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Sabores de Tucson Mexican Food Festival
May 2
On Friday, May 2, 2025, step into Sabores de Tucson: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival, and experience Cinco de Mayo Weekend like never before. Preview the chefs, performers, artisans, and the special Cinco de Mayo experiences all weekend long at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa below. Stay and Play.
At America’s Best Mexican Food Festival, you’re not just eating—you’re journeying. Through four distinct regions of Mexico—Northern, Central, Pacific, and Southern—you’ll savor 30+ signature dishes crafted by award-winning chefs, sip native spirits, and watch as the sights and sounds of live Folklórico, Mariachi, and Norteño music carry you from one region to the next. Each area is transformed into a cultural destination, with artisans live-carving, painting, and crafting traditional works. This is more than food—this is Mexico, brought to life through every bite, rhythm, and brushstroke.
Full Weekend of Cinco de Mayo Inspired Culinary Experiences
· Saturday poolside DJ, Taco Bar, Paletas, Agua Frescas, and Sonoran Dogs
· Latin-inspired enhancements at Casa 71 and La Luz
· Latin brunch specials Friday and Saturday mornings
VIP TICKETS $150
ENTRY TIME 5PM
VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive early festival access from 5–6 PM. Savor tastings from 30+ local culinary partners, live music, and art, showcasing six Mexican regions. Enjoy an exclusive VIP lounge with specialty libations and bites. VIP perks include a custom tote bag, upgraded seating, and a discounted LYFT ride home
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS $115
ENTRY TIME 6PM
Join the festivity with a General Admission Ticket for $115, providing access from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Enjoy full entry to the event, where you can sample culinary creations from over 30 local chefs and artisans, accompanied by live music and art demonstrations native to each culinary region.
The Sabores de Tucson: Best Mexican Food in America Festival sponsored by Visit Tucson is a premier culinary celebration, honoring Tucson’s rich Mexican food heritage while benefiting two essential cultural organizations: The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. A portion of the event proceeds will directly support the educational and cultural initiatives of both organizations.
Presented in collaboration with Tucson Foodie and Shamrock Foods, this immersive festival offers attendees a chance to explore the diverse flavors of Mexico through a series of regional tasting stations, led by some of the region’s most talented chefs. Each section of the event will transport guests to a distinct region of Mexico through food, art, and music, bringing the flavors and traditions to life.
Unlike any other food festival, Sabores de Tucson transports attendees through four immersive regions of Mexico—Northern, Central, Pacific, and Southern—each brought to life through multi-course tastings by celebrated chefs, live traditional and contemporary music, and artisan demonstrations that tell the story of Mexican culture through craftsmanship.
Culinary Experiences
The festival will feature culinary creations from over 30 chefs, including:
· Chef Jose Contreras – Amelia’s Kitchen (James Beard Award Nominee)
· Chef Gary Hickey – Si Charro Group
· Chef Marissa Lopez – Mujer Bonita Catering
· Chef Ken Foy – Dante’s Fire
· Chef Devon Pinto – The Westin La Paloma (VIP Tasting Menu)
· Chef Kelzi Bartholomaei
· Chef Janet Balderas
· Chef Juan Almanza – Tacos Rustico
· Seis Kitchen
· La Chingada & Cruda
· Brother John’s BBQ
· JPs Seafood Restaurant
· Redbird Scratch Kitchen
· El Guero Canelo (Legendary Sonoran hotdogs)
· Tabu Restaurant
· La Estrella Bakery – Regional Mexican pastries
· AND MORE!!!
Libations and Spirits
Mexican wines, cocktails, and regional spirits provided by:
· Borderland Spirits – Sampling of Bacanoras
· Whiskey Del Bac – Libation partners
· Westbound and Tap & Bottle – Azul Mule
· Creo Spirits – Featuring wine and libations from Mexico
· Compa Spirits – Featuring libations from Mexico
· Finley – Mexican Beer
· Republic National Distributing – Sampling of Mexican spirits
· Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea (with Dirty T Tamarindo custom cup rims)
Menu Highlights
From street food classics to elevated regional specialties, Sabores de Tucson invites you to taste your way through the culinary soul of Mexico. This year’s featured chefs are crafting bold, authentic dishes that celebrate the rich diversity of Mexican cuisine—from the smoky grills of the North to the vibrant, tropical flavors of the South. Get a preview of the unforgettable flavors awaiting you on May 2.
Chef Devin Pinto – The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Representing the heart of Central Mexico, Chef Devin Pinto offers a vibrant duo of festival favorites: Pozole, a rich and aromatic hominy stew layered with bold spices, and Fish Tacos, featuring fresh, flavorful ingredients and perfectly balanced textures. A celebration of classic comfort and regional flair from the host venue’s own culinary team.
Chef Marissa Lopez – Mujer Bonita Catering Representing the bold, soulful flavors of Southern Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula, Chef Marissa presents a deep-fried corn gordita topped with cochinita pibil, finished with pickled watermelon radishes and a silky roasted garlic mousse. A stunning and flavorful ode to tradition.
Chef Jose Contreras – Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen Recently James Beard-nominated, Chef Jose brings the heart of Jalisco to the table with Birria Street Tacos and Elote con Rajas Tacos, blending comfort, spice, and street food perfection.
The GUT Collective – Pacific Coast Region This powerhouse group of Tucson chefs will showcase an array of dishes from Mexico’s coastal regions, including Aguachile Verde, Pozole, Carnitas, and Fish Tacos—each one a vibrant bite of seaside tradition.
Chef Gary Hickey – Si Charro Group pays tribute to its Sonoran roots with Tomahawk Carne Asada Tacos, grilled to perfection, alongside Capirotada, a traditional Mexican bread pudding reimagined with refined flair.
El Guero Canelo No Sabores celebration would be complete without Tucson’s most iconic bite: grilled Sonoran Hot Dogs, courtesy of El Guero Canelo—bringing legendary local flavor and national acclaim to the event.
Redbird Scratch Kitchen Inspired by the street food and urban flavors of Mexico City, Redbird will serve up Elote Nachos, stacked with roasted corn and bold spices, paired with a signature spicy margarita that packs a flavorful punch.
VIP Exclusive Menu
For VIP guests, Chef Devin Pinto delivers an elevated tasting experience that blends creativity with coastal elegance. Highlights include Mini Tres Leches Push Pops, and Boozy Pops in bold flavors like Mango Chamoy Tequila and Strawberry Mezcal. Seafood lovers will savor the Baja Stripe Bass Crudo with Agua Chile and Spiny Lobster Tostadas—refined, refreshing, and unmistakably Mexican.