Chiles, Chocolate & Day of the Dead Festival 2023
Festival de Chiles y Chocolate y Día de los Muertos 2023
Friday, October 27th & Saturday, October 28th, 2023
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Viernes 27 y sábado 28 de octubre
Treat yourself to a delectable fusion of flavors and traditions!
Experience the vibrant energy of the Fall season with dozens of food vendors, local craftspeople, and entertainers who fill the gardens with delicious bites, handmade delights, and lively melodies. There will be craft activities available for children and complimentary face painting for Día de los Muertos!
Immerse yourself in the artistry of personal ofrendas (altars) crafted by local artists and students, paying homage to the enduring borderland traditions of Día de los Muertos. And don’t miss our community altar, where you can leave recuerdos (remembrances) for your lost loved ones.
TICKET INFORMATION
You may purchase tickets online, or at the door upon arrival.
▸ General Admission | $20
▸ Tohono Chul Members | $5 (click here to become a member and save on tickets!)
▸ Family Pack (2 adults OR 2 adults and up to 4 children 6-12 years of age) | $35
▸ Child Admission (6-12 years of age) | $5
▸ Children 5 and under | FREE
*Please note Guest Passes & American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Privileges are not valid during this special event and tickets are non-refundable.
▸ admisión general | $20
▸ para miembros | $5
▸ familia (2 adultos y 4 niños de 6 a 12 años) | $35
▸ niños de 6 a 12 años | $5
▸ GRATIS para niños menores de 5 años
*Ten en cuenta que los Pases de invitados y los Privilegios de admisión recíproca a los jardines de la American Horticultural Society no son válidos durante los eventos especiales.
You have the flexibility to use your ticket on either of the event’s two days. Tickets can only be redeemed for one day. If you’d like to attend both days, please purchase two tickets.
Musical Entertainment & Performances |
Feel the Beat of Tucson’s Music Scene
Friday, October 27
- Grupo Riken | 10 am – 12 pm
- Dos Suenos | 12 pm – 1 pm
- Las Azaleas | 1 pm – 3 pm
Saturday, October 28
- Arizona Folklórico Dance Co. | 10 am – 12 pm
- Mariachi Juvenil | 12 pm – 1 pm
- Tradiciones | 1 pm – 3 pm
Culinary Delights & Local Shopping |
Spicy & Sweet
Made in Tucson
- Monsoon Chocolate (handmade chocolate)
- Chocolate 66 (handmade chocolate)
- Carolina’s Chocolate (spicy chocolate)
- Tucson Chocolate Factory (handmade chocolate)
- Chocolate Ritual (truffles with Mexican spirits like Mezcal and Bacanora)
- Mini Hobo Bags (hand-made Southwest-inspired totes)
- Untamed Confections (chocolate sweetened with honey)
- Mano y Metate (spices)
- Desert Provisions (spicy salts)
- The Roasted Chile (fudge, soup, roasted chiles)
- Tucson Tamale Co (tamales)
- Jose’s Kettle Corn
- Better than Provisions (Granola)
- Popheads Popsicles (Chocolate and Chili flavored popsicles)
- Cactus Jack Lemonade (spicy lemonade)
- Queen Ceviche
- Churros El Rey
- Azucar Jewelry
- Nita Bead (beaded jewelry and hair accessories)
- Rainbow Goddess Designs (handmade headwear)
- Free Spirit Beading (jewelry, headwear)
- Olytata (papier mache figurines and Day of the Dead products)
- Silver Creations (silver jewelry)
- Tierra Antigua Zapotec Rugs
- Mac’s Upcycle (handmade figurines)
Halloween Shop
Shop for the spooky season at the Glowing Pumpkins shop in the Garden Pavilion!
Fresh eats and cold drinks from the Garden Bistro
Create & Celebrate |
Chiles, Chocolates, and Día de los Muertos Inspired Crafts for Kids
Create your own mini-chile pepper piñata using recycled materials and tissue paper! These hand-made peppers can be used as ornaments for the Holiday season!
Create your own tissue paper flowers! These hand-made flowers are made of simple materials. Fun idea: put your flowers on a headband when you get home!
Create your own colorful papel picado! This traditional Mexican decorative craft is often used to decorate Día de los Muertos altars. It represents the element of wind and the union between life and death.
Complimentary Face Painting |
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Free face painting for Día de los Muertos with Desert Diva Face Painting! A colorful tribute to honor and remember our loved ones, celebrating their lives in vibrant hues.
Expressions of Love and Culture |
Day of the Dead Altars by Artists and Schools
Tohono Chul’s Chiles, Chocolate, & Day of the Dead Altar Project features Altars of Remembrance created by regional artists and students from Safford K-8 School, Orange Grove Middle School, and Tucson High School.
Participating Artists Include:
Carolee Asia
Jessica Contreras
Royce Davenport
Antonio C. Estrada & Gloria J. Valenzuela
Annie Gordon
Genevieve Guadalupe
Kate Long Hodges
Elisa Salgado
Patricia & Adam Silva
Aimee Smythe
ENJOY STUDENT-MADE ARTWORK FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS
Thank you to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for their generous support of this event!
Please note that each ticket provides access to a single day of the Festival and cannot be redeemed on multiple days. Ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If you prefer to purchase your tickets in person, please stop by the admissions window and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you. Thank you!
Thank you to our Chiles, Chocolate, & Day of the Dead Festival sponsors!
