Southern Arizona’s Largest Culinary Festival Returns on February 4, 2017 to the Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tickets are now on sale for the annual community wide food and wine festival, presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, Local First Arizona & Tucson Botanical Gardens.

(TUCSON, Ariz.) — Early bird ticket sales have begun for the 4th Annual SAVOR Food and Wine Festival. Delivering a premiere Culinary Arts celebration highlighting Southern Arizona as a premier epicurean destination. SAVOR will once again bring together over 70 restaurants, chefs, breweries, wine, and specialty food purveyors at the lush and historic Tucson Botanical Gardens on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Presented in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, Local First Arizona, and Tucson Botanical Gardens; all three non-profit organizations strive to educate and promote the beauty and culture of Southern Arizona in their own unique way.

“This spectacular community collaboration has truly grown to become the largest annual showcase of Southern Arizona’s rich and diverse culinary talent, and native foods.” Said Kate Marquez, Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, “We look forward to highlighting our regional cuisine, and providing an opportunity for our community to come together to spend a day experiencing local foods and recipes in one of our region’s most serene settings, at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.”
 
The Festival will bring together stars of Tucson’s culinary scene with acclaimed regional chefs, wine and spirits experts, and leaders in the local Heritage Foods movement. Festival programming will include interactive cooking stations, the unique opportunity to engage with local chefs, live music, a signature event raffle and admission to Butterfly Magic and the Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life exhibit at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.  Attendees will stroll the gardens while visiting over 70 local restaurants and exhibitors offering their signature dishes and premiere wine and cocktail samples, experiencing a true intersection of place and palate.
 
Now in its fourth year, the SAVOR Food and Wine Festivals continues to grow in both featured talent and attendees. Last year’s sold-out event brought over 1,200 guests to SAVOR, making it the largest Food & Wine Festival in Southern Arizona.
 
Tickets for the 4th Annual SAVOR Food and Wine Festival are now available for purchase at www.saaca.org.  Tickets are $65 each and include menu and libations samplings from over 60 local chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries and food purveyors. This is a 21+ event. Event participants will be announced on a rolling basis beginning January 1, 2017.  
 
SAVOR Food and Wine Festival
When: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: General Admission: $65 in advance (no day of ticket sales)
Online: www.saaca.org
Phone: (520) 797-3959
 
About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.   www.saaca.org

About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003 by Director Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is the largest alliance of independent businesses in the country, working to strengthen communities and local economies through supporting, maintaining and celebrating locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. With nearly 3,000 local business members, LFA educates citizens, stakeholders, business leaders, and legislators about the significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of strong local economies. Visit www.LocalFirstAZ.com for more information.
 
About Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens, designated as America’s Best Secret Garden by Reader’s Digest, is an urban oasis in the heart of Tucson, featuring a 5 ½ acre collection of 17 specialty gardens. Voted Tucson’s “BEST Public Garden” in the Tucson Weekly’s BEST of issues for 12 years and awardee of the 2014 Copper Cactus Award for a Non-profit business. Now celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the Tucson Botanical Gardens has a seasonal tropical butterfly exhibit, an on-site café and two garden gift shops. The Gardens is located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information on classes, rotating exhibits, events or anything else, call (520) 326-9686, Ext. 10, email info@tucsonbotanical.org or visit www.tucsonbotanical.org.