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Things To Do: Fiestas, Grape-Stompin’ & More (September 2024)

(Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Company)

Things To Do: Fiestas, Grape-Stompin’ & More (September 2024)

Sep 2, 20244 min read

There’s a heck of a lot of new things to do!

Here are some of this month’s highlights. You can always check out our Events section on the website to see what’s going on any day of the week.

SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK

Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 15
Multiple Restaurants/Locations

Now in its sixth year, Sonoran Restaurant Week (SRW) is back on September 6-15, 2024, providing both locals and visitors a unique opportunity to explore and fall in love (again?) with Tucson’s incredible restaurant scene.

What’s new this year:

  • All menus are discounted by 25% (we checked!)
  • A new website makes it easier to filter through participating restaurant by cuisine, menu price, and more
  • On each of the 10 nights of SRW, one restaurant hand-picked by Tucson Foodie will be hosting a special private dinner (separate from their SRW menu)

If you’re like us and you intend to create a plan of action for Sonoran Restaurant Week, scheduling out all your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the entire 10 days — be sure to add some flexibility — stay tuned as this page is updated daily as new restaurants join and send us their menus.

As you’ll see, restaurants offer prix fixe menus at either a $15, $25, $35, $45, or $55 price point. Some restaurants went above and beyond, creating super special menus for you to enjoy at multiple price points, and others are hosting special dinners.

Learn more.

EAT WELL & AGE GRACEFULLY: DIM SUM AND THEN SOME WITH CHEF BARRY INFUSO

Thursday, September 12
2700 E. Speedway Blvd.
Photo Courtesy of Flying Aprons

Sponsored by AARP, the class is free.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring while enjoying a variety of foods from different food groups — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy products, and healthy fats.

You’ll learn the secrets to creating the perfect dough, the art of folding your potstickers, and how to cook them to achieve that irresistible crispy bottom. Plus, you’ll whip up a tangy dipping sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of your homemade dim sum.

Learn more.

GREAT CRUSH FESTIVAL WITH AZ HOPS & VINES

Saturday, September 14
3450 Arizona 82

“Stomp some grapes! It’s the 13th Annual Great Crush Festival and you don’t want to miss it! Wear a white dress and cut the line! Live music, food, and wine.”

Learn more.

IT’S CHILE OUTSIDE: GREEN CHILE FIESTA

Saturday, September 14
The Meading Room, 3470 AZ-82

“We’re bringing all things green chile to Sonoita wine country! You may have tried our famous spicy green chile wine, Old No. 9, but did you know that the alcohol is made by fermenting real, fresh-roasted Hatch green chiles? So in honor of everyone’s favorite spicy concoction, we’re going all out with live music with Ruta Verbena and Bucky Mills, delicious food truck eats, fresh chiles roasted on-site, local vendors, limited edition locally-made clay cantaritos (first come first serve), and much, much more! We’ll be stocked up on those frozen green chile margaritas.”

Learn more.

BORDERLANDS SUMMER FIESTA

Saturday, September 14
119 E. Toole Ave.

“Tucson, get ready for the ultimate Borderlands Summer Fiesta! 🌞 Join us on September 14th at 6 p.m. as we release our latest brew, Las Hermanas, alongside some of our favorite local breweries like MotoSonora, and special guests from Mexico. We’ve also teamed up with downtown bars, local businesses like Cobra Arcade, and more to bring you a night of great beer, good vibes, and endless fun. Tickets are only $30, and you can grab yours on our website. Let’s raise a glass and celebrate together!”

Learn more.

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC SONORAN HOT DOGS

Wednesday, September 25
5655 E River Rd.
Photo Courtesy of Antsy Nancy

“Arizona’s most popular fusion of Mexican and American food has to be the iconic Sonoran hot dog. This popular street food item can be found at food stands, food trucks, and restaurants in the Valley, and after this class, your own kitchen!”

  • Starter: Tableside Guacamole with Warm Tortilla Chips (hands-on student cooking)
  • Main Dish: Sonoran Hot Dogs with Fresh Pico de Gallo (hands-on student cooking)
  • Side Dish: Skillet Mexican Street Corn (hands-on student cooking)
  • Dessert: Churro Fries & Chocolate Ganache Dipping Sauce (chef demonstration)

Learn more.

OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION

Thursday, September 26
5049 E. Broadway Blvd.

“Join Community Foundation Campus and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona for an evening of fun to welcome fall! Get to know our CF Campus nonprofit tenants, community, and staff with games, raffle prizes, and food from Haus of Brats (vegan/vegetarian options provided). Please RSVP via the link to ensure there is enough food and refreshments for all.”

Learn more.

VEGAN NIGHT MARKET

Saturday, September 28
200 S. Sixth Ave.

Experience an evening of vegan indulgence at the Vegan Night Market, presented by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie. From mouth-watering food and sweets to innovative cocktails, music, tattoos, permanent jewelry, and a vegan hat bar you’ll be immersed in a plant-based playground.

Learn more.

Discover more things to do in Tucson.

Article written by:

Pilar Andrade

Pilar Andrade

More about Pilar
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@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰

The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise.

📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰 The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise. 📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.
The grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉

@istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. 

The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. 

“The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar

Daily hours: 11am - 9pm

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comThe grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉 @istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. “The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar Daily hours: 11am - 9pm Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Have you tried any of them?

@Crossroadskitchen 
Daily buffet 8am - 2pm
2602 S 4th Ave 

@Casamolinadelnorte 
Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 
3001 N Campbell Ave

@Delcielotamal 
Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am 
Thursdays and Saturdays 
Traditional buffet Sundays
3073 N Campbell Ave 

@Losme.zquites 
Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 
2527 W Drexel Rd 

@Cafesantarosa520 
Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 
2615 S 6th AveHave you tried any of them? @Crossroadskitchen Daily buffet 8am - 2pm 2602 S 4th Ave @Casamolinadelnorte Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 3001 N Campbell Ave @Delcielotamal Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am Thursdays and Saturdays Traditional buffet Sundays 3073 N Campbell Ave @Losme.zquites Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 2527 W Drexel Rd @Cafesantarosa520 Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 2615 S 6th Ave