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August Food Events: Magic, Anniversaries & Staycations to end off the summer

August Food Events: Magic, Anniversaries & Staycations to end off the summer

Jul 29, 20197 min read

You’ve made it this far into summer and have fearfully taken on all of the joyous temperatures that comes packaged along with it. Now it’s time to get to eating (and drinking) with this handful of August food events.

With that being said, you deserve to cool off and treat yourself to some of the fun events happening around the city this month.

Whether it’s the an immense margarita festival that’ll take you on a whirlwind adventure of flavors, or a staycation deal that’ll both keep you cool and your stomach full with a $20 breakfast credit, you’ll find something fun (and definitely tasty) to do in the following list.

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August Food Events

Thursday, August 1

$100 “Bed then Breakfast” Deal at Hotel Congress & Cup Cafe

Cast Iron Baked Eggs at Cup Cafe in Hotel Congress (Credit: Melissa Stihl)
Cast Iron Baked Eggs at Cup Cafe in Hotel Congress (Credit: Melissa Stihl)

Hotel Congress and Cup Cafe are offering a special “Bed then Breakfast” deal if you book a room at the hotel from Thursday, August 1 – Thursday, August 8.

In order to snag this deal, you’ll need to make a reservation — at $100 a room — for a night (or a few) from Thursday, August 1 through Monday, August 26.

Upon completion of your reservation, you’ll receive a $20 breakfast credit to be used at Cup Cafe during your stay at the historic downtown hotel. Read more…

Three-Course Mezcal Carreño Dinner at Elvira’s

Elvira’s is hosting a three-course “Mezcal Carreño Dinner” from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 1.

The dinner will feature a lineup from Mezcal Carreño  and three tasty dishes that are inspired by the flavors of Oaxaca. Plus, upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a Welcome Cocktail.

Seats are $60 per person. Read more…

Friday, August 2

Drink up at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship

(Photo courtesy of Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance)
(Photo courtesy of Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance)

The Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort Hotel is hosting the 2018 World Margarita Championship at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 2.

If you haven’t had the chance to catch one of the previous World Margarita Championships, you may want to consider setting aside some time for this year’s event for an evening full of spirited cocktails, tastings of world class Margaritas and tequilas, and cuisine of the southwest.

Tickets are $60 per person. Read more…

Saturday, August 3

Beer & Cupcakes with Dillinger Brewing Co. & Tucson Roller Derby

Tucson Cupcake Bar amaretto, Jack & Coke, limoncello, and margarita cupcakes at Cafe Marcel (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tucson Cupcake Bar amaretto, Jack & Coke, limoncello, and margarita cupcakes at Cafe Marcel (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Roll on down to Dillinger Brewing Company as they host a Beer and Cupcake Pairing party with Tucson Roller Derby from 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 3.

Each flight of beer consists of four brews and four mini cupcakes made by several of the local skaters — some of which are Harry Potter-themed.

Each flight of beer with cupcakes is $15 each. Read more…

Thursday, August 8

Three-Day Anniversary Celebration at Villa Peru

(Photo courtesy of Villa Peru on Facebook)
(Photo courtesy of Villa Peru on Facebook)

Everyone’s invited as Villa Peru Modern Peruvian Cuisine celebrates its one year anniversary from Thursday, August 8 – Saturday, August 10.

The party gets the weekend started early on Thursday with a special chef’s menu for the occasion, live music, and Happy Hour prices. Plus, everyone gets a free slice of cake.

Reservations are recommended — especially during the anniversary celebration — and you can do that by heading over to villaperutucson.com or by calling (520) 900-7310.

Friday, August 9

“Bodega Bites” Pop-Up Dinner with South Sixth Bodega at Prep & Pastry

Assorted dishes at Prep & Pastry (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Assorted dishes at Prep & Pastry (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Prep & Pastry is teaming up with South Sixth Bodega for a one of a kind Pop-Up Dinner from 6 – 10 p.m. on Friday, August 9.

The dinner is officially called “Bodega Bites” and is planning to feature a taco and drink menu from the talented chefs at Prep & Pastry and the flavorful tortillas by Tortillas by Che West.

The cost of the meal and the menu has yet to be announced, which makes the pop-up even more interesting, and there’s also no need to make reservations. So, be sure to get there early if you’d like to snag a spot at the table.

Tuesday, August 6

Drink Beer & Save Turtles fundraiser at Hotel Congress

It should’t hurt to be a turtle. It shouldn’t hurt to be thirsty either.

Luckily, Hotel Congress is considering the livelihood of everyone and throwing a “Drink Beer. Save Turtles” event from 6 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6.

The event entails exactly what it states. Grab a drink at the Hotel Congress Lobby Bar and you’ll be supporting the Turtle Survival Alliance.  You can find out more info at the Hotel Congress Facebook event page.

Friday, August 9

Ten55 Brewing Company celebrates one year at its downtown location

Bratwurst with Sauerkraut at Ten55 Brewing and Sausage House (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Bratwurst with Sauerkraut at Ten55 Brewing and Sausage House (Credit: Jackie Tran)

It’s been one year since moving to the downtown location, and Ten55 Brewing Company is throwing a weekend bash from Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11.

The party is perfect for those who’d rather not commit to one specific time because there’s something special going on each night during the anniversary celebration.

Depending on the day, they’ll be releasing “collabrewation” beers and bringing certain favorites back on tap. Read more…

Saturday, August 10

No regrets with wine, food & music at the “Bad Decisions” Festival in Sonoita

(Credit: AZ Hops & Vines: Bad Decisions Camp Out on Facebook)
(Credit: AZ Hops & Vines: Bad Decisions Camp Out on Facebook)

Over in the neighboring town of Sonoita, AZ Hops & Vines is hosting its annual “Bad Decisions” Festival from 11 a.m – 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 10.

Aside from the beautiful landscape, you’ll find beer from local breweries, food trucks, a large amount of bacon to consume, live music, and an epic meteor shower. Read more…

You’re in for a treat: “Cake Decorating 101” class at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
(Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort on Facebook)

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort and executive pastry chef, Shelli Soto, are hosting a “Cake Decorating 101” class from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10.

The culinary team at the resort is treating everyone in the class to one-on-one instructions, live demonstrations, and a High Tea Luncheon. Shelli Soto is taking on the group of eager, cake decorating enthusiasts and passing on her knowledge and techniques.

Seats are $149 per person and are limited to just 24 spots. Read more…

Friday, August 16

Lance Burton Pre-Show “Magic & Wine” Dinner mesmerizes at PY Steakhouse

Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin at PY Steakhouse (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin at PY Steakhouse (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Just before the big Lance Burton show, PY Steakhouse, located just inside Casino Del Sol, is throwing a pre-show dinner from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, August 16.

This is a perfect meal to grab if you’re planning on checking out the Lance Burton: Master Magician and Friends show at Casino Del Sol’s Conference Center.

Seats to the dinner are $75 per person, and that does not get you into the magic show afterwards. Read more…

Throughout the month

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails highlights Panama City in Around the Globe tour (MENU)

Patacones with Shrimp Salad at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails (Credit: Jackie Tran)

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails continues its “Around the Globe: Sisters Cities of Gastronomy” tour with a special Panama City menu from Monday, June 24 to Monday, August 19. See menu…

JUNE

In addition, a Cooking Demo & Multi-Course Dinner will take place at The Carriage House on Friday, June 28 from 6 – 9 p.m. Seats are $70 per person and you’ll get a copy of all of the recipes and a multi-course dinner with drinks. See more…

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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LAST CALL!

It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. 

Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week.

Produced by Tucson Foodie 
Presented by @Visittucson 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonLAST CALL! It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week. Produced by Tucson Foodie Presented by @Visittucson #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucson
@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory.

Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant.

Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Photos by @tortillaschiwas 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory. Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant. Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. Photos by @tortillaschiwas Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
After 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩

This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnewsAfter 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿

The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert.

The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples.

🎟️ Doobie members: $110
🎟️ Non-members: $150

The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout.

🔗 in bio

MENU

COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE 
*“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!*
-Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons
-Taki Powder
-“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour)
-Orange Ash
-Green Onion Curls

COURSE 2 / APPETIZER 
*Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites*
-Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip
-Melted Oaxaca
-Savory Avocado Mousse
-Purple Potato Shoestring Frites
-Heirloom Tomatoes
-Pickled Onion Powder

COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER
*Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* 
-Cucumber Serrano Granita
-Caramelized Chamoy Bowl
-Tajin
-Infused Mint/Basil Oil

COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE 
*Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin*
-Beef Franks
-Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon
-Carmelized Shallots
-Refried Beans
-“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust
-Jalapeño Mustard Crema
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Smoked Chile Guero

COURSE 5 / DESSERT
*Gansito à la Mode*
-Chocolate-glazed gâteau,
-Strawberry confit,
-Toasted marshmallow mousse,
-Mexican vanilla semifreddo
-Chocolate crisp.

Photo by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿 The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert. The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples. 🎟️ Doobie members: $110 🎟️ Non-members: $150 The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout. 🔗 in bio MENU COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE *“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!* -Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons -Taki Powder -“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour) -Orange Ash -Green Onion Curls COURSE 2 / APPETIZER *Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites* -Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip -Melted Oaxaca -Savory Avocado Mousse -Purple Potato Shoestring Frites -Heirloom Tomatoes -Pickled Onion Powder COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER *Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* -Cucumber Serrano Granita -Caramelized Chamoy Bowl -Tajin -Infused Mint/Basil Oil COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE *Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin* -Beef Franks -Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon -Carmelized Shallots -Refried Beans -“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust -Jalapeño Mustard Crema -Cherry Tomatoes -Smoked Chile Guero COURSE 5 / DESSERT *Gansito à la Mode* -Chocolate-glazed gâteau, -Strawberry confit, -Toasted marshmallow mousse, -Mexican vanilla semifreddo -Chocolate crisp. Photo by @dalton.voss #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents