The Tucson 23

The Tucson 23
A Mexican Food Festival

Date TBA - Summer 2017

6:00pm

A Mexican food festival celebrating Visit Tucson's best 23 miles of Mexican food in America.

Tucson is home to the most authentic Mexican food north of the border. The highest concentration of these restaurants is found within a 23-mile area that includes the City of South Tucson, downtown and lower midtown. At these terrific eateries, many of which are family-owned and decades old, the settings are casual, the ingredients are fresh and the experience is unforgettable.

The inaugural event on Father's Day Weekend in 2016 helped establish the event as a Tucson favorite signature event, celebrating some of the best Mexican food in the region.

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance partners with title sponsor Visit Tucson and the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. The event will feature weekend stay-cation packages, food demos and education, live music and more.

Tickets $49

Tickets include libation, and menu samplings from over 25 local wineries, breweries and local Mexican restaurants.

All ages event. Tickets anticipated to sell out. Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure availability. Tickets are available for purchase until sold out.

Tickets Available Jan 1, 2017

Event Partners

Location

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745

Surround yourself with natural beauty at our Tucson resort. Nestled against the saguaro-covered foothills of Tucson Mountain Park, JW Marriott Starr Pass Tucson Resort & Spa offers a tranquil yet animated mountaintop setting as natural as the surrounding desert itself. Our resort in Tucson, AZ merges surpassing luxury and personal service with family-friendly recreation, an incredible array of dining options and three nine-hole desert golf courses.

Get Involved

Participate in the event as a featured restaurant, chef, purveyor or libation

Culinary Registration Form

Support your community and become an event sponsor. Download the benefits and opportunities here.

Event Sponsorship

Apply for a media pass to cover the event in your publication or blog

Media Pass Application

We are always in need of a few good volunteers. Register to Volunteer Online

Participating Tucson 23 Restaurants & Exhibitors

Check back soon for a full list of participating 2017 exhibitors

Thank you to our 2016 event participants!

2016 Restaurant Participants
Enjoy signature menu samplings from these participants

Blanco Tacos & Tequila
Boca Tacos y Tequila
Calle Tepa
Crossroads Cafe
Dish for Dosha
El Charro Cafe
El Cisne
Gringo Grill + Cantina
La Estrella Bakery
La Fresita
La Parilla Suiza
Leo's Mexican Food
Marisco's Chihuahua
Molina's Midway Restaurant
Pasco Kitchen & Lounge
Penca
Rigos Restaurant
Reforma Cocina y Cantina
Seis Kitchen and Catering

2016 Libation Participants
Enjoy signature libation samplings from these participants

Bohemia
Dos Equis Amber
Dos Equis Lager
Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine
Sonoran Sno-Cones*
Tecate Michelado Diablo
Tito's Vodka
Fermented Tea Company
Pure Love Juice
Luna Malvada Tequila

Entertainment

"Mariachi" means a certain repertoire of music, a special grouping of instruments, and a distinctive style of singing that create an unmistakable sound unique in the world. It has special meaning for many Mexican Americans as an emblem of their cultural heritage and a source of pride and community connections.

Other activities include Dia de los Muertos Face Painting by Ruth Spies and Etienne Boeuf, an interactive art project which all event attendees can participate in (Decorate the Giant 23), photo fun booth with special themed props, live artist demonstrations and original artwork for sale, and a featured raffle baskets with travel packages, culinary tours, staycations, restaurant gift cards, and more.

Mariachi Mexteca
No music celebrates the historic culture and sounds of the Southwest quite like the traditional mariachi. With an outstanding reputation for providing energy, showmanship, and dependability, this group will surpass your expectations!

Ballet Folklorico La Paloma
Ballet Folklorico La Paloma is a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the native folk dances of Mexico. By doing so, they hope to arouse pride and heritage in the Mexican-American Community. They seek to educate the general public through their colorful and entertaining performances.