The Tucson Festival of Books returns to the University of Arizona on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16.
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. The festival has been around since 2009 and in 2024, it brought out an estimated 130,000 book lovers.
In total, there will be more than 330 authors, live music, entertainment, and around 100 vendors. Best part: The event is free for all to attend!
Plus, you better believe there will be plenty of food to try out on the UA Mall. Keep scrolling to see the food vendors setting up at this year’s festival.
Participating Food Vendors
- Arizona Sands Club
- Menu TBD
- Asher Cafe at JCC
- Menu TBD
- Beyond Bread
- Half Turkey Sandwich ($8)
- Half Chicken Sandwich ($8)
- Half Vegetarian Sandwich ($8)
- Half Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich ($6)
- Muffins or scones ($3)
- BlackJack Citrus Infusions
- Lemonade ($5)
- Lemonades with fresh fruit ($6)
- Specialty lemonades and mocktails ($7)
- Blue Banjo BBQ Catering
- Pulled Pork Sandwich ($9)
- Grilled Bratwurst ($8)
- Grilled Veggie Burger ($8)
- Chips ($2)
- Soda or Water ($2)
- CowPig
- Basic Cow ($14)
- Cowmelt ($16)
- Tenders ($15)
- Loaded Fries ($15)
- Dante’s Fire
- Menu TBD
- Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
- Menu TBD
- Frost, A Gelato Shoppe
- Piccolo Gelato – One Flavor ($6)
- Medio Gelato – Two Flavors ($7)
- Grande Gelato – Three Flavors ($8)
- Gelato Bar (Free)
- Glazed and Confused
- Menu TBD
- Hawaiian Shave Ice
- Shave Ice ($6)
- Chips ($1)
- Bottled Water ($2)
- Hot Bamboo
- Rice Bowls ($16)
- Steamed Buns ($12)
- Dumplings/Pot Stickers ($8)
- Dumplings/Shumai ($9)
- Spam Musubi ($6)
- Hot Pops Kettle Corn
- Kettle Corn ($8)
- Soda/Water ($1)
- Gatorade ($2)
- Jake’s Lemonade
- Lemonade ($8)
- Just Churros
- Churros (bag of six) ($10)
- Dipping Sauce ($2)
- Kabob Shack
- Menu TBD
- Lisa’s Sonoran Hot Dogs
- Sonoran Hot Dogs ($12)
- Nachos ($6)
- Sonoran Nachos ($8)
- Drinks ($5)
- Jumbo Hot Dog ($10)
- New Delhi Palace Cuisine of India
- Chicken tikka masala/ Paneer tikka masala ($15.99)
- Chana Masala ($15.99)
- Basmati rice/ veggie samosa ($6)
- Mixed Vegetable Curry ($15.99)
- Prep & Pastry
- Animal Style Burger COMBO Chips & Drink ($25)
- Chicken Salad Sandwich COMBO Chips & Drink ($18)
- Macaroni and Cheese COMBO Chips & Drink ($17)
- Caesar Salad COMBO Chips & Drink ($15)
- Animal Style Burger A LA CARTE ($20)
- Chicken Salad Sandwich A LA CARTE ($13)
- Macaroni and Cheese A LA CARTE ($12)
- Caesar Salad A LA CARTE ($10)
- Pastry ($4)
- Cookie ($4)
- Chips ($3)
- Apple Slices ($3)
- Water and Sodas ($5)
- Iced Coffee ($4)
- Hot Coffee ($3)
- Renee’s Tucson
- Slice of cheese Pizza ($6)
- Slice of pepperoni Pizza ($6)
- Hummus tostada ($8)
- Greek Salad ($8)
- Water and soda ($3)
- SpunLight Cotton Candy
- Cotton Candy on a Stick ($6)
- Cotton Candy in a Bag ($7)
- Water & Fizzy Water ($2)
- Transit Tea
- Just Tea ($3)
- Flavored Tea ($4)
- Matcha Latte ($5)
- Chai Latte ($5)
- Tucson Tamale
- Two Tamales ($9)
- Two Tamale Plate ($13)
- Salad ($9)
- Tamale Salad ($13)
- Brownie ($4)
- Zio Peppe
- Half Woodfired Pizza ($13)
- Woodfired Pizza ($23)
- Garlic Knots ($10)
- Caprese ($12)
- Cheesecake ($10)
For more dining options, check out our guide to the “Best Places to Eat and Drink Near the University of Arizona.”
The Tucson Festival of Books is at the University of Arizona on the UA Mall from Saturday, March 15 – Sunday, March 16. For more information, visit tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.
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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.
