Elevating Our Events: Why We’re Investing in Tucson’s Festival Culture

When I acquired Tucson Foodie a little over four years ago, I believed it could become much more than a media company.

While journalism remains at our core, we’ve discovered that some of our strongest community connections happen in person. That belief has grown our calendar from a handful of dinners to signature events like Sonoran Restaurant Week, Asian Night Market, Tucson Craft Beer Crawl, Vegan Night Market and more.

We’ve spent the past few years testing ideas, learning through experience and building these events with a lean team and limited resources. Those early experiments showed us what resonates. Now it’s time to invest in professional leadership to take our festivals and experiences to the next level.

Today, we’re making that investment.

Please join me in welcoming Ben Andersen as Tucson Foodie’s Director of Festivals & Experiences.

Ben brings a rare combination of large-scale festival production, luxury hospitality and live entertainment. As a founder of DUSK Music Festival, he touched every aspect of operations, from logistics and branding to guest experience. He’s also collaborated with UA Athletics and the Rialto Theatre Foundation. He understands not only how to produce successful events, but how to create experiences that people remember.

When I asked Ben what makes a great event, he said: “A truly great event should be safe, immersive, inclusive, experiential, accessible, and above all, fun.”

Meet Ben Andersen

Are you originally from Tucson?

I grew up in Phoenix, but the University of Arizona brought me to Tucson. It was the perfect size, and I’ve truly found my home here over the years.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love DJing, producing music, golf, off-roading, and cycling. I’m also a massive Wildcats fan — through my work with DUSK, I’ve collaborated closely with the Arizona Men’s Basketball and Football programs on some incredible events.

What are your favorite local spots?

Anello is my favorite restaurant — they have everything going for them. For coffee, it’s Raging Sage, and you have to try the Steak Frites from Forbes Meat Co.

What are you most excited to build at Tucson Foodie?

The team has built an amazing foundation, and I’m hyped to bring my expertise to the table to elevate our current offerings while dreaming up brand new event concepts for this community.

Anything else Tucson Foodie readers should know?

I may be 6’7”, but don’t let my height intimidate you! I’m incredibly approachable, and I love making community connections. If you see me out at an event, please come say hi — I’d love to chat.

Personally, I couldn’t be more excited to have Ben on the team. This is an investment not just in Tucson Foodie, but in the experiences we’ll create for our community for years to come. 

Welcome, Ben. I can’t wait to see what we build together.