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Foodie Events from Oct. 20-26: Whiskey tastings, Zumba & supporting homeless pets

Foodie Events from Oct. 20-26: Whiskey tastings, Zumba & supporting homeless pets

Oct 20, 20225 min read

The local fun continues to roll in on the Foodie calendar and it’s not about which event you should go to — it’s how many events you should attend. The answer is simple and it’s all of them, but that would be rather difficult to pull off. So, keep reading because there’s a lot to choose from this week.

Image provided by Whiskey del Bac

Also, don’t forget to can check out our Events Directory for a full list of Foodie events happening this week and other upcoming things to do.

Halloween Happenings

Check out our article Halloween 2022: Spooky food & beverage-themed events in Tucson.” We’ll update the list as even more ghoulish events pop up.

Women in Whiskey: The women of prohibition

Thursday, October 20 from 6 – 7:15 p.m.
2106 Forbes Blvd. #103

Image provided by Whiskey del Bac

If you’re interested in learning more about the art of tasting fine whiskeys, you’re incited to join Join Whiskey Del Bac’s Janna Hoffman. Janna will instruct on how to taste whiskey, sample Whiskey Del Bac’s expressions, and guide the conversation on the women during prohibition that created a movement. This event is for anyone — not just women.

Cost: $25. Purchase your ticket here.

TUCSON CHINESE CHORIZO FESTIVAL

Friday, October 21 – Sunday, October 23
Multiple restaurants

If you missed out on the chorizo shenanigans last weekend, they’re back!

This weekend, savor dishes from the following restaurants:
  • Ceres Tucson
  • Charro Vida
  • El Charro Cafe
  • El Chinito Gordo
  • La Cocina
  • Penca Restaurante
  • Tucson Tamale market

For the full lineup and more information, check out our spicy article, “Tucson Chinese Chorizo Festival.”

CITY OF GASTRONOMY COCKTAIL CHALLENGE at the monica

Friday, October 21 from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
40 E. Congress St.

Image provided by Tucson City of Gastronomy

In the words of Matt Sterner, “for those looking for a cocktail that’ll knock their socks off, keep scrolling.” The Monica is hosting an epic night of cocktails and fun. The following mixologists will be competing for your vote in order to win a cash prize and be named the winner.

Participating Mixologists
  • Donna Francis, Union Public House
  • Alfredo Aguilar, Zio Peppe
  • Luis Alcala, The Delta
  • Sherra Whittaker, Blue Willow
  • Carlos Rodriguez, PY Steakhouse
  • Katie Wisdom, The Parish

Cost: $75 per person.

For more information, check out our article, “Sip back & relax at the Tucson City of Gastronomy’s Cocktail Challenge.

Gertie AND THE T.O. BOYS WAILA DANCE FUNDRAISER

Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m.
La Indita, 722 N. Stone Ave.

Image provided by La Indita

If you’re looking for a sign to do something for a good cause and have a good time, this is it. La Indita is hosting a fall feast and fundraiser for the Tohono O’Odham school in Magdalena.

Cost: $20 per person. This includes admission and your ticket for food. Kids under 13 years old are free.

Support this wonderful cause to help keep the O’Odham culture alive!

ZUMBA AND BRUNCH AT THE TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORIC BLOCK

Saturday, October 22 from 8:30 – 10 a.m.
140 N. Main Ave,

Image provided by Cafe a la C’Art / Carte Blanche Catering

Zumba your way into the weekend!

Hosted at the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, this event is organized by  Cafe a la C’Art’s very own Sisco Razcon-Camacho, who is also a Zumba instructor. His younger brother Emmanuel, who also works the weekends at the cafe, dances with Sunnyside High Folklorico. The proceeds from the Zumba event will go to Emmanuel’s class.

Cost: $15 per person — what a deal! This includes an hour class led by multiple instructors, free entrance into the museum, and a free coffee or mimosa with brunch at the cafe.

MERCADITO DEL BARRIO

Saturday, October 22 from 1 – 4 p.m.
Galeria Mitotera, 1802 S. Fourth Ave.

Image provided by Galeria Mitotera

Mercaditos are back! Stop by for some tasty vegan and barbecue treats while starting your local Christmas shopping a bit early.

BARKS & BREWS AT BARRIO BREWING CO.

Sunday, October 23 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
800 E. 16th St.

Barks & Brews (Photo by Cydney Mahieu)
Barks & Brews (Photo by Cydney Mahieu)

It’s a dog wash where you can drink beer and support a good cause. Here fur it!

Help Barrio Brewing collect some much-needed goods for our furry pals at the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC). For every 5 items donated, receive a beer nickel (limit 10 items donated). You can also contribute by bringing your pup to Barrio to be washed and the proceeds going towards helping PACC.

For more information, check out our article “Barks & Brews: Bubbly dog-washing event at Barrio Brewing Company.”

WHEN THE SOMM MAKES THE WINE TASTING

Sunday, October 23 from 2 – 2:45 p.m.
GEORGE Wine Shop, 5350 E. Broadway Boulevard, # 134

Image provided by GEORGE Wine Shop

If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out GEORGE Wine Shop, this Sunday would be a good time to check them out. They’ll be featuring a wine tasting with four wines made by world-renowned sommeliers.

Cost: $25 per person. Limited seats are available. Get tickets here.

HARVEST MOON CULTURAL FEST & MURAL UNVEILING

Sunday, October 23 from 4 – 9 p.m.
Old Town Artisans, 201 N. Court Ave.

Image provided by Luxxarte

It’s going to be an evening of celebration and dancing with the Tohono O’odham Waila Bands Gertie & the T.O. Boyz, Papago Warrior, and classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala. They will be unveiling an interactive mural project by local artists Johanna Martinez, Luck Salway, and Serena Tang of Luxxarte Artists’ Collective.

Hear stories, songs, and lore from some of Southern Arizona’s Knowledge Keepers depicted in the murals from experts, historians, seed collectors, farmers, and artisans from all over our borderlands. Check out local vendors and sample local harvests with foods and offerings by native chefs here in Southern AZ and enjoy the cool vibe and history of Old Town Artisans’ courtyard.

Cost: $20 suggested donation at the door.

RHONE WINE DINNER at Zona 78

Monday, October 24 at 6 p.m.
7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Image provided by Zona 78

Join Zona 78 for a fabulous Rhone Wine Dinner where five courses and five wines await you. Call (520) 296-7878 to make your reservation today.

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Article written by:

Addie Ibarra

Addie Ibarra

More about Addie

Addie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along the way. So far she’s hit 4 continents and counting!

You’ll likely find her on a patio sipping wine with her 4-legged best friend, Spaghetti.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!