Agave, Arte y Alebrijes Festival
A Collaboration Between Tohono Chul and the Agave Heritage Festival
Immerse yourself in a multicultural celebration honoring the extraordinary agave plant— featuring folk art for sale, smooth mezcal, live music, delectable cuisine, children’s activities, special presentations, agave giveaways, botanical wonders, and so much more!
Friday & Saturday, April 19th & 20th, 2024
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Viernes y sábado, de 9 am a 4 pm
19 y 20 de abril
THE AGAVE HERITAGE FESTIVAL COMES TO TOHONO CHUL
Explore a delectable fusion of flavors and traditions at the first-ever Agave, Arte y Alebrijes Festival, a vibrant collaboration between Tohono Chul and the Agave Heritage Festival.
The Agave Heritage Festival is a four-day celebration in Tucson, AZ, the destination for “all things agave”. Created to explore the cultural, sustainable, and commercial significance of the agave plant and borderland culture, the festival features an impressive list of events with a strong focus on sustainability. Events include seminars, agave pit roasting, agave spirit tastings and world class culinary events conducted by industry leaders, culinary leaders and spirits professionals.
WHAT’S IN STORE
LEARN
- Learn all about the miraculous agave plant and what makes it so special to the history and cultures of our region!
- Attend one of the special presentations throughout the Festival and you could win a free agave to take home.
SHOP
- Shop the Mexican Folk Art Sale; browse beautifully handpainted Alebrijes, Mata Ortiz Pottery, Oaxacan rugs, Agave-themed artwork, artifacts, and more!
- Shop for agaves and other native plants in the Desert Corner Nursery
- Kelly+Jones – Mezcal Fragrances
- Mama Bare AZ – Agave and cactus candles (Saturday only)
- Shop our three Museum Shops for unique crafts and Tucson-themed gifts!
TASTE
- Mezcal tasting on Saturday, April 20 – limited to 100 tickets! Get yours before they’re gone! (21+, please be prepared with your ID)
MUSIC
- Som do Sisal, a musical ensemble from Brazil, will captivate you with their live performance featuring instruments made entirely from the agave plant (Saturday only).
- Local acts Las Azaleas, Tony Redhouse, Q’uiru Duet, and more!
ART + CULTURE
- Oaxacan rug loom demonstration – see how they do it!
- Learn about the cultural practices surrounding the agave plant and what makes it edible and useful
- Explore traditional folk art at the Mexican Folk Art Sale; alebrijes, pottery, handwoven textiles, and more!
POETRY
- Join us for a docent-led Poetry & Plant Walk at 9:00 am in Sami’s Courtyard!
EAT
- Food and drink are available for purchase from tasty local food and drink vendors such as:
• Cactus Jack’s Lemonade
• Jose’s Kettle Corn
• O’odham Ladies Fry Bread
• Patricia’s Cuban Kitchen
• Colonel Mustard’s Hot Dogs
• Mr. Ice Guy (Italian ice)
• OaxaRico Food Truck (Saturday only)
• Espressoul Cafe
• Chocolate Ritual (boozy chocolates)
• Bar from the Garden Bistro, and more!
JUST FOR KIDS
- 10 – 11am at Children’s Museum Oro Valley | Build a pinch-pot out of clay (Saturday only)
- 1 – 3pm in the Children’s Garden | Paint with yucca paint brushes and make an agave to take home out of paper!
- Children’s Museum Oro Valley will be open during the Festival from 9am – 1pm
TICKETS & INFO
Upgrade your ticket to include a special Mezcal tasting on Saturday, April 20th (limited to 100 tickets, ticket holders must be 21+ and have ID).
Som do Sisal, a musical ensemble from Brazil with instruments made entirely out of the agave plant, will be performing on Saturday, April 20th from 2-4pm. Check out their performances here!
FRIDAY SPECIAL EVENTS
‣ MEXICAN FOLK ART SALE
9 am – 4 pm | Garden Pavilion
‣ LIVE MUSIC BY
10 am – 12 pm | Tony Redhouse
12 – 2 pm | Las Azaleas
2 – 4 pm | Q’iru Duet
SATURDAY SPECIAL EVENTS
‣ MEXICAN FOLK ART SALE
9 am – 4 pm | Garden Pavilion
‣ POETRY & PLANT WALK
9 am – 10 am
Meet in Sami’s Courtyard at 9
‣ LIVE MUSIC BY
10 am – 12pm | Dos Suenos
12 – 2pm | Nico Barberan
2 – 4 pm | Som do Sisal performance
Brazilian ensemble with instruments made out of Agave materials!
‣ LECTURES
10 am | Foodways: The Edible Agave with Anthropologist Linda Wyner
11 am | Agave Talk with Docent Marlene Shamis
Attend an agave lecture and enter for a chance to win a FREE agave plant! (25 winners per lecture)
‣ MEZCAL TASTING
1 – 3 pm
Mezcal tasting ticket required (limit 100, must have ID).
TICKET INFORMATION: Only one member-priced ticket per member. Member prices are only valid for current members and do not extend to friends or family who are not members. Guest Passes, American Horticultural Society Gardens Reciprocal Admission Privileges, and ACT ONE Culture Passes are not valid for this event. All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be issued. Thank you!
NATURE • ART • CULTURE
AGAVES
Agaves are a type of succulent known for their thick, fleshy leaves and spiky appearance. It typically grows in hot, arid regions such as Mexico and the southwestern United States. Agaves have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including food, fibers, and medicine. Agaves are often used in the production of alcoholic beverages like tequila and mezcal, as well as in the production of agave nectar, a sweet syrup.
The agave is well-adapted to arid environments and plays a role in soil conservation and erosion control. Their extensive root systems help stabilize soil, preventing erosion, and their ability to thrive in dry conditions makes them valuable for landscaping in regions with limited water resources.
MEZCAL
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage originating from Mexico, particularly the southern states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and Michoacán. It is made from the agave plant, similar to tequila, but with some notable differences in production methods and flavor profile. Tequila can only be made from one kind of agave plant: Blue Weber Agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, is made from any kind of agave plant. Mezcal is known for its complex flavor profile, which can vary depending on factors such as the type of agave used, the production methods, and the region of origin. Common flavor notes include smokiness, earthiness, fruitiness, and floral undertones.
TEXTILES
Oaxaca, Mexico, is renowned for its rich tradition of textile craftsmanship. These textiles are highly esteemed for their quality, intricate designs, and vibrant colors, reflecting the cultural diversity and artistic heritage of the region.
Various traditional weaving techniques are employed, including foot loom-weaving, backstrap-weaving, and pedal loom-weaving. These techniques have been passed down through generations and vary among different indigenous communities within Oaxaca. Each technique lends itself to different styles and patterns, resulting in a diverse array of textiles.
MATA ORTIZ POTTERY
Mata Ortiz pottery refers to a unique style of pottery that originated in the village of Mata Ortiz in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It’s characterized by thin walls, intricate geometric designs, and natural hues. The pottery is typically hand-coiled and fired in outdoor pit kilns, using traditional methods passed down through generations. Each piece is unique, reflecting the artistic vision and skill of the individual artisan.
ALEBRIJES
Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. They originated in the 20th century in Mexico City, attributed to the artistic vision of Pedro Linares López, a craftsman. Legend has it that Linares fell ill and during his sickness, he dreamt of a strange, vibrant forest filled with bizarre creatures. These creatures, which he called “alebrijes,” inspired him to create the first alebrije upon his recovery.
What makes alebrijes unique is their imaginative and surreal appearance. They often combine features of various animals, insects, and mythological beings, resulting in whimsical and otherworldly creatures. The designs are characterized by intricate patterns, bold colors, and intricate details, showcasing the creativity and skill of the artisans who create them.
Alebrijes have become iconic symbols of Mexican folk art and culture, celebrated both within Mexico and around the world. They are widely collected and displayed as decorative pieces, and they have also been featured in movies, art exhibits, and cultural festivals.
PARKING INFORMATION
Overflow Parking
Lifepoint Church
7355 N Paseo Del Norte
Saint Odilia Catholic
7570 N Paseo Del Norte
Handicap Accesible Parking
IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION:
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are only available for redemption for the date specified on your ticket purchase. In the case of inclement weather such as severe rain or other winter conditions, tickets will be honored on any of the days following. Tohono Chul reserves the right to declare such conditions and will contact you directly with instructions should that be the case.
Only one member-priced ticket per member. Member prices are only valid for current members and do not extend to friends or family who are not members. Guest Passes, American Horticultural Society Gardens Reciprocal Admission Privileges and ACT ONE Culture Passes are not valid for this event.
Tickets purchased online will be sent via email, NOT mailed, and are valid only on the date for which they are purchased. You do not need to print your tickets.
THIS IS A RAIN-OR-SHINE EVENT. ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED. TICKETS MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER.
Thank you!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
