It’s that time of year again to meet up, eat, and treat yourself.
The 45th annual Tucson Meet Yourself is taking over downtown for a weekend of fun from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, October 12 – Saturday, October 13, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 14.
Besides the substantial amount of food and being known as “Tucson Eat Yourself” around the town, there are a couple of things you should know about the event.
Firstly, if you have never been you’re really missing out. Secondly, it’s a folklife festival that truly displays the identity, artistry, and cultural significance of the Arizona-Sonoran region and beyond.
As was seen in previous years, Tucson Meet Yourself is designated to a certain area, and this year it’s going to be absorbing four city blocks by the Jacomé Plaza that’s in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library.
There’s going to be plenty to learn during the Culture Kitchen: Passing Traditions & Food Justice Expo, too. It’s a food demo showcasing the passing of food knowledge through demonstrations and information on southern Arizona’s food system.
Be sure to invite your appetite along for the walk. You’ll see the following food vendors within a stone’s throw of each other.
“Tucson Meet Yourself” Food Vendors
African American
- Gethsemane Cogic Women
- Mama Carey’s Catering
Africa
- Masri
- Nur Market and Restaurant
Asian and Pacific
- Filipino American Sampaguita
- Filipino American Students Association
- Laos Academic Organization
- New Delhi Palace
- Saffron Indian Bistro
- Takoyaki Balls
- Thri Ratana Buddhist Temple
- Vietnamese Students Association
- Wat Buddhametta
Caribbean
- Caribbean Soul Cuisine
- CeeDee’s Jamaican
- D’s Island Grill
- Patricia’s Cuban Kitchen
- Safe Mission
European
- AHEPA/Daughters of Penelope
- Arslan’s Grill
- Café Francais
- Lajkonik
Latin America
- Club Colombia
- Club Costa Rica
- Inca’s Peruvian
- La Fondita Chilena
- Ricuras de Venezuela
Mexican
- BK’s Tacos
- El Taco Rustico
- Holy Toledo Oaxacan mole
- Little Mexico/Santa Cruz Church
- Los Chiquilines
- Matilde’s Sonoran Kitchen
- Mariscos Chihuahua
Middle East and North African
- Sema Foundation
Native American
- Café Santa Rosa
- San Ignacio Yaqui Council
- San Xavier Co-op Farm
- The O’odham Ladies
- Yoeme Barrio Libre
USA Regional
- Mr. Tri Tip
- Solid Grindz
- Off The Hook Seafood
- Tucson Invitational Games
World Street Snacks
- The Corn Roasters
- Frost Gelato Shoppe
- Fruitshack Smoothies
- Hawaiian Shave Ice
- J’s Kettle Corn
- Just Churros
- King Corn
- KoolTwists
- Lil’ Orbits
- Sonoran Sno Cones
Be sure to check out the performers, folk artists, exhibits, circus acts, a free sing-a-long film screening of Selena, and all the other activities spread out across the area, too.
Tucson Meet Yourself will take up four city blocks by the Jacomé Plaza in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library. For more information about the location, hours, and entertainment schedule, visit tucsonmeetyourself.org or keep up with the event on Facebook.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
