Tucson will take pride in its homegrown cuisine at the second Viva La Local Food Festival at Rillito Raceway Park on Sunday.
The event will go full throttle on good food with more than 80 farmers market vendors, 25 locally owned restaurants and several Southern Arizona microbreweries and vineyards in attendance.
A selection of popular Tucson bands, including Reno Del Mar, The Missing Parts, The Bennu and Hey, Bucko have been recruited to keep you entertained while you eat.
The fest is an extension of the first Viva La Local, which was held at the park in April.
More than 7,800 people attended the inaugural event.
“We are hoping for an even bigger turnout this time around,” said event coordinator Diane Frisch. “Now that people know what it is, they are looking forward to it.”
The overall goal for Viva La Local, besides showcasing Tucson’s foodie achievements, is to raise money for the Heirloom Farmers Market, which moved to Rillito Park from St. Philip’s Plaza more than four months ago.
In November, Heirloom set up in a structure built specifically for the market on the southwest corner of the Rillito parking lot.
Money raised through Viva will go toward making improvements to the structure, including the addition of bike racks, picnic tables and shaded spaces.
“We want to make the whole Heirloom experience more comfortable for guests,” Frisch said.
The same goes for Viva La Local, as coordinators work to improve on last spring’s event.
The concert stage will be closer to the vendors this time around, to allow for easier listening.
Restaurants participating Sunday run the gamut from the Twisted Tandoor food truck to Acacia, Pastiche and Prep & Pastry.
All plates of food, glasses of beer and glasses of wine will be $5 apiece.
“It is easy math,” Frisch said. “If you have a family and you want to eat, you know what to expect.”
The festival is encouraging bike use, with a valet service that will store your bike while you roam the grounds.
In addition, Viva la Local will continue its veggie valet, storing your farmer’s market purchases in the back of their refrigerated truck until you are ready to leave.
“That’s if you like to do your shopping early,” Frisch said.
If this Viva La Local is just as successful as last April’s, Frisch said the plan is to hold one in the spring and one in the fall from here on out.
“It is going to continue to grow,” she said.
