No need to wait until Tuesday—tacos will take center stage this fall as Hope Mills prepares to host the inaugural NC Taco Festival, a free, family-friendly celebration spotlighting food, culture and community.
Scheduled for Sept. 20, at the Golfview Greenway, the festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors eager to sample tacos, shop from local vendors and enjoy live entertainment in one of Cumberland County’s most scenic outdoor venues.
The event is being promoted and managed by LWood Media Group, which describes the festival as more than a food gathering. Organizers emphasize that it is designed to bring people together around a shared love of tacos while creating a memorable experience for families, food enthusiasts and the community at large.
The highlight of the day will be an impressive lineup of more than 10 food trucks and stands, each offering a unique spin on the classic taco. From traditional street tacos filled with carne asada, chicken or carnitas to bold fusion creations that blend international flavors, festivalgoers will have plenty of options to savor.
The diversity of taco offerings reflects the popularity of the dish nationwide. Americans consume billions of tacos annually, and the handheld favorite has even earned its own holiday: National Taco Day, celebrated each year on Oct. 4.
Many view the taco as a symbol of creativity and adaptability in modern cuisine. At the festival, visitors can expect both the familiar flavors they already love and inventive twists that showcase just how versatile the taco can be. No matter the preference, spicy, savory, traditional or experimental, there will be something to satisfy every palate.
While tacos are the star attraction, the NC Taco Festival is designed to be much more than a culinary event. More than 100 vendors will showcase handmade goods, local art and unique treasures, creating a lively marketplace atmosphere that encourages community connection.
Families can enjoy a full day of live music from local performers on the main stage and take part in activities designed for children, including the dedicated “Little Burros” kids’ zone with games and entertainment. Local businesses, artists and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to participate, reinforcing the festival’s mission to celebrate and support the wider community.
By weaving food, music, art and commerce into one event, organizers hope to create an experience that highlights the culture and creativity of Hope Mills while offering residents and visitors a chance to come together in a festive setting.
For those looking to enhance their day, the festival offers an exclusive VIP pass. The package includes access to a shaded VIP tent with seating, an unlimited chips and salsa bar, all you can drink soda and water, priority parking and skip the line privileges at all participating food trucks.
Lines are expected to be long given the popularity of the food, and the VIP pass was created to give guests a more relaxed experience, allowing them to avoid waits and focus on enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Though 2025 marks the first year for the NC Taco Festival, organizers hope it will become an annual tradition in Hope Mills. With the rising popularity of food festivals nationwide, the event is poised to attract visitors from across North Carolina and beyond.
Taco festivals have become popular in cities around the country, but the Hope Mills event will highlight both local talent and the universal appeal of the taco. Widely recognized as a food that crosses cultural boundaries, the taco’s simplicity, flavor and versatility have made it a universally loved dish that continues to bring people together.
The NC Taco Festival will run all day, Sept. 20, at Golfview Greenway, 3644 Golfview Rd., Hope Mills. Admission is free, and parking will be available on site. VIP passes can be purchased in advance through the festival’s website at tacofestivalnc.com.