🎟️ Desert Magic | Aug 29 — Get Tickets & View Featured Chefs →Get Tickets →
Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Celebrating ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Downtown Tucson

Downtown taproom (Photo courtesy of Pueblo Vida Brewing Company)

Celebrating ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Downtown Tucson

Nov 29, 20245 min read

Downtown Tucson is gearing up for a festive Small Business Saturday on November 30, featuring nearly 60 exclusive deals and promotions from local shops, restaurants, services, and attractions.

Small Business Saturday (SBS) is the “shop small answer” to Black Friday — a perfect opportunity to support local businesses while kicking off the holiday shopping season.

“With nearly 60 downtown businesses offering unique deals, Downtown Small Business Saturday is a pivotal day for our community,” said Crystal Moore, President & CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP).

a large building with a mountain in the background
(Photo courtesy of Visit Tucson)

“By choosing to shop locally, we not only find unique gifts but also invest in the vitality of Downtown Tucson,” she added. “Each purchase strengthens our local economy and fosters a vibrant community spirit.”

During SBS from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the DTP will be at the Proper Shops (300 E. Congress St.), handing out free downtown tote bags to anyone who shows a same-day small business receipt or signs up for the DTP email list. Shoppers can also pick up flyers of participating businesses and enter to win one of four $25 Downtown Tucson Gift Cards.

(Photo courtesy of Proper Shops)

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Regina Romero, Tucson Mayor. “Supporting them during the holiday season ensures that our community thrives, creating jobs and preserving the unique character of our city. Let’s come together to celebrate and uplift our local entrepreneurs.”

Here’s a list of deals happening on Saturday, November 30 (full list can be found here).

Deals at Downtown Restaurants/Bars on Small Business Saturday

  • Batch – From 4 – 6 p.m., enjoy drink specials including: $6 House Old Fashioneds, $6 Moscow Mules, $1 off Draft Beer, 20% off all Whiskey, & 20% off House Cocktails
  • Borderlands Brewing – $5 Any Beers All Day Saturday (In-Brewery Only)
  • Brick Box Brewery – $5 six-packs of Ray Ray’s Sonoran Tea (limit one case per guest) and $5 four-packs of Brick Box Beers and Cuba Libra
  • Café à la C’Art – Buy one coffee drink and get one coffee drink 50% off
  • Charro Steak & Del Rey – Buy a $100 Gift Card and Receive a FREE $22 Gift Card at Si Charro! Restaurants
  • Hotel Congress – Get 15% off ALL Hotel Congress merchandise during Black Friday – Cyber Monday (Nov. 29th – Dec. 2nd)
  • HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery – Buy $100 in gift cards and receive a $20 gift card on us
  • JA Ramen – Tonkotsu and Miso Ramen Special ALL DAY
  • Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen – Mention Small Business Saturday and get 10% off your bill
  • JoJo’s Restaurant – Beef or Housemade Veggie Burger paired with fries and any local draft beer for $18 when you mention Small Business Saturday
  • Juniper – 15% off your bill when you show a same-day local shopping receipt
  • La Chingada Cocina Mexicana – Gift Box: Buy One, Get One Free for $99.99. Includes a shirt, mug, hat, Chiltepinero, and Chiltepines
  • La Estrella Bakery – 50% off all Coffee and Specialty Drinks (Limit one per customer)
  • Le Macaron French Pastries – $1 Coffee and $1 Croissants ALL DAY (one of each per customer)
  • The Monica – Buy a $100 Gift Card and Receive a FREE $22 Gift Card at Si Charro! Restaurants
  • Perche’ No – Purchase a $50 gift card and receive a $10 gift card on us (In-Store Only)
  • El Charro Café – Buy a $100 Gift Card and Receive a FREE $22 Gift Card at Si Charro! Restaurants
  • Pueblo Vida Brewing Company – Small Business Saturday Flash Sale: 20% off all T-shirts
  • The Screamery – Get 10% off when presenting a same day downtown shopping receipt (10 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
  • Thunder Bacon Burger Co. – Mention Small Business Saturday and get 10% off your bill and $5 drafts all day (Dine-In Only)
  • Sonora Moonshine Co. – $2 Margaritas All Day
  • Tabu – $4 Draft Beer, $5 Old Fashioned, 35% Off All Food
  • Unicorn Zebra – $5 local craft draft beer or house wine if you show your same-day local shopping receipt
  • Wooden Tooth Records – Enjoy $3 Barrio Blonde cans while you shop (In-Store Only)

Check out the full list of deals here.

Camaron a la Diabla at Tabu (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

In addition to the many brick-and-mortar business deals, the Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival, organized by Blax Friday, will take place at 55 N. Fifth Ave. and Hotel Congress. BOB Fest will showcase over 50 Black-owned business vendors, along with live music, art, dance, and food trucks, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

According to Local First Arizona, shifting just 10% of spending from non-local to local businesses can generate 1,600 new jobs, $53 million in new wages, and over $130 million in total economic impact for a community the size of Tucson.

“When we support small businesses, we invest in our neighbors and the future of Pima County,” said Adelita Grijalva, Chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. “This holiday season, let’s make a conscious effort to shop locally, keeping our dollars within the community and fostering growth that benefits us all.”

Rosie Crocker, owner of Arizona Poppy, shared her excitement for Downtown SBS, where folks can explore her curated collection of local creations, vintage treasures, and beautiful plants.

“Small Business Saturday is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with the community and showcase the incredible talent of local artists and makers here in Tucson,” she added. “At Arizona Poppy Shop, every item tells a story—whether it’s handcrafted jewelry, unique home decor, or one-of-a-kind art pieces. When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product; you’re supporting the creativity and hard work of your neighbors.”

REMINDER: The Sun Link streetcar is FREE right now, giving you a convenient way to explore the many local businesses in Downtown Tucson, Fourth Avenue, the Mercado District, and Main Gate Square.

Visit downtowntucson.org for the full list of participating businesses, promotions, and event details.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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
@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵

This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩

Dry-Aged Beef Tartare
Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico 

Tournedos of Filet Mignon
Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona 

Caramel Butter Cake
Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona 

See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents@Sonoranrestaurantweek is almost here! September 4–13!🌵 This year, Flying V at @loewsventana is featuring a special K4 Ranch Prime Beef Tasting for $55.🥩 Dry-Aged Beef Tartare Koji-Honey Vinaigrette, Fermented Tomato, Shallot, Pistachio, Fry Bread I *+18 add Flying V Special Reserve Caviar I *Casa Madero - Chardonnay — Valle de Parras, Mexico Tournedos of Filet Mignon Desert Pearl Oyster Mushrooms, Del Bac Demi Glace, Our Beef Garum, Chives I Family Style: Hayden Mills Polenta, Farmer’s Market Featured Vegetables I *Merkin — Chupacabra Red - (Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Petite Sirah) - Willcox, Arizona Caramel Butter Cake Exo Coffee-Toffee Sauce, Bread Syrup, Preserved Jujube Chutney, Bone Marrow Ice Cream I *Flying Leap — Sangiovese – Elgin, Arizona See menus and build your itinerary on Tucsonfoodie/srw👈 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
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!