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How to Spend the Final Day of Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week

The Wildcat Burger at Lovin’ Spoonfuls (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

How to Spend the Final Day of Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week

Dec 7, 20245 min read

The first-ever Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week has been treating eaters all week but time is running out if you haven’t stopped by one of the participating restaurants yet.

Today is the last day! Saturday, December 7 is your final chance to taste special vegan menus and popular plant-based dishes at a discount. It’s an invitation to step outside your comfort zone (or lean into your love for vegan food) and discover something new.

If you’re scrambling for ideas and need some guidance, keep scrolling to find out what we suggest you do on the final day of Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week.

Step One: Brunch it up

Stretch, sip on a warm cup of coffee or tea, and find a local restaurant to visit for breakfast or brunch! There are nearly 10 spots serving up vegan pancakes, plant-based sandwiches, and more.

Check out the full list of brunch options here.

Step Two: Grab a midday Meal

Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just a foodie looking to try something new, this event is for everyone who loves great food and supporting local restaurants!

Here is the FULL LIST and GUIDE to participating restaurants.

Step Three: Vegan Night Market

This evening, head over to the Rillito Park at 4502 N. First Ave. for the quarterly Vegan Night Market from 5 – 8 p.m.

With more than 60 vegan food vendors, live music, and an ambiance that’s dark, edgy, and electric, this event brings together 4,000-5,000 plant-based food lovers for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. This month, sip on beer, cocktails, and hot cocoa as you enjoy vegan eats under the stars. With flash tattoos, permanent jewelry, and a festive holiday market filled with vintage clothing, makeup, jewelry, and more, it’ll be the perfect night to celebrate the season.

Dogs won’t be allowed this time but bring a chair, blanket, frisbee, etc. and have fun!

It’s the season of giving so we’re hosting a holiday canned food drive! All donations will be given to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. We’ve also introduced a new way to enjoy Vegan Tucson Night Market: a VIP experience for just $45.

Purchase your tickets to the VIP Experience here.

Meet the Vendors
  • 1220 Bakery – Mini cakes, pound cakes, cookie sandwiches, brownies, blondies, shortbreads
  • A Forever Vibe – Permanent jewelry and charm bracelet bar
  • Affirmation Velas – Affirmation soy candles, wax melts, car diffusers, t-shirts, and tote bags
  • Alaine’s Green Heart Bakery – Vegan baked goods
  • Aloha Kekes – Vegan Hawaiian doughnuts
  • Ate Kei’s Filipino Treats – Filipino baked goods
  • Bumper Crop Cafe – Baked goods and sparkling water
  • Bunuelisimo – Vegan bunuelos
  • By Heidi Sue – Resin jewelry and decor made from local citrus, flowers, and leaves
  • BySpookySelena – ghosts cups, cactus cups, embroidered goods, and more
  • Cactus Jack Pickle Veggies – Pickled vegetables
  • Cero Zero Waste Shop – Zero-waste, vegan home and body products
  • Chez Peachy – Colorful vegan bento cakes and drinks
  • Churros Inzunza – Churros, horchata, tepache, champurrado, te thai , cinnamon rolls, plátanos fritos, capirotada, choco-flan, cocos frescos
  • Cinnaholic – Baby buns with frosting and toppings, Banana Bread, Seasonal Bread, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Cinnadoodle Cookies
  • Del Cielo Tamales – Tacos, burritos, tamales, and tortas
  • Desert Mystic Goods – Candles, crystals, herbs, and more
  • Dirty T Tamarindo – Chamoy-coated candy, rim dips, and keychains
  • Donut Blitz – Vegan mini doughnuts, hot chocolate, and cider
  • Ducky’s Pineapple Banana Bread – Vegan air-fried baked goods
  • Emiliaxocosmetics – Handmade, cruelty-free, vegan cosmetics
  • Ensenada Street Food – Vegan birria, pastor, and chilaquiles
  • Espressoul – Hot chocolate, coffee drinks, Persian treats, and more
  • Forever Vibe
  • HazyHonor – Handmade jewelry
  • Homegrown Smoker – Vegan barbecue and milkshakes
  • Hot Sauce and Pepper – Vegan comfort food
  • Ironwood Pig Sanctuary – local pig rescue
  • Katerinas Original Greek – Vegan spanakopita, dolmades, and pastries
  • Kayla Ballesteros Art – Stickers, pins, shirts, art prints, and more
  • Lovin’ Spoonfuls – Sonoran dogs, barbecue nachos, and more
  • Maya’s Cajun Kitchen – Louisiana favorites with a vegan twist
  • Mi Salsa – Vegan burritos
  • Nana’s Kitchen – Vegan soul food
  • Natalka Ukrainian Bakery & Food – Ukrainian borscht (soup), baked buns, and more
  • Naughty Vegan – Burgers, cheesecake, lemonade, and more
  • Purple Sky Incense – Handmade incense sticks
  • Quantum Casual – Prints, stickers, and more
  • Redondo’s Tortilleria – Vegan tortillas, empanadas, and more
  • Reflective Nourishment – Plant-based superfood treats
  • Samurai Sombrero – Vegan sushi
  • Sand and Silver Photography – Photographic prints
  • Savage Thirst Trap – Mocktails made with fruit and lots of love
  • Selena’s Salvadorian Restaurant – Pupusas, tamales, and agua frescas
  • Seven Generations Jewelry – Sterling silver and turquoise jewelry
  • Sita Rama Tattoo – Tattoos!
  • Sonoran Sweetery – Smoked and roasted nuts
  • Substance Diner – Sandwiches, small bites, and more
  • Sunny Haven Farm Animal Sanctuary – T-shirts and calendars
  • Sweet Rolls and More – Vegan ice cream
  • The Tarot Crow – Traveling all-vegan metaphysical shop
  • Tikk Out – Vegan tikka masala
  • Transit Tea – Customizable teas with more than 4,800 combinations
  • Trash Panda Vegan – Vegan shrimp, lobster, mac ‘n cheese, and more
  • Tucson Chocolate Company – Award-winning vegan chocolate
  • Vegan Tucson – Vegan-themed t-shirts and merch
  • Vuture Food – Chik’n sandwiches, loaded fries, and more
  • Whysked Bakery – Vegan macarons and holiday-themed bites
  • Yellow Bird Farm – Potted plants, hydroponic plants, and more
  • You Sly Dog – Vegan hot dogs, chips, and drinks
  • Yum Yum Pocha – Vegan Korean food

And, as always, it’s free entry and, since we’re back at Rillito Park, there’s going to be free parking.

For more information, visit veganrestaurantweek.com and follow Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week on Instagram.

Article written by:

Hannah Hernandez

Hannah Hernandez

More about Hannah

One of Tucson’s distinguished media creators, Hannah Hernandez, also known as Death Free Foodie, navigates the realms of digital imagery, video editing, and photography.

The trajectory of Hannah’s life changed in 2017 when she adopted a vegan lifestyle, which invited new ways of relating to food and its sources. Choosing to start with sources most immediate to her, Hannah eagerly began exploring local vegan purveyors. Before she knew it she was applying her creative passions toward promoting vegan businesses and makers around Tucson, and Death Free Foodie was born.

Through Death Free Foodie came increased exposure to Tucson’s vegan culture and communities, and it was only a matter of time before Hannah acquired a dedicated following. The growth of Death Free Foodie paralleled Hannah’s personal growth beyond her comfort zones, and she welcomed a new chapter of endless foodie experiences and community involvement.

As means of relaxing, Hannah enjoys dancing and painting her heart out. She also has a garden in her backyard where she grows her favorite herbs, fruits, and veggies.

You can catch glimpses of the many expressions of Hannah’s life’s harvest via her Instagram stories. If you’re curious to see what Hannah’s up to next, follow her at @Deathfreefoodie and check out the link in her bio for reliable access to vegan content.

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🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵

Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday.

An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way.

🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1
(Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨

Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.
@Istanbultucson is expanding to MARANA!

The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100.

The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 

Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Istanbultucson is expanding to MARANA! The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100. The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
Downtown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞

Are your favorites on the list?👀

@5pointstucson 
@agustinkitchen 
@bagginsgourmet 
@barbatatucson 
@basqueriaaz 
@batatucson 
@blockatucson 
@eatbombole 
@bosburger__ 
@brickboxbrewery 
@cafe54_bistro 
@cafealacarttucson 
@barcrisoltucson 
@cafedesta 
@caffeluce 
@casamadretucson 
@cerestucson 
@charrosteak.delrey 
@chef_brian_hill_ 
@chelaslatincuisine 
@crudamariscos 
@hotelcongress 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@elcharro.cafe 
@elmezquitetucson 
@elminutocafe 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@elliottsoncongress 
@emerald29tucson 
@empirepizzatucson 
@forbes_meat_company 
@gibsonmarkettucson 
@heemeebakery 
…and many more on Tucsonfoodie.com
❤️

#downtowntucson 
#tucsonfoodieDowntown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞 Are your favorites on the list?👀 @5pointstucson @agustinkitchen @bagginsgourmet @barbatatucson @basqueriaaz @batatucson @blockatucson @eatbombole @bosburger__ @brickboxbrewery @cafe54_bistro @cafealacarttucson @barcrisoltucson @cafedesta @caffeluce @casamadretucson @cerestucson @charrosteak.delrey @chef_brian_hill_ @chelaslatincuisine @crudamariscos @hotelcongress @decibelcoffeeworks @elcharro.cafe @elmezquitetucson @elminutocafe @zumitosjuicebar @elliottsoncongress @emerald29tucson @empirepizzatucson @forbes_meat_company @gibsonmarkettucson @heemeebakery …and many more on Tucsonfoodie.com ❤️ #downtowntucson #tucsonfoodie
🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵

Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday.

An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way.

🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1
(Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨

Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.