Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead Celebration at Tohono Chul Park

Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead Celebration at Tohono Chul Park

Oct 18, 20182 min read


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.

Chile and chocolate enhanced culinary delights (Credit: Tohono Chul Park)
Chile and chocolate enhanced culinary delights (Credit: Tohono Chul Park)

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 (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.

This is a paid feature. Learn more about Tucson Foodie advertising options.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.1K followers
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com