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Foodie Events from September 15 – 21: Oktoberfest, roasted chiles & meatballs

Foodie Events from September 15 – 21: Oktoberfest, roasted chiles & meatballs

Sep 14, 20225 min read

This week, Oktoberfest is starting, Sonoran Restaurant Week is ending, and there’s plenty to eat, see, and drink in between.

Some exciting highlights include the following:

There’s a new beer that Borderlands is releasing, a collaboration between Las Hermanas, with support from Visit Tucson, the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson, Yakima Chief Hops, and Country Malt Group. There will be a Whiskey Del Bac pairing dinner as well as a Deep Sky Vineyards pairing dinner. The Downtown Clifton Hotel is kicking off Mexican Independence Day with a pop-up market and $8 margaritas, Palomas, and more.

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

Sonoran Restaurant Week

Now – Sunday, September 18

Hopefully, you’ve been following along with Tucson Foodie as we’ve worked to bring you all things Sonoran Restaurant Week. We’re in the home stretch of this gastronomic endeavor. Make your reservations and join us in closing out this year’s Sonoran Restaurant Week in true Tucson Foodie style.

Oktoberfest

All weekend

Beer is in the forecast for this weekend. Casa Marana, Omni Tucson National Resort, Catalina Brewing Company, and Dragoon Brewing Company are kicking off Oktoberfest celebrations this weekend, starting on Saturday, September 17.

Casa Marana will be featuring an Oktoberfest Market and stein-holding contest. The Omni will have live music, traditional German fare, plenty of beer, and so much more. Catalina Brewing will hold various raffles benefitting charities. Dragoon Brewing will be taking over Fourth Avenue with their pub crawl on Saturday evening.

Check out our recent article “Oktoberfest 2022: Stein holding contests, lederhosen & lots of beer for a growing list of all Oktoberfest events this month.

20TH ANNUAL ROASTED CHILE FESTIVAL

All weekend

Image provided by Heirloom Farmers Markets

Locals don’t have to cross state lines to satiate their Hatch chile cravings this chile season! Heirloom Farmers Markets’ 20th Annual Roasted Chile Festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate, eat, and take home some of the best chiles in the country. With live music, local vendors, and the smell of freshly roasted chiles in the air, everyone can partake in chile season this year.

The celebration will take place Friday – Sunday at the Udall Park Farmers Market, Rincon Valley Farmers and Artisans Market, and Oro Valley Farmers Market. You can catch this event regardless of what side of town you’re on!

EL CHARRO 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Friday, September 16 starting at 11 a.m.
All El Charro locations

Image provided by El Charro Cafe

Party like it’s 1922! El Charro is celebrating its centennial at all El Charro Café locations from 11 a.m. until closing with food and drink specials.

CATS & COCKTAILS

Friday, September 16 from 4 – 7 p.m.
4155 E. Grant Rd.

Image provided by The Shelter Cocktail Lounge

If you’re a cat purr-son, you’re not going to want to miss this.

The Hermitage Cat Shelter is celebrating 57 years of serving Tucson as the community’s first no-kill animal shelter and no-cage sanctuary. The Shelter Cocktail Lounge is helping with the festivities; they’ll be hosting a $10 dinner buffet in addition to donating 25% of their bar sales to help support the wonderful work the Hermitage Cat Shelter is doing.

LAS HERMANA’S BEER RELEASE PARTY

Friday, September 16 from 5 – 8 p.m.
119 E. Toole Ave.

Las Hermanas IPA at Borderlands Brewing Company (Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Company)
Las Hermanas IPA at Borderlands Brewing Company (Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Company)

Join Borderlands Brewing Company on Mexico’s Independence Day for a release party for the new West Coast IPA brewed by Las Hermanas, women brewers from Mexico! It’ll be a party like no other with live mariachi music

Check out our recent article, Las Hermanas’ Project: The love for great beer has no borders

A PAIRING DINNER WITH WHISKEY DEL BAC

Saturday, September 17 at 5 p.m.
100 S. Avenida del Convento #150

Image provided by Whiskey Del Bac

Join Whiskey Del Bac co-founders Stephen and Amanda Paul at Agustin Kitchen for an exquisite pairing dinner. Enjoy dinner pairings such as braised oxtail with the Whiskey Del Bac Dorado, Presta coffee rubbed lamb lollipops paired with the Whiskey Del Bac Normandie, and more.

Cost: $120 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call (520) 398-5382 to reserve your spot.

WINE DINNER FEATURING DEEP SKY VINEYARDS

Sunday, September 18 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
550 W. Orange Grove Rd.

Image provided by Arizona Winery Tours

Arizona Winery Tours proudly presents a “Food & Wine Pairing Dinner” featuring chef Adam of The Cafe in Sonoita and Deep Sky Vineyard. You can expect a delightful evening of good food with exquisite wine pairings with each course.

Cost: $139. Book your seat now.

FOR THE LOVE OF MEATBALLS: ITALIAN & GREEK STYLE

Tuesday, September 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
2700 E. Speedway Blvd.

Image provided by Flying Aprons Tucson

Join KVOI’s Chris DeSimone, who before becoming a broadcaster was a professional chef, and make Italian meatballs using beef, pork, caramelized onions, and spices. Also, you’ll prepare the marinara sauce for your sub sandwich topped with mozzarella cheese. Chicken, turkey, garlic, and feta cheese flavor the Greek version, along with creating the perfect accompaniment, tzatziki sauce, to slather on crispy bread.

Cost: $75. Register today.

Also, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway near cooler temperatures, check out our article “Sippin’ your way around Sonoita-Elgin wine country.” We’ve basically got a window to Spain, Italy, and the south of France in our backyard without having to purchase a plane ticket; the perfect blend of good climate, striking views and sunsets, and plenty to do.

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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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LAST CALL!

It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. 

Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week.

Produced by Tucson Foodie 
Presented by @Visittucson 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonLAST CALL! It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week. Produced by Tucson Foodie Presented by @Visittucson #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucson
@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory.

Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant.

Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Photos by @tortillaschiwas 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory. Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant. Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. Photos by @tortillaschiwas Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
After 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩

This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnewsAfter 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿

The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert.

The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples.

🎟️ Doobie members: $110
🎟️ Non-members: $150

The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout.

🔗 in bio

MENU

COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE 
*“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!*
-Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons
-Taki Powder
-“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour)
-Orange Ash
-Green Onion Curls

COURSE 2 / APPETIZER 
*Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites*
-Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip
-Melted Oaxaca
-Savory Avocado Mousse
-Purple Potato Shoestring Frites
-Heirloom Tomatoes
-Pickled Onion Powder

COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER
*Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* 
-Cucumber Serrano Granita
-Caramelized Chamoy Bowl
-Tajin
-Infused Mint/Basil Oil

COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE 
*Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin*
-Beef Franks
-Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon
-Carmelized Shallots
-Refried Beans
-“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust
-Jalapeño Mustard Crema
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Smoked Chile Guero

COURSE 5 / DESSERT
*Gansito à la Mode*
-Chocolate-glazed gâteau,
-Strawberry confit,
-Toasted marshmallow mousse,
-Mexican vanilla semifreddo
-Chocolate crisp.

Photo by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿 The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert. The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples. 🎟️ Doobie members: $110 🎟️ Non-members: $150 The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout. 🔗 in bio MENU COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE *“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!* -Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons -Taki Powder -“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour) -Orange Ash -Green Onion Curls COURSE 2 / APPETIZER *Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites* -Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip -Melted Oaxaca -Savory Avocado Mousse -Purple Potato Shoestring Frites -Heirloom Tomatoes -Pickled Onion Powder COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER *Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* -Cucumber Serrano Granita -Caramelized Chamoy Bowl -Tajin -Infused Mint/Basil Oil COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE *Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin* -Beef Franks -Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon -Carmelized Shallots -Refried Beans -“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust -Jalapeño Mustard Crema -Cherry Tomatoes -Smoked Chile Guero COURSE 5 / DESSERT *Gansito à la Mode* -Chocolate-glazed gâteau, -Strawberry confit, -Toasted marshmallow mousse, -Mexican vanilla semifreddo -Chocolate crisp. Photo by @dalton.voss #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents