Arizona’s Most Celebrated Culinary Event Returns Feb. 21-22 to Desert Botanical Garden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Charlotte Shaff
(602) 418-8534
Arizona’s Most Celebrated Culinary Event Returns Feb. 21-22 to Desert Botanical Garden
Devour Culinary Classic Tickets on Pre-Sale Oct. 20
PHOENIX (Oct. 08, 2025) — The desert’s most anticipated culinary weekend returns this February as Local First Arizona presents the 18th annual Devour Culinary Classic, taking place Feb. 21–22, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Desert Botanical Garden.
In partnership with Desert Botanical Garden and Art State Arizona (formerly Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance), this signature event brings together the chefs, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisans shaping Arizona’s food scene. Each year, Devour showcases everything from heritage dishes to boundary-pushing creations, celebrating the state’s inclusive, imaginative and dynamic food culture.
“Devour has always been about more than great food, it’s a celebration of Arizona’s creativity and collaboration,” said Kimber Lanning, founder and CEO of Local First Arizona. “Each year, the event captures everything we love about our local food scene, the innovation, the artistry and the sense of community.”
Guests can explore tasting stations, sip exceptional wines and craft beverages, and enjoy live music and art throughout the Garden’s trails. It’s a revolution of flavor, art and place, reflecting the creative energy that has made Arizona one of the country’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Early Entry attendees receive 90 minutes of exclusive access starting at 10 a.m., priority parking and other added benefits, while General Admission guests enjoy full access to the festival’s food and beverage experiences beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Members of Local First Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden, and Art State Arizona will have exclusive pre-sale access Oct. 20 – Nov. 2, with general public tickets on sale Nov. 3 at devourphoenix.com/culinary-classic. (Must be 21+ to attend.) Tickets traditionally sell out quickly, so early purchase is encouraged.
Recognized by The New York Times as the Best Southwestern Culinary Festival, Devour Culinary Classic continues to spotlight Arizona’s independent restaurants and local producers, celebrating a community that honors its Arizona roots while continuing to evolve into an international food destination.
Event Details:
What: Devour Culinary Classic 2026
When: Saturday, Feb. 21 – Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Early Entry: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
General Admission: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tickets: General Admission $150 | Early Entry $225 (per day)
For tickets and info: devourphoenix.com/culinary-classic
Media credentials: devourphoenix.com/media
Event photos: 2025 Devour Culinary Classic Photos
[credit Local First Arizona]
About Local First Arizona
Established in 2003, Local First Arizona is a non-profit organization fiercely dedicated to driving inclusive community and economic development throughout Arizona. We have created a movement that champions a thriving and diverse economy, fostering community support and an unwavering sense of local pride and purpose in every Arizonan. Our work shapes the future of Arizona by advocating that every individual and community deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that entrepreneurship is at the core of any lasting economy. In rural, Tribal, suburban and urban communities across our great state, Local First is delivering resources to ensure a future focused on economic opportunity for all. Because our state is our story, localfirstaz.com.
About Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon for 85 years in the Valley, the Garden is a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer, offering worldly plants, vibrant trails, world-class exhibitions, festive events, fascinating classes and so much more. Visit dbg.org for more information.
About Art State Arizona
The Art State Arizona is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts. Art State Arizona strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences. Art State Arizona (formerly the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance) was created to develop cultivated programming that spotlights local creatives and celebrates unique culture, while providing direct opportunities for artists to make and sell their work. To date, Art State Arizona has created over 600,000 arts-driven experiences, from innovative community festivals and cultural celebrations to creative sector development, and accessible arts enrichment programs. Art State Arizona continues to grow in footprint and in impact while working to pursue the mission of strengthening the bonds between people, place and purpose. Visit artstateaz.org/ for more.
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