The “pop-up” trend has gained much attention in Tucson in the last few years thanks to an up and coming chef, an innovative restaurant owner, and a couple of creative entrepreneurs. Pop-ups—temporary shops or events that typically last anywhere from a day to a few months—have been popular in big cities, but Tucson has recently become a hub for a variety of inventive pop-ups.
Traditionally, pop-ups are retail stores offering a variety of goods for a short amount of time.

Cultivate Tucson co-owners, Claire Seizovic and Kristin Tovar, saw Tucson as the perfect location for pop-up shops and decided to start their own shop brand in 2015.

“Tucson is definitely going through a creative renaissance right now,” Seizovic said in regards to why it is the right time for these unique markets in Tucson. Cultivate Tucson’s shops feature local artists and designers and are hosted in under-utilized spaces. Seizovic said the benefits of having a pop-up shop in comparison to a regular brick-and-mortar retail store include cost, momentum, and marketing. She said since the markets are a once a-year, one-day event the need for constant marketing isn’t there and the temporariness adds a hype aspect that encourages people to attend. “If you know its always available, it becomes less exciting,” Seizovic said.

Though Seizovic and Tovar weren’t the ones to create the pop-up concept, they’ve come up with ways to innovate the idea. An important part of Cultivates mission is donating to local non-profits.

By participating in the pop-up, all vendors agree to donate 20 percent of their sales to either a non-profit Cultivate highlights at the event or a non-profit of their choosing. Seizovic said that incorporating non-profits into the pop-up was “there from the very beginning.” At their December 2016 market, they were able to donate $10,000 to non-profits. Cultivate also stands out by the spaces they use. Their pop-ups are hosted in unused spaces that were not originally meant for retail stores. They used an old tire shop south of downtown for their last pop-up. By utilizing these unused, perhaps forgotten spaces, Seizovic said it is “a way to highlight a space for someone else to permanently buy.”

Cultivate Tucson recently announced their first spring pop-up shop. “The Flash” pop-up shop will be on Saturday, May 20 from 9am to 4pm. The shop will take place at an old appliance store, Flash TV and Appliance.

Chef Riley Chandler has also used location as a way to reinvent the concept of pop-ups. Chandler created his business, Pop-up Tucson, to bring pop-up dinners to Tucson. He first got the idea from Scottsdale chef, T.J. Culp. Culp had been successfully hosting pop-up dinners throughout the Scottsdale area and Chandler thought Tucson would be a good place for the concept. Since his first pop-up in May of 2016, he has hosted a total of 5 pop-ups in Tucson and 5 in different U.S. cities. Chandler has had success in bringing pop-up dinners to Tucson and said it is largely because people are attracted to the uniqueness of the event. “You’re not confined to four walls inside a restaurant, you’re literally outside the box,” Chandler said.

Besides the inventive location, Chandler uses other unique elements like collaborations with chefs and entertainment for guests. Collaborating with other chefs is one of Chandler’s favorite aspects of the pop-ups because it not only benefits him but the guests as well. He said it brings in other influences and allows him to learn from other culinary minds. “It elevates my style.”

He often brings in chefs from Phoenix, which allows the guests to taste their food without having to go to Phoenix. As for the entertainment aspect, Chandler always incorporates the arts into the dining experience. He says though it is not a necessary element, it is something important to him. “It ties the knot around the whole vibe,” he said. Past pop-up dinners have featured a jazz trio and a live painter.
Restaurant owner, Scott Stiteler, revamped the pop-up trend to fit his passion for history and restaurants. Stiteler opened up his pop-up bar, Martin Drug Co., in February as a way to utilize an old building while he creates his long-term plan for the space. Stiteler hopes that by first using the space as a pop-bar while he plans the restaurant, he can reintroduce the space to the public and bring it back into people’s lives. The pop-up bar is only utilizing about 1,000 square feet of the space. The inspiration for the pop-up bar came from an old drugstore that used to reside in the building in the late 1880’s to mid-1960s. When Stiteler discovered this he knew it made sense to respect that history while also adding, “a dose of fun.”

The space gives ode to its history through black and white images of the Martin family and their drug store that hang on the walls of the pop-up. The traditional black and white pictures are met with funky and modern décor, giving the space the perfect blend of old and new. Stiteler said that since the bar is temporary, there was a lot more latitude when it came to interior design. Unlike most pop-ups, Martin Drug Co. will remain open for a generous 6 months. It will then be reinvented again into a more family-friendly, traditional eatery Stiteler said.

Take it easy this weekend and enjoy two of everybody's favorites: Locally made things and booze.

The Baja Beer Festival (happening at Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave., this Saturday, April 22 from 5 to 9 p.m.) will feature more than 200 beers from 50 breweries.

The details:

All general admission tickets include admission, one commemorative tasting mug and 20 tasting tickets (each good for one 4-ounce beer taste). Food is available for purchase.

All VIP Tickets include: one commemorative tasting mug, 25 tickets (each good for one 4-ounce beer taste), early entry, food, reserved seating area, restrooms.

Because food and beer just naturally go together, there will be plenty of top-notch food vendors on hand, serving up tasty eats that wash down well with frosty suds. Local live music will keep the atmosphere rockin’ and lawn games will be available. Presented by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.

You can pick up tickets at bajabeerfestival.com. Prices range from $15 for Designated Driver tickets to $35 for General Admission. There is currently a waitlist for VIP tickets.

We're giving away five pairs of tickets to the event. There's one catch: You have to be able to pick up the tickets from our office either April 20 or 21 (yes, as in this Thursday or Friday) before we lock the doors at 5 p.m. Can you make that deadline? Then enter below!

Tigers, lions and booze—oh my! If you love wine, animals and live music (and who really doesn't?), head on over to the Reid Park Zoo on Friday, April 7 from 6-8:30 p.m. for its Wine Gone Wild fundraiser extravaganza. Drink samples will be provided by 3 Amigos Tequila, Breakthru Beverage, Rancho Rossa Vineyards, Sonoita Vineyards and more. Food options include POPPED Artisan Popcorn, mini Caprese bites, fruit cups, chicken and wine bake, Gruyere & white wine penne macaroni and cheese, sangria cupcakes and many other tasty treats.

The zoo is partnering with Uber so visitors can use a special promo code on the event's website to get a free ride up to $15. Designated drivers also receive a reduced admission price of $25. For extra money, visitors can even meet one of the zoo's rhinos, Yebonga or Fireball.

This is a 21+ event only. Preorder admission prices are $65 per person or $55 per member. Prices at the door are $70 per person or $60 per member. The VIP visit with a rhino admission price is $120 or $150 if you want early access at 5:30 p.m. Preorder your tickets to this jungle adventure here. This is a perfect event to support the animals at the zoo while having a fun Friday night!

The competition will be fierce, but only one can be the Lord of the Wings.


40 local restaurants and 30 breweries will be coming together at this year's Tucson Wing Festival on Saturday, March 4, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Rillito Park Race Track to provide the best wings and beer the Southwest has to offer. The chefs will be able to compete for the Lord of the Wings title by whipping up their finest creations for a panel of judges. Not only will guests be allowed to sample wings from every booth, but they can also learn about the best pairing techniques from the brewers.

Two bands and a DJ will also be there to encourage guests to resist the inevitable food coma by moving, dancing and staying active after feasting. As if this event needed any more entertainment options besides booze, food and music, there will also be carnival rides and interactive games on site.

As much food and beer samples your heart desires are included in the ticket price. General admission is $40 and VIP admission, which includes a private seating area, servers, exclusive beers and extra food, is $85. You can purchase tickets on this Eventbrite page. Guests must be 21 years old or over.

Spend the night of Saturday, Feb. 25 from 6-9 p.m. helping the sweet companions at Pima Animal Care Center find their forever homes and getting crafty at the same time. Win-win.

An art class sponsored by Tipsy Picassos will teach you how to paint this "Starry Night Dog" masterpiece for $35. All art supplies are included in that price, and food and drink will be available for purchase at the event. Pima Animal Care Center receives $10 of every purchase.
You can purchase your tickets here: https://www.paypal.me/tipsypicassos/35, and make sure you write you're planning to attend "Starry Night Dog" in the notes.

What could be more fun and rewarding than helping the pups at PACC who are as adorable as the one you'll be painting? Maybe only adopting a new best friend, too.

It's a unique night of local music and it's something you've never heard before. The Flycatcher, a local bar and small-time music venue on Fourth Avenue, will host Tucson's fifth annual rock lottery to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

The concept is simple: Gather 25 of Tucson's local musicians and fashion them into five musical groups, which are selected all by chance. Each group will be sent off to different practice locations across town and will have only 12 hours to create a band name, write four original songs, learn a song to cover and perform all five pieces to a Flycatcher audience.

All of the musicians chosen for this rock lottery comes from all walks of life and musical genres, according to The Flycatcher's official website. The hope is to highlight the unique musical styles within the Tucson community and bring together new genres while still maintaining the styles of each musician.

Where: The Flycatcher, 340 E. 6th St.
When: Dec. 10 at 9 p.m.
How to get in: Be at least 21; $5 admission at the door and/or bring two non-perishable food items to donate, all proceeds go to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

For more info click here.

Tucson food fiends unite, a food party is only a few days away.

In a celebration of local food and with hopes of meeting a fundraising goal, Pivot Produce is teaming up with four local businesses to throw an hors d'oeuvres party with local produce on Dec. 4 from 4-8 p.m. at Pueblo Vide Brewing Co., 115 E. Broadway Blvd.

Pivot Produce is a for-profit company that work to supplying food-based businesses with local produce near the Tucson-metro area. The company is a distributor for Arizona farmers' produce in hopes to alleviate the worry of selling and to keep farmers doing what they do best.

Get ready for some finger foods from local businesses like 5 Points Market and Restaurant, EXO Roast Co., The Carriage House and Welcome Diner. Pueblo Brewing, the hosting location, will feature its special beet-infused PV Pale Ale—proceeds of this limited-times brew will benefit Pivot's cause.

The company is working toward a $20,000 fundraising goal to keep Arizona produce flowing into Tucson's kitchens. If the company reaches its goal, it will be eligible for the USDA's Local Food Promotion Grant. See their fundraising page here.

NEW INFUSION- Nacho Pilsner! We hit our German Pilsner with a mixture of peppers and we kid you not, it tastes like convenience store nacho cheese! On tap at 4PM today! . We will also have the U of A basketball game on the TVs starting at 8PM...Cheers!

A photo posted by Pueblo Vida Brewing Company (@pueblovida) on Nov 15, 2016 at 7:27am PST

If you’ve never been to Pueblo Vida Brewing, well, you’re about two years behind the times. This Saturday the local brewery is celebrating its two-year anniversary—plus the release of a bunch of new brews—with a beer-garden party lasting all day long. Those proceeds will partially benefit the awesome local nonprofit Watershed Management Group, whose mission is to “develop community-based solutions to ensure the long-term prosperity of people and health of the environment.”

The party will include a ping-pong tournament, live music by the band Hey, Bucko and record spinning by DJ Alias and DJ Sonario, plus a special hour of old-school hip-hop selections by Ronnie Hardcase.

A whopping 16 beers will be on tap all day, and this is the time to check out the brand-new (as in, released that day) canned beer that Pueblo Vida has dubbed “2”—named after the number of years this place has been in business, of course. While you’re quenching your thirst with all that, enjoy food-truck eats by Tumerico and Ricuras de Venezuela (and other trucks TBA).

A day-long beer-garden party to celebrate local music, local food and great craft beer, all with an awesome soundtrack at an awesome downtown location—and to help an awesome nonprofit that seeks to help our own community? Sounds like a day in paradise.

The party takes place from noon to 11 p.m., Sat., Nov. 19, at Pueblo Vida Brewing, 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Learn more at pueblovidabrewing.com or facebook.com/pueblovida. Learn about the Watershed Management Group at watershedmg.org.

It might be 90 degrees outside, but it is fall and with fall comes a series of delicious and refreshing Oktoberfest-ivals. This weekend, the fest to not miss is 4thtoberfest.

This Saturday, Oct. 22 from 1 to 7 p.m., enjoy bands, brats and so many local beers on 4th Avenue. 

Now, you can get into the bars and see the bands without purchasing a $15 ticket, but it does sound like a good deal (and a portion of sales will be donated to KXCI): A ticket gets you eight tasting tickets redeemable for 1 nickel pour each, a 5 ounce logo glass and a discount on your brat plates (plan to spend $5 on those) plus exclusive access to some specialty beers—but we'll get to those in a second. 

First, lets get you in! Five lucky people are getting a pair of tickets from us. Fill out our entry form here and we'll get in touch with winners today (Thursday, Oct. 20) and tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 21).

Now that we've got all the logistics out of the way, let's go over what you'll be putting in your mouth:

Think back to 2008. The stock market has just crashed and things you used to be able affordable, luxuries no longer an option. Well, this misfortune became reality to one man in particular. While this exact mishap happened to many back in 2008, it is what this man did in the face of adversity that is the real story.

“I was a contractor, I owned my own business for eight years. It went under with the housing market crash, but I made a lot of money during that time,” said Matt Montgomery, founder and co-owner of Three Wells Distilling Company. "I got really used to high dollar tequilas, but suddenly I couldn't afford them, so I thought ‘How hard could it be?’”
Three Wells Distilling Company was incorporated in 2013 by two men that still run the company to this day, Matt Montgomery and Chris Dudding.

“We really never expected to do anything like this,” said Montgomery.

Three Wells started off as a dream and since has grown tremendously. With a total of four spirits under their belt (Agave Silver, Sonora Copper, Sonora Silver tequilas, and Mt. Lemmon Gin), they are continuing to expand and innovate, while still maintaining the principle that all ingredients are completely Arizona born and never sourced.Not only are they innovating when it comes to their spirits, Three Wells has another trick up their sleeve.

“What we have learned being in the craft distilling industry, is that it is not so much that you open a craft distillery and people just come in and buy your booze, to get the point of where you are making enough money, we had to do something,” said Montgomery.

After much research and development, Three Wells have decided to open up a Cocktail Room.

Inspired by what other craft breweries were doing in the area, Montgomery and Dudding decided on the next step for their business. 
“The unique experience of drinking beer crafted right there, while looking at the inner workings of a craft brewery is so cool and Chris and I realized that we have the opportunity to provide folks with a similar experience at our distillery,” said Montgomery.