The summer will get a little more enjoyable on Aug. 10 at the Hilton El Conquistador, because dozens of the best local cooks and bartenders are joining forces for one awesome evening. No matter who is awarded as the margarita champion, the real winners are the tasters.

For this 13th Annual World Margarita Championship, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals Restaurants are teaming up to continue their winning partnership of – you guessed it – finding the best damn local drinks and letting the public pick which is best. But it goes beyond just that: The best local food will also be paired with the margarita samples, adding more versatility to the flavors.

More than just margarita samplings, other drink samples include cocktails and tequila. And while the food pairings are mostly Southwestern influenced, more diverse food samples will be available as well.

And because this is America, attendees will get to vote for their favorits. There will be both live Judging and a People’s Choice award for the best Signature Margarita

The proceeds raised from ticket sales will go back toward Southern Arizona arts programs, such as visual and musical therapy for veterans and the Music and Memory Program. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase to be entered to win over $2,000 in local gift cards and gift baskets.

Tickets for the 13th Annual World Margarita Championship are $55 and include food and drink samples from all participating restaurants. Tickets are on sale now at saaca.org/worldmargarita . And if you really feel like getting your money’s worth of margarita samples, hotel reservations are being offered at a special rate of $124.

6 p.m., Friday, August 10
10000 North Oracle Road
Tickets: $55 ($70 at the door)
21+