MOCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.

Click here to head back to the giant list of April events.

On Wednesday, April 19, we'll publish a list with even more events. Keep your eyes peeled for that or sign up for our Weekend Planner email newsletter to get the list sent straight to your inbox. 

Themed Trivia at Crooked Tooth

Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. is hosting a number of themed trivia nights in April, including trivia surrounding filmmaker Wes Anderson, β€œRick and Morty,” and Disney!  

When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, April 4 for Wes Anderson, April 18 for β€œRick and Morty,” April 25 for Disney.  Teams are signed up on a first come, first served basis. It's suggested to get there by 6 p.m. to secure your spot.

Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend, recommended to buy a drink or two!

Visit the event page for more information.

Stargazing in Saguaro National Park East

Go stargazing with the National Park Service and Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association in Saguaro National Park East.

When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 and Saturday, April 22

Where: Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail

Cost: Free to attend, park entrance fee applies. ($25 per vehicle, $15 for pedestrians/cyclists and all federal passes are honored.)

Visit the event page for more information.


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Support Girl Scouts while enjoying innovative cookie-themed desserts!

The beloved signature event is back β€” celebrate the Girl Scout Cookie Program, downtown at The Monica. Taste and vote on desserts, spin the Wine Wheel, buy raffle tickets, and ensure that Girl Scouts have access to incredible skill-building opportunities here in Southern Arizona. Hurry, tickets are selling out fast!


Tucson International Mariachi Conference

The Tucson International Mariachi Conference is back for another year of student workshops, competitions and concerts. The goal of the conference is to "promote awareness and foster traditional values of mariachi music and baile folklΓ³rico."

When: April 19-23

Where: Various locations

Cost: Various prices

Visit the event page for more information. 

Arizona International Film Festival

The 31st Arizona International Film Festival will feature independent and innovative films from around the world. 

When: April 19-30

Where: Various locations

Cost: Tickets were $10+ in 2022

Visit the event page for more information.

Dance Springs Eternal

The spring performance series from the University of Arizona School of Dance will feature choreography from program faculty and guest artists. The schools’ ensemble will be performing.

When: April 19-30

Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd.

Cost: $35

Visit the event page for more information.

Cirque Italia Water Circus

See aerial acts, balancing, contortionists and more at Cirque Italia, which features a custom-designed water stage.

When: April 13-23

Where: Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $10-$50

Visit the event page for more information.

Pima County Fair

Enjoy funky fair food, hop on the rides, play carnival rides and more at the Pima County Fair. Concerts this year include Lil Jon, Uncle Kracker, Jeremy Camp, Ginuwine, and more. 

When: April 20-30

Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road

Cost: General admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-10. Parking is $7. Visit the website for info on wristbands, bundles and other promotions.

Visit the event page for more information.

High In The Desert

Produced by Tucson Foodie and Bl_nk Media is a cannabis consumption festival dubbed High In The Desert. The festival is set to feature more than 40 cannabis brands, live glass blowing demonstrations, music and food trucks.

When: 2:30-10 p.m. Thursday, April 20

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: $55

Visit the event page for more information. 

Sonoran Cannabis Festival

This cannabis extravaganza spans two different downtown venues over the course of an afternoon. Enjoy samples, panels and local vendors at Whistle Stop Depot before ending the night with concerts at Hotel Congress.

When: Whistle Stop event starts at 4 p.m.; Hotel Congress event starts at 7 p.m. β€” both on Thursday, April 20.

Where: Whistle Stop Depot, 127 W. Fifth St.; Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: The concert costs $23.18; tickets for both the expo and the concert cost $39.14 total. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

West Side Stories by Borderlands Theater

This performance and community event will spotlight stories from Tucson’s west side. The event will include an interactive game show, a heritage talk circle, an augmented reality exhibition and a local story told through shadow boxes. Families are encouraged to bring seating, drinks with ice and food from classic west-side vendors (though there will also be food trucks).

When: Pre-show picnic and festivities start at 6 p.m. Main stage opens at 7:45 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, April 20-30

Where: Bonita Park, 20 N. Bonita Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information.

Beavers & Brews: Castoriando con Chelas

At this family-friendly event, Watershed Management Group will share results from its binational beaver survey, and will update the community on an effort to reintroduce beavers to Cienega Creek. Attendees will also get to watch a beaver documentary from Arizona Illustrated, and enjoy drinks and pizza.

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20

Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.

Cost: $20 in advance (includes two drinks). $30 at the door.

Visit the event page for more information.

Free Third Thursdays at MOCA

Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission β€” and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing!

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 20

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Earth Day Crafts at Dusenberry-River Library

This all-ages event will provide supplies to make collages and plant seeds in pots to celebrate Earth Day.

When: 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, April 20

Where: Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E. River Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Awakening: Student Spotlight at UA Dance

These six performances feature dance and choreography from student performers. 

When: April 20-29

Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd.

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information.

Queer Speed Dating 

Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20

Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

A Western Experience at Old Tucson

Old Tucson hosted two attractions last year, Nightfall for Halloween and Yuletide over the holidays. But now Old Tucson has returned to its roots with "A Western Experience." There will be cowboy gunfights, musicals in the Grand Palace, historical tours, a petting zoo, rides and more.

When: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May 7

Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road

Cost: $34 for adults, $17 for kids ages 5-11. Admission includes all shows, rides and attractions. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

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.

"A Bug’s Life" at Tohono Chul

Catch a screening of "A Bug’s Life" at Tohono Chul. Popcorn, cotton candy and drinks will be available for purchase.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 21

Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte

Cost: $4

Visit the event page for more information.

The Happy Hive Market

Head to Button Brew House for The Happy Hive Market, complete with local makers and a food truck. 

When: 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 21

Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Art Corner with BICAS

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: 4-6 p.m. Fridays

Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the event page for more information.

The Hotel Congress SΓ©ance Experience

The Hotel Congress SΓ©ance Experience is a live recreation of a Victorian Era-theatrical sΓ©ance "exactly as performed in 1800s" in the hotel's only third-floor room to survive its 1934 fire (be prepared to go up a few flights of stairs).

When: 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Fridays

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 

Cost: $14.94 for general admission, $28.33 to participate. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Earth Day Festival

Celebrate Earth Day by learning about recycling, composting, gardening and nature at this festival hosted by Children's Museum Tucson. See exhibits from wildlife groups and enjoy kid-friendly activities.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Earth Day at Mission Garden

Spend your Earth Day surrounded by the flora of Mission Garden! You’ll hear from a historians and biologists about the history of canals in the area, and the process of creating one at the gardens. Kids can also expect to participate in science-themed activities!

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend with a suggested donation at the gate

Visit the event page for more information. 

Desert Air Market

This pop-up market is run by local makers and creatives. Find more than 40 vendors featuring items like jewelry, stained glass, candles and more. Food trucks will be there, too!

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Bhava Wellness, 439 N. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Ducky's Bake Sale

Ducky's, known for their air-fried pineapple banana bread, is hosting a bake sale! Find sweets from home bakers Ducky's, Bolita Bakery, Sweet Vivi's, Cal's Bakeshop, Novia's Bakery and Chez Peachy. 

When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

Earth Day Art Event

Spend the afternoon with local maker Handcrafted by Care, creating upcycled artwork like beads from magazines, painted secondhand fashion and sculptures made of found objects. All materials will be provided!

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $35. This event is for ages 12 and up. Kids must be with an adult.

Visit the event page for more information.

Private dinner with Chef Carlos Anthony at Boca

Chef Maria Mazon is teaming up with Chef Carlos Anthony to host a special dinner event at Boca. Chef Carlos grew up in Tucson before moving to San Diego, where he is now the executive chef at downtown restaurant Herb & Wood.

When: Saturday, April 22

Where: Boca, 533 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Tickets are not yet available; follow Chef Maria on Instagram for updates.

Visit the event page for more information.

Archaeology Day at Mission Garden

Learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day, which allows kids to try their hand at things like etching shell or painting with natural pigments. There will be interactive programs with Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, too. 

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend with a $5 suggested donation

Visit the event page for more information.

Opening reception for Shelley Niro at Andrew Smith Gallery

Shelley Niro is a photographer and filmmaker and a member of the Six Nations Reserve, Turtle Clan, Bay of Quinte Mohawk. She will be attending the opening reception of her work at Andrew Smith Gallery.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Andrew Smith Gallery, 330 S. Convent Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Goat yoga

Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park! 

When: 10-11 a.m. Saturdays

Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information.

Jazz under the Stars at Tohono Chul

Visit Tohono Chul's Garden Bistro on Saturday nights through May 13 for cocktails, brews and bites, all while listening to local jazz. 

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturdays

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.

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.

Visionary House Market

This market, presented by Fatboy Sandos, will feature a food truck garden, a DJ, live art and 20 vendors selling items like resin saguaros, mixed media, Filipino treats, pressed flowers and more.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23

Where: Hem & Her Bridal, 4004 N. Stone Ave.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Tea ceremony at Yume Japanese Gardens

Sakura Tea Circle will be presenting a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Yume Japanese Gardens. The ritual dates back to the 12th century and uses powdered green tea presented in a formal ceremony.

When: 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23

Where: Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $25. Advanced ticket purchase is required.

Visit the event page for more information.


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