Tucson Festival of Books 2025

Bookmans provides a large selection of books for guests of the Tucson Festival of Books on March 15.

From the ultimate book fest to early St. Patrick's Day fun, there is no shortage of cool events this week in Tucson! 

Enjoy the sunny weather and checkout all of the events happening in town this weekend below!

New This Week

Spring Ikebana Festival

Ikebana is known as the "meditative art of Japanese floral arrangements." This festival celebrates the arrival of spring with floral arrangements around the gardens. 

When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7-14

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: Various prices for ages for garden admission ($19 for adults 18-61)

Visit the event page for more information.

Rainbow Rollers

Show off your roller skating skills at this family friendly LGBTQIA+ skate night. Partial proceeds will go to supporting the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. 

When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11

Where: Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd St. 

Cost: $5 admission and $5 if you need to rent skates

Visit the event page for more information. 


Sponsored

Trusted Tax Preparation with VITA

Looking for reliable, no-cost tax help in Tucson? United Way of Tucson’s VITA program provides free, safe, and high-quality tax preparation for households earning up to $89,000 annually. Our services are delivered by IRS-certified volunteers who help ensure your return is filed accurately and that you’re claiming all the credits you’re eligible for — so you can keep more of what you earn. VITA services are available throughout tax season.


Bridgerton Trivia Night

Test your Bridgerton knowledge at this fun trivia night. The top two teams will win prizes and there will be themed cocktails. 

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd. 

Cost: Prices vary based on size of table

Visit the event page for more information. 

Do Si Do & Drams

Grab your cowboy boots and head to Whiskey Del Bac where you’ll be able to line dance while enjoying cocktails. This event is beginner friendly and no partner is needed!

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11

Where: Whiskey Del Bac, 2106 N. Forbes Blvd. Suite 103

Cost: $15

Visit the event page for more information. 


Sponsored

32K Bingo Super Session on Saturday, March 28, 2026!

$32,000 up for grabs! All regular games guaranteed to pay $1,199 and the last game of the night paying a guaranteed $10,000! 

Paper only $100 • Electronic Pre-Sales $150 • Electronic Door Sales $165


Cumbia Class

Create new friends and dance your heart out at this cumbia class! This is a beginner class but intermediates are welcome!

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12

Where: 4th Ave. Coalition, 311 E. 7th St. 

Cost: $20 for drop-in class, arrive 15 minutes early for registration

Visit the event page for more information. 

Birds of Mission Garden

Walk around Mission Garden with one of their expert birders and look for all kinds of seasonal and residential birds. You’ll also learn how to identify some of the common calls and songs.

When: 8-9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Ln.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Gather A Vintage Market

Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this market.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 12-14; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15

Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information. 

Lucky 13: A Friday the 13th Dance Party

Hotel Congress is turning Friday the 13th into a celebration. Head to the hotel’s plaza where you’ll be able to dance, get a tattoo and enjoy some drinks. 

When: 9 p.m. Friday, March 13

Where: Hotel Congress Plaza, 311 E. Congress St. 

Cost: $15.66

Visit the event page for more information. 

Guys Night Out: Dodgeball & Nerf Battle Night

This guys night event is taking over the Tucson Soccer Center, where you’ll have your option to play dodgeball or take part in the Nerf battle. They will also be serving food from Lucky Wishbone. 

When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, March 13

Where: Tucson Soccer Center, 7061 N. Camino Martin

Cost: $33.85

Visit the event page for more information. 

Tucson Parks and Rec Summer Job Fair

Looking for a job this summer? Head over to the summer job fair and learn more about all kinds of positions in aquatics, KIDCO and therapeutic recreation. 

When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, March 13

Where: Parks Administration (Mesquite Room), 900 S. Randolph Way

Cost: Free to attend, those ages 15 and up can apply

Visit the event page for more information. 

On the Edge themed Happy Hour at TMA

Enjoy drinks on the Tucson Museum of Art’s rooftop terrace. Expect beer, wine, mocktails, snacks, music, art games and more. This month, the happy hour is presented in conjunction with the opening of “On the Edge: Los Angeles Art from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection.” 

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 13

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit the event page for more information

Live Painting Night with Ralph Philabaum

Head to the Tucson Gallery and watch artist Ralph Philabaum work his magic live. You’ll be able to watch him paint, ask questions and indulge in some wine and charcuterie. There will also be giveaways and prizes!

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 13

Where: Tucson Gallery, 245 E. Congress St. Suite 101

Cost: Free to attend, RSVP on their event page

Visit the event page for more information. 

Emo Night Brooklyn 

Jam to all your favorite emo pop punk songs at this dance party. 

When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 13

Where: La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club Rd. 

Cost: $25.97 for general admission

Visit the event page for more information.

Jam sessions are part of the fun of the three-day Desert Bluegrass Festival, taking over Marana's Gladden Farms Community Park this weekend.

Desert Bluegrass Festival

Bands over three days will perform all shades of bluegrass at the Desert Bluegrass Association's annual festival, coming to Marana's Gladden Farms. 

When: Friday-Sunday, March 13-15

Where: Gladden Farms Community Park, 12205 N. Tangerine Farms Road

Cost: Free to attend on Friday; $30 each day Saturday and Sunday; $50 for a festival pass 

Visit the event page for more information.

Silent Adventure Dance Experience 

Show off all your dance moves at this silent disco. 

When: 6-7 p.m. Friday, March 13

Where: Tucson Village Farm’s “Big” Farm, 2201 E. Roger Rd. 

Cost: $22.09 for ages 12 and up, $16.82 for ages 11 and under

Visit the event page for more information.  

Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch with Bike Swap

Stop by Steam Pump Ranch and enjoy a farmer’s and maker’s market, crafts for kids, tours of the historic area of the property and live music. This month, there will be a bike swap.

When: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Historic Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Rd. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information. 

Spring Plant Sale

Pick up herbs, veggies, wildflowers and landscape plants for your garden, thanks to local nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Center, 3584 E. River Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for plants

Visit the event page for more information.

People browse the selection of books for sale at the University of Arizona Press booth during Tucson Festival of Books, March 15, 2025.

Tucson Festival of Books

Book lovers, it's almost the best time of year: the annual Tucson Festival of Books is back! Find hundreds of authors, presentations and vendors at the beloved book fest. 

When: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15

Where: University of Arizona Mall

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Ben’s Bells Stepping Stone Workshop

At this workshop, you’ll get to design and build your own mosaic stepping stone complete with colorful tiles. All materials will be provided and you’ll have step-by-step guidance. 

When: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Ben’s Bells Downtown Studio, 40 W. Broadway

Cost: $100

Visit the event page for more information

Tanque Verde Market

Shop local and enjoy a day full of good food, live music, and high quality local goods in a family friendly atmosphere. You'll find dozens of local artisans, good food, live music and more!

When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Tucson Country Day School, 9239 E. Wrightstown Road.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Andrew Muir gives a pint of Guinness to a customer during the St. Patrick’s Day festival in 2024.

St. Patrick's Day Festival of Tucson

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at this fun festival. Make sure to wear your best green outfit!

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Corbett Brewing, 309 E. 7th St. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

Retro Game Show Night

Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave. 

Cost: $20.65. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Drawn to Glass

At this free, family-friendly event, you’ll be able to buy pieces made by SGS artists at auctions, watch glass making demonstrations, participate in art activities and more.

When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Sonoran Glass School, 633 W. 18th St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Frida’s Garden: Where Art and Life Intertwine

This talk at the Tucson Botanical Gardens will highlight how Frida Kahlo’s identity, pain, creativity and love for Mexican culture are shown in her art and garden. 

When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: Various prices for ages for garden admission ($19 for adults 18-61)

Visit the event page for more information.

Bricks and Builders Night

Who doesn’t love LEGOs?! At this event, you’ll be able to see Sean Kenney Nature Pop! sculptures made from LEGO, watch the first LEGO movie on the lawn or compete in a LEGO Mini Masters brick building contest. 

When: 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court 

Cost: Various prices for zoo admission

Visit the event page for more information. 

Salsa/Bachata Night 

Show off your best salsa/bachata dance skills at this free event at Brick Box Brewery. There will be drink specials too!

When: A quick class will start at 6 p.m., social dancing is from 6:30-8:15 p.m. Sunday, March 15

Where: Brick Box Brewery, 220 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks

Visit the event page for more information. 

Red Carpet Awards Party

This event is bringing all the glitz and glam from the Oscars red carpet to Tucson! Dress in your best outfits and head to The Loft where you can watch a live broadcast of the awards and play along with their awards bingo. 

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Cost: $60 general admission, $45 for Loft members

Visit the event page for more information. 

Crafting Resilience: Queer Clothing Alterations

This monthly workshop creates a judgment-free space for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people to learn, request, or receive gender-affirming alterations that help their clothes fit better.

When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 15

Where: Desert Garden Gallery, 2456 N. Pantano Rd.

Cost: Pay-what-you-can

Visit the event page for more information. 

St. Baddies Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Club Congress, where you’ll be able to dance your heart out to live DJ sets. 

When: 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. Tuesday, March 17

Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 

Cost: $13, this is a 21+ event

Visit the event page for more information.

Find Your Lucky Charm: Bag Charm Bar

This pop-up charm bar event gives your the opportunity to find your new, unique lucky charm! You will be able to pick your keyring or clip, choose a string of beads and then finish it off with a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted charm. 

When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17

Where: Warm Shape, 267 South Avenida del Convento Bldg 8

Cost: $28

Visit the event page for more information. 

Pokémon Trivia Night- Snakes & Lattes

Think you’ve gotta catch ’em all? Test your skills at Pokémon Trivia Night at Snakes & Lattes. Let the battle begin!

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, March 18

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E University Blvd.

Cost: Tickets from $7

Visit the event page for more information.

Returning Events

Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

Spring is the perfect time to experience the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm! The owners are celebrating with tours, themed workshops, and exciting events! Check out their seasonal teas at Lavender Manor!

When: Various dates in March

Where: Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle. (Some workshops are available in Tucson at The Lavender Manor, 347 E. Fourth Street.)

Cost: $15 for tours and tastings

Visit the event page for more information.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals. 

When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events

Visit the event page for more information.

Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson

Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments. 

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information.

Dirty T Run Club

This run club meets on Thursdays for a 4 mile run at a slower pace. During the route, you’ll get to run past iconic murals and the rattlesnake bridge. Plus, they stop by a bar for after-run drinks. 

When: Thursdays at 6 p.m., rain or shine 

Where: Meeting place is at the corner of 6th Ave. and 7th Street

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Paint & Sip Party

Unwind, listen to great music, and learn real painting techniques from professional artists.

When: 6-8 p.m. every Friday

Where: Catalyst Creative Collective, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110

Cost: $35

Visit the event page for more information.

One of the hikers gets a cell phone photo of a desert hairy scorpion under black light during Catalina Nights at Catalina State Park.

Catalina Nights

Experience Catalina State Park after dark with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail!

When: First and Third Fridays of the month

Where: Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Road.

Cost: Park entry fee ($10-20)

Visit their event page for more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance. 

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays

Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road.

Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit the event page for more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

BICAS Crafternoons

Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays 

Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the event page for more information.

St. Philip's Plaza Market

Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Mercado Flea

The Mercado Flea is back, complete with dozens of vendors selling antique and vintage items. 

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May

Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Art Cart with Caroline Martin

Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!

When: Various dates throughout February

Where: Various places

Cost: $5-$15

Visit their event page for more information.

Events at Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More

Stop by Poppin' Off for their many, creative workshops, trivia nights, and other exciting events! You'll find something for all ages and interests.

When: Various dates throughout February

Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E Broadway.

Cost: Typically $0-$15

Visit their event page for more information.

Workshops and Events at Di Luna

Di Luna is hosting fun creative workshops and exciting events all month long! From junk journaling to building your own terrarium and yoga on the patio, there's something for everyone to enjoy

When: Various dates in March

Where: Di Luna Candles, 2700 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Prices vary

Visit the event page for more information.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Jamie Donnelly is the food writer for #ThisIsTucson. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com