The SAVOR Heritage Foods Festival will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, showcasing Arizona’s most innovative chefs, vintners, brewers, and food artisans.
Co-presented by Art State Arizona, Local First Arizona, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens, the festival celebrates Arizona’s creative economy through heritage ingredients, local sourcing, and bold culinary expression. The event aligns with Tucson’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, bringing that distinction to life with more than 60 regional participants.
A Feast of Flavor and Connection
SAVOR offers a full-sensory experience set within the lush 5.5-acre oasis of the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Guests will explore themed gardens while tasting locally inspired dishes and artisan beverages that connect culture, community, and creativity.
The festival encourages guests to “taste the future” of Arizona’s food landscape by highlighting producers and chefs who honor regional traditions while embracing innovation.
VIP and General Admission Experiences
Use the code EARLYBIRD for 10% off tickets through Oct. 30.
VIP admission ($160 each) includes early entry at 10:30 a.m., allowing 90 minutes of exclusive tasting before general admission. Guests receive:
- A welcome sparkling wine toast and gourmet bite from a Tucson chef
- A SAVOR wine glass, lanyard, and commemorative tote bag
- Reserved parking and discounted Lyft ride
- Access to all Tucson Botanical Gardens exhibits and live music
General admission ($125 each) opens at noon, offering full access until 3 p.m. Guests can explore the gardens, enjoy tastings from over 60 local chefs, and sip wines and brews that reflect Arizona’s diverse terroir.
Community and Creative Spirit
Art State Arizona designed SAVOR as more than a culinary event. It serves as a celebration of community well-being, local economies, and creative expression. The festival’s volunteer and sponsorship programs invite deeper participation, helping sustain Arizona’s cultural infrastructure.
To volunteer, register beginning December 15, 2025, or explore sponsorship and participation opportunities through Art State Arizona at artstateaz.org.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time: VIP entry 10:30 a.m.; General Admission noon to 3 p.m.
- Location: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
- Ages: 21+ only
- Tickets: Available through Art State Arizona
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
