The amazing Agave plant has deep roots in the culture of the Southwest. According to historian William H. Prescott:
“The agave, in short, was meat, drink, clothing, and writing materials for the Aztec! Surely, never did Nature enclose in so compact a form so many of the elements of human comfort and civilization!”
Tucson celebrates with Agave Heritage Festival, a city-wide, ten-day destination rooted in the historical and cultural significance of the agave plant. Agave Heritage Festival celebrates the unique importance of the agave plant and the borderlands culture with seminars, trade shows, and world-class culinary events.
There are 25 events over 10 days! See the full list here. Here are the events you don’t want to miss:
Ignite Agave!
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Friday, April 26, 2019
7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Features live music, celebrity chefs, botanists, and business owners highlighting the importance of sustainability and the agave plant’s impact on our region.
VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive early entrance at 6pm, access to balcony seating, specialty cocktails, and light bites.
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GA: $5 / VIP: $45
El Tambo Fest
El Tambó Fest 2019 brings together legendary cumbia bands from across the borderlands and cutting edge DJs from across the nation for one night of discussion, food, mezcal and a massive dance party all hosted at two stages at the historic Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson, Arizona. El Tambó Fest understands cumbia not only an irresistible rhythm but also a musical lengua franca that connects our communities across our borderlands region.
Artists Include:
VOX URBANA (Tucson) – Local cumbia legends, a band that helped found El Tambó in 2013.
NATIVE CREED (Tohono O’odham Nation) – Bringing native waila and cumbia driven by guitar, accordion and saxophone. A favorite of last year’s Fest returns to Tucson.
FRONTERA BUGALÚ (Ciudad Juárez / El Paso) – For almost 10 years, this band has brought its beautiful songwriting and hip-shaking cumbia to dancefloors across the southwest.
SISTER MANTOS (Los Angeles) – psychedelic blend of Latin beats, punk attitude and funk rhythms, singing songs about love, POC & queer empowerment.
LA DIABLA (Tijuana / San Diego) – Accordion-centered Sabanera-style cumbia from the capital
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RIOBAMBA_dj (NYC) – Globetrotting DJ returning for her third consecutive Fest appearance.
EL DUSTY (TX) – Latin Grammy nominated DJ and cumbia producer.
CHABOI (LA)– of Late Night Laggers, DJ & organizer of parties on the cutting edge of the Latinx national underground movement.
SONIDO TAMBÓ DJQ, Dirtyverbs, Humblelianess, Quiahuitl (Tucson) – Residents, El Tambó
Hotel Congress 311 E Congress St. Friday, April 26, 7:30 PM
Price: $12 in advance, $15 day of
Agave Fiesta
Saturday, April 27, 2019
7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Over 30 agave spirits, and an agave cocktail showdown. Enjoy live music by Rafael Moreno Quintet, delicious food, agave spirit tastings, agave art, and other goods produced or inspired by the agave plant.
VIP ticket holders enjoy early entry at 6pm for an intimate gathering in Hotel Congress’ Copper Hall.
GA: $40 in advance, $45 day of
VIP: $75
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Sunday, May 5, 2019 7:00 PM –
Monday, May 6, 2019 2:00 AM
THE annual Cinco de Mayo party hosted by Hotel Congress! Grab your friends and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us. This evening is full of live music from Santa Pachita, dancing, and, of course, agave spirits, including drink specials featuring Milagro and El Silencio!
Come early! The first 150 event guests through the door enjoy a Mezcal Happy Hour from 7-8pm!
Price: $5