Why do you care about a spiny succulent? Because this indigenous plant sustained Tucsonans for thousands of years before we came along. And more recently, agave gave birth to a little drink we call Tequila (or mezcal if you're serious about it π€). Now that's something to celebrate!Β
The yearly Agave Heritage Festival started out as a simple Cinco de Mayo party in 2008, but has blossomed into a citywide spectacle of tastings, educational lectures, gourmet dinners, music and more. This 10-day festival features more than two dozen events that range from free movie screenings to a $150 a plate dinner celebrating the career of Tucson chef Janos Wilder.Β
The festival runs April 27 through May 6, so we picked out some of the most interesting events in this year's lineup. Check out the full list at agaveheritagefestival.com. Salud!Β Β Β
El TambΓ³ FestΒ
This two-night festival at Club Congress brings together cumbia bands and DJs from across the United States and Mexico. Of course you're gonna wanna catch Tucson's own Chicha Dust on Friday, but there is also music from Tijuana, Juarez, Mexicali and more. Both nights kick off with panel discussions and mezcal happy hours.Β
When: Friday, April 27, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Price: $12 advance, $15 day of show, $20 package for both nights of El TambΓ³ Fest
Opening of the Agave Roasting Pit
With help from local ethnobotanist Jesus Garcia, the folks at Mission Garden are preparing a ceremonial agave roast that's been performed by native tribes for thousands of years. (The price is a little steep, but if you've never seen it, this really is a special thing to witness.) Garcia will dig open the oven on Saturday along with mezcal tastings and a demonstration by Carolyn Niethammer.
When: Saturday, April 28, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Price: $45 for adults, $15 under 21
Bacanora: Spirit of the Sonoran Desert
Taste and learn more about Sonora's own mezcal in this educational bar night at Exo. In addition to the Bacanora and lechugilla tastings, there will also be presentations from Penca's Bryan Eichorst, Gary Paul Nabhan, Juan Olmedo, Doug Smith, Bill Steen, and Robert Villa.Β
When: Monday, April 30, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Exo Bar, 403 N. Sixth Ave.
Price: $20
Agave Heritage Festival Documentary Screening
The Loft is screening two separate documentaries on the history and nutritional properties of agave plants and the Mesoamerican diet. The evening will also include statements by the filmmakers as well as a panel discussion with educators Maribel Alvarez, Karen R. Adams, Barry Infuso, Lisa S. Palacios, and Melanie Hingle.
When: Tuesday, May 1, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Price: Free, with RSVP
MEZCrawl
Start at Borderlands Brewing Co. and work your way through downtown, where 10 different bars will prepare their own mezcal cocktails. Participating bars include Elvira's, Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., Tough Luck Club, Downtown Kitchen & Cocktails, Penca and more. Light bites will also be provided.Β
When: Thursday, May 3, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Select locations downtown
Price: $35
