Arizona Best Food and Drink Festivals
Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.
Phoenix
Arizona Wine Festival
January
Copper State Beer Fest
January
Southwest Cajun Fest
February
The Original BBQ & Beer Festival Chandler
February
Arizona Strong Beer Festival
February
Devour Culinary Classic
February
Phoenix Foodieland Festival
March
Avondale FoodieLand Festival
March
Arizona Aloha Festival
March
The Original Taste Scottsdale
April
Uncorked Arizona Wine Festival
April
Scottsdale Tiki Oasis
April
Cinco de Mayo Festival Phoenix
May
Verde Valley Wine Festival
May
The Margarita Showdown Sedona
July
Chandler Rockin Taco Street Fest
September
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
October
Salt & Lime Fiesta
October
Taco Fest Salt River Fields
October
Italian Festival of Arizona
October
Gilbert Oktoberfest
October
Copper State Whiskey Festival
November
AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews
November
USA Today Wine & Food Experience
November
Tucson
SAVOR Food & Wine Festival
January
Off The Vine Arizona Wine Festival
February
Agave Heritage Festival
April
Baja Beer Festival
April
Wilcox Wine Festival
May
World Margarita Championship
June
Flagstaff
Hullabaloo Festival
June
Real Wild & Woodsy Beerfest
June
Flagstaff Blues & Blues
June
Flagstaff Beer Festival
June
Route 66 Chili Cookoff
August
Sedona Wine Fest
September
Brews & Brats Oktoberfest Kingman
October
Flagstaff Oktoberfest
October
Traveling? Check out what's going on in your destination city.
An Introduction to the Flavors of Arizona:
Tour the Best Food, Wine, Spirits, and Beer Festivals in the State
Arizona is not just a land of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, it's also a food and drink lover's paradise. From Tucson to Phoenix, and up to Flagstaff, the state hosts a variety of festivals celebrating everything from culinary delights to fine wines, craft beers, and spirits. Now let's take a look at few great festivals in the Grand Canyon State.
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Food Festivals
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Devour Culinary Classic (Phoenix - February)
This festival held at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix showcases over 70 local vendors, featuring an impressive array of food and drink options. Attendees can sample dishes from renowned establishments such as Barrio Cafe, Clever Koi, and The Phoenician Tavern. The event attracts a diverse crowd, with thousands of food enthusiasts eager to explore Arizona's vibrant culinary scene.
Alongside the tastings, live music enhances the atmosphere, creating a lively backdrop for guests to enjoy their culinary journey. Special features include cooking demonstrations and a competition where chefs are awarded for creativity and presentation. This festival not only highlights local talent but also emphasizes sustainable practices through its focus on indigenous ingredients.
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SAVOR Food & Wine Festival (Tucson - January)
Set in the picturesque Tucson Botanical Gardens, this culinary festival showcases the vibrant flavors of Southern Arizona. Attendees can expect to sample offerings from over 60 local chefs, wineries, and breweries, including well-known names like Beyond Bread and Barrio Brewing Co. The event features interactive cooking stations where guests can engage directly with chefs, enhancing the experience with live music and art displays throughout the gardens.
Hundreds of food lovers gather each year to enjoy a diverse array of tastings, from artisan breads to gourmet olive oils and craft beers. Special highlights include a signature event raffle and opportunities to explore the lush surroundings while savoring unique culinary delights. This festival not only celebrates local cuisine but also emphasizes Tucson's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
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The Original Taste (Scottsdale - April)
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Scottsdale hosts this premiere food and wine event that brings together the region's most celebrated culinary talents. Guests wander through the beautifully landscaped Scottsdale Civic Center as they sample offerings from over 40 local restaurants and beverage vendors. Notable participants include Mastro's Ocean Club, Fat Ox, and Citizen Public House, serving everything from gourmet small plates to fine wine and innovative cocktails.
Around 3,000 attendees enjoy this annual gathering, which features live music performances on multiple stages throughout the grounds. The festival showcases special features including chef demonstrations, a VIP lounge area with exclusive tastings, and a silent auction benefiting local charities.​
Wine Festivals
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Arizona Wine Festival (Phoenix - January)
The upcoming festival in downtown Phoenix will showcase the best of Arizona's wine scene, featuring 20 local wineries that will pour over 200 different wines. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options from five to seven food trucks, alongside a vintage village and numerous artisan vendors. The event will take place at Heritage Square, a vibrant venue known for its historical significance and community atmosphere. Live music will enhance the experience, with performances scheduled throughout the festival.
Notable wineries participating include Birds and Barrels, Bodega Pierce, and Caduceus Cellars. This celebration not only highlights Arizona's growing wine industry but also supports Horses Help, a local charity dedicated to improving the lives of those in need through therapeutic programs involving horses.
Wilcox Wine Festival (Tucson - May)
The annual gathering in Willcox showcases the best of Arizona's wine scene, featuring 15 local wineries and over 70 vendors. Attendees can explore artisan foods, fine arts, and vintage items while enjoying live music from various artists, including Courtney Cotter King and Seth Loveless. The festival takes place at Railroad Park, a historic venue that enhances the community atmosphere. Food options include offerings from popular local food trucks like Big Tex Bar-B-Que and Isabel’s South of the Border, serving up barbecue favorites and Mexican cuisine.
This event has grown significantly over the years, attracting more than 5,000 visitors who come to celebrate the region's unique wines and vibrant culture. Special features include wine seminars hosted by participating wineries, providing insights into winemaking techniques and tastings of exclusive cellar selections.
Sedona Wine Fest (Flagstaff - September)
The Sedona Wine Festival will be held at Posse Grounds Park, showcasing over 20 award-winning wineries from Arizona. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere with live music from local bands, including performances by DJ Pablonious Funk and the glam-rock group The Naughty Bits. In addition to wine tastings, the event will feature a variety of food trucks offering local cuisine, such as Merkin Gelato and Batchelor’s Pad BBQ.
The festival draws a large crowd, with thousands of wine enthusiasts expected to attend. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore artisan vendors selling unique crafts and products. Special features include the chance to meet winemakers from Arizona's three wine-growing regions and purchase bottles directly from the event.
Beer Festivals
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​Arizona Strong Beer Festival (Phoenix - February)
The Southwest's premier beer festival returns to Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, featuring over 500 beers, ciders, meads, and non-alcoholic options from approximately 170 breweries. Attendees can expect to sample creations from nearly every brewery in Arizona, as well as offerings from out-of-state brewers.
This event, which typically attracts close to 10,000 craft beer enthusiasts, showcases some of the biggest and highest alcohol content brews available. In addition to the vast selection of beverages, the festival offers live entertainment, dozens of food trucks, and a variety of activities for attendees to enjoy.
Baja Beer Festival (Tucson - April)
Armory Park in Tucson, is set to host a vibrant celebration of craft beer, showcasing over 30 local breweries. Attendees can look forward to tasting a diverse selection of beers from well-known vendors such as Barrio Brewing Co., Dragoon Brewing Co., and Four Peaks Brewing Co. In addition to the extensive beer offerings, festival-goers will be able to sample ciders, and meads and have the opportunity to enjoy delicious food from local food trucks.
The event attracts a lively crowd, with thousands of attendees expected to participate in this annual gathering. The event not only offers a chance to taste unique brews but also serves as a vital fundraiser for the Brewers Guild's efforts to advance Arizona's craft beer community.
Flagstaff Beer Festival (Flagstaff - June)
A true signature beer festival in Flagstaff will take place at the Pepsi Amphitheater within Fort Tuthill County Park. Attendees can look forward to sampling a diverse selection of over 100 craft beers from numerous vendors, including local favorites like Mother Road Brewing and Historic Brewing Company. In addition to the beer offerings, a variety of food options will be available, catering to different tastes and preferences.
The festival attracts around 2,000 attendees, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with community spirit. Live music will enhance the experience, featuring performances from local artists and bands throughout the event. Special features include fundraising efforts for local non-profits, making this festival not just a celebration of craft beer but also a chance to support the community.
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Spirits Festivals
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Copper State Whiskey Festival (Phoenix - November)
This annual celebration of fine spirits in the heart of downtown Phoenix has quickly become one of Arizona's most anticipated tasting events. The Copper State Whiskey Festival, hosted at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, welcomes over 2,000 enthusiasts to sample premium whiskeys from more than 50 craft distilleries including local favorites like Arizona Distilling Company, Desert Diamond Distillery, and O.H.S.O. Distillery. Attendees can enjoy expertly paired small bites from local restaurants while learning about whiskey production through interactive demonstrations and master classes led by industry experts.
Live blues and jazz performances by The Sugar Thieves and The Pete Pancrazi Trio create the perfect ambiance for sipping and socializing. The VIP experience includes early entry, exclusive access to rare whiskeys, a branded tasting glass, and intimate meet-and-greet sessions with master distillers. This carefully curated event features unique offerings like a bourbon barrel cooperage demonstration, whiskey and chocolate pairing sessions, and a crowd-favorite cocktail competition where local mixologists showcase their most innovative creations.
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Agave Heritage Festival (Tucson - April)
Tucson will showcase the cultural and culinary significance of agave, drawing thousands of attendees to various downtown locations. Over 55 events are planned, featuring more than 50 vendors, including renowned brands like Tequila Ocho and Mezcal Vago. Attendees can indulge in tastings of artisanal spirits and enjoy curated dinners prepared by acclaimed chefs. Live music will be a highlight, with performances from Mariachi Flor de Toloache and the Som do Sisal Youth Brazilian Orchestra.
Special features include educational seminars on agave's heritage and sustainability, along with unique experiences like agave pit roasting. This vibrant celebration aims to connect the community through food, drink, and culture while honoring the traditions of the Southwest.​
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No matter which part of Arizona you find yourself in, there's likely to be a delightful festival nearby to explore while enjoying the company of fellow food and drink enthusiasts.