Despite rain in forecast, Phoenix culinary fest is a go this weekend

This weekend, some of Arizona’s top chefs and restaurateurs will gather at the Desert Botanical Garden for the Devour Culinary Classic, a weekendlong celebration of culinary talent.

But this year, there’s rain in the forecast. There is a high likelihood of rain Saturday with showers and a thunderstorm possible, according to the National Weather Forecast. Rainfall between a quarter and a half an inch is predicted.

Clear skies are expected to return for the second day of the festival Sunday, Feb. 23.

The Devour Culinary Classic goes on rain or shine, but communications manager Maria Lopez says there’s a plan in place for the potentially soggy weekend.

Rain or no rain, the festival will happen, Lopez says. The schedule for each day will remain the same and tickets are not exchangeable or refundable due to weather.

Tickets for Saturday are sold out, and due to so much interest in the event, organizers have added a few more tickets for Sunday.

VIP tickets are still available at the Desert Botanical Garden box office.

Lopez doesn’t expect the weather to deter ticket holders, especially as it hasn’t in years past, she says.

“Last year was very cold, and it didn’t change the experience at all,” Lopez says.

Regardless of weather, all vendor and restaurant booths are required to have covered tents or large umbrellas every year, Lopez says.

Some chefs use electrical hookups for grills or heating elements, but there are plans in place for safety there as well.

All of the equipment will be under covers so nothing gets wet, and there will be two full-time electric technicians at the festival all weekend. Due to the outdoor nature of the Botanical Garden, the electrical grid is designed to withstand being outside in all types of weather, Lopez says.

Event organizers are adding additional covered seating areas.