Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead Celebration at Tohono Chul Park


October 18, 2018
By Matt Sterner

An annual event that's a little sweet, spicy, and crafty.


It’s that time of year to celebrate memories of the past and make some new ones, too.

As an acknowledgement to all things sugar and spice, Tohono Chul Park is hosting their annual Chiles, Chocolate, and Day of the Dead celebration from 9 a.m – 4 p.m. on Friday, November 2 – Saturday, November 3.

Dozens of food and craft vendors will fill the park grounds with creations from local chefs, artists, and schools. The event is meant to pay homage to the enduring borderland traditions of Día de los Muertos — giving the community an opportunity to leave remembrances of lost loved ones.

Sugar skull workshops, Day of the Dead-themed face paintings, and plenty of other crafts and entertainment will surely keep you busy while eating and admiring the art around the park.

Tickets are $15 to the general public, $5 for Tohono Chul Members, and anyone under the age of 12 years old can join the fun for free.

Chile and chocolate enhanced culinary delights (Credit: Tohono Chul Park)
Chile and chocolate enhanced culinary delights (Credit: Tohono Chul Park)

Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead Culinary Delights

  • Alfonso Olive Oil
  • Americano-Mexicano
  • Brian and Kelly Pumpkins and Chiles
  • Calavera Madness
  • Carolina’s Chocolates
  • Chocolaté
  • Defiant Candy Co.
  • Mano y Metate
  • Mouth of the South
  • Pappardelle’s Pasta
  • Popped Artisan Popcorn
  • Q Confections
  • Queen Ceviche
  • The Roasted Chile
  • Reds Roasters
  • Sweet Arizona
  • Tohono Chul Bistro Bar
  • Tohono Chul Garden Bistro
  • True Love Honey
  • Tucson Tamale
  • Untamed Confections
  • We B Jamin’ Farm
  • Xocolatl Chocolate

Before the big weekend, the Tohono Chul Garden Bistro will be serving a special harvest-themed farm to table dinner on Friday, October 19. The dinner features flavor profiles from local purveyors within a 75-mile radius, including cocktails with Three Wells Distilling Company‘s spirits.

You can check out the Garden Bistro’s full menu at tohonochulpark.org.

Chile and Day of the Dead-inspired crafts (Credit: Tohono Chul Park)

Chile and Day of the Dead-inspired crafts (Credit: Tohono Chul Park)

Chile and Day of the Dead-inspired crafts

  • Alpine Goat Girl
  • Ancestral Herbals
  • Arizona Warmth
  • Azucar
  • Beednicks Design
  • Charles De Concini Chiltepines
  • Chrystal Canyon Creations
  • Cinnasepia
  • Iron Root
  • Mini Hobo Bags
  • Rainbow Goddess
  • SA Alchemists Guild
  • Sugar Skulls Workshop
  • Timothy’s Collection 

Also, latin-inspired music by Rafael Moreno Quartet, Entre Peruanos, Jovert Steel Drum Band, Mariachi Aztlán, and Michael Salerno will echo their beats throughout the park.

Tohono Chul Garden Bistro is located just outside the park on the grounds of Tohono Chul at 7366 E Paseo del Norte, near Ina and Oracle. Entrance into the Garden Bistro does not require park admission fee. For more information, including menu and hours, please visit tohonochulpark.org. Tickets for Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead can be found here.

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