What to eat when visiting the 2022 Tucson Festival of Books

It’s been a couple of years since the Tucson Festival of Books was held in person, but now the event is ready to turn a new page at the University of Arizona.

This year’s festival is happening at the UA Mall on Saturday, March 12 – Sunday, March 13 and you better believe there’s going to be some yummy food to consider, too. I mean, you may as well feed your belly since your mind is being fed all sorts of knowledge from the visiting authors, right?

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.

Participating Food Vendors

Beyond Bread

Festival of Books Menu

• Turkey Sandwich ($8)
• Ham Sandwich ($8)
• Chicken Pesto Sandwich ($8)
• Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich ($8)
• PB & J Sandwich ($8)

For more information, visit beyondbread.com. 

Blue Banjo BBQ Catering

Festival of Books Menu

• Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich ($15)
• BBQ Pork Sandwich ($12)
• Grilled Bratwurst ($9)
• Veggie Burger ($8)

For more information, follow Blue Banjo BBQ on Facebook. 

Lemons on the Loose 

Festival of Books Menu

• Lemonade, limeade, strawberry lemonade, or prickly pear lemonade
  • Small ($5), Large ($6), 32-ounce refillable cup ($8), 44-ounce refillable cup ($10)
• Frozen Slushy Lemonade ($6)

Elif Gozleme

Festival of Books Menu

• Gozleme – Turkish Flatbread filled with spinach and cheese, and ground beef or potatoes ($6)
• Sarma – stuffed grape leaves ($6)
• Baklava ($6)

For more information, visit heirloomfm.org. 

Frost, A Gelato Shoppe 

Festival of Books Menu

• Small Gelato ($4)
• Medium Gelato ($5)
• Large Gelato ($6)

For more information, visit frostgelato.com. 

Hawaiian Shave Ice

Festival of Books Menu

• Shaved Ice – 26 flavors including two sugar-free options ($5)
• Prepackaged Snacks ($1)
• Bottled Water ($1)

Hot Bamboo

Festival of Books Menu

• Cha-Siu Steamed Bun ($8)
• Ground Pork Steamed Bun ($8)
• Teriyaki Chicken Steamed Bun ($8)
• Vegan Tofu Steamed Bun ($8)
• Chicken Pot Stickers ($5)

For more information, visit hotbambooaz.com. 

Hot Pops Kettle Corn

Festival of Books Menu

• Kettle Corn
  • Small ($3), Medium ($5), Large ($8)
• Soda and Water ($1)

For more information, visit hotpopskettlecorn.com. 

Jake’s Lemonade

Festival of Books Menu

• Freshly Squeezed Lemonade ($6)

New Delhi Palace

Festival of Books Menu

• Chicken Tikka Masala – with Rice and Naan ($14)
• Chicken Curry – with Rice and Naan ($13.50)
• Navaratan Korma – with Rice and Naan ($12.50)
• Shahi Paneer – with Rice and Naan ($12.50)
• Vegetable Samosa – two pieces ($6.25)

For more information, visit newdelhipalacetucson.com. 

Nutz About Nuts

Festival of Books Menu

• Glazed Almonds ($8)
• Glazed Pecans ($8)
• Glazed Cashews ($8)
• Glazed Walnuts ($8)

For more information, visit nutzaboutnuts.com. 

Renee’s Tucson

Festival of Books Menu

• Slice of Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza ($6)
• Hummus Tostado ($8)
• Greek Salad with Vinaigrette ($8)
• Boulder Canyon Chips ($2)
• Beverages ($2)

For more information, visit reneestucson.com.

Just Churros

Festival of Books Menu

• Churros (7 of ’em) ($10)
• Dipping Sauce ($3)

For more information, visit justchurros.com. 

SpunLight Cotton Candy

Festival of Books Menu

• Cotton Candy on a stick ($5)
• Cotton Candy in a to-go bag ($6)
• Water ($2)
• Bulk Bag of Cotton Candy ($10)

For more information, follow SpunLight Cotton Candy on Instagram. 

Tucson Tamale Company

Festival of Books Menu

• One Tamale Plate ($8)
• Two Tamale Plate ($11)
• Tamale Salad ($9)

For more information, visit tucsontamale.com.