Tohono Chul is turning 40 years old, and from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, you’re invited to the party at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte.
Opened in 1985, the park was once the private residence of the Wilson family, who transformed their land into a living love letter to the Sonoran Desert. Today, it’s a lush blend of botanical gardens, walking trails, art galleries, and hidden corners where hummingbirds zip by and saguaros stand tall.
During the anniversary, explore the gardens with guided tours, nature demos, eco-stations, and reptile encounters, or stop by the galleries to see “40 for 40,” a special exhibit featuring 40 Arizona artists.
Dig into local eats and then stay for live music from steel drummer Chris Arpad, Mariachi Innovación, and Las Azaleas.
Food & Beverage Vendors
- Garden Bistro Grill & Bar
- Chocolate66
- Churros Inzunza
- Sabores de Abuela Tamales
- AZ Lemonade Stand
- Sip Social Co.
- Dirty T Tamarindo
- Patricia’s Cuban Kitchen
Admission is $4 per person (free for members and kids three years old and under).
Whether you’re there for a peaceful stroll, a gallery visit, or a brunch under the trees, Tohono Chul is pure Tucson charm.
Tohono Chul is located at 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. For more information about the anniversary celebration, visit tohonochul.org.
More Live Music at the Park
Jazz Under the Stars is also here — blending live music, craft cocktails, beer, and a cozy garden ambiance for a nifty evening in Tucson. The event is every Friday and Saturday from 5 – 8 p.m. now until Saturday, May 10.
As the sun dips behind the desert horizon, Tohono Chul’s Garden Bistro transforms into a dreamy open-air lounge, where jazz melodies float through the night air.
For more information, visit tohonochul.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
