What’s cookin’ at the 48th annual Tucson Meet Yourself festival

What’s cookin’ at the 48th annual Tucson Meet Yourself festival

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It’s that time of year again to meet up, eat, and treat yourself.

The 48th annual Tucson Meet Yourself is taking over parts of downtown for a weekend of fun from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, October 8 – Saturday, October 9, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 10.

Costillas tacos from El Taco Rustico at Tucson Meet Yourself
Costillas tacos from El Taco Rustico at Tucson Meet Yourself (Credit: Jackie Tran)

As was seen in previous years, Tucson Meet Yourself is designated to a certain area, and this year it’s going to be absorbing four city blocks by the Jacomé Plaza that’s in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library.

There’s going to be more than 50 performing groups sharing music and dance, the inaugural Arizona Ethnic and Traditional Dance Festival, and more than 30 food vendors that’ll be representing at least 20 cultural regions.

“We’ve been very careful and intentional about planning this year’s Tucson Meet Yourself,” said, Maribel Alvarez, Festival Program Director. “We produce a festival for the public, of course, but our allegiance is primarily to the artists and food vendors who get to share their culture. Our close conversations with these participants — many with whom we have enjoyed decades of relationship — have helped us plan a scaled-back festival that takes safety very seriously, while still allowing for celebration and enjoyment.”

Tucson Meet Yourself
Tucson Meet Yourself (Photo by Steven Meckler)

Be sure to invite your appetite along for the walk while getting whiffs of multiple aromas from the following food vendors.

Participating Tucson Meet Yourself Food Vendors

  • Baja Tacos Tucson
  • Boriken Modern Puerto Rican Cuisine
  • Cafe Francais
  • Cafe Santa Rosa
  • Ceedee Jamaican Kitchen
  • Cocina Oaxaqueña
  • Eat Masri
  • El Taco Rustico
  • Empanadas El Dominicano
  • H.B.C.U. College Tour Group
  • Hawaiian Shave Ice
  • Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine
  • J’s Kettle Corn
  • Just Churros
  • Kain Na Tayo Filipino
  • Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble
  • Los Chiquilines Aguas Frescas
  • Matilde Santa Cruz – Sonoran Homecooking
  • Maya Gracie’s Kitchen
  • Moreno’s Roasted Corn
  • O’odham Ladies
  • Order of Ahepa Greek Food
  • Pam’s Kitchen
  • Patricia’s Cuban Kitchen
  • Ricuras de Venezuela
  • Saffron Indian Bistro
  • San Xavier Cooperative Farm
  • Santa Cruz Catholic Church / Little Mexico Restaurant
  • Sema Foundation-Turkish
  • Solid Grindz Hawaiian Food
  • Sonoran Sno Cones
  • Takoyaki Balls
  • Vietnamese Student Association
  • Wat Buddhametta
  • Yoeme Barrio Libre Community

You can see the entire list online with a description of each food vendor, along with where they are actually going to be located at Jacomé Plaza.

El Taco Rustico at Tucson Meet Yourself (Credit: Jackie Tran)
El Taco Rustico at Tucson Meet Yourself (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Tucson Meet Yourself will be located at Jacomé Plaza, in front of the Joel D. Valdez Main Library at 101 N. Stone Ave. For more information, visit tucsonmeetyourself.org.

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.

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@Miramontetucson is now serving lunch daily and brunch on weekends! Located at 3352 E. Speedway Blvd., the midtown restaurant has expanded its hours, with doors opening at 11 a.m.🌞

We stopped by to try a few things from the new menus, including the Cornbread & Eggs with pork carnitas and green chile cream sauce, Crab Omelet, Fried Chicken & Waffles with hot honey, and Brioche French Toast with Seville orange marmalade and Chantilly cream.

The weekend brunch menu also includes a classic breakfast and fruit & yogurt, with dishes ranging from $13 to $19.

For lunch, you can find options like the Miramonte Cobb Salad and Tomato Mozzarella.

Visit Miramonte for lunch Tuesday through Sunday and weekend brunch!@Miramontetucson is now serving lunch daily and brunch on weekends! Located at 3352 E. Speedway Blvd., the midtown restaurant has expanded its hours, with doors opening at 11 a.m.🌞 We stopped by to try a few things from the new menus, including the Cornbread & Eggs with pork carnitas and green chile cream sauce, Crab Omelet, Fried Chicken & Waffles with hot honey, and Brioche French Toast with Seville orange marmalade and Chantilly cream. The weekend brunch menu also includes a classic breakfast and fruit & yogurt, with dishes ranging from $13 to $19. For lunch, you can find options like the Miramonte Cobb Salad and Tomato Mozzarella. Visit Miramonte for lunch Tuesday through Sunday and weekend brunch!
@Ursa_az earned two national honors on Nov. 10. @Eater named chef Aaron Lopez (@Aaron_lopez_86) one of five 2026 Chefs of the Year. 

Additionally, @Nytimes awarded the restaurant three stars. The recognitions put Tucson’s Sonoran Desert tasting menu in front of a national audience.

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Ursa_az earned two national honors on Nov. 10. @Eater named chef Aaron Lopez (@Aaron_lopez_86) one of five 2026 Chefs of the Year. Additionally, @Nytimes awarded the restaurant three stars. The recognitions put Tucson’s Sonoran Desert tasting menu in front of a national audience. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
We’re updating our guide to the best places to work remotely in Tucson! Where do you like to go when you need to get some work done or just want to spend time outside the house with Wi-Fi? 

Share your favorite spots with us!👩‍💻☕️We’re updating our guide to the best places to work remotely in Tucson! Where do you like to go when you need to get some work done or just want to spend time outside the house with Wi-Fi? Share your favorite spots with us!👩‍💻☕️
From appetizers and soups to dinner specials and a variety of entrees, @Nanas_kitchen_2008 has plenty of options to choose from. They also have a full bar with a selection of drinks to pair with your meal.🔥

Whether you’re stopping in for dine-in or takeout, hosting a private event, or looking for catering for a special occasion, Nana’s Kitchen has you covered!

8225 North Courtney Page Way

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.From appetizers and soups to dinner specials and a variety of entrees, @Nanas_kitchen_2008 has plenty of options to choose from. They also have a full bar with a selection of drinks to pair with your meal.🔥 Whether you’re stopping in for dine-in or takeout, hosting a private event, or looking for catering for a special occasion, Nana’s Kitchen has you covered! 8225 North Courtney Page Way Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.