Three things that don’t often appear in the same sentence are sharing the spotlight of Colorado Springs’ upcoming festival: tacos, tequila and T.I.

If your throwback playlist includes “Right Thurr,” “Tipsy” and “In Those Jeans,” this might be your kind of reunion. And if you’re a fan of tacos and tequila, well then taco ’bout a good time. 

The Tacos and Tequila Festival returns Saturday to UCHealth Park, pairing local taco vendors and tequila tastings with some of the biggest names from the early-2000s hip-hop and R&B era.

Warning: Side effects of attendance may include singing every lyric from 2004 while sporting a full stomach. 

Hosted by Social House Entertainment, the 21-and-over event will celebrate its second year in Colorado Springs, expecting about 10,000 attendees.

“We’re bringing back the tacos and tequila because it was a massive success,” said Lacey Hayes, Social House Entertainment vice president of programming. “We loved it. The crowd loved it. We want to bring these types of festivals into places like Colorado Springs to embrace the city and give them the music they want.” 

The day will feature T.I., Ginuwine, Chingy, the Ying Yang Twins and more, with tickets running from about $73 to more than $540.

“There’s so much to look at and experience besides the music,” Hayes said. “Rather than some of those larger festivals where there’s 80,000 people and you’re squeezed in like sardines, this is much more enjoyable. We want you to dance and really vibe with the atmosphere because it’s all about reliving the glory days of those early 2000s.”

The flavor lineup

Festival organizers urge one piece of advice the most: Come hungry. 

“We’ll have an entire village of food trucks,” Hayes said. “It’ll be like taco land, with margaritas and tacos scattered throughout.”

Festivalgoers can expect local vendors including Crazee Craves, Mateo’s Catering and Personal Chef, Sapo Guapo Tacos, Sotelo’s Tacos and several others serving street food throughout UCHealth Park.

And the drinks are just as much a part of the experience.

VIP admission includes a limited amount of complimentary tacos and margaritas, while attendees throughout the festival can choose from more than 10 margarita flavors, many of which feature unique twists on the classic cocktail. 

Sponsors will also hand out free samples of tequila and seltzers throughout the day.

“With it being called the Tacos & Tequila Festival, we’re literally going to try to shower you with as much tacos and tequila that you want and is obviously safe,” Hayes said. “It’s tacos, tequila and throwbacks that are the three things you absolutely can’t escape there.”

The entertainment lineup

Music may be the festival’s biggest draw, but there’s plenty happening before, after and between each set.

Throughout the day, guests can wander through an exotic car showcase, stop by Instagram-worthy photo installations or cheer on live lucha libre wrestling matches. 

But there’s one tradition that Hayes said festivalgoers are anticipating the most: the Chihuahua Beauty Pageant.

Despite the name, the competition isn’t limited to Chihuahuas. Owners are encouraged to bring their small dogs dressed in their best outfits, with audience members helping choose the winners at 5:30 p.m. 

Meanwhile, 2000s music from artists who inspired low-rise jeans and boots with the fur will be performing once general admission enters at 2 p.m. 

After DJ Shawsty starts the show, Murphy Lee will continue it at 3:30 p.m., followed by Bubba Sparxxx at 4:15 p.m. and Chamillionaire at 5 p.m.

“Hip-hop artists like these haven’t toured in places like Colorado Springs very much,” Hayes said. “A lot of times, it might be someone’s first time seeing Ludacris or Nelly, and it’s such a niche time period to experience. We’re talking some of the biggest hits of that time, and you’re going to know every single song to a point where there’s just no way you can’t dance.”

Petey Pablo continues the party at 5:45 p.m., Chingy takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. and Ginuwine goes on at 7:30 p.m.

The headliner, T.I., will close out the night with an 8:45 p.m. performance.

“We thought tacos, tequila and the anthems of a time filled with T.I., Nelly and Lil Jon is like millennial core,” Hayes said. “Now that we’re all a little older, if you want a night away from the kids, have a little bit more disposable income or want to relive your glory days, this is for you.”

IF YOU GO 

What: Tacos and Tequila Festival

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8

Where: UCHealth Park, 4385 Tutt Blvd. 

Price: $73-$542.38, tacosandtequilafestival.com