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Foodie Events from May 18 – 24: Ice cream, a Food Truck Fiesta & more

Foodie Events from May 18 – 24: Ice cream, a Food Truck Fiesta & more

May 17, 20236 min read

Discover a wide range of culinary delights and entertainment at this week’s local foodie events.

From a complimentary wine tasting of summer-ready wines at Tap & Bottle Downtown, to the Willcox Wine Country Festival offering a weekend filled with wine, fine arts, and artisan foods, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss out on the Ice Cream Sunday Social at Coronet Cafe, where you can build your own ice cream sundae and enjoy a delightful evening of great food and refreshing treats.

Don’t forget, you can always check out our Things to Do section on the website to check out what’s going on any day of the week.

FEATURED EVENT

MARK’S FOOD TRUCK FIESTA

Saturday, May 21
4004 N. Stone Ave., located in front of Hem & Her Bridal.
Tucson Foodie Presents: Mark’s Food Truck Fiesta

If you’re an owner of a local food truck, it’s likely you’ve seen Mark Whittaker of Tucson Foodie wandering around, following his nose to your delicious cuisine. Now, and for the first time ever, he’s throwing a party with a handful of his favorite mobile eateries.

From 5 – 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, Tucson Foodie presents Mark’s Food Truck Fiesta at 4004 N. Stone Ave., located in front of Hem & Her Bridal.

The participating food trucks include Tacos Sabrozon, Samurai Sombrero, Duke’s Delicious Pizza, Banhdicted, Red Captain Coffee, The Sweet Coqui, and Morty’s Backyard.

The event is free (aside from what you purchase from each food truck), restrooms will be on-site, and there will be available parking on the property.

Learn more.

MORE FOODIE EVENTS

SUMMER SIPPERS! COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING

Thursday, May 18 from 5 -7 p.m.
Tap & Bottle Downtown, 403 N. 6th Ave. #135

Cool off with a complimentary wine tasting of summer-ready wines!⁠⁠ Tap & Bottle will be pouring three easy-drinking wines that are perfect for any pool party. ⁠
@reservation_sensationfrybread will be right outside, serving up loads of fried goodies to satisfy your hunger!⁠

Live Music from Gila Bend and the Classless Chaps starts up at 8 p.m.⁠

  • Domaine Brazilier ‘Méthode Trad’ Sparkling Wine⁠ | Loire Valley, France⁠
  • Stolpman ‘Love You Bunches’ Rosé 2022⁠ | Central Coast, California⁠
  • Brigand ‘Posse’ Red Blend 2019⁠ | Willcox, Arizona⁠

Learn more.

WILLCOX WINE COUNTRY FESTIVAL – SPRING 2023

Friday – Sunday, May 19 – 21
Railroad Park, 157 N Railroad Ave., Willcox, AZ 85643

Enjoy a weekend of wine in Willcox!

Fri. May 19 – 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm – Chamber of Commerce Wine Benefit Dinner

Sat. May 20 – 11:00 am till 5:00 pm – Wine Festival – $35 per person pre-sale / $45 at the gate. Each ticket includes a commemorative wine glass and ten tasting tickets.

Sun. May 21 – 11:00 am till 5:00 pm – Wine Festival – $30 per person pre-sale / $40 at the gate. Each ticket includes a commemorative wine glass and ten tasting tickets.

Featuring 16 of Arizona’s best wineries along with over 30 non-winery vendors including fine arts, artisan foods, vintage vendors, and non-stop entertainment along with 2 food trucks.

Participating Wineries:

Learn more.

FAMILY SATURDAYS AT THE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT GROUP

Saturday, May 20 from 8 – 11 a.m.
Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.

Bring your family to the Living Lab on Saturday, May 20th from 8 – 11 a.m. to taste food grown in and harvested from the Sonoran Desert. Learn how to harvest, prepare, and eat native edible plants. Younger kids will also enjoy meeting the hens, story, and song time, and the kids playhouse. Activities for older kids and teens include learning real programming skills by coding a digital food forest using Scratch and stone carving. All materials will be provided.

Schedule:
8 a.m. – Nature activities
9:30 a.m. – Song and Story Time
11 a.m. – Program Ends

Family Saturdays happen every third Saturday of the month. 

Learn more.

SAN YSIDRO FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 20 from 8 – noon
Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Ln.

Taste History!

Of course, any celebration calls for a feast. So, on this day visitors will be fed the traditional food for this festival, pozole de trigo. This soup contains wheat grains among many other hearty ingredients. As Mission Garden continues to mature we hope to feed people, just as San Ysidro did near Madrid in the late 11th and early 12th centuries. Come and experience this taste of history! Fresh flour tortillas and bolillo bread roles will be available too.

There will also be a limited number of bread loaves for sale from Barrio Bread. Other festival participants will include Tucson Chocolate, Iskashitaa Refugee Network, and others.

The festival is free. Your monetary gifts are appreciated.

Learn more.

NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATION AT THE MIDTOWN FARM

Saturday, May 20 from 4 – 10 p.m.
Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Pl.

The Midtown Farm and Flower & Bullets want to celebrate their 10-year anniversary and recent purchase of the property with you. This will be a great time to learn about our plans and ask questions.

There will be jumping castles, food trucks, music, Mujeres Verdes Mercado, and live performances. See you there!

Learn more.

BREW AT THE ZOO 2023

Saturday, May 20 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court

Taste a wide selection of craft beer, hard ciders, lagers, and ales from Arizona’s finest brewing companies as you travel around the Zoo in this one-of-a-kind sampling event.  Listen to live music in the Event Garden and in Tanzania, enjoy games and fun photo ops, and take home a commemorative tasting glass. Pub-style food will be available for purchase throughout the Zoo.
21+ only event.

Cost: General Admission: $50 | Zoo Member: $45 |Designated Driver: $25

Learn more.

ICE CREAM SUNDAY SOCIAL

Sunday, May 21 from 6 – 9 p.m.
The Coronet Cafe, 353 S. Meyer Ave.

OKASHI’s first ice cream pop-up! They will be located on the small patio in front of The Coronet Cafe: 353 South Meyer Avenue. The evening will be nice and warm – perfect for some great food, a cold, delicious beverage, and a build-your-own ice cream sundae!

Menus are pictured on Instagram.

Learn more.

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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!