Devour Culinary Classic 2026: A Firsthand Experience of Arizona’s Premier Food Festival

By NaTyshca Pickett

There are food festivals… and then there’s Devour Culinary Classic.

Hosted by Local First Arizona, Devour isn’t just a tasting event, it’s a curated celebration of Arizona’s culinary ecosystem. Chefs, mixologists, artisans, local producers, and food lovers gather in one place to showcase what makes our state’s food scene distinct: creativity, community, and an unmistakable sense of place.

This year, I experienced Devour firsthand, and it was more than plates and pours. It was storytelling through flavor.

A Taste of Arizona, One Booth at a Time

One of the first stops that caught my eye was Savidge Kitchen Provisions. Their lineup of handcrafted syrups, mint, mocha, lavender, ube, toasted macadamia orgeat, felt like a masterclass in mixology and coffee innovation.

Each bottle was beautifully displayed, golden-capped and sunlit, reminding me how much Arizona makers are redefining what “local ingredients” can mean in specialty beverages. These weren’t just syrups. They were creative tools for baristas and home mixologists alike.

And that’s what Devour does so well, it introduces you to the artisans behind the scenes of your favorite drinks and dishes.

AZ Lemonade Stand: Simple, Done Exceptionally Well

In the middle of all the gourmet bites, AZ Lemonade Stand stood proudly with its bold signage: AZ’s Best Lemonade.

Bright jars in flavors ranging from classic citrus to berry blends stacked high, locally handcrafted and unmistakably vibrant. There’s something refreshing about seeing a simple concept executed with pride and polish. Devour makes space for elevated fine dining and community-rooted brands to stand side by side, and that balance matters.

The Herb Box: Where Presentation Meets Precision

If you know Arizona catering, you know The Herb Box.

From artfully plated seafood bites to skewers finished under a heat lamp with careful attention, every detail reflected their reputation for hospitality and elevated execution. Even their booth setup, clean black linens, thoughtful branding, reinforced the professionalism that has made them a staple in the Valley’s culinary scene.

Devour allows restaurants like The Herb Box to showcase not just their food, but their artistry.

Why Devour Matters

Arizona ranks near the bottom nationally in charitable giving, yet events like Devour, powered by Local First Arizona, highlight how deeply connected our local food economy truly is.

This isn’t just about eating well for a weekend. It’s about supporting independent restaurants, small-batch producers, and hospitality professionals who shape Arizona’s identity year-round.

Devour Culinary Classic reminds us that local food isn’t a trend, it’s infrastructure. It’s community. It’s culture.

And when we show up, we’re investing in more than a ticket. We’re investing in Arizona.

Cookbook by Sedona Chef Lisa Dahl

If you missed this year’s event, mark your calendar for the next one. And if you attended, I’d love to know your favorite bite.

Arizona’s culinary story is still being written.

And Devour is one of its most delicious chapters.