Write On Rubee

I’m an Arizona-based food, beverage, and travel writer sharing stories of my culinary adventures, drink discoveries, gardening projects, and travel in Phoenix and beyond.

2026 Phoenix Travel & Adventure Show
Feb
14
to Feb 15

2026 Phoenix Travel & Adventure Show

  • Google Calendar ICS

Explore hundreds of destinations, tour operators and cruise lines at the 2026 Phoenix Travel & Adventure Show. Connect with exhibitors, learn travel tips from top experts like Rick Steves and Angel Castellanos and take advantage of exclusive show-only deals. ONE DAY ADVANCED $20.73. TWO DAY ADVANCED $30.42. Day-of tickets will increase by $4 on February 14th.  

SAT. Feb 14, 2025 10am – 5pm
SUN. Feb 15, 2025 11am – 4pm
17 & Under Free with paid Adult (Must obtain a ticket at the Ticket Office)

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Grand Opening of Someburros in Surprise
Feb
21
9:00 AM09:00

Grand Opening of Someburros in Surprise

Someburros will open it Surprise location at at 16487 Cactus Road on January 20, with the official Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, February 21. Grand Opening details include:

· Live mariachi music from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
· Meet & Greet with Nacho, Someburros’ beloved burro mascot
· First 50 guests receive a Someburros tumbler (while supplies last)

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Devour Phoenix
Feb
21
to Feb 22

Devour Phoenix

  • Desert Botanical Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The desert’s most anticipated culinary weekend returns as Local First Arizona presents the 18th annual Devour Culinary Classic at Desert Botanical Garden Guests can explore tasting stations, sip exceptional wines and craft beverages, and enjoy live music and art throughout the Garden’s trails. Tickets go on sale Nov. 3 at devourgoodfood.com/culinary-classic. (Must be 21+ to attend.)

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Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving
Feb
25
11:00 AM11:00

Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving

Babbo Italian Eatery’s annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving returns. All Babbo Valley locations will donate 100% of profits to the Seena Magowitz Foundation, honoring Babbo founder Ken Pollack and his fight against pancreatic cancer. Guests can participate by dining in, ordering takeout or catering, or purchasing a gift card. The day also includes a silent auction and raffle featuring rare memorabilia. Click HERE to learn more.

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Arizona Cocktail Weekend: Cocktail Carnival
Feb
28
5:00 PM17:00

Arizona Cocktail Weekend: Cocktail Carnival

Celebrate Arizona Cocktail Weekend at the newly revitalized Arizona Center for nonstop energy with themed booths, performances, interactive experiences, and cocktail samples & spirits served up by 30+ of the biggest and brightest brands in the business. 4 PM Doors Open to VIP Ticket Holders; 5 PM Doors Open to GA Ticket Holders. GA tickets $65 and VIP tickets $79 - get them HERE.

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Sunday Dinner at the Duce
Mar
1
5:00 PM17:00

Sunday Dinner at the Duce

The next Sunday Dinner has been chosen as a qualifying event for the World Food Championships. That means the winner of the Sunday Dinner will not only go home with the coveted Sunday Dinner skillet for their steak dish, but also a Golden Ticket to compete in the WFC for the chance at the final prize of $150,000. Featured chefs are CJ Kahley of Liquor Pig, Julio Ramos of Tash at Talking Stick, and the third TBA. Tickets: $150 per person and includes:

  • 5:00-6:00pm - Arrival with cocktail hour and appetizers

  • 6:00-8:00pm - Chef presentations: A three-course family-style dinner with paired cocktails.

  • 8:00-8:30pm - Award Presentation and mingle with the Chefs. 

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Lidia Bastianich Dinner with Host Mark Tarbell
Apr
10
6:00 PM18:00

Lidia Bastianich Dinner with Host Mark Tarbell

Join PBS star Chef Lidia Bastianich and Emmy award winning host Chef Mark Tarbell at Tarbell’s for a special four-course dinner paired with wines from Lidia’s wineries in Friulia, Venezia, and Tuscany. Your ticket also icludes Lidia’s latest book signed by the author and VIP access to the Food Festival the following day. Tickets are $350 pp HERE.

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We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort “Check, Please! Arizona” Food Festival
Apr
11
11:30 AM11:30

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort “Check, Please! Arizona” Food Festival

Meet Arizona restaurateurs and chefs at the Check, Please! Arizona Festival to sample their culinary creations as featured on the award-winning Arizona PBS show. Also enjoy wine and craft beer sampling, a seminar by Chef Tarbell, and a book signing with Lidia Bastianich for her latest book, Lidia’s the Art of Pasta,. General Admission. $75. 11:30am. Samples of beer and wine and food from more than 20 Arizona restaurants. VIP. $120. includes beverage and food samples + early entry 10:30am, VIP Lounge, and a chance to meet show host Mark Tarbell and Lidia Bastianich with a signed copy of her book. For tickets, visit THIS LINK.

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Game Day Watch Zone Party at Desert Ridge
Feb
8
4:30 PM16:30

Game Day Watch Zone Party at Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge is transforming into the ultimate Game Day Watch Zone on Super Bowl Sunday! Cheer on your team and catch the final game on massive outdoor LED screens at The District Stage and in The Courtyard near Copper Blues Desert Ridge. Attendees can expect a DJ, giant yard games, and free pizza slices for the first 100 guests. Guests can sip on their favorite alcohol drink at the Sip & Stroll mobile bar while watching the game. 

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Big Game Viewing Party at Three Thirty Three
Feb
8
4:00 PM16:00

Big Game Viewing Party at Three Thirty Three

On Sunday, Feb. 8, fine-dining restaurant Three Thirty Three is hosting a viewing party where guests can watch the big game on the restaurant’s massive 120-foot-long LED screen. Big game festivities kick off at 4 p.m., with the restaurant’s full menu available as well as specials such as Pork Belly Truffle Fries, Korean Fried Chicken Wings and $10 drink specials.

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USBG Team Happiness Bike Ride
Feb
7
9:00 AM09:00

USBG Team Happiness Bike Ride

This in-person event welcomes riders of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Don’t miss this chance to ride for a cause. To participate, we ask attendees to make a donation of $80 in support of The Helen David Relief Fund, to help assist hospitality workers who have been diagnosed with cancer. For more details, and to register, visit THIS LINK.

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SEDONA: Relais & Châteaux Chef Event at Enchantment Resort
Feb
5
5:00 PM17:00

SEDONA: Relais & Châteaux Chef Event at Enchantment Resort

Chef Jake Leather from Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana

Mii amo Executive Chef Zach Woodworth welcomes Chef Jake Leather from Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana for a one-night only culinary experience on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 5-8:30 p.m at Hummingbird. At this event bringing together two Relais & Châteaux chefs, Chef Leatherman will showcase the flavors of Montana, while Chef Woodworth will highlight local proteins and vegan elements that reflect Mii amo’s culinary philosophy. Seating available from 5-8:30 p.m. $135++ per person (plus optional wine pairing). This dinner is exclusive to Enchantment and Mii amo guests, who can make reservations by calling 928-203-8569.

 

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Grand Opening: Caldwell County BBQ Peoria
Feb
5
10:30 AM10:30

Grand Opening: Caldwell County BBQ Peoria

Caldwell County BBQ  is excited to celebrate the grand opening of its first West Valley location in Peoria with a ribbon cutting with Peoria mayor Jason Beck at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5. Following the ribbon opening ceremony, Caldwell County BBQ will be open starting at 11 a.m. and will host an after-party celebration with live music from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The family-friendly grand opening event will also feature inflatables for children and a variety of yard games on the restaurant’s spacious patio, offering guests an opportunity to enjoy the new space.

 

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Patricia’s Pizza and The Italian Daughter Give Back  on World Cancer Day
Feb
4
11:00 AM11:00

Patricia’s Pizza and The Italian Daughter Give Back on World Cancer Day

Owner and award-winning restaurateur Melissa Maggiore Meyer is honoring the legacy of her late father, chef Tomaso Maggiore, and other loved ones affected by cancer with a special one-day fundraiser supporting Cancer Support Community Arizona. For every Margherita pizza ordered at Patricia’s Pizza and every rigatoi and meatballs ordered at The Italian Daughter, $5 will be donated to the nonprofit.

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BBQ at LDV Winery
Feb
1
12:00 PM12:00

BBQ at LDV Winery

Kick off February with a mouthwatering BBQ, in honor of Scottsdale’s Western roots! As the city of Scottsdale closes out its Western Week, LDV Winery hosts an afternoon of great wine, BBQ, music and fun. This event is complimentary for LDV wine club members and $35++ per person for non-members, which includes a glass of wine and BBQ.

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A Taste of AZ Food and Drink Festival
Jan
31
1:30 PM13:30

A Taste of AZ Food and Drink Festival

For a WriteOnRubee discount, enter RUBEE in ACCESS CODE at THIS LINK.

A Taste of AZ Food and Drink Festival at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick returns to showcase flavors from across the Grand Canyon State with live music, cooking demos, and beverages from Arizona’s top wineries, breweries, distilleries and more. Tickets include unlimited food samples, plus 15 drink samples (beer, wine & cocktails), and free parking. Upgrade to VIP for early 12 pm access and 1 complimentary ticket to a Spring Training game at Salt River Fields on February 22. General Admission: $99. VIP: $139. The festival is 21+.

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Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival
Jan
31
to Feb 1

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival returns to Kierland Commons shopping center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, 2026. Explore fourteen of the state’s best wineries and 150 world-renowned artists while strolling down Main Street and enjoying live entertainment.Admission is FREE. Attendees can purchase wine tasting packages online or at the gate from $20 to $45 a person, include a commemorative wine glass and tasting tickets. Beer tasting ticket packages are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.kierlandcommons.com/festival or www.vermillionpromotions.com/event/spring-art-wine-festival.

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Phoenix Eats + Drinks Dinner at Elliott's Steakhouse
Jan
26
6:00 PM18:00

Phoenix Eats + Drinks Dinner at Elliott's Steakhouse

Photos: Joanie Simon

Book your spot at Elliott’s Steakhouse for an exclusive Phoenix Eats + Drinks evening. Join the author, Christina Barrueta, and the Elliott’s Steakhouse team - Michael Regan (Director of Operations), Brent Tratten (Corporate Chef), Nick Gibbs (Executive Chef), and Michael Testa (Beverage Director) - for a special four-course menu paired with wine and cocktails, including the two recipes from the book: Filet “Au Foivre” and Elliott’s Freezer Martini. Each guest will also take home a signed copy of Phoenix Eats + Drinks, autographed by Elliott’s team. To reserve your seat, please call 480-474-4155.

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AZ Soup Festival
Jan
25
12:00 PM12:00

AZ Soup Festival

Celebrate Arizona’s first soup festival at Warehouse 215, an indoor/outdoor venue. Each guest will receive a commemorative Soup Festival mug to fill with unlimited samples of the vendors’ signature soups, along with bread samples and beverages available for purchase. Tickets are $45 per person. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK.

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Tempe: Dolce Vita Gelato Grand Opening
Jan
22
12:00 PM12:00

Tempe: Dolce Vita Gelato Grand Opening

Credit: Dolce Vita Gelato

 Dolce Vita Gelato is excited to announce the opening of its second Valley location on January 22. The Italian-owned gelato shop in Tempe invites the community a grand opening celebration from noon to 7 p.m., offering a complimentary scoop of its beloved house-made Lemon or Stracciatella gelato. There will also be a raffle for a chance to win three gift card prizes totaling $350.

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Somm Brawl at The Mick Brasserie
Jan
19
6:00 PM18:00

Somm Brawl at The Mick Brasserie

Quarter Final 2: Laura Bruno vs Audrey Everett.

During Somm Brawl 2025, eight of the finest sommeliers will go head-to-head across four-course tasting menus crafted by Executive Chef Brent Menke and Chef de Cuisine Michael Winneker. Wines are paired by the competing sommeliers, and you get to be the judge. Cast your vote after each course to decide which pairing advances on the road to the SOMM BRAWL Finals! Reserve

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Copper State Beer Fest
Jan
17
11:00 AM11:00

Copper State Beer Fest

With 100+ craft beverage vendors, you’ll find everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth whiskies, and delicious ready-to-drink bevvies. Plus, we’re bringing in over 25 local food trucks, live music, on-site activities (axe throwing, flash tattoos, silent disco, roaming alpacas, live painting) and handcrafted goods from local artists. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit copperstatebeerfest.com

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Agritopia Farm: Citrus U-Pick & Market Day
Jan
17
8:00 AM08:00

Agritopia Farm: Citrus U-Pick & Market Day

Agritopia Farm invites the community to enjoy citrus season at its upcoming Citrus U-Pick & Market Day, a family-friendly event where guests can stroll the orchard and pick seasonal citrus directly from the trees at $2.50 per pound, with no entrance fee required. While exploring the grove, visitors can also enjoy a Market Day featuring a rotating selection of local vendors, artisans, and small businesses set up throughout the orchard. For more details, visit the Agritopia Events link.

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The Wrigley Mansion Wine Festival
Jan
16
to Jan 19

The Wrigley Mansion Wine Festival

Join the Wrigley Mansion as Festivin returns January 16–19, 2025. Now in its fifth year, this celebrated four-day festival brings together wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and industry professionals. Tickets and a full schedule of events are available at WrigleyMansion.com/Festivin.

Thursday, January 16

• Unplugged and Uncorked Dinner: A lively evening of music, wine, and a five-course dinner featuring Master Sommelier Michael Jordan and winemaker Fred Scherrer.

• Krug Dinner at Christopher’s: A rare Champagne tasting paired with an exquisite menu by Chef Christopher Gross, including an exclusive pre-event offering Krug’s legendary Clos de Mesnil 2008.

Friday, January 17

• Collaboration on the Knoll Dinner: A six-course chef and sommelier collaboration featuring local culinary talents, including James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher Gross and Executive Chef Nick Kennedy.

Saturday, January 18

• Chef Nick’s Demo Lunch: Enjoy a three-course lunch while learning from Chef Nick Kennedy of Geordie’s.

• Seminars and Masterclasses: Dive into a diverse selection of wine sessions, including Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams, Mystery in a Glass, and Bordeaux Excellence.

• Battle on the Hill: Somm vs. Somm Dinner: A friendly competition where sommeliers pair wines for standout chef-driven dishes, and guests decide the winners.

Sunday, January 19

• Grand Tasting (2 PM – 6 PM): Stroll through a curated selection of over 150 exceptional wines, enjoy cuisine by Chef Nick Kennedy, and mingle with adorable puppies available for adoption from Almost There Rescue.

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Somm Brawl at The Mick
Jan
12
6:00 PM18:00

Somm Brawl at The Mick

Quarter Final 1: Raini Keyser, Vinum 55 VS Troy Tranzow, CATCH Scottsdale

During Somm Brawl 2025, eight of the finest sommeliers will go head-to-head across four-course tasting menus crafted by Executive Chef Brent Menke and Chef de Cuisine Michael Winneker. Wines are paired by the competing sommeliers, and you get to be the judge. Cast your vote after each course to decide which pairing advances on the road to the SOMM BRAWL Finals! Reserve

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Weft & Warp: Passport Wine Dinner Series
Dec
17
5:30 PM17:30

Weft & Warp: Passport Wine Dinner Series

  • Weft & Warp Art Bar and Kitchen (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The next installment of the Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen Passport Winner Dinner series will highlight New World Wines, with pairings from Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, and the USA.  Guests will enjoy five wine-paired courses; from Grouper Crudo to Tuscan Fried Quail. Priced at $125 per guest, experiences can be reserved for either 5:30pm or 5:45pm. Cost is $125 per guest. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.

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Spirited Sipping Seminars at Mountain Shadows
Dec
13
3:00 PM15:00

Spirited Sipping Seminars at Mountain Shadows

spiritedsipping.jpg

Join Hearth ’61 as we take you on a journey through the wonderful world of wine and spirits. Our talented beverage experts will guide you through a tasting seminar and history lesson worth savoring. Each seminar is 30 to 45 minutes, including a light, paired nosh. $45 pp. Tickets for December’s “Bring on the Bubbles” are available at THIS LINK.

 

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SEDONA: Lisa Dahl Foundation Weekend - Film & Feast
Dec
12
to Dec 14

SEDONA: Lisa Dahl Foundation Weekend - Film & Feast

After decades of giving back to the community, Lisa Dahl announces The Lisa Dahl Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to nourishing those in need and honoring those who came before. “I'm pouring everything from my soul into the planning of three events that will be unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” says Dahl. For more information and to purchaese tickets, visit THIS LINK.

Friday: Forgotten Peoples Tribute. Screen Lisa Dahl’s award winning film and enjoy an indigenous culture reception, a four-course luncheon with Soup Hope and DAOU wines, and a live auction ($250 pp).
Saturday: Celebrazione Festa
. A tribute to the 30th anniversary of Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano with an exclusive dinner party and live auction. (Cost: $350 pp)
Sunday: Pizza Send-Off . A joyful finale to don complimentary “when you cook with love, you feed the soul” aprons to make pizza together, sip on the new private-label wine Passionista de Sedona, sample our Soup Hope blend, and share a Sunday. (Cost: $100 pp).

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Whiskey & Wisdom
Dec
11
6:00 PM18:00

Whiskey & Wisdom

  • Driscoll Cuisine & Cocktails: The Concept (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Driscoll’s Whiskey & Wisdom fall series at The Concept kicks off this month, and you’ll want to join them for an intimate evening of great food, great whiskey, and great company in an intimate setting (10 guests max). Cost: $150 pp. Click THIS LINK for more details and to register.

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Hotel Valley Ho: A Night to Toast
Dec
10
6:00 PM18:00

Hotel Valley Ho: A Night to Toast

Bring on the bubbly! Join Hotel Valley H o for an unforgettable evening with Veuve Clicquot. Start with hors d'oeuvres and a glass of Yellow Label in the Citrus Grove, then move into Sands for a three-course dinner paired with Veuve Clicquot Champagnes. Reserve your spot and let the celebrations begin: https://bit.ly/3UUBrHc

CITRUS GROVE RECEPTION

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label

big eye tuna poke mini tacos
oysters + caviar
spanish chilled shrimp
Belvedere 10 Vodka

Yakitori: yellow squash, japanese eggplant, shiitake mushrooms + tofu
Cheese: Raclette + triple cream blue cheese with brioche, truffle bavarian pretzels

DINNER IN SANDS

Big Eye Tuna
pork belly, stracciatella, green grapes, kumquat, pistachio + thai chili ponzu
Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old

Peppercorn + Black Garlic Prime Rib
winter truffle jus, fresh wasabi, beech mushrooms + red vein sorrel
Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2015 Brut

Salted Caramel Mousse
passion fruit, valrhona dark chocolate + toasted pistachios
Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé

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Inaugural AZ Brunch Fest
Dec
7
10:00 AM10:00

Inaugural AZ Brunch Fest

Get ready to indulge at Arizona’s first AZ Brunch Fest. Featuring the best brunch spots in Phoenix, this event serves up mouthwatering bites, refreshing mimosas, cocktails, and local craft beer. Whether you're a fan of sweet or savory, there’s something for everyone at this brunch-filled extravaganza. Early Bird tickets start at $55 for GA and $90 for VIP. Get your tickets HERE.

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Macayo's Tamalada Class - Goodyear
Dec
6
3:00 PM15:00

Macayo's Tamalada Class - Goodyear

Macayo’s Mexican Food tamalada classes are back. Guests will learn how to assemble tamales and enjoy a three-course lunch and margarit . They will also take home the tamales they assemble during the experience. Cost is $60++ per person. Tickets are available at http://macayo.com/shop/event-tickets with dates and locations as follows:

• Saturday, Dec. 6 | 3 p.m. at Goodyear

• Saturday, Dec. 13 | 3 p.m. at Scottsdale

• Saturday, Dec. 20 | 3 p.m. at Mesa Dobson •

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The Americano: An Evening with Dan Kosta
Dec
4
6:00 PM18:00

The Americano: An Evening with Dan Kosta

Join The Americano Chefs Beau MacMillian and Peter McQuaid,as they welcome Sonoma Coast vintner Dan Kosta and guest chef Gio Osso of Virtù Honest Craft and Pizzeria Virtù for a multi-course evening of world-class wine and inspired cuisine. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, followed by a four-course dinner expertly paired with Kosta’s celebrated wines, including the highly coveted Grail Grand Cru Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir.  Cocktail Reception: 6 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m. $295 per person. Tickets are required and available here.

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Paoloni Wine Dinner at Barley & Smoke
Dec
4
5:00 PM17:00

Paoloni Wine Dinner at Barley & Smoke

Guests will have the opportunity to meet winemaker Diana Paoloni, daughter of Paolo Paoloni who relocated to Mexico from Italy over 30 years ago, purchased Toros Pintos in Valle de Guadalupe and founded Villa Montefiori. The evening includes 5 Paoloni Wines, amuse bouche, and a 3-course family style meal presented by Executive Chef Michael Mahalick. Two seatings available, each limited to 30 tickets: 5pm and 7:45pm. Tickets: $131.10 all inclusive of tax and tip. Reserve your ticket HERE.

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Streets Eats and Beats Festival
Nov
28
to Nov 30

Streets Eats and Beats Festival

Street Eats & Beats Festival 2025, Arizona’s first AAPI Music Festival, is a fresh remix of culture, community, and celebration. Tickets start at $21.32 including fees (Use discount code JAPAN for 10% off tickets!). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK.
Day 1: EDM stages, cosplay, neon lights & all the hype
Day 2: Enjoy live music, local eats & nonstop vibes
Day 3: Shop local at our free farmers market, support small businesses, and explore tasty bites from your favorite food trucks and vendors.

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