Latest news with #TacoFest
Axios
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Another chaotic Taco Fest highlights need for event safety
Yet another Columbus festival debacle has city officials grappling with how to fix a recurring problem of disorganized and sometimes dangerous events. Why it matters: Large-scale gatherings will only become bigger and more common as Columbus grows, placing greater importance on event safety and logistics. Driving the news: The ninth Columbus Taco Fest was abruptly closed early Saturday night after multiple fights broke out at Goodale Park. Shortly after, two people including a juvenile were shot near the park — it's unclear whether the shooting and fights were linked. Attendees later posted on Reddit that crowds were "running and screaming in terror," unaware of what was happening. The festival returned Sunday. Organizers claimed on Instagram: "It became clear that our event was deliberately targeted by a large group of minors whose only intent was to disrupt." Flashback: Nearly the exact same scenario happened last year. The 2024 edition of Taco Fest closed around 8pm because of fights, and organizers banned unaccompanied minors for the next day — the same steps taken this year. In 2022, another shooting happened adjacent to the festival when its home was Genoa Park. Zoom out: Taco Fest is far from the only festival mess in recent memory. This month, Sonic Temple created such a logistical nightmare that one of its acts almost couldn't make it to the stage. Last year, celebrity chef and Columbus native Guy Fieri's highly publicized "Flavortown Fest" was canceled in advance with virtually no explanation. Smaller one-off festivals, including the Margarita Festival and Coffee Festival, have been panned by disappointed attendees. What they're saying:"Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen problems related to this specific festival," Columbus Department of Public Safety spokesperson Glenn McEntyre tells Axios. "Moving forward, we are seeking a stronger collaboration and coordination with all involved to keep these events fun and safe for everyone." City Council President Shannon Hardin wrote on X that he had been in touch with police.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Two shot on North High Street Saturday evening
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Two people are injured after a shooting on North High Street Saturday evening, Columbus dispatchers confirmed. According to dispatchers, two victims were shot at North High Street and Buttles Avenue near the Shake Shack. Columbus dispatchers said two people were shot, both transported to nearby hospitals in stable condition. One victim was transported to Nationwide Children's. The shooting occurred just two blocks from Taco Fest at Goodale Park, which organizers confirmed was shut down early due to teenagers fighting. Police have closed North High Street between Warren Street and Buttles Avenue as they investigate. Columbus police confirmed one person has been detained as a suspect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Taco Fest shut down early after fights, reopens Sunday under new guidelines
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Taco Fest closed early Saturday after fights threatened the safety of attendees, organizer Hugo Albornoz confirmed. Albornoz, founder and executive director of Taco Fest, said the event at Goodale Park was shut down before it's scheduled 10 p.m. end for the safety of guests. Albornoz said people with tickets left from Saturday will be able to use them Sunday, although the festival will operate under different guidelines. Albornoz said for Sunday's event, only attendees older than 21 or under age 10 with immediate family will be admitted. He said they will also add more security to protect attendees. The festival had already required all minors to be accompanied by adults, but the new regulations bar pre-teen and teenage attendees entirely. This is the second year in a row the Saturday of Taco Fest has had to shut down early due to fighting. Last year, Taco Fest was shut down after large groups of teenagers got violent, with radio runs describing a '20 to 50 person fight.' Last year, the fighting led organizers to enact an 18-and-up age restriction after 7 p.m. on the Sunday of the festival. Two blocks away on North High Street, two people were shot around the time dispatchers said Columbus police were trying to shut down the festival. Dispatchers did not confirm a connection between the two events, and Albornoz said he knew nothing about it as it did not happen on-site. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philadelphia weekender: Horses, Metallica, Memorial Day
🐴 The Devon Horse Show runs through June 1 at the Devon Show Grounds in Chester County. It's considered the nation's oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse competition. Look out for exhibitions, a dog show and Memorial Day festivities. Single ticket and priority packets available: $20-$350 🎭 The Philadelphia Magic Gardens is hosting an art-after-dark event as part of its Fourth Friday series. Live performances, crafts, plus a tour of the decked-out basement. 7-10pm. Tickets: $25 adults; $20 students; $10 members. 🥁 Enter Sandman. Metallica is playing two shows at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday and Sunday with appearances from Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills. Single tickets ($92+) and two-day passes available. 💃 Take some tango lessons this weekend during a dance festival at the Lithuanian Music Hall in Port Richmond. Four-day events include lectures, concerts, and lots and lots of dancing. Score an all-access festival pass for $140 or single-day tix for $45. 🎪 The Philadelphia Contemporary Circus kicks off Friday time. The inaugural 10–day event, put on by FringeArts, runs through June 1. It includes a blend of acrobatics, dance and theatrical performances, all under one tent. See full schedule for details and tix. ⚜️ Check out the Philly Renaissance Faire at Fort Mifflin. Three days of magic, juggling and music. And we can't forget about those meaty turkey legs. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children (5-14), free for 4 and under. 🌮 Tacos Saturday and Sunday don't have the same ring. But it does have that same taste. The free Taco Fest at Chaddsford Winery includes some of the region's fav food trucks, plus wine and live music. 2-5pm Here's a rundown of Memorial Day events in Philly: 🪖 Explore historic Eastern State Penitentiary for a full slate of programming honoring the country's fallen soldiers. Events include exhibits, tours and talks, including one on Al Capone's cell. Tickets: $21 adults, $17 children. 🇺🇸 Bucks County is throwing a Memorial Day parade in Perkasie. The event kicks off at 9am on Saturday at 7th and Market Streets. That's followed by a ceremony in Menlo Park, including a rifle salute and veteran recognition. 🎉 Doylestown is also throwing its 157th annual parade starting at 10am on Monday at Central Bucks West High School. 🆓 It's free admission to the National Constitution Center from Saturday-Monday.
