7 cool things to do in Tucson this weekend (Feb. 15-18)

Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18 — Spend money on local artisans

We've had a few months respite from big arts fairs. Time to bring 'em back, and the Tucson Museum of Art obliges. The annual Spring Artisans Market is slated for Friday- Sunday, Feb. 16-18. More than 100 artisans will be at the juried show, bringing such goodies as textiles, ceramics fine art and jewelry.

That's not all: There will also be live music and dance performances, and entrance to the museum is free during the three-day event.

It's happening 10 a.m.-4

— Kathleen Allen

Friday, February 16 — Buy one, get one thai rolled ice cream at a grand opening

7 Degrees Ice Cream Rolls & Boba Tea will hold its grand opening on Friday, February 16, at 4386 N Oracle Road.

In honor of this momentous occasion, the business, which serves rolled Thai ice cream and boba tea in multiple flavors, will be offering a buy one, get one free deal for either item all day Friday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Read more about the new spot here. 

Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18 — Celebrate 1 year of Sand Reckoner

Sand Reckoner Winery's very first tasting room, at 510 N. Seventh Ave., will celebrate its first anniversary with three days of celebrations, live music and deals. 

On Friday, it's happy hour all day with $2 glasses of wine and Heather Lil' Mama Hardy playing her electric violin from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Saturday will see the release of a 2015 Rhumb Line Tempranillo, tapas-inspired pairings and tote bags. Naim Amor will perform from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

On Sunday, Sand Reckoner will finish off the weekend with donuts and pastries, and sorbet pour-overs with Isabella's Ice Cream. 

Get all the details here. 

Saturday, February 17 — Go on a craft beer crawl

Considered the crown jewel of Arizona Beer Week in Southern Arizona, the Tucson Craft Beer Crawl will feature more than 30 breweries and nine venues around downtown, on North Sixth and North Fourth avenues.

For $40 ($50 at the door), you get 30 drink tickets, a commemorative tasting glass and access to all venues along the route, including Hotel Congress, Public Brewhouse, Tap & Bottle and the brand spanking new Corbett Brewing Company, at 309 E. Seventh St. 

Over the past three years, the crawl has raised nearly $25,000 for Watershed Management Group's River Run Network, which "works to restore the heritage of year-round, free-flowing rivers in Southern Arizona," according to the news release issued for the event. 

Buy tickets here.  

Saturday, February 17 — Taste chocolates served by shirtless firefighters

Now that Valentine's Day has come and gone, grab your best girlfriends (or boyfriends) and head to the Arizona Hops & Vines winery in Sonoita for Chocolate Love 2018. 

$20 gets you a souvenir glass, six tasting tickets, and chocolate...lots of chocolate, served by firefighters without shirts. Classy!

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Get more information here. 

Saturday, February 17 — Hit opening day of the Tucson Rodeo

Boots, saddles, broncos and a lot of yeeehaws. 

It's about that time again. 

The 93rd Annual La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros launches this Saturday and runs through February 25 at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. 

Here is the schedule for Day 1: 

11 a.m. — gates open

12:30 p.m. — Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo

2-4:30 p.m. — ProRodeo Competition

4-8 p.m. — The Coors Barn Dance. $5 online or at the door.  

Find out everything you need to know here. 

Sunday, February 18 — Join the Lunar New Year festivities at Lee Lee's

Lee Lee International Supermarket will celebrate the Lunar New Year (Year of the Dog) this Sunday with a traditional lion dance performance on-site, at 1990 W. Orange Grove Road, at 1 p.m. 

Take in some lively entertainment, then head inside and pick up some traditional snacks, baked seeds and ginger candy. 

Find out more here.