🎟️ Desert Magic | Aug 29 — Get Tickets & View Featured Chefs →Get Tickets →
Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
‘High in the Desert’ Sparks Up With Live Music, Cannabis, Food & More

(Photos courtesy of High in the Desert and Mark Whittaker)

‘High in the Desert’ Sparks Up With Live Music, Cannabis, Food & More

Oct 2, 20243 min read

High in the Desert is half music festival/half cannabis expo and a whole afternoon of fun.

On Saturday, October 5, dozens of cannabis brands, vendors, and more descend upon the MSA Annex in the Festival’s second bi-annual event. Whether you’re a live music fan, a cannabis aficionado, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone at High in the Desert.

VIP Ticketholders ($120) get in at 4 p.m., General Admission ($65) is at 5 p.m., and the event runs until 10 p.m. at 267 S. Avenida del Convento.

Live Music on Tap

Headlining the event is The Expendables, a reggae band from Santa Cruz, California. Featuring a
quartet of musicians, the group has made a name offering a mix of reggae, ska, punk, and metal since 1997. With eight studio albums under their belt, expect a mix of crowd-moving jams and a heavy California influence of surf rock.

(Photo courtesy of High in the Desert)

Supporting bands include Anarbor (from Phoenix), The Irie (from Chandler), and Tucson native Anjanee.

In addition, the event will feature DJ Frvnk Benjvmin with Lucid Lizard Entertainment spinning in between sets. Emcee Beef Vegan of Rock 102.1 KFMA will be entertaining festival-goers through the day.

Cannabis in It’s (many) Forms

This is High in the Desert, so expect a plethora of the cannabis plant flowing freely in all its various embodiments. Want to sample rosin? They’ll be a dab bar. Into pure cannabis flower? Head to the bong bar. Prefer vapor? There’s a bar for that, too.

Many brands and dispensaries are featured, offering plenty of samples and freebies from:

  • Grow Sciences
  • Abundant Organics
  • VARZ Cannabis
  • HALO Infusions
  • Lunchbox Dispensary
  • D2 Dispensaries
  • FENO
  • Jeeter
  • Dr. Greenthumb’s
  • i.o. Extracts
  • Earth’s Healing
  • Hello! Live Resin
  • projectpacks
(Photo courtesy of High in the Desert)
Community-Driven Vendor Village

When you’re not sampling products or jamming to the bands, enjoy the festival feel with various local artisans and informational booths. Home decor, smoking accessories, fashion and art will be offered.

Businesses on site include:

  • Live Glass Blowing by Sunset Glass Gallery
  • Live Painting with Art by Ercolini
  • Buffalo Bannnon
  • It’s Always 420 in AZ
  • Arizona NORML
  • Scuba Stash
  • Vibes Papers
  • Zen and Gems
  • Quantum Casual
  • Maude Pods
  • On Cloud Dye
  • Jazmin Roze Art
  • Butterfly Creations
  • Turtle Timber AZ
  • balance
  • Desert Alchemist
  • Little Rabbit Jewelry
  • Tucson Doobie
  • Creative Universe Productions
  • Desert Clairvoyant
  • Thrush Law Group
  • All Off Cannabis World
  • High in the Desert Merch
  • AZCan
Munchies Don’t Stand a Chance

Rounding out the event is a selection of food trucks and purveyors offering something for every palate. Handheld delights, decadent treats, and creative beverages will be offered.

Featured munchie-cures include:

  • CowPig Food Truck
  • You Sly Dog Food Truck
  • Mafia Kitchen Cannolis + Italian Sodas
  • Donut Blitz Food Truck
  • Roman’s Antojitos
  • Savage Mami
Burger from CowPig food truck (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Get your tickets soon!

High in the Desert is taking place at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Article written by:

Tucson Doobie

Tucson Doobie

More about Tucson
Tucson Doobie is Tucson’s cannabis focused community, designed for locals who like to explore the best the city’s dispensaries have to offer. As a member, you’ll unlock $6,000 worth of gift cards, access to our infused dinners, 50% off our festivals, and free member mixer events. Join our community of like-minded enthusiasts and support local businesses in Tucson. Join our club in the Mobile App here.

Advertisement

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Follow @TucsonFoodie134.6K followers
TOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨

In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 

🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 

🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ 

Video by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventTOMORROW! An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky.🌵✨ In partnership with @salus.healers, join us tomorrow, August 29, at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a one-night celebration of the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and discover chef and wellness stations along the way. 🌿WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more: @awakenedwombs | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound 🔥FOOD: @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Video by @dalton.voss #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevent
SPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵

@Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM
Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner
📍 @incasperuviancuisine 
 
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM
Penca Special Dinner
📍 @pencarestaurante 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM
Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover
📍 Flying V @loewsventana 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM
Whole Hog BBQ Dinner
📍 @bashfulbanditbbq 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM
Sunshine Wine Special Dinner
📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner
📍 @bocatucson 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM
Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 
📍 @bacio.italianoaz 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM
Cielos Special Dinner
📍 @cielostucson 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM 
Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 
📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM
Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner
📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial 

Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead!

Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️

#SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieeventsSPECIAL DINNERS DURING SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK🌵 @Sonoranrestaurantweek is ONE WEEK AWAY! In addition to prix-fixe menus around Tucson, @sonoranrestaurantweek features a lineup of special dinners and one very special brunch. Here’s the schedule: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 • 6 PM Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine Special Dinner 📍 @incasperuviancuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 • 6 PM Penca Special Dinner 📍 @pencarestaurante SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 11 AM–2 PM Sonoran Restaurant Week Brunch Takeover 📍 Flying V @loewsventana SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 • 6:30 PM Whole Hog BBQ Dinner 📍 @bashfulbanditbbq TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 • 6 PM Sunshine Wine Special Dinner 📍 @sunshine_wine_tucson with @queenofcupswines WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 • 6 PM BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon Special Dinner 📍 @bocatucson THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 • 6 PM Bacio Italiano Special Dinner with @vertigo.wines 📍 @bacio.italianoaz FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 6 PM Cielos Special Dinner 📍 @cielostucson SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 6 PM Nana’s Kitchen Special Dinner with @rombauervineyards 📍 @nanas_kitchen_2008 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 • 6 PM Wild Garlic Grill Special Dinner 📍 @wildgarlicgrillofficial Several events have limited seating and require tickets or reservations, so plan ahead! Sonoran Restaurant Week runs September 4–13. Tap the link in our bio for menus, tickets, reservations, and more.❤️ #SRW2026 #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodieevents
Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭

Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own!

🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! 

Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson
2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!”
3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM!

Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT
Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com

⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!Win 2 tickets to Oktober Foodie Fest! 🍺🥨🌭 Oktober Foodie Fest returns to @corbettstucson on Saturday, September 26th. It’s Oktoberfest, but with a Tucson Foodie flavor all its own! 🎶 Live Music 🍺 Craft Beer Garden 🏋️ Classic Contests 🥨 Authentic German Eats ✚ MORE! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Follow @tucsonfoodie & @corbettstucson 2️⃣ Tag 1 friend (Your best brat-buddy🌭) and comment “Let’s go to OktoberFoodieFest!” 3️⃣ We’ll draw our winner for the two passes Friday 8/28 at 9:45AM, just before tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM! Tickets on sale Friday 8/28 @ 10AM PT Tickets & more info ➡️ oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com ⚠️ Note for Foodie Insider Members: Check your email for your 50% event discount code!
A new Chihuahuan-style restaurant and tortilla factory is opening in Tucson! @Tortillaschiwas debuts Thursday at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory.

Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a married couple originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the project. The James Beard-nominated duo will bring a roughly 15-item menu featuring dishes from their Phoenix restaurants, including Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu Cocktails + Comida.

Tortillas Chiwas will initially be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 p.m. with just 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. The team also plans to mill nixtamal on-site for hand-pressed tortillas, continuing the building’s long tortilla-making history.

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

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsA new Chihuahuan-style restaurant and tortilla factory is opening in Tucson! @Tortillaschiwas debuts Thursday at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory. Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a married couple originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the project. The James Beard-nominated duo will bring a roughly 15-item menu featuring dishes from their Phoenix restaurants, including Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu Cocktails + Comida. Tortillas Chiwas will initially be open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 p.m. with just 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. The team also plans to mill nixtamal on-site for hand-pressed tortillas, continuing the building’s long tortilla-making history. Photos by @jackie_tran_ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews