Some things in are more Arizona-y than others.

Take tequila. While much of tequila is produced in Mexico, you often think of Arizona when you think of tequila. And if you’re thinking of tequila, you might want to think about the fifth annual Phoenix Tequila Fest, celebrating the nectar of agave for two full days in downtown Phoenix.

The all-day, all-inclusive tequila and food sampling will feature holiday themed cocktails, live bands, a margarita challenge and more. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23 and 24 at US Airways Center from noon to 5 p.m. both days.

More than 100 different tequila varietals will be offered for sampling including Dos Lunas, Patron, Bonita, Dirty Tequila, Cruz, Camarena, 3 Amigos, Semental, Tanteo Agave Underground and many other legendary and boutique tequilas. All the tequilas at the Phoenix festival are 100 percent Blue Agave, grown in Jalisco, the tequila-making region of Mexico.

Tickets are available now at all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the US Airways Center Box Office. Tickets are $50 or $75 for a two-day pass.

So that’s the business we need to cover. What about the event itself? You know it will be fun. Everything is fun when tequila is involved. Add music – rock bands AND mariachi bands – and you just can’t miss. Then with a Margarita Challenge sponsored by Camarena Tequila, you are bound to have a pretty good time. All that tasting will make you a little hungry, so there will be plenty of food to sample from the Valley’s top restaurants with faves like ceviche, flautas, salsa and carne asada. To spice things up (like that’s necessary), a hot pepper eating contest – jalapenos, serranos, habaneros – also will be featured.

When you have had enough tasting, learn about what you have swigged. Want to know what reposado means? Or what an anejo is? Tequila experts will be on hand to talk about how tequila is made from the blue agave plant, how that plant is grown, harvested, roasted, fermented, distilled and aged in wood barrels to create the distinctive tastes.

Another cool feature for the weekend is the Tequila Express. The METRO Light Rail is part of the festival, and you can ride the train for free up to four hours prior to the opening of Tequila Fest and ride it back to your car. Just have your Phoenix Tequila Fest tickets handy for this offer. That is a sweet deal.

And speaking of riding the light rail: every bit of this event needs to be taken seriously. Don’t drink and drive. If you are tasting, don’t drive. If you are driving, don’t taste. That is a no-brainer, right?

Tequila!