Where can you find authentic tacos, top-shelf tequila, and plenty of toe-tapping live music? At the 3rd Annual Tequila & Taco Music Festival in downtown Santa Cruz. To join the fun, just head down to San Lorenzo Park on August 27 or 28, and begin sampling a variety of different tacos from various local vendors. Try a couple of carnitas tacos topped with a dollop of tomatillo salsa and wash them down with an ice cold cerveza, or enjoy a trio of spicy chorizo tacos with pico de gallo on top and a frosty margarita on the side.

Parents will be happy to know that the festival is a family-friendly event, which means you'll find numerous arts and crafts activities for little ones throughout the park. And, of course, everyone can enjoy dancing to the live bands that will be playing throughout the day. The festival starts at 11 a.m. on both days, but do be aware that tequila tastings will only happen on Saturday.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jessica Spengler