With Halloween and Día de los Muertos around the corner, perhaps it’s a good time to celebrate the holidays with great food, craft beer, wine, and memories of loved ones.
Even though annual events this year haven’t been what we’d come to know, there are a few places giving continued life to the festivities many of us had on our calendars for this week.
Keep an eye on the dates of the following events so you’re sure not to miss out.
“Howl-oween” at Borderlands Brewing Company
Wednesday, October 28
The downtown brewery is having a fun event for Tucson pooches.
They’re expecting to have a “howlin’ good time” with a pup costume contest that starts at 7 p.m. The winner will inherit a “Pup Prize Basket” and all participants will receive a treat.
For more information, follow Borderlands Brewing Company on Facebook.
Día de los Muertos at Penca Restaurante
Friday, October 30
Penca recently reopened and they’re ready to celebrate Día de los Muertos weekend with mezcal tastings, a cocktail special, and even some dinner specials, too.
Space is limited so you’ll want to reserve your table ahead of time.
For more information, follow Penca on Facebook.
“Halloweekend” at Borderlands Brewing Company
Friday, October 30 – Saturday, October 31
The brewery will be offering drink specials, prizes, and 15 percent off tabs for anyone who comes in dressed up in a Halloween costume.
The actual costume contest is from 8 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, but you can still stop by for the specials on Friday, October 30.
Costume Contest Prizes
- First Place will receive a $100 Borderlands gift card
- Second Place will receive a $20 Borderlands gift card and t-shirt
- Third place will receive a $10 Borderlands gift card and t-shirt
For more information, follow Borderlands Brewing Company on Facebook.
Halloween Happy Hour at 1912 Brewing Company
Saturday, October 31
Here’s an event that won’t rattle your bones and empty your wallet.
The brewery is hosting a “Halloween Happy Hour” from noon – 9 p.m. Plus, if you dress up in something spooky you’ll get $1 off all of your beers.
For more information, follow 1912 Brewing Company on Facebook.
Wine and Candy Pairings at AZ Hops and Vines
Saturday, October 31
Have you ever wondered what kind of candy paired well with your favorite merlot?
Don’t sweat it because the professionals at AZ Hops and Vines are here to show you how to pair six different wines with six types of candy. Oh, and you even get a souvenir glass.
The winery has specific times throughout the day, so be sure to reserve your spot.
For more information, follow AZ Hops and Vines on Facebook.
Scary Movies and Trivia at Catalina Brewing Co.
Saturday, October 31
Here’s another event that’s encouraging costumes and all things terrifying.
They’re offering $3 pints if you’re dressed up, beer and candy pairings, Halloween Trivia, and Halloween movies, which will be lighting up the screens from 7 p.m. – midnight.
For more information, follow Catalina Brewing Company on Facebook.
“Halloween Crooked Yoga” at Crooked Tooth Brewing
Saturday, October 31
It’s a very special Halloween edition of Crooked Yoga out on the brewery’s patio. The crew wants to see your spooky-season spirit during the class, which is from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
The only has a few spots left and costs $12 per person, which includes one free pint.
In addition, Crooked Tooth is having a Full Moon Beer Release — the Hunter’s Moon 2020. It’s an Imperial Red Rye IPA with Calendula infused with Goldstone.
For more information, follow Crooked Tooth Brewing Company on Facebook.
Día de los Muertos celebration at El Chinito Gordo
Saturday, October 31 – Monday, November 2
There’s nothing scary about the food at El Chinito Gordo — it’s delicious, as a matter of fact. This year, the restaurant is throwing a three-day celebration featuring specialty dishes and cocktails.
Saturday, October 31
- Shrimp Tamale and Chile Relleno – with a cream-based sauce, infused with rose petals and rose wine
Sunday, November 1
- Pork Shoulder – marinated in a rich mulato/cascabel/morita chile sauce, dressed with Cempasuchil (Mexican marigold) and mezcal, and then served with corn on the cob
Monday, November 2
- Juicy Chicken Breast – smothered in a pecan mole and served with cheese/Cempasuchil empanadas
Specialty Cocktails:
- El Spooky – Blueberry mojito with muddled blueberries, lime, and fresh mint
- Llorana – House margarita with a cabernet wine float
- Green Goblin – melon liqueur, vodka, caramel cream, and hints of pineapple
For more information, follow El Chinito Gordo on Facebook.
Truck-n-Treat Pop-up at HUB Ice Cream Factory
Saturday, October 31
HUB Ice Cream Factory, which is reopening on Friday, is debuting it’s newly remodeled, vintage 1920’s model-T ice cream truck on Halloween.
Beginning at noon, the truck will be parked outside the parlor on Congress and selling spookily delicious Halloween-inspired scoops in five new chilling flavors.
- Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
- Graveyard Treats (a candy bar ice cream)
- Witches Brew (a bourbon brittle ice cream)
- Black Cauldron (a black coconut ash ice cream)
- Vampire Vacation (a tropical mango sorbet, vegan)
For more information, follow HUB Ice Cream Factory on Facebook.
Día de los Muertos celebration at Crooked Tooth Brewing with food from Tumerico
Sunday, November 1
From 2 – 7 p.m., celebrate the holiday that honors loved ones with a cool, crisp brew and cuisine from Tumerico.
Right now, the weather is better than ever to enjoy your time out on the patio, but if you prefer inside, Crooked Tooth’s taproom is reopening on Thursday, October 29.
For more information, follow Crooked Tooth Brewing Company on Facebook.
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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.
