Summer 101

Your guide to surviving Tucson’s season of sizzle

Page 3 of 13

Food & Drink

27. Kingfisher Summer Road Trip. Just because you can’t travel from one end of the United States to the other doesn’t mean you can’t eat like you’re on a cross-country summer roadtrip. Kingfisher takes you Back East, Down South and to the Pacific Northwest, among other destinations, with a regional menu that changes every couple of week. Jambalaya? Yes, please. And a special bonus: If you’re a repeat customer, a dinner is eventually on them. 2564 E. Grant Road.   

28. World Margarita Championships. Let’s get ready to get stummmmble! Is there a better summer drink than a margarita? They’re fruity, sweet and full of ice (and alcohol). And you’re lucky enough to live in a city that has an annual Margarita Championship! Plus, there are endless food samples as well. 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10. El Conquistador, A Hilton Resort, 10000 N. Oracle Road. saaca.org/worldmargarita.html

29. El Charro’s Cinco de Summer. A summer deal doesn’t get much better than $5 for a plate at El Charro. The Cinco de Summer menu features tamales, tostadas and a twist on the classic Sonoran Dog. Plus, kids eat free Monday through Wednesday with the purchase of regularly priced adult meal. Available at all El Charro locations. And look for summer specials at the other Flores family joints, Sir Veza’s and downtown’s Charro Steak. 

30. Maynards Wine Tastings. Who doesn’t enjoy sipping on a bold glass of red or white wine with the romantic rumble of freight trains in the background? Over at downtown staple Maynards Market, they’re hosting a summer wine tasting series on the back patio. The tastings, which cost $12 each, feature a different variety of wines from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays, starting with rosé on May 25, and ending with Arizona’s finest wines on Sept. 21. A yearlong membership costs $275, though a $75 three-month package is available as well. 400 N. Toole Ave. 

31. Play bar trivia. One of the perks of going to a bar in Tucson during the blazing summer months, besides the bountiful air conditioning, is the possibility of scoring free booze and merch on trivia nights. The bar staple has spread through the city like a wildfire, with events at various establishments through the week. Make sure to bone up on your encyclopedic knowledge of normally useless information, such as the capital of Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou) and the name of Taylor Swift’s third album (Speak Now), so you can indulge in a beer or spirit that suits your fancy for free (if you’re into that sort of thing).  

32. Full Moon Beer Meditation. Picture this: You’re sitting at the edge of an illuminated pool, meditating beneath the full moon, and your heightened senses are being used to intricately taste every flavor, and all of the love, inside a Crooked Tooth beer. Sound too awesome to be true? Think again. JW Marriott Starr Pass, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. On full moon nights. 

33. Cafe Passe. Unquestionably one of the best corners of Fourth Avenue, Café/Bar Passe have a beautiful shaded backyard for you to relax, read the paper and shoot the breeze with friends. Combined with their awesome drinks and iced teas (they come with one free refill!), you’ll feel like you’re chilling out in the French Riviera. 415 N. Fourth Ave.