Tempe Oktoberfest, Arizona Taco Festival called off because of COVID

PHOENIX – Two popular Valley fall festivals were called off Tuesday in response to the resurgence of COVID-19 in Arizona.

For the second consecutive year, there will be no Four Peaks Oktoberfest or Arizona Taco Festival.

“Given the current situation surrounding the delta variant, potential local government restrictions and the financial burden to produce the event, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Four Peaks Oktoberfest,” event producers Lauren Gearhart, Mike O’Hara and Paul Sheard said in a press release.

This year’s Oktoberfest was scheduled for Oct. 8-10 at Tempe Town Lake.

“We look forward to sharing live music, brats and beer with you next year for the 50th annual Four Peaks Oktoberfest!” the producers said.

The 2021 Arizona Taco Festival was set for Oct. 23-24 at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.

“With heightened public health concerns among the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and others, Salt River Fields and event producers have made the decision to postpone Arizona Taco Festival,” the event said in a Facebook post.

It’s not a total loss for taco lovers, however.

Organizers are now planning to hold two Arizona Taco Festivals next year, April 9-10 and Oct. 22-23.

Advanced tickets for this year’s taco celebration will be honored at the April event. Ticket-holders will be emailed with more details, including refund information, according to the Facebook post.

It was also announced the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival scheduled to take place at Salt River Fields in October has been canceled with a plan to return next fall.

Those who purchased tickets for the hot air balloon festival would have their money refunded to the credit card used to make the purchase.

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