There are so many things to see and do at the Tucson Festival of Books this weekend, it can feel overwhelming to do with the kids.
So, we found five things we don't think you should miss. Of course, there are many other amazing things happening, but these events just sound so cool.
Also, if you don't want to deal with parking at the UA, consider parking at the Mercado and riding the Tucson Modern Streetcar with Mr. Nature & Pals on Saturday.
They're going to jam out and tell stories the whole way to the festival. Board at 10 a.m. at the Mercado, 100 S. Avenida Del Convento. You can, of course, take the streetcar back at anytime, but if you want to end the day with Mr. Nature, board at Highland at 2:30 p.m. for more music and stories on the way back to your car. It costs $4 for anyone over age 5 to ride the streetcar.
About 200 Preschool and kindergarten students at Tucson Country Day School kicked off Dr. Seuss’s birthday by performing songs and reciting portions of Dr. Seuss’s book “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?” Appearing as The Cat In The Hat, Tucson’s Mr. Nature (Anthony Aldinger) read to the kids, played music and danced with them.
Don't miss
Storybook Character Parade, 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Have your kids dress up as their favorite book character and join Clifford the Big Red Dog, Splat the Cat, Berenstain Bears Brother and Sister, Pete the Cat, Spot the Cat, Corduroy bear, Ronald McDonald and the Kindness Crusaders in a parade from the Canyon Stage by the BookStore to the children's area. Music will be provided by Mariachi Los Toritos and we hear there may be prizes along the way.
Volcano Eruption, 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in Science City. We hear it's the biggest volcanic eruption in Tucson for at least the last few million years. The volcano area seats 100, so get there early. While you're there, wander around all of Science City. There are amazing things to see and do at every booth, from making comets to seeing brains and more.
BMX: Physics in Motion, 10:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Science City. Former X-Games champion, John Parker will bring physical science to life with high flying stunts and intricate moves on the ground.
Peter Pan Circus, 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. Saturday. The Lindley Lopez Literary Circus will perform a Cirque du Soleil style rendition of the classic children's tale, "Peter Pan."
LindleyLopez Circus performer Sophie Harris straddles and dangles from the ropes during a performance at the Tucson Festival of Books on Saturday, March 15, 2014, on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz. The free annual two-day festival features scores of author discussions, signings, food, and games and activities for kids. The event lasts until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Active Imagination Theatre, noon, Sunday. Children in the audience will be invited to participate in scenes with only a bag of hats and costumes for props to tell the story of Rabbit Hood, a dedicated Easter bunny that has no eggs for the children to hunt.
Festival details
What: Tucson Festival of Books
When: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: University of Arizona Mall, 1303 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free
More info: Click here
