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September Events: the Great Chile Fest, Bubbles & Brunch & an alien invasion

September Events: the Great Chile Fest, Bubbles & Brunch & an alien invasion

Sep 18, 20196 min read

Although global chains have already debuted pumpkin-spiced drinks for fall, it’s still 100 degrees in Tucson. While the temps are sweltering, that that can’t stop us from getting together around food and drink and having fun.

September is a month of seasonal menus, several festivals, and some tasty drinks. There’s no time for palate boredom; let’s hop to it, drink in hand, and get celebrating.

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Under the title of each event listed below, we’ve created a banner. If you click on it, the event times and location will appear as well as the option to add it to your Google calendar.

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Sign up for our ‘Special Offers & Events’ Newsletter and you’ll keep up-to-date with events as they are announced.

Tuesday, August 20 – Monday, September 30

DOWNTOWN KITCHEN + COCKTAILS HIGHLIGHTS BURGOS, SPAIN IN AROUND THE GLOBE TOUR (MENU)

Dead Canary Double IPA at Copper Mine Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)

DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails continues its “Around the Globe: Sisters Cities of Gastronomy” tour with a special Burgos, Spain menu from Tuesday, August 20 to Monday, September 30.

Burgos was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015. In 2013, Spain named it the Spanish Gastronomy Capital. The city features exceptional charcuterie, roasted meats, fish dishes, and its own superstar cheese, Queso de Burgos …read more.

Saturday, August 27 – Saturday, November 23

“Come to the Table, an Exhibit of Food Poetry” exhibit at the UA Poetry Center

The University of Arizona Poetry Center is hosting the “Come to the Table, an Exhibit of Food Poetry” from Saturday, August 31 – Saturday, November 23.

The exhibit is organized by the four fundamental stages of the culinary experience — growing, sourcing, cooking, and eating — and dives into the  several unique ways “poetry uses food and food uses poetry.”

“I’ve always thought of recipes as poems: the musicality and lyricism of them, their pace. For a lot of writers, food, cooking, shared meals, and nourishment are common sources of material,” says Leela Denver, the Poetry Center’s Senior Library Assistant …read more.

Saturday, September 7 – Saturday, November 23

Casino Del Sol seeks out next 2019 Sol Bowl Tailgate Champion

Casino Del Sol is hosting the Sol Bowl Tailgate Championship at the University of Arizona Campus Mall beginning at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.

The competition starts three hours before the 7:45 kickoff time of the game against Norther Arizona University, and each dish will be personally judged by PY Steakhouse’s executive chef Ryan Clark.

Do you think you’ve got the tastiest treasure chest of edible goodness before the game? You’ve got to be sure to register beforehand. …read more.

Wednesday, September 18 – Sunday, September 22

18th Annual Roasted Chile Festival with Heirloom Farmers Markets

Photo Courtesy of Heirloom Farmers Markets
Photo Courtesy of Heirloom Farmers Markets

Heirloom Farmers Markets is heating up multiple spots around town with their 18th Annual Roasted Chile Festival taking place Wednesday, September 18 through Sunday, September 22.

Each and every year, the Roasted Chile Festival focuses on locally grown chiles, proving that Arizona can compete with the big guys in New Mexico.

It’s practically the biggest chile festival in Tucson and the smell of fresh roasted chile, family-friendly activities, and live music stretch over four days …read more.

Thursday, September 19 – Sunday, October 20

Oktoberfest 2019 Lineup: Ready or not, beer we come

Beer steins at Ten55 Brewing Company
Beer steins at Ten55 Brewing Company (Credit: Melissa Stihl)

Every year, local bars, breweries, and restaurants treat us to a two- to three-week folk festival that runs from mid and late September to the beginning of October.

Can your lederhosen handle all of the shenanigans?

Whether you’d like to visit a specific place for your favorite beer or get a taste of more than one local brewery at the Trail Dust Town Oktoberfest, you’ve got plenty of options …read more.

Friday, September 20

“STORM AREA 1055” IN CELEBRATION OF BEER & ALIENS AT TEN55 BREWING COMPANY

As of late, there’s been a lot of talk about Area 51, UFOs, and what may reside beyond the fences of the highly classified military base.

However, there’s a downtown area you’re more than welcome to access.

Ten55 Brewing Company wants you to grab a drink and lovingly “Storm Area 1055” from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, September 20 …read more.

Friday, September 20 – September 29

Support “Lock in Hope” with Butterfinger Milkshakes at Zinburger

(Credit: Zinburger on Facebook)
(Credit: Zinburger on Facebook)

Zinburger is supporting the “Lock in Hope” non-profit organization with its annual fundraiser from Friday, September 20 – Sunday, September 29.

All of the proceeds during that time frame will be donated to Lock in Hope and all you’ve got to do is purchase a Chase’s Shake from any Zinburger location.

Chase Lock was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two and while undergoing treatment for choroid plexus carcinoma brain cancer the Butterfinger Milkshake was the six-year-old’s favorite treat …read more.

Saturday, September 21

El Rio Vecinos Block Party returns with plentiful eats, bright lights & entertainment

Photo courtesy of El Rio Community Health Center
Photo courtesy of El Rio Community Health Center

This year they’re ditching the bowtie and bringing in the bright lights and glamour of Las Vegas.

The El Rio Community Health Center is throwing their Vecinos Block Party in downtown Tucson from 7 – 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.

If it’s samples from over 30 local restaurants and breweries you’re craving — this is the place to be.

That’s not all that’s going on during the event, though. Several vendors, dueling pianos, a photo booth, beer garden, casino games, and live music fill the Jácome Plaza …read more.

Monday, September 23

Explore Central Mexico with Penca in a five-course “Noches De Penca” dinner (MENU)

Downtown Tucson’s Penca is hosting a five-course “Noches de Penca” dinner with two seating times at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23.

From the start, Penca has always tackled Mexico City-inspired cuisine, but with new executive chef David Solorzano, his inspiration veers off into the influences of Central Mexico …read more.

Saturday, September 28

Dip & dine at sunset at the AC Hotel’s Rooftop Lounge Party

Cantaloupe Collins at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Cantaloupe Collins at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The Arizona Trail Association is throwing a “Dinner and a Dip” Rooftop Lounge Party at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown from 5 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 28.

Just as the sun makes its descent behind the mountains, the party starts with a buffet-style dinner catered by Charro Steak and Charro Del Rey. There are going to be options, too, with Carne Asada for the meat lovers and Hola Hemp Tamales for those looking for a lighter, meat-free meal …read more.

Sunday, September 29

Bubbles & Brunch for Bald Beauties Project at Fleming’s

Consider saving the date for this one.

The Bald Beauties Project is teaming up with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar to host a benefit meal at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 29.

This year’s theme is brunch and bubbles and is meant to celebrate and provide support for young cancer patients …read more.

Know of any other food-related events? Let us know in the comments.

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What makes a great taco? For many, it comes down to personal preference, from the salsa to the fillings. But the tortilla is the foundation of every taco.

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See the complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonWhat makes a great taco? For many, it comes down to personal preference, from the salsa to the fillings. But the tortilla is the foundation of every taco. This guide highlights Tucson restaurants serving tacos made with homemade tortillas, along with their stories and what makes each one special.❤️🌮 @anita_st_market @bocatucson @calletepa @carnitaslayoca El Chivo de Oro @ensenadastreetfood @guadalajaraoriginalgrills @lainditazapatista @lamesatortillas @salsaverdetucson St. Mary’s Mexican Food @taniasongrande @taqueria_pico_de_gallo @teresasmosaic @the_quesadillas See the complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucson
@Tucsoncityofgastronomy opens the fifth annual @Pueblosdelmaiz Festival with Sabores del Pueblo on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6–9 p.m. at Tucson GastroPark.

Five local chefs will serve creative Tucson-inspired dishes alongside craft beer, wine, and bacanora tastings:❤️

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🎶 Hey Bucko! will provide live music

Tickets are available in @tucsoncityofgastronomy’s bio. Tucson Foodie Insiders save 15% with code INSIDERS.

Proceeds support free programming throughout the Pueblos del Maíz Festival.@Tucsoncityofgastronomy opens the fifth annual @Pueblosdelmaiz Festival with Sabores del Pueblo on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6–9 p.m. at Tucson GastroPark. Five local chefs will serve creative Tucson-inspired dishes alongside craft beer, wine, and bacanora tastings:❤️ • @chefjosetucson • @vindiola.claudia • @nick_avram • @dcsanner • @travisgarypeters 🎶 Hey Bucko! will provide live music Tickets are available in @tucsoncityofgastronomy’s bio. Tucson Foodie Insiders save 15% with code INSIDERS. Proceeds support free programming throughout the Pueblos del Maíz Festival.
Tucson’s barbecue options range from food trucks to full-service dining rooms. Some focus on classic Texas-style plates with butcher paper and simple sides. Others experiment with fusion dishes that blend barbecue with Mexican and Southwestern flavors. This variety gives diners plenty of options, whether they want a quick lunch or a sit-down meal.

This guide highlights barbecue restaurants across Tucson. More on Tucsonfoodie.com🔥Tucson’s barbecue options range from food trucks to full-service dining rooms. Some focus on classic Texas-style plates with butcher paper and simple sides. Others experiment with fusion dishes that blend barbecue with Mexican and Southwestern flavors. This variety gives diners plenty of options, whether they want a quick lunch or a sit-down meal. This guide highlights barbecue restaurants across Tucson. More on Tucsonfoodie.com🔥
LAST CALL!

It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. 

Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week.

Produced by Tucson Foodie 
Presented by @Visittucson 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonLAST CALL! It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week. Produced by Tucson Foodie Presented by @Visittucson #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucson