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‘High in the Desert’ Sparks Up With Live Music, Cannabis, Food & More

(Photos courtesy of High in the Desert and Mark Whittaker)

‘High in the Desert’ Sparks Up With Live Music, Cannabis, Food & More

Oct 2, 20243 min read

High in the Desert is half music festival/half cannabis expo and a whole afternoon of fun.

On Saturday, October 5, dozens of cannabis brands, vendors, and more descend upon the MSA Annex in the Festival’s second bi-annual event. Whether you’re a live music fan, a cannabis aficionado, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone at High in the Desert.

VIP Ticketholders ($120) get in at 4 p.m., General Admission ($65) is at 5 p.m., and the event runs until 10 p.m. at 267 S. Avenida del Convento.

Live Music on Tap

Headlining the event is The Expendables, a reggae band from Santa Cruz, California. Featuring a
quartet of musicians, the group has made a name offering a mix of reggae, ska, punk, and metal since 1997. With eight studio albums under their belt, expect a mix of crowd-moving jams and a heavy California influence of surf rock.

(Photo courtesy of High in the Desert)

Supporting bands include Anarbor (from Phoenix), The Irie (from Chandler), and Tucson native Anjanee.

In addition, the event will feature DJ Frvnk Benjvmin with Lucid Lizard Entertainment spinning in between sets. Emcee Beef Vegan of Rock 102.1 KFMA will be entertaining festival-goers through the day.

Cannabis in It’s (many) Forms

This is High in the Desert, so expect a plethora of the cannabis plant flowing freely in all its various embodiments. Want to sample rosin? They’ll be a dab bar. Into pure cannabis flower? Head to the bong bar. Prefer vapor? There’s a bar for that, too.

Many brands and dispensaries are featured, offering plenty of samples and freebies from:

  • Grow Sciences
  • Abundant Organics
  • VARZ Cannabis
  • HALO Infusions
  • Lunchbox Dispensary
  • D2 Dispensaries
  • FENO
  • Jeeter
  • Dr. Greenthumb’s
  • i.o. Extracts
  • Earth’s Healing
  • Hello! Live Resin
  • projectpacks
(Photo courtesy of High in the Desert)
Community-Driven Vendor Village

When you’re not sampling products or jamming to the bands, enjoy the festival feel with various local artisans and informational booths. Home decor, smoking accessories, fashion and art will be offered.

Businesses on site include:

  • Live Glass Blowing by Sunset Glass Gallery
  • Live Painting with Art by Ercolini
  • Buffalo Bannnon
  • It’s Always 420 in AZ
  • Arizona NORML
  • Scuba Stash
  • Vibes Papers
  • Zen and Gems
  • Quantum Casual
  • Maude Pods
  • On Cloud Dye
  • Jazmin Roze Art
  • Butterfly Creations
  • Turtle Timber AZ
  • balance
  • Desert Alchemist
  • Little Rabbit Jewelry
  • Tucson Doobie
  • Creative Universe Productions
  • Desert Clairvoyant
  • Thrush Law Group
  • All Off Cannabis World
  • High in the Desert Merch
  • AZCan
Munchies Don’t Stand a Chance

Rounding out the event is a selection of food trucks and purveyors offering something for every palate. Handheld delights, decadent treats, and creative beverages will be offered.

Featured munchie-cures include:

  • CowPig Food Truck
  • You Sly Dog Food Truck
  • Mafia Kitchen Cannolis + Italian Sodas
  • Donut Blitz Food Truck
  • Roman’s Antojitos
  • Savage Mami
Burger from CowPig food truck (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Get your tickets soon!

High in the Desert is taking place at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Article written by:

Tucson Doobie

Tucson Doobie

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SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
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The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣

Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station.

3655 E Speedway Blvd.
Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

#tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
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From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. 

Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona