Foodie Events from March 2 – 8: Books, hockey & local craft beer

This week you’ll find less beer and more book-related things to do in Tucson. The Tucson Festival of Books starts this weekend and promises a number of gastronomic and culinary topics, events, and meals.

If you miss beer already, the Tucson Roadrunners are hosting their Hockey & Hops event on Saturday where eight breweries will be pouring tasty brews before the face-off with the San Diego Gulls. Main Event also opens this week — talk about some good ol’ family time!

As always, if you’re looking for alternate things to do, check out our Event Directory.

Featured Event

Tucson Festival of Books 2023

Saturday and Sunday, March 4 – 5

University of Arizona

One of the biggest draws at the Tucson Festival of Books, the Culinary Stage is a magnet for home cooks at all levels. There are no bad seats: A large tilted mirror poised over the raised platform ensures up-close-and-personal views of the chefs’ hands as they perform their slicing, dicing, and sauteing magic.

Not only that, the event’s food court caters to all culinary tastes. You’ll also find an array of snacks that’s as distinctive and eclectic as Tucson’s food scene. Among the sweet treats are Hawaiian shaved ice, berry kabobs, and churros. Chickpea pesto sandwiches and falafel are vegan-friendly, while carnivores can chow down on everything from barbecue to spam musubi.

For more information, check out our articles, Books & Cooks: Behind the scenes at the Food Court of the Tucson Festival of Books and Tucson Festival of Books 2023: What’s cooking on the culinary stage.

Other cool stuff

CAFÉ À LA C’ART 1ST THURSDAY DINNER

Thursday, March 2 from 5 – 9 p.m.

Café à La C’Art, 150 N. Main Ave.

Every first Thursday of the month, Café à la C’Art opens for dinner service. They have an ever-changing dinner menu and specials in addition to their regular menu.

In addition to Café à la C’Art being open, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block offers extended hours and pay-what-you-wish admission from 5 – 8 p.m.

THE HAPPY HIVE MARKET X BUTTON BREW HOUSE

Friday, March 3 from 4 – 7 p.m.

Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin #160

The Happy Hive X Button Brew House presents: You’re So Golden. 

Enjoy local brews with Button Brew House, yummy eats with 420 Taco Food Truck, and an evening of shopping small and supporting local makers with the Happy Hive Market!

ANNUAL SPRING VEGETABLE START SALE

Saturday, March 4 from 8 – 11 a.m.

Tucson Village Farm, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.

Tucson Village Farm grows all of its vegetables organically and chooses only its favorite, tried, and tested varieties of tomatoes, peppers (sweet and spicy), eggplant, and basil! All are ready to be planted in your spring garden.

Tanks Green Stuff will be there selling compost, fertilizer, and potting mix, making Tucson Village Farm your one-stop shop for all your spring garden needs.

2023 HOCKEY & HOPS BEER FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 4 at 4 p.m.

TCC Arena, 260 S. Church Ave.

The Tucson Roadrunners are hosting the return of Hockey & Hops. The beer starts flowing at 4 p.m. and the players hit the ice at 7 p.m. This event also happens to fall on the “Hockey is for Everyone” theme night.

Eight breweries will be pouring some of their favorite beers in the outdoor beer garden located in Eckbo Plaza. Cost: $50 which includes your ticket, access to the pregame beer garden, 12 tasting tickets, a commemorative glass, and a ticket to the game against the San Diego Gulls.

For more information, check out our article, Hockey & Hops: 8 Breweries team up with the Roadrunners for pre-game brews. 

YAY YOGA! AT T&B NORTH

Sunday, March 5 at 11 a.m.

Tap & Bottle North, 7254 N. Oracle Rd.

Get your zen on because Tap & Bottle is bringing back “Yay Yoga!” to Tap & Bottle North every First Sunday! Get ready to be guided in a relaxing session w/ none other than the amazing yoga instructor Joanna.

Begins this Sunday, and every first Sunday of the month at 11 am.

Cost: $10 ticket includes full yoga session + draft drink of choice! Register through the link on the event listing:

BEER MILE WITH DRAGOON BREWING

Sunday, March 5 at 11 a.m.

Westbound, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, #12

Four beers + Four quarter-mile laps = Beer Mile! There’ll be both Competitive and Fun Run divisions.

Cost: $20 per person includes 4 Santa Cruz’r Beers. Check-in at 10:30 a.m.

PIZZA DATE NIGHT at Queen Creek Mill

Wednesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Rd.

The Chef at Queen Creek Olive Mill will guide you through a delectable, 3-course culinary experience. Get your pizza date night apron & learn techniques for stretching and tossing pizza dough for the perfect crust while enjoying wine pairings with each course.

Cost: $85 per person and includes salad, pizza, dessert, and wine pairings.

Check out the menu offerings here: