TENWEST EXPLORES
Discover Tucson, Differently.
TENWEST Explores is a curated collection of limited-capacity, one-of-a-kind experiences designed to help you see, taste, and connect with Tucson in a whole new way.
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Happening exclusively on Saturday and Sunday of TENWEST weekend, EXPLORES are immersive, fun-first experiences rooted in creativity, culture, food, entrepreneurship, and innovation. These aren’t traditional tours or lectures and they’re not something you could book any other weekend.
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Exclusive. Experiential. Unmistakably TENWEST. Come curious. Leave with a story you can’t wait to tell.
Presented in Partnership with
FAMILY FOOD ADVENTURES
Designed for curious kids and their caregivers, these hands-on culinary experiences invite families to explore new flavors, ask questions, and discover the stories behind what we eat.
MIND OPEN FORK READY:
FOOD ADVENTURE POP-UP
Saturday at TENWEST is for families!
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Hosted at the Children's Museum Tucson, this interactive pop-up invites kids and caregivers to explore food, culture, and storytelling through hands-on activities.
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Participants receive a Food Adventure Passport and collect stamps as they try new flavors, watch chef demos, and join interactive stations. The afternoon features story time, tastings, and a live demo from Tucson City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassadors showcasing heritage ingredients like maíz (corn).
In partnership with the national nonprofit Mind Open Fork Ready Project, this special TENWEST Explores event transforms tasting into an adventure.
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This special TENWEST Explores program is included with admission to the Children’s Museum for the day, making it easy for families to stop in, participate, and continue enjoying the museum.
Come discover something new — one taste, one story, and one shared moment at a time.
Saturday, March 28
1:00 - 4:00 PM
*This experience is included with Children’s Museum Tucson admission for the day.
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In Partnership with:
Fearless Flavors with Chef Maria
BOCA Tacos
Gather around the table for an intimate culinary adventure designed for curious kids and their caregivers.
Hosted in Chef Maria’s private studio kitchen and presented in partnership with Mind Open Fork Ready, this exclusive TENWEST Explores experience invites young food explorers to taste boldly, ask questions, and discover the stories behind what’s on their plate.
Chef Maria Mazon will guide guests through a curated taco tasting featuring several of her signature creations alongside a special “brave bite” designed to spark curiosity and conversation. Along the way, she’ll share the ingredients, cultural influences, and creativity that inspire her cooking.
Rooted in Mind Open Fork Ready’s mission to help kids become fearless food adventurers, this Chef’s Table experience combines storytelling, sensory exploration, and shared discovery — creating food memories that last a lifetime. With just 20 seats available, this TW Explores event offers a rare opportunity for kids and their parents to experience Chef Maria’s culinary world up close.
Sunday, March 29
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
$50 Includes
1 Child + 1 Adult
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This is a limited-capacity experience designed primarily for kids. To allow more families to participate, we ask that only one parent attend per family.
SIP & SAVOR EXPERIENCES
From coffee to cocktails, these experiences explore Tucson’s vibrant drink culture through tasting, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes access.
Spirits of Congress: History, Hauntings & The Ghost Orchid
Saturday, March 28
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
$25
Hotel Congress
TENWEST Explores: Spirits of Congress is an immersive evening experience blending Tucson history, storytelling, and craft cocktail culture. Hosted in partnership with Hotel Congress, this guided Haunted Hotel Tour invites participants to explore the legends, lore, and lingering spirits that have shaped one of downtown’s most iconic landmarks.
Guests will journey through the historic property, uncovering stories of infamous guests, unexplained encounters, and the building’s colorful past – all rooted in the cultural fabric of Tucson.
The evening concludes with an exclusive mixology demonstration and tasting of Hotel Congress’ signature Ghost Orchid cocktail, offering a sensory finale that blends history, hospitality, and craft.
Designed as an intimate, small-group experience, this TENWEST Explores event invites bold thinkers to engage with the stories that haunt – and inspire – our city.
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Coffee Tasting: The How and Why of Connecting With Your Palate
Presta Coffee Roasting Facility - 505 E 9th St
​​Join Presta Coffee Roasters at their roasting facility to learn a little bit about where some of the best coffee in the world comes from and how to train you pallet to taste the ever elusive tasting notes on coffee labels.
Presta’s barista trainer and roaster will take you through the experience of how to taste coffee and build a reference that food and beverage professionals use to build their pallets. This is a behind the scenes look at what many only get to experience in professional coffee training!
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All participants get to take home a 6oz bag of coffee to continue their coffee journey.
Sunday, March 29
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$25
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HANDS-ON CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
These tactile experiences invite participants to create, experiment, and engage their senses, from sound and scent to ancient crafting.
Behind the Boards: Inside KXCI & the Art of DJing
Starts at Armory Park Studio House
(220 S 4th Ave)
Ends in the Congress St. Studio
(inside Hotel Congress)
TENWEST Explores: Behind the Boards is an intimate, behind-the-scenes creative experience designed for music lovers, storytellers, and curious minds. Hosted in partnership with KXCI Community Radio, this small-group event offers rare access to Tucson’s independent radio culture.
The experience begins at KXCI’s Armory Park Studio House with an exclusive tour of the station, including a look inside its CD and vinyl archives and a glimpse into how community radio comes to life. From there, participants will walk to the Congress Street Studio for a 75-minute hands-on DJ workshop led by Shelby Athouguia of Electric Feel.
Attendees will learn the fundamentals of professional DJ equipment, explore the art of track selection, and discover how sound becomes a tool for connection and creative expression. With a maximum of 12 participants, this experience is designed for depth, access, and meaningful engagement.
Saturday, March 28
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
$25
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Scent Science: Desert Fragrance & Candle Workshop with Di Luna
Saturday, March 28
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$40
Di Luna Candles + Goods
Scent Science is a hands-on creative experience exploring the connection between place, memory, and scent. Hosted in partnership with Di Luna Candles, this interactive workshop invites participants to discover the fragrances that define the Sonoran Desert.
Guests will begin with a guided candle-pouring session, creating their own 12oz two-wick candle while learning about the natural scents that shape the desert landscape — from creosote after rain to native botanicals that inspire Di Luna’s signature fragrances.
As candles cure, participants will have time to connect with fellow attendees and explore the Di Luna shop before returning to add finishing decorative touches to their candles. The result is a one-of-a-kind scent inspired by the desert — and a deeper appreciation for the science and storytelling behind fragrance.
Designed as an intimate, small-group experience, this TW Explores event blends creativity, education, and sensory discovery.
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