It’s been a couple of years since the Tucson Festival of Books was held in person, but now the event is ready to turn a new page at the University of Arizona.
This year’s festival is happening at the UA Mall on Saturday, March 12 – Sunday, March 13 and you better believe there’s going to be some yummy food to consider, too. I mean, you may as well feed your belly since your mind is being fed all sorts of knowledge from the visiting authors, right?
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.
Participating Food Vendors
Beyond Bread
Festival of Books Menu
- Turkey Sandwich ($8)
- Ham Sandwich ($8)
- Chicken Pesto Sandwich ($8)
- Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich ($8)
- PB & J Sandwich ($8)
For more information, visit beyondbread.com.
Blue Banjo BBQ Catering
Festival of Books Menu
- Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich ($15)
- BBQ Pork Sandwich ($12)
- Grilled Bratwurst ($9)
- Veggie Burger ($8)
For more information, follow Blue Banjo BBQ on Facebook.
Lemons on the Loose
Festival of Books Menu
- Lemonade, limeade, strawberry lemonade, or prickly pear lemonade
- Small ($5), Large ($6), 32-ounce refillable cup ($8), 44-ounce refillable cup ($10)
- Frozen Slushy Lemonade ($6)
Elif Gozleme
Festival of Books Menu
- Gozleme – Turkish Flatbread filled with spinach and cheese, and ground beef or potatoes ($6)
- Sarma – stuffed grape leaves ($6)
- Baklava ($6)
For more information, visit heirloomfm.org.
Frost, A Gelato Shoppe
Festival of Books Menu
- Small Gelato ($4)
- Medium Gelato ($5)
- Large Gelato ($6)
For more information, visit frostgelato.com.
Hawaiian Shave Ice
Festival of Books Menu
- Shaved Ice – 26 flavors including two sugar-free options ($5)
- Prepackaged Snacks ($1)
- Bottled Water ($1)
Hot Bamboo
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Festival of Books Menu
- Cha-Siu Steamed Bun ($8)
- Ground Pork Steamed Bun ($8)
- Teriyaki Chicken Steamed Bun ($8)
- Vegan Tofu Steamed Bun ($8)
- Chicken Pot Stickers ($5)
For more information, visit hotbambooaz.com.
Hot Pops Kettle Corn
Festival of Books Menu
- Kettle Corn
- Small ($3), Medium ($5), Large ($8)
- Soda and Water ($1)
For more information, visit hotpopskettlecorn.com.
Jake’s Lemonade
Festival of Books Menu
- Freshly Squeezed Lemonade ($6)
New Delhi Palace
Festival of Books Menu
- Chicken Tikka Masala – with Rice and Naan ($14)
- Chicken Curry – with Rice and Naan ($13.50)
- Navaratan Korma – with Rice and Naan ($12.50)
- Shahi Paneer – with Rice and Naan ($12.50)
- Vegetable Samosa – two pieces ($6.25)
For more information, visit newdelhipalacetucson.com.
Nutz About Nuts
Festival of Books Menu
- Glazed Almonds ($8)
- Glazed Pecans ($8)
- Glazed Cashews ($8)
- Glazed Walnuts ($8)
For more information, visit nutzaboutnuts.com.
Renee’s Tucson
Festival of Books Menu
- Slice of Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza ($6)
- Hummus Tostado ($8)
- Greek Salad with Vinaigrette ($8)
- Boulder Canyon Chips ($2)
- Beverages ($2)
For more information, visit reneestucson.com.
Just Churros
Festival of Books Menu
- Churros (7 of ’em) ($10)
- Dipping Sauce ($3)
For more information, visit justchurros.com.
SpunLight Cotton Candy
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Festival of Books Menu
- Cotton Candy on a stick ($5)
- Cotton Candy in a to-go bag ($6)
- Water ($2)
- Bulk Bag of Cotton Candy ($10)
For more information, follow SpunLight Cotton Candy on Instagram.
Tucson Tamale Company
Festival of Books Menu
- One Tamale Plate ($8)
- Two Tamale Plate ($11)
- Tamale Salad ($9)
For more information, visit tucsontamale.com.
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.
