It's the weekend before Thanksgiving and annual favorites are making their mighty return.
Expect El Tour de Tucson, Tucson Museum of Art's three-day artisan market and the return of Tucson's pop-up ice rink. What else? A hot air balloon fiesta, stargazing, a vintage market and a movie screening alongside adoptable kitties.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
The Museum of Contemporary Arts at 265 South Church Ave, in Tucson. MOCA was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission, music from KXCI DJs, food from Sushi Hana and beer from Brick Box Brewery.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
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Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Minis & Sip
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is pairing miniatures with wine! Alongside wine and small snacks, you'll get to create your own miniature greenhouse scene.
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $40. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Watch AB Sanchez live at Casino Del Sol
On Thursday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m., AB Sanchez will take the stage at Tropico Lounge to play top 40 Latin, pop, country, rock and more. This is a free event for ages 21 and up.
Creative Kind & Friends Holiday Markets
Local shop Creative Kind had to close their brick-and-mortar space over the summer, but they'll offer in-person shopping for the holidays, also featuring other vendors.
When: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22; excluding Thanksgiving weekend
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
"Wandless: Power Beyond Spells"
"Wandless," a play set to be performed at Pima's Black Box Theatre this week, was written by Pima Theater students and directed by Pima alumnus Samantha Cormier.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 23-24
Where: Pima Community College's West Campus Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Songwriters Central
This monthly showcase features eight performers over two sets, all showing off their most recent compositions.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
Where: Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
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: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Melissa Mercilliott of Two Deserts and local shop Libra & Thorn makes desert-inspired tarot cards.
Events with Libra & Thorn
Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting five events this weekend, ranging from a hand-painted ornament workshop to a sound bath ceremony to a book club.
When: Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 21-24
Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $10-$45, depending on the event
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Events with Caroline Martin
Local artist Caroline Martin recently started an art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different cafes. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at the cafes! She's also hosting a paint class on Friday, where you'll have the chance to paint atop a vinyl.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 for art cart; paint class is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: Paint class is at The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway; art cart is at UA Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Road, on Nov. 21; art cart is at Chela's 256 E. Congress St., on Nov. 24
Cost: Crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15; paint class is $35
Visit the art cart page or paint class page for more information.
Sharon Thrall, left, and her sister-in-law, Kathryn, look through magnetic bookmarks at the Carpe Librum booth during Tucson Museum of Art’s Spring Artisans Market on March 1.
Fall Artisans Market
Back for its 43rd year, Tucson Museum of Art's Fall Artisans Market is set to feature more than 100 artists bringing their pottery, glasswork, jewelry and other artwork to the market space. The museum will have pay-what-you-wish admission during the market!
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 22-23; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
La Peña del SurCo
The University of Arizona's Applied Intercultural Arts Research is hosting a free gathering of Latin American folk music. Empanadas will be available for purchase!
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Milagro en el Barrio Comedy for Charity
This comedy show will help raise money to buy Christmas toys for kids.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: O'Malley's, 247 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Dinner and Live Reading
Enjoy dinner at Mei Mei Restaurant alongside a live reading from author Curtis Chin, presented by the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: Mei Mei Restaurant, 1523 W. Saint Marys Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for a night of stargazing!
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Cost: Free to attend, park entrance fee may apply
Visit the event page for more information.
Evening traffic runs by the Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., as dark settles over downtown, April 25, 2023.
Pop Nights
DJ Bex is spinning all the pop hits of your dreams, from Britney Spears and Madonna to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish.
When: Midnight to 2 a.m. Fridays
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Club Country
Put on your cowboy boots and dance the night away as DJ Du spins country hits.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Fall Happy Hour with The Moonstone
We curated a fall happy hour at The Moonstone, Tucson's highest rooftop bar. Expect deals on food and drinks, plus shop jewelry from local artist Greyrose Art!
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: The Moonstone inside Graduate Tucson, 930 E. Second St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Ghost Tour
Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.
When: 7 p.m. Fridays in November
Where: Downtown Tucson, detailed directions will be emailed upon ticket purchase
Cost: $25
Visit the 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. Fridays and Saturdays in November; select dates in December
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
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. On the calendar for this weekend: tours of murals, public art and the Santa Cruz and its history.
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 22-24
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.
Guitars Under the Stars at Tohono Chul
Every Friday and Saturday through November, Tohono Chul will be staying open late with live music, drinks and bites from the Garden Bistro.
When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Nov. 30
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Cyclists wait for the start of the 63-mile race along Cushing Street during the 39th Banner - University Medicine El Tour de Tucson in Tucson, Ariz. on November 19, 2022.
El Tour de Tucson
El Tour de Tucson has been around for more than four decades, bringing riders from around the globe to cycle through the Old Pueblo. Ride day happens Nov. 23, but there's also a three-day expo and fiesta with vendors.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23 is ride day. The expo is Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23
Where: The expo is held at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $15-$350 to ride. Expo is free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Balloon Fest
Children's Advocacy Center is behind this Saturday's Balloon Fest, where you'll find tethered hot air balloon rides, a car show, food trucks, live music and kid-friendly activities.
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Rillito Race Track, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Haze Market
Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Moviegoers browse the concession counter at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway.
The All-Nite Scream-O-Rama!
The Loft Cinema's all-nighter horror event has one slogan: "pay to get in, pray to get out." From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., The Loft will be playing nonstop scary movies.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie Night with Cats
Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting a movie night! Watch "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" alongside adoptable cats.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $25, includes a drink and candy
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Royal Princess Ball
Kids can attend this royal ball to meet with princesses, enjoy performances, stories and games, and learn some ballroom dance moves. The event is geared toward kids ages 3-7.
When: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 7060 S. Tucson Blvd.
Cost: $20-$30
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Cowboy Social
Heathen Haus is hosting this weekend's Queer Cowboy Social, where attendees will have the chance to take line dance and two step lessons.
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Heathen Haus, 657 W. Saint Marys Road
Cost: $5 at the door
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party. Wear your best '90s-themed attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Friendsgiving Trivia Night
Test your knowledge in all things "Friends" during this trivia night at Stacks Book Club in Oro Valley.
When: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Stacks Book Club, 1880 E. Tangerine Road
Cost: $10 per team of up to four
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop from local makers when this market returns to Tucson Mall.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Silent Adventures
Silent disco meets flash mob with Silent Adventures! Put on your headphones and dance your way through downtown Tucson. This Saturday will feature '80s and '90s music.
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Downtown Tucson
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau is hosting three music-themed laser shows this weekend. Expect shows paired to the music of Beastie Boys, Daft Punk and Gorillaz.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23; 6:30 p.m. for Beastie Boys, 8 p.m. for Daft Punk, 9:30 p.m. for Gorillaz
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit the event page for more information.
"Measure Me, Sky"
Dubbed Southern Arizona's oldest chorale arts organization, Tucson Masterworks Chorale is hosting two concerts this weekend under the name "Measure Me, Sky." Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be outside for post-show stargazing.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23; 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N. Craycroft Road, on Nov. 23; Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St., on Nov. 24
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Thanksgiving Wine and Craft Fair
Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring local artists, wine tastings and charcuterie boards.
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. Saint Patrick Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks. Reservations are required for wine tastings.
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.
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. Saturday, Nov. 23; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Bubble Gum cigarettes, a popular item, sit on a shelf at Candy World.
Cars and Candy
Local candy shop Candy World is hosting a car show featuring a raffle for a Nintendo Switch Lite!
When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Candy World, 9136 E. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
A pair of skaters are among the first to take to the fresh surface at the start of the mid-evening session of Tucson Holiday Ice, the outdoor rink set up at 260 S. Church Ave., outside the Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, Ariz., November 21, 2023.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink is back in town! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.
When: Nov. 24-Jan. 5; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.
Visit the event page for more information.
Fulta & Friends Cocktail Cabaret
From the team behind the LGBTQ+ cocktail hour Fruit Cocktail Lounge comes Fulta & Friends Cocktail Cabaret, an afternoon of music and comedy hosted by queen Fulta Burstyn.
When: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert
Presented by Arizona Arts Live, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is coming to Tucson with a two-hour series recap featuring live versions of the soundtrack.
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $35 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Cookie Decorating
Head to This n' That Creative Studio this Sunday for a fall-themed cookie-decorating workshop.
When: Noon on Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: This n' That Creative Studio, 1066 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $55
Visit the event page for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.
Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨
Gloria Knott
#ThisIsTucson Editor
