Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner and here in the Tucson area a few foodie-themed events are happening over the three-day weekend.
From dining under the stars to wine tours and live music in the park (with food trucks, too), there ought to be something for most folks to do this Memorial Day Weekend.
Pay attention to dates, times, and locations!
2024 Pizza Throwdown and Dessert Duel
Monday, May 27 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Once again, Tucson Originals is hosting the cheesy event at Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, located at 3011 E. Speedway Blvd. If it’s your first time hearing about this event, some of Tucson’s top pizzerias go slice for slice in a battle for pizza supremacy.
For $60 per person ($50 for veterans and active military), all guests will receive three drink tickets and all the pizza and desserts you can handle. If you’re a Tucson Foodie Insider, you can get $10 off! Open the Tucson Foodie App to score the deal.
Fire & Wine Dinner on the Ranch
Monday, May 27 from 6 – 8 p.m.
From 6 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, at the historic Babocomari Ranch near Elgin, there will be an evening of outdoor fine dining in a grove of towering cottonwood trees as the sun sets and the stars come out. Bus transportation to the dinner location is available, too.
The dinner will be prepared by Devon Sanner (chef and co-owner at Zio Peppe), Travis Peters (executive chef and co-owner of The Parish), and Obadiah Hindman (executive chef at Mountain Oyster Club).
Tickets are $175 per person and can be purchased online.
Brunch in the Vineyard
Sunday, May 26 from 10 a.m. – noon
From 10 a.m. – noon on Sunday, May 26, under expansive shade and looking out Callaghan Vineyards, Devon Sanner (chef and co-owner at Zio Peppe), Travis Peters (executive chef and co-owner of The Parish), and Obadiah Hindman (executive chef at Mountain Oyster Club). will serve a creative brunch buffet with summertime wines from the three wineries.
Soak up the beautiful scenery and relax in the shade with friends and family in this charming vineyard setting!
Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
Monday, May 27
“Join us on May 27th at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers as we salute our U.S. Military Veterans with a FREE All-American Burger and chips! It’s our small way of saying thank you for your service. Let’s make this Memorial Day memorable, one burger at a time! See you there, veterans!”
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 27
The resort is hosting several events and activities throughout the three-day weekend. A sunset guided hike, movies under the stars, S’mores fire pit experience, water bingo, and more!
Omni Tucson National Resort
Friday, May 24 – Monday, May 27
“Get ready to kick off the summer season in style with a plethora of exciting events and activities! Our Sweet Water Pool awaits you for endless hours of refreshing relaxation and aquatic adventures! Whether you’re lounging poolside or making a splash, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine. Indulge in our exclusive Summer of Citrus menu, featuring tantalizing dishes and refreshing drinks infused with the zestiest flavors of the season. From tangy lemonades to succulent citrus-infused entrees, every bite is a burst of summertime bliss!”
They’re also hosting “Dive-In Movies: on Friday and Saturday evening, and “Drinks and Bites at The Peak” — handcrafted cocktails, delicious bites, and breathtaking views.
Tucson Pops Orchestra’s Music Under the Stars
Sunday, May 26 at 7 p.m.
Opening with the moving DMAFB Honor Guard Presentation of Colors, this concert pays tribute to the US Armed Services. Classic patriotic songs like Stars and Stripes Forever, Arm Forces Salute, Star Spangled Banner, Hymn to the Fallen, the poignant Hymn to the Fallen, and more. The evening will conclude with America the Beautiful.
New this year: the Pops Beer Garden will be serving local brews and wines. The fee to sit in the beer garden for the evening is $10 per person. You can reserve your spot at the Pops Beer Garden ahead of time online.
Tucson Pops Concerts are free to attend and open to all. Donations are highly encouraged to ensure that Music Under The Stars will be available to all for many years to come!
Food Trucks on Sunday, May 26:
- SAAFB Coffee Clutch
- Fire House Truck
- Sarge’s Cheesecake
- Hot Pops Kettle Corn
- Hawaiian Shaved Ice
- Quesadillas & More
- Fiesta Filipino
Wine, Beer, & Spirits Festival in Sierra Vista
Saturday, May 25 from noon – 7 p.m.
“Sip, sip, hooray! Sierra Vista’s Seventh Annual Wine, Beer, & Spirits Festival is set for Saturday, May 25, from noon to 7 p.m. and advance tickets are now available. Sample some of Arizona’s best vintages, craft brews, and micro-distilled spirits while enjoying live music and shopping in Veterans Memorial Park. Food and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event as well as a variety of handmade crafts and local art.”
IBT’s
Monday, May 27 at 11 a.m.
The Fourth Avenue bar is hosting “Morning Madness” on Memorial Day this year. Janee Starr is hosting a daytime drag show Tickets are $10 per person to the show! Then, there’s going to be karaoke at 1 p.m. to close.
Arizona Winery Tours
Monday, May 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“Spend Memorial Day with us! Let Arizona Winery Tours be your DD while you enjoy the cooler temps of Arizona Wine Country. Our all-inclusive tours include roundtrip transportation, snacks and bottled water on the bus throughout the day, picnic lunch, souvenir tasting glass, five to six tastings at each stop, and visits to three vineyards.”
Famous Sam’s on Golf Links
Saturday, May 25 at 10 p.m.
“Kick off Memorial Day at Famous Sam’s on Golf Links with DJ Haru! Enjoy Hip-Hop, R&B, Old School, and Reggae tunes. Don’t miss out!”
Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom
Monday, May 27 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
The restaurant in Oro Valley will be hosting live music from Corey Spector from 5:30 – 8 p.m., which can be paired with Fork & Fire’s burgers, barbecue, beers, and cocktails.
Forty Niner Country Club
Monday, May 27 from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The country club is hosting a Memorial Day Golf Scramble that benefits Folds of Honor. There’s a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. and entry includes golf, cart, range balls, prizes, and then lunch. Tickets are $40 for members, $45 for military, $50 for member guests, and $55 for non-members.
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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.
