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EXPERIENCE

Getting inspired is easy. Staying inspired long enough to make an impact is a whole different beast. That’s why our TENWEST experiences are so meaningful. They’ll leave you overflowed with actionable ideas that will keep you inspired long after you leave.
Whether you're looking for fresh ideas from Guy Raz of How I Built This, practical business strategies from our IdeaFunding contestants, or a spark of creativity from Reggie Watts, our keynote events and pitch competition offer something for everyone. 
At the end of it all, we’re partnering with Made in Tucson to give you a quintessentially Tucson experience, fusing their local market with music and meaningful opportunities to enrich your festival experience.

It’s the perfect environment to fuel your passion, expand your network, and walk away with new tools and perspectives to push your career or business forward.
"I love that TENWEST casts such a wide net, and I am likely to run into old and new friends across many organizations and industries. It’s inspiring to participate in a demonstration of Tucson’s collaborative spirit."

Aleshia Howell – Google Women Techmakers Ambassador

TENWEST xEVENTS

TENWESTx TALKS feat. Guy Raz

Weds. March 26th | 7:30pm | Centennial Hall

 

Some insights stick with you forever. Guy Raz, the award-winning author and host of How I Built This, has spent years uncovering the stories behind the world’s most successful entrepreneurs—distilling their biggest lessons into strategies anyone can use.

 

For our featured festival Keynote, join us on March 26th for TENWESTx TALKS, in partnership with Arizona Arts Live, as Guy Raz as takes the stage to share 7 Lessons I’ve Learned From the World’s Greatest Entrepreneurs—a keynote designed to spark ideas, shift perspectives, and equip you with the mindset to turn inspiration into action.​

​Keynote included in All-Access and All-Conference Tickets.​

TENWESTx PITCH: IdeaFunding 2025

Thurs. March 27th | 7:00pm | Rialto Theatre

 

Big ideas deserve a big stage. On March 27th, join us for TENWESTx PITCH: TENWEST’s annual pitch competition, IdeaFunding, where Arizona’s boldest entrepreneurs bring their visions to life—competing for over $50,000 in cash and prizes. Think of it as Tucson’s own Shark Tank, where you’ll get a front-row seat to the energy, creativity, and game-changing ideas shaping the future.

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It’s an experience designed for anyone who loves innovation—founders refining their craft, investors scouting the next big thing, and curious minds eager to see fresh ideas take flight. Come for the pitches, stay for the inspiration, and leave with a fresh perspective on what’s possible.

​Pitch included in All-Access, All-Conference & Thurs. Day Tickets.​

TENWESTx LIVE with Reggie Watts

Fri. March 28th | 8:00pm | 191 Toole

 

Creativity, comedy, and music collide in a way only Reggie Watts can deliver. Come out on March 28 at 191 Toole, for TENWESTx LIVE, as the internationally renowned musician, comedian, writer, and actor takes the stage for a one-of-a-kind performance that defies expectations.

 

Best known as the bandleader for The Late Late Show with James Corden, Reggie’s mind-blowing mix of improvisation, beatboxing, and sharp-witted humor will keep you on your toes—laughing, vibing, and wondering how he does it all in real-time. Get ready for an unforgettable experience where anything can happen, and probably will.

Included in All-Access Pass (RSVP Required).​

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TENWESTx MUSIC: Tucson Folk Festival Acoustic Lottery

Sat. March 29th | 6:00pm | 191 Toole

Celebrate four decades of original music at Cheers to 40 Years: Tucson Folk Festival Acoustic Lottery, a special TENWESTx MUSIC event! Twenty local musicians will be paired into four new bands, creating original songs and performing reimagined covers of past festival headliners.

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This ticketed fundraiser at 191 Toole blends spontaneity, collaboration, and local musical history into one unforgettable evening—all in support of the 40th Annual Tucson Folk Festival. Join us for a night of community, creativity, and live music! Ages 21+.

​Included in All-Access Pass (RSVP Required).​​​

"The variety and frequency of events. If you missed one there was going to be something else interesting happening soon."

Korey Schultz – Associate Broker at Long Realty

TENWEST & MADE IN TUCSON COLLAB

Sun. March 30th | 10:00am - 4:00pm | 7th St. & 4th Ave.

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Tucson’s boldest ideas and brightest creatives are coming together for something bigger than a market—it’s a celebration of the city’s unmistakable energy and innovation. This spring, Made in Tucson Market and TENWEST are teaming up to bring you an experience that blends artistry, entrepreneurship, and community like never before.

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More than just shopping, this is where local makers, artists, and big thinkers collide to showcase Tucson’s one-of-a-kind spirit.

  • Wander through a marketplace filled with inspiring local talent

  • Connect with the creative minds driving our economy forward

  • Explore cutting-edge ideas in technology, entrepreneurship, and art

 

It’s a space for collaboration, discovery, and the kind of electric energy that only Tucson can create. Don’t miss this powerful fusion of professional growth and creative expression—be part of the movement!

TENWESTx LIVE with Reggie Watts Weds. March 26th | 7:30pm | Centennial Hall

TENWESTx @ CORBETT'S: THE GRAND FINALE
 

Sun. March 30th | 10:00am - 6:00pm

As Made in Tucson Market fills the streets with creativity, we’re closing out TENWEST Festival with one final party—TENWESTx CORBETT’S: The Grand Finale. In partnership with Corbett’s, this immersive celebration will bring the festival’s energy to a vibrant close with live music, interactive art, family-friendly activations, a silent disco, and a paint-by-number community mural, and more!

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After a week of inspiration and big ideas, this is your chance to kick back, celebrate, and experience the creative spirit of Tucson in full force. Don’t just watch—jump in, dance, create, and connect as we wrap up TENWEST Festival in true Tucson style!

"I loved seeing the community come together in a fun and educational way."

Roslyn Norman – Designer / Creative Machines

OTHER TENWEST EXPERIENCES

Beyond the keynotes, pitch competitions, and celebrations, TENWEST is packed with unique ways to connect, create, and experience Tucson:

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  • TENWEST HQ @ The Grand – Settle in at Downtown’s newest venue, where you’ll find registration, coffee, co-working, and a lounge space to recharge.

  • Exclusive Local Collaborations – Get your hands on the fourth edition of our custom TENWEST earrings by Sigfus Designs, sip a limited-release Pueblo Vida beer brewed just for the festival, and fuel up daily with Presta Coffee Roasters and Maya Tea.

  • Multiple Downtown Venues – Explore Tucson’s vibrant creative hubs as events unfold across the city.

  • And More! – Expect unexpected moments, creative pop-ups, and festival surprises around every corner.

 

Wherever you go, TENWEST is designed to immerse you in the innovation, artistry, and community that make Tucson one of a kind.

"The organizers curated an experience that seamlessly blended education, inspiration, and community building."

 Emily Hazel Miner – Founder of Indiegogh Creative

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