How to Save on Tucson Craft Beer

Tucson, Arizona, has evolved into one of the most vibrant craft beer scenes in the Southwest. With over 30 local breweries within a 30-mile radius, from the historic streets of downtown to the desert-lined outskirts of Marana, the city offers an extraordinary diversity of flavors, styles, and experiences. But with such abundance comes a natural question: how can beer enthusiasts enjoy high-quality, locally brewed craft beer without overspending?

Save on Tucson craft beer isn’t just about finding the cheapest pint—it’s about maximizing value, building relationships with breweries, leveraging community perks, and making smart choices that align with your taste and budget. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated hophead, understanding the local ecosystem of beer deals, loyalty programs, seasonal releases, and taproom culture can transform your drinking habits from expensive to economical—without sacrificing quality.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to saving money on Tucson craft beer. You’ll learn practical strategies used by locals, discover tools and resources that unlock discounts, explore real-world examples of successful savings, and avoid common pitfalls that lead to unnecessary spending. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to enjoy more craft beer for less—right here in the Sonoran Desert.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Join Brewery Loyalty Programs

Most Tucson breweries operate loyalty or rewards programs designed to encourage repeat visits. These aren’t just punch cards—they often include tiered benefits, exclusive releases, early access to events, and discounted merchandise. Start by signing up at your favorite local spots. Many breweries offer free sign-ups via QR code at the taproom or through their website.

For example, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. offers a “Wilderness Rewards” program where you earn points for every dollar spent on beer, merchandise, or food. After accumulating 500 points, you receive a free 16-ounce pour. At Double Diamond Brewing, members get 10% off all growler fills and priority access to limited-edition barrel-aged releases.

Pro tip: Don’t just join one—join three to five. Rotate your visits across different breweries to maximize rewards. Some programs even offer bonus points on birthdays or during slow weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday).

2. Visit on Discount Days

Every Tucson brewery has its own discount schedule. These are not random—they’re strategically timed to fill slow periods and build weekday traffic. The most common discount days include:

• Tuesday: Half-price pints or $1 off all drafts (e.g., St. Augustine Brewing Company and High Country Brewing)
• Wednesday: Buy one, get one free (BOGO) on growlers or 4-packs (e.g., Chimera Brewing)
• Thursday: $5 flights or $2 off tastings (e.g., Revelry Brewing)

Some breweries also host “Beer & Board Games” nights on Tuesdays or “Live Music & $3 Pints” on Thursdays. These events are often promoted on social media or local event calendars like Tucson Weekly or Visit Tucson.

Make a monthly calendar. Mark each brewery’s discount day and plan your visits around them. Over time, you can enjoy 2–3 visits per week at 30–50% off regular prices.

3. Purchase Growlers and Crowlers Instead of Bottles

Buying beer by the glass is convenient—but expensive. A 16-ounce pint typically costs $6–$8. A 64-ounce growler fill, however, averages $16–$22, which works out to $2–$3.50 per 16-ounce serving. That’s a 50%+ savings.

Crowlers (32-ounce canned growlers) are another smart option. They’re sealed on-site, stay fresh longer than glass growlers, and often cost $12–$18. That’s $1.50–$2.25 per 16-ounce pour.

Many Tucson breweries, including Arizona Wilderness and La Cumbre, offer discounted growler fills on discount days. Some even let you bring your own clean growler for a $2–$3 reduction. Keep a few sanitized growlers at home—glass or stainless steel—and refill them regularly.

4. Attend Brewery Taproom Events and Tastings

Taproom events aren’t just social—they’re economical. Many breweries host free or low-cost tasting events where you can sample multiple beers for the price of one. These include:

• Flight Nights: Pay $8–$12 for a curated flight of 4–6 beers instead of buying each separately ($24–$48).
• Release Parties: New beer launches often come with discounted or complimentary samples for early attendees.
• Collaboration Tastings: Breweries team up for special events. For instance, Revelry and Chimera once hosted a “Sonoran Sour Smackdown” where attendees paid $15 for 10 sour samples—worth over $50 at regular prices.

Sign up for brewery email newsletters. Most send out event calendars weekly. You’ll be among the first to know about free tastings, especially during slower seasons like late summer or early winter.

5. Buy Beer in 4-Packs and Cases

While growlers offer savings on draft beer, packaged beer (cans or bottles) can also be purchased at a discount. Most Tucson breweries offer:

• 10–15% off when you buy a 4-pack
• 20–25% off when you buy a 6-pack or case

For example, Double Diamond sells its popular “Desert Haze” IPA in 4-packs for $14 (regular $16) and in 6-packs for $24 (regular $28). That’s a 20% savings on the 6-pack. St. Augustine offers case deals on seasonal releases like “Winter Solstice Stout”—buy 12, get 2 free.

Plan ahead. Stock up on your favorite styles during seasonal releases (e.g., Oktoberfest in fall, IPA in spring). Store them properly in a cool, dark place. This strategy reduces per-can cost to as low as $1.25–$1.75, compared to $3–$4 at a bar.

6. Shop at Local Beer Retailers with Loyalty Discounts

While taprooms are ideal for fresh beer, local bottle shops offer convenience and competitive pricing. Tucson has several excellent retailers that go beyond standard pricing:

• Arizona Craft Beer Market (Downtown): Offers 10% off for members of their “Beer Club.” Sign up for free and get access to weekly discounted 4-packs.
• BevMo! (Tucson location): Runs monthly “Brewery of the Month” promotions with 15–20% off selected local labels.
• Beer Depot Tucson: Hosts “Buy 5, Get 1 Free” on all Arizona-made craft beer every Thursday.

Compare prices between retailers and taprooms. Sometimes, a 4-pack at a bottle shop is cheaper than a growler fill—especially if you don’t want to drink it immediately.

7. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Modern savings extend beyond brewery loyalty programs. Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout 51 frequently offer cashback on craft beer purchases. While not every brewery sells directly through retail chains, many of their 4-packs are available at major grocery stores like Safeway, Albertsons, and Fry’s.

For example, a recent Ibotta promotion offered $1.50 back on any 4-pack of Chimera Brewing purchased at Albertsons. Fetch Rewards gives 10 points per dollar spent on craft beer (1,000 points = $1). Combine this with store coupons for even greater savings.

Tip: Always scan your receipt. Even if the app doesn’t list the brewery, the UPC code often triggers a match. Set up alerts for “Arizona craft beer” or “Tucson brewery” to catch promotions faster.

8. Join a Beer Club or Subscription Service

Several Tucson-based services deliver curated craft beer directly to your door. While some are premium, others offer excellent value:

• Tucson Beer Club: $45/month for 6–8 cans of local Arizona brews (valued at $80+). Includes a tasting note booklet and access to exclusive releases.
• Arizona Beer Box: $50/month with 10–12 cans from 6–8 different breweries. Free shipping and rotating selections.

These services often cost less than buying individual 4-packs at retail. Plus, you’re exposed to new breweries you might not discover otherwise. Many clubs let you pause or skip months—ideal for budget flexibility.

9. Bring Your Own Food to Taprooms

Many Tucson breweries allow outside food. This is a game-changer for savings. Instead of paying $14 for a burger and $7 for a pint, bring a sandwich and enjoy a $6 pint. Taprooms like Revelry, Chimera, and High Country have picnic tables and welcome food trucks or home-packed meals.

Check each brewery’s policy—some have restrictions (no glass containers, no large catering), but most are flexible. This simple habit can cut your total per-visit cost in half.

10. Participate in Beer Festivals with Early Bird Tickets

Tucson hosts multiple craft beer festivals annually, including the Tucson Beer Festival and Desert Brews & Bites. Tickets at the door can cost $50–$75. But early bird tickets—available 4–6 weeks in advance—are often $25–$35. Some even include a free growler or merchandise item.

Volunteer for the event. Many festivals offer free admission in exchange for 2–3 hours of helping with setup, pouring, or cleanup. You’ll get unlimited tastings, free food, and access to exclusive brews.

Pro tip: Attend the “Last Call” hour. Most festivals offer discounted or free pours in the final 60 minutes as they clear inventory.

Best Practices

1. Know Your Palate and Stick to Favorites

One of the biggest money drains in craft beer is impulse sampling. You taste 10 different IPAs, stouts, and sours—only to like two. Instead, identify your preferred styles (e.g., hazy IPA, dry stout, sour farmhouse) and focus your spending there.

Once you know your go-to flavors, you’ll recognize when a brewery is making a similar beer. You’ll avoid paying premium prices for novelty brews that don’t align with your taste. This reduces waste and increases satisfaction per dollar spent.

2. Track Your Spending

Use a simple spreadsheet or app like BeerAdvocate or Untappd to log each beer you buy or drink. Note the price, location, and date. After a month, review your spending patterns.

Many Tucson beer lovers discover they spend $120/month on casual taproom visits. With the strategies above, they reduce it to $50–$70 without sacrificing enjoyment. Tracking creates accountability and reveals hidden savings opportunities.

3. Avoid Peak Hours and Tourist Zones

Breweries near the University of Arizona or in the 4th Avenue entertainment district often charge 10–20% more during Friday and Saturday nights. Crowds drive up demand—and prices.

Instead, visit on weekday afternoons (2–5 PM) or early evenings (5–7 PM). You’ll get the same beer, better service, and lower prices. Some taprooms even offer “Happy Hour” during these windows.

4. Don’t Chase Hype—Focus on Value

Not every limited-edition barrel-aged stout is worth $18 for a 4-ounce pour. Many breweries release “unicorn beers” with inflated prices and short shelf lives. These are marketing tools, not necessarily quality indicators.

Stick to breweries known for consistent quality over novelty. In Tucson, La Cumbre, Arizona Wilderness, and St. Augustine consistently deliver high-value beers across their core lineup. You don’t need to try every new release to be a true craft beer fan.

5. Share with Friends

Craft beer is social. Invite a friend to split a flight or a growler. Splitting a $20 growler and a $10 snack between two people costs just $15 each—far less than two individual pints.

Group visits also unlock group discounts. Some breweries offer 10% off for parties of 6 or more. Bring a small group to a brewery on a discount day and you’ll stretch your budget even further.

6. Reuse and Recycle Packaging

Keep your growlers, crowlers, and even bottle caps. Many breweries offer $1–$2 discounts for returning clean growlers. Some even give free stickers or coasters for returning 10+ bottles.

Repurpose glass bottles as homebrew containers or planters. Stainless steel growlers can last 10+ years with proper care. This reduces long-term cost and supports sustainability—two wins for the budget-conscious beer lover.

7. Learn to Brew at Home

Homebrewing is the ultimate savings strategy. A 5-gallon batch (about 50 12-ounce servings) costs $30–$50 in ingredients. That’s $0.60–$1.00 per serving—far below any commercial price.

Tucson has several homebrew supply shops, including Tucson Homebrew Supply, which offers beginner kits for $80 and monthly classes. Once you’ve brewed your first batch, you’ll never see craft beer pricing the same way again.

Even if you never bottle your own, understanding the brewing process helps you appreciate why certain beers cost more—and which ones are truly worth the premium.

Tools and Resources

1. Untappd (Mobile App)

Untappd is the most powerful tool for Tucson craft beer enthusiasts. It tracks your drinking history, shows nearby breweries, and alerts you to special events. Many Tucson breweries integrate Untappd check-ins with loyalty programs—check in and earn a free beer.

Use the “Discover” feature to filter by “Arizona” and “Low Price.” You’ll find top-rated, affordable beers near you. Join the “Tucson Beer Lovers” group to get real-time tips from locals.

2. VisitTucson.com

The official tourism site has a dedicated “Breweries & Beer” section with up-to-date event calendars, brewery maps, and seasonal promotions. It’s updated weekly and includes links to brewery websites and social media.

3. Tucson Weekly’s Beer Column

Every Thursday, the Tucson Weekly publishes “Hoppy Hour,” a column reviewing new releases, discount days, and upcoming events. It’s free and archived online. Subscribe to their newsletter for direct delivery.

4. Arizona Craft Brewers Guild Website

Visit azcraftbeer.org for a full directory of Arizona breweries, including Tucson locations. The site lists hours, food policies, and special events. It also promotes the “Arizona Craft Beer Passport”—a free booklet where you collect stamps from 10 breweries and redeem them for a limited-edition glass.

5. Local Facebook Groups

Join these active communities:

• Tucson Craft Beer Lovers (12,000+ members)
• Arizona Beer Swap & Trade (for exchanging brews)
• Tucson Homebrewers Club (for tips and group brew days)

Members post about last-minute discounts, free samples, and even give away extra growlers. It’s the most authentic source of local intel.

6. Google Maps + Filters

Search “craft beer Tucson” on Google Maps. Use the “Open Now” and “Price Range” filters to find breweries with $–$$ ratings. Sort by “Top Rated” to see which ones consistently offer good value.

Read recent reviews mentioning “deals,” “happy hour,” or “growler discount.” Real users often highlight savings opportunities that aren’t on the brewery’s website.

7. Brewery Websites and Email Newsletters

Never skip signing up for email lists. Breweries send out exclusive discounts, early access to events, and surprise giveaways. One Tucson brewery recently emailed subscribers a $10 gift card for just opening their weekly newsletter.

Use a separate email address for brewery sign-ups to avoid clutter. Set up filters to auto-archive them unless they mention a discount.

Real Examples

Example 1: Sarah’s Monthly Savings Plan

Sarah, a 32-year-old teacher in Tucson, used to spend $150/month on craft beer—mostly on weekend pints at downtown taprooms. She decided to change her habits.

• She signed up for loyalty programs at 4 breweries.
• She started visiting on Tuesday ($1 off pints) and Wednesday (BOGO growlers).
• She bought a stainless steel growler and refilled it twice a week at $18 each.
• She joined the Tucson Beer Club ($45/month for 6 cans).
• She brought her own lunch to taprooms.

After three months, her monthly spending dropped to $68. She drank more beer, tried more styles, and saved $82/month—over $980 a year.

Example 2: The Homebrewer’s Journey

Mark, a software engineer, spent $200/month on craft beer. He bought a $120 homebrew kit in January. By March, he had brewed three batches: an IPA, a porter, and a sour.

Each batch cost $40 and yielded 50 servings. He shared with friends, traded with other homebrewers, and even entered a local competition—winning a free keg of commercial beer.

By July, his monthly beer cost dropped to $30 (for ingredients and bottling). He now brews every 3–4 weeks and estimates he’s saved over $1,800 in 12 months.

Example 3: The Festival Strategy

Jessica and her partner attend two beer festivals a year. In 2023, they paid $70 each at the door for the Tucson Beer Festival—total $140.

In 2024, they bought early bird tickets for $30 each ($60 total), volunteered for 3 hours on Saturday, and got free admission to the Sunday “Last Call” session. They sampled 30+ beers, ate free food from vendors, and received a free branded glass.

They saved $80 and had a better experience. They plan to volunteer again in 2025.

Example 4: The Retailer Hack

David, a college student, noticed that Beer Depot Tucson had a “Buy 5, Get 1 Free” deal on Arizona craft beer every Thursday. He bought six 4-packs of Chimera and La Cumbre for $84 total.

That’s 7 packs for the price of 6—144 ounces of beer. He split the cost with two roommates. Each person paid $28 and got 48 ounces—equivalent to 6 pints at $4.50 each, but they paid only $4.67 per pint.

He now makes Thursday his “beer run” day every month.

FAQs

Can I really save 50% on Tucson craft beer?

Absolutely. By combining growler refills, discount days, loyalty programs, and avoiding impulse buys, most Tucson beer drinkers reduce their monthly spending by 40–60%. Some homebrewers save over 80%.

Are growlers worth the hassle?

Yes. A clean growler lasts years. Refilling costs $16–$22 for 64 ounces—less than $3.50 per pint. It’s cheaper than buying bottled beer at retail and fresher than canned beer shipped from out of state.

Do all Tucson breweries allow outside food?

No—but most do. Always check the brewery’s website or call ahead. Popular ones that allow it: Arizona Wilderness, Revelry, Chimera, High Country, and St. Augustine.

Is homebrewing expensive to start?

Not at all. A basic starter kit costs $80–$100 and includes everything you need for your first batch. Ingredients for a 5-gallon batch are $30–$50. You’ll recoup your investment in 2–3 batches.

What’s the best time of year to buy craft beer in Tucson?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal. Breweries release seasonal beers in bulk, and retailers offer deep discounts to clear inventory before summer heat or winter holidays.

Do beer festivals ever offer free entry?

Yes. Volunteering is the most common way. Some festivals also offer free entry for students, military, or press. Check the event’s “Get Involved” page.

Are canned craft beers cheaper than draft?

Not always. A 4-pack of canned beer might cost $16, while a 64-ounce growler fill is $18. But the growler gives you 33% more beer. Draft is usually the better value if you’re drinking it immediately.

How can I find out about new discount days?

Follow breweries on Instagram and Facebook. Sign up for email newsletters. Join Tucson Facebook beer groups. Check VisitTucson.com and Tucson Weekly every Thursday.

Is it cheaper to buy beer at a grocery store or a taproom?

For immediate consumption: taproom on discount day. For storage: grocery store with coupons or cashback apps. For freshness and volume: growler fill. Each option has its place.

What if I don’t like the beer I bought?

Most Tucson breweries will exchange an unopened 4-pack or offer a refund if you’re unhappy. Call ahead and explain. Many are happy to help—especially if you’re a regular.

Conclusion

Saving on Tucson craft beer isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about working smarter. The city’s thriving brewery scene is built on community, innovation, and accessibility. By understanding how local breweries operate, leveraging loyalty programs, timing your visits, and making informed purchasing decisions, you can enjoy exceptional craft beer without draining your wallet.

The strategies outlined here—from growler refills and discount days to homebrewing and festival volunteering—are proven by real Tucson beer lovers. They’re not theoretical. They’re daily habits that transform how people experience beer in the Sonoran Desert.

Start small. Pick one tactic—maybe signing up for a loyalty program or trying a growler refill—and build from there. Track your progress. Celebrate the savings. And most importantly, keep exploring. Tucson’s beer culture is vast, diverse, and always evolving.

With the right approach, you won’t just save money—you’ll deepen your connection to the local brewing community, discover hidden gems, and turn every pint into a story worth telling. So raise a glass—responsibly, wisely, and affordably—to the best craft beer scene in Arizona.