It’s that time of year to celebrate memories of the past and make some new ones, too.
As an acknowledgement to all things sugar and spice, Tohono Chul Park is hosting their annual Chiles, Chocolate, and Day of the Dead celebration from 9 a.m – 4 p.m. on Friday, November 2 – Saturday, November 3.
Dozens of food and craft vendors will fill the park grounds with creations from local chefs, artists, and schools. The event is meant to pay homage to the enduring borderland traditions of Día de los Muertos — giving the community an opportunity to leave remembrances of lost loved ones.
Sugar skull workshops, Day of the Dead-themed face paintings, and plenty of other crafts and entertainment will surely keep you busy while eating and admiring the art around the park.
Tickets are $15 to the general public, $5 for Tohono Chul Members, and anyone under the age of 12 years old can join the fun for free.
Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead Culinary Delights
- Alfonso Olive Oil
- Americano-Mexicano
- Brian and Kelly Pumpkins and Chiles
- Calavera Madness
- Carolina’s Chocolates
- Chocolaté
- Defiant Candy Co.
- Mano y Metate
- Mouth of the South
- Pappardelle’s Pasta
- Popped Artisan Popcorn
- Q Confections
- Queen Ceviche
- The Roasted Chile
- Reds Roasters
- Sweet Arizona
- Tohono Chul Bistro Bar
- Tohono Chul Garden Bistro
- True Love Honey
- Tucson Tamale
- Untamed Confections
- We B Jamin’ Farm
- Xocolatl Chocolate
Before the big weekend, the Tohono Chul Garden Bistro will be serving a special harvest-themed farm to table dinner on Friday, October 19. The dinner features flavor profiles from local purveyors within a 75-mile radius, including cocktails with Three Wells Distilling Company‘s spirits.
You can check out the Garden Bistro’s full menu at tohonochulpark.org.
Chile and Day of the Dead-inspired crafts (Credit: Tohono Chul Park)
Chile and Day of the Dead-inspired crafts
- Alpine Goat Girl
- Ancestral Herbals
- Arizona Warmth
- Azucar
- Beednicks Design
- Charles De Concini Chiltepines
- Chrystal Canyon Creations
- Cinnasepia
- Iron Root
- Mini Hobo Bags
- Rainbow Goddess
- SA Alchemists Guild
- Sugar Skulls Workshop
- Timothy’s Collection
Also, latin-inspired music by Rafael Moreno Quartet, Entre Peruanos, Jovert Steel Drum Band, Mariachi Aztlán, and Michael Salerno will echo their beats throughout the park.
Tohono Chul Garden Bistro is located just outside the park on the grounds of Tohono Chul at 7366 E Paseo del Norte, near Ina and Oracle. Entrance into the Garden Bistro does not require park admission fee. For more information, including menu and hours, please visit tohonochulpark.org. Tickets for Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead can be found here.
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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.
