Spirits of Mexico Festival to take place at Del Mar Fairgrounds

The 11th annual Spirits of Mexico Festival, the nation’s largest tasting event for Mexican spirits, returns to San Diego Sept. 28.

Held for the first time at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, guests will gather amidst Spanish architecture and sunshine, sampling sips and bites of Mexico’s finest offerings. An array of spirits, including the popular varieties of tequila, mezcal, sotol and bacanora, will be poured by the industry’s top producers, award-winning brands and new-to-market makers. The evening’s food and drink festivities will be rounded out with dancing, live music by Spanish guitar duo Cantua, a silent auction and the live Cocktail Challenge — a fierce live battle between local mixologists for the crown of best tequila or mezcal cocktail.

The festival takes place 3-7 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for designated drivers, $60 for general admission, $85 for VIP and $110 for all access.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thespiritsofmexico.com.