing closed-toe shoes helps because you’ll be on your feet sampling margaritas and exploring vendors.
Staying Safe and Hydrated
Sampling several margaritas can sneak up on you, so I pace myself by sipping water after every few drinks. The festival can get warm, so drinking water regularly reduces the risk of dehydration.
Make sure to eat something before you arrive and try some of the food vendors to keep your energy up while tasting cocktails. If you feel dizzy or tired, find a shaded spot and rest.
Remember, there are limits to how much alcohol they serve per sample. It’s smart to know your limit and stick to it to fully enjoy the day and stay safe.
Creating the Best Festival Experience
I like to start early to avoid crowds and enjoy more sampling time. Arriving on time means you can participate in judging the best margarita since your vote counts.
Chatting with bartenders and vendors opens up opportunities to learn about unique margarita recipes. Taking breaks to listen to live music and explore market stalls rounds out the day.
Planning your transportation ahead is critical. Either carpool, use a rideshare, or have a designated driver so you can enjoy margaritas worry-free.