Get ready for a delightful evening at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! The much-loved “WineDown with Wildlife” event is set for Saturday, March 22, from 5-9 p.m. This is your chance to enjoy fine wines and craft beer while supporting wildlife conservation—all against the backdrop of a stunning Sonoran Desert sunset. As the museum transforms into a magical after-hours venue, you can wander the desert paths with a drink in hand, all for a great cause. Tickets start at $35 for designated drivers and go up to $115 for the VIP experience. If you’re a Desert Museum member, you can snag VIP tickets for just $105!
As the night deepens, you’ll meet some nocturnal animals, savor tasty food, and sip on offerings from seven featured wineries, including A. Toraño Wines, Arizona Hops and Vines, and Page Springs Cellars. This event is a hit with both Tucson locals and visitors, often selling out early. Museum officials highlight it as a wonderful way to enjoy drinks, food, and contribute to the conservation efforts that protect the unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
The event’s lineup of vendors promises to please every palate with selections from craft breweries like Barrio Brewing Co., Cider Corps, and Corbett Brewing, along with non-alcoholic options such as Parch and Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea. Six food vendors, including Beyond Bread, Black Market Barbecue, The Curry Pot, and Ensenada Street Food, will be serving up a variety of culinary delights as guests stroll through the museum’s tastefully lit paths.
Live entertainment will keep the energy up all night. VIP ticket holders can enjoy early entry at 5 p.m. and live music from Unified Field Theory from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Special animal enrichment activities are also scheduled, like the Ocelot Enrichment at Cat Canyon at 6:30 p.m. and the Live Animal Program in the Warden Oasis Theater from 7-8 p.m., open for everyone. For another close-up experience, don’t miss the Bobcat Enrichment at 7:30 p.m., where you can see these amazing animals interact with their environment under the desert stars.
Before heading out, keep a few things in mind. The event is for guests 21 and older, and a valid ID is required for entry. If you’re buying tickets on the day, there’s a $10 premium unless they’re sold out. Baby strollers aren’t allowed, and transportation should be arranged in advance since cell service might be patchy, making rideshares tricky at night’s end.
Located at 2021 N. Kinney Rd., the museum suggests arranging rides ahead or designating a driver to ensure a smooth evening. The designated driver ticket options at both admission levels show the museum’s commitment to responsible enjoyment. Given the event’s popularity and limited cell service, planning ahead is crucial to fully enjoy this unique blend of conservation and culinary excitement amidst one of the Southwest’s most beautiful natural settings.
Sources:
– Tucson Foodie