What to Eat and Drink at the 2025 Tucson Festival of Books

The Tucson Festival of Books returns to the University of Arizona on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16.

The Tucson Festival of Books is considered to be one of the largest fundraisers for the community and those in the culinary world benefit as well. The festival has been around since 2009 and in 2024, it brought out an estimated 130,000 book lovers.

In total, there will be more than 330 authors, live music, entertainment, and around 100 vendors. Best part: The event is free for all to attend!

Plus, you better believe there will be plenty of food to try out on the UA Mall. Keep scrolling to see the food vendors setting up at this year’s festival.

Participating Food Vendors

• Arizona Sands Club
  • Menu TBD
• Asher Cafe at JCC
  • Menu TBD
• Beyond Bread
  • Half Turkey Sandwich ($8)
  • Half Chicken Sandwich ($8)
  • Half Vegetarian Sandwich ($8)
  • Half Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich ($6)
  • Muffins or scones ($3)
• BlackJack Citrus Infusions
  • Lemonade ($5)
  • Lemonades with fresh fruit ($6)
  • Specialty lemonades and mocktails ($7)
• Blue Banjo BBQ Catering
  • Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9)
  • Grilled Bratwurst ($8)
  • Grilled Veggie Burger ($8)
  • Chips ($2)
  • Soda or Water ($2)
• CowPig
  • Basic Cow ($14)
  • Cowmelt ($16)
  • Tenders ($15)
  • Loaded Fries ($15)
• Dante’s Fire
  • Menu TBD
• Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
  • Menu TBD
• Frost, A Gelato Shoppe
  • Piccolo Gelato – One Flavor ($6)
  • Medio Gelato – Two Flavors ($7)
  • Grande Gelato – Three Flavors ($8)
  • Gelato Bar (Free)
• Glazed and Confused
  • Menu TBD
• Hawaiian Shave Ice
  • Shave Ice ($6)
  • Chips ($1)
  • Bottled Water ($2)
• Hot Bamboo
  • Rice Bowls ($16)
  • Steamed Buns ($12)
  • Dumplings/Pot Stickers ($8)
  • Dumplings/Shumai ($9)
  • Spam Musubi ($6)
• Hot Pops Kettle Corn
  • Kettle Corn ($8)
  • Soda/Water ($1)
  • Gatorade ($2)
• Jake’s Lemonade
  • Lemonade ($8)
• Just Churros
  • Churros (bag of six) ($10)
  • Dipping Sauce ($2)
• Kabob Shack
  • Menu TBD
• Lisa’s Sonoran Hot Dogs
  • Sonoran Hot Dogs ($12)
  • Nachos ($6)
  • Sonoran Nachos ($8)
  • Drinks ($5)
  • Jumbo Hot Dog ($10)
• New Delhi Palace Cuisine of India
  • Chicken tikka masala/ Paneer tikka masala ($15.99)
  • Chana Masala ($15.99)
  • Basmati rice/ veggie samosa ($6)
  • Mixed Vegetable Curry ($15.99)
• Prep & Pastry
  • Animal Style Burger COMBO Chips & Drink ($25)
  • Chicken Salad Sandwich COMBO Chips & Drink ($18)
  • Macaroni and Cheese COMBO Chips & Drink ($17)
  • Caesar Salad COMBO Chips & Drink ($15)
  • Animal Style Burger A LA CARTE ($20)
  • Chicken Salad Sandwich A LA CARTE ($13)
  • Macaroni and Cheese A LA CARTE ($12)
  • Caesar Salad A LA CARTE ($10)
  • Pastry ($4)
  • Cookie ($4)
  • Chips ($3)
  • Apple Slices ($3)
  • Water and Sodas ($5)
  • Iced Coffee ($4)
  • Hot Coffee ($3)
• Renee’s Tucson
  • Slice of cheese Pizza ($6)
  • Slice of pepperoni Pizza ($6)
  • Hummus tostada ($8)
  • Greek Salad ($8)
  • Water and soda ($3)
• SpunLight Cotton Candy
  • Cotton Candy on a Stick ($6)
  • Cotton Candy in a Bag ($7)
  • Water & Fizzy Water ($2)
• Transit Tea
  • Just Tea ($3)
  • Flavored Tea ($4)
  • Matcha Latte ($5)
  • Chai Latte ($5)
• Tucson Tamale
  • Two Tamales ($9)
  • Two Tamale Plate ($13)
  • Salad ($9)
  • Tamale Salad ($13)
  • Brownie ($4)
• Zio Peppe
  • Half Woodfired Pizza ($13)
  • Woodfired Pizza ($23)
  • Garlic Knots ($10)
  • Caprese ($12)
  • Cheesecake ($10)

For more dining options, check out our guide to the “Best Places to Eat and Drink Near the University of Arizona.”

The Tucson Festival of Books is at the University of Arizona on the UA Mall from Saturday, March 15 – Sunday, March 16. For more information, visit tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.