Cyclovia, Easter egg hunts, Earth Day, poetry workshops — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 55 events that are free to attend this April.
Old Pueblo Playwrights’ 2023 New Play Festival
Fans of theater can check out this five-day festival that features original work by 12 local playwrights and "staged readings of 14 peer-reviewed plays."
When: Now through Sunday, April 2
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish. Shows are open seating, arrive 15-30 minutes before showtime.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Folk Festival
The annual Tucson Folk Festival features more than 125 live performances across five stages. Headliners include Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, The Fretless, Kyshona and The Brother Brothers.
When: Friday-Sunday, March 31-April 2
Where: Downtown Tucson
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Celebrate the JOY of Easter at OVCN!
Easter week is filled with events at OVCN. A favorite for kids is the FREE EGGstravaganza. It has egg hunts by age, a petting zoo, train rides, crafts, pictures with the Easter Bunny and so much MORE! Other events that week include Stations of the Cross, Good Friday Service and Easter Sunday Services. Check the website for all the details.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 31; 9-11 a.m. Sunday, April 9; 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 28
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on March 31 and April 28; Ward 1, 940 W Alameda St., on April 9
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting three upcoming concerts, including March 31 with Black Cat Bones, April 7 with Little House of Funk and April 28 with Steele Saguaros.
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays, March 31, April 7, April 28
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
Map out everything you don’t want to miss in Southern Arizona!
Planning the perfect day or weekend in Southern Arizona just got easier! Map out everything you don’t want to miss in Southern Arizona, including hotels, popular restaurants, activities, shopping, and of course, our world-class attractions. Please visit tucsonattractions.com to download a free trip app or to purchase the Tucson Attractions Passport for savings!
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.
Family Fun Fair
SAYF Pima County is hosting a family-friendly festival at Reid Park! You'll find jumping castles, face painting, games, crafts, giveaways and food.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 1
Where: Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Save the date to CELEBRATE Israel at 75 Sunday, April 30
Join Weintraub Israel Center, a joint partnership between the Tucson J and Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona, as they build a living bridge to Israel! Explore, taste, hear, learn, connect, and celebrate with a FREE community-wide, family-friendly immersive festival experience for all ages. Engage with the many faces of Israel through live music, food, art, lectures, games, activities, crafts, vendors, inflatables, wine + whiskey tasting, face-painting, petting zoo, and so much more! What will you discover?
Splash n’ Hunt
It’s an Easter egg hunt ... in the pool! Kids can hunt for eggs to win a prize, plus there will be entertainment and light refreshments.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Where: Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, 3455 E. Zoo Court
Cost: Free to attend, reserve your spot in advance.
Visit the event page for more information.
Canine Carnival
Head to the Canine Carnival to hear from guest speakers, shop from dog-friendly vendors and get a free photo taken of your pet! The event supports local nonproft Cody’s Friends.
When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Where: HighWire Tucson, 30 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Eggstravaganza in Oro Valley
This Oro Valley Eggstravaganza includes an egg hunt, jumping castles, crafts, games, food trucks and the Easter Bunny. (Egg hunt times vary based on age.)
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 1
Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Jonathan Sanchez, 9, wears a fellow classmate’s light-up octopus shirt during a MakeFashion Edu photo shoot in 2022.
MakeFashion Edu Tucson Runway and Gallery
Students at two K-8 schools have crafted light-up fashion designs that will tell a story on the runway. The young designers will chat about their designs after the show.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Poetry Workshop with Jodie Hollander
Poet Jodie Hollander is hosting two poetry workshops in Saguaro National Park East this weekend. The Saturday workshop will focus on poetry inspired by nature and the Sunday workshop will focus on grief and healing.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 1-2
Where: Saguaro National Park East
Cost: Free to attend. Registration is required. RSVP by emailing ekoenig@nps.gov.
Visit the event page for more information.
Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon
On the first Saturday of each month, fantasy park Valley of the Moon opens its doors for free. This Saturday is centered on poetry appreciation, from creating poems of your own or enjoying readings from others.
When: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, April 1
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
IMPACT Expo
IMPACT of Southern Arizona is hosting an expo featuring a kid-friendly area with crafts, balloon animals and other activities; free dental services; a "relaxation pavilion" with free massages and an on-site chiropractor; 70 exhibitor booths; and more.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 1
Where: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Beer + Bikes
This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a bike ride back to Button Brew House for food truck bites.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, April 1 and April 15
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for brews and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Cool Plants for Hot Gardens
Greg Starr, author of "Cool Plants for Hot Gardens," will be at Harlow Gardens this Saturday to sign books and give an informal presentation on his top desert-adapted plants.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 1
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Read to a dog
Nanook the Corgi is visiting Joel D. Valdez Main Library for kids to practice reading in a non-judgmental environment.
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4
Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
First Thursday at Tucson Museum of Art
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every first Thursday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission. There will be art and gallery activities, live music, pop-up Las Nachas Nachos, and a cash bar.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 6
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish, reserve tickets in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
UAMA Virtual Art Trivia Happy Hour
This month’s Virtual Art Trivia Happy Hour will highlight cultural institutions in Arizona. The trivia wll be multiple-choice, no art background required, and answers will be anonymous. The event will be hosted over Zoom.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, April 6
Where: Virtual, register here.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Blaire Manalisay, left, 6, plays grocery store with her uncle Ryan Bustamante at the Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. 6th Ave., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 25, 2021.
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.
Easter at La Encantada
La Encantada is celebrating Easter with bubbles, egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny himself.
When: 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 7 for photos and bubbles; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8 for photos; 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8 for egg hunts.
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Cut & Paste opening reception at UA Poetry Center
Cut & Paste is a poetry exhibit celebrating zines by youth and DIY creators. The opening night reception will feature complimentary pastries and comments by the students and educators behind the zines.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
New Jeans' Egg Hunt
Tucson KPOP Events & Market is hosting an egg hunt (with prizes) and a mini market with raffles, a photo booth, food vendors and themed drinks.
When: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: Ding Tea Tucson, 910 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Bark in the Barrio dog adoption party
Pima Animal Care Center is partnering with Tucson Parks and Recreation to host a dog adoption party in Armory Park. The fair will have food vendors, local exhibitors and live music as well as a host of gorgeous doggos available for adoption.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: Armory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors and to adopt a dog! Adoption fees range from $0-$50.
Visit the event page for more information.
A community member, left, and repairer and webmaster Pete Vieira solder a PlayStation circuit board at a Tucson Repair Cafe event.
Tucson Repair Cafe
Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Celebrate Oro Valley
Celebrate Oro Valley's birthday! Enjoy a morning of live music and food trucks, plus a petting zoo, crafts, games and a farmers market.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8
Where: Historic Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Hop-In Egg Hunt
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting an egg hunt with crafts, games and other activities. Bring your own basket!
When: 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s + '00s Dance Party
Head to The Royal Room for a dance party featuring music of the 1990s and 2000s. Decade-themed attire is encouraged!
When: 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: The Royal Room, 450 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Lechuga Libre at The Garden Kitchen
Saturdays at The Garden Kitchen are monthly events that include physical activity classes, food demonstrations and gardening lessons. April 8, though, is a special edition of the event, this time featuring a luchador! You'll get to see a wrestling demonstration and learn some moves, and then learn how to make a super salad.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: The Garden Kitchen, 2205 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Color exhibition opening night at Decode Gallery
Downtown gallery Decode’s newest exhibition features color photography by local, national and international artists.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 8
Where: Decode Gallery, 320 S. Convent Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Check out art-making activities, performances and story time.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 9
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish, reserve tickets in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
Pima Animal Care Center Egg Hunt
Meet adoptable pets at Pima Animal Care Center, all while hunting for eggs and enjoying kid-friendly activities.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 9
Where: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
"The Grieving Brain" talk and book signing
The University of Arizona Museum of Art is hosting Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, author of "The Grieving Brain," as she discusses her book and connects it to their current exhibit, "Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre," a painting by Willem de Kooning.
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, April 13
Where: Kachina Lounge at the UA Student Union, 1303 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden
Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about traditional crops like corn, beans and squash.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend with a $5 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
Fiesta Sahuarita
Celebrate the culture and history of Sahuarita with more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, a kid-friendly water zone and more. A drone show will close out the night.
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 15
Where: Anamax Park, 17501 S. Camino de las Quintas, Sahuarita
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn how to create your own rain garden at home. After attending a 30-minute workshop, you'll get to take home a free rain garden kit! Plus, there will be story time and other activities for kids and teens.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 15
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
David Forbes rides down South Meyer Ave. on his bike "The Loud Bike" during Living Streets Alliance's annual Cyclovia in Tucson, Ariz. on March 27, 2022.
Cyclovia
Enjoy a day of car-free streets, where you can walk, bike or skate your way through Tucson neighborhoods. It's essentially a big block party where you'll find activity hubs and food vendors along the route.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 16
Where: Lost Barrio and Himmel Park area in midtown Tucson. See the route here.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
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.
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.
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 — 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.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this monthly concert series, with food trucks onsite. This month, enjoy music from the George Howard Band. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
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.
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.
Mission Garden is located at the base of "A" Mountain, at 946 W. Mission Lane.
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.
Outdoor screening of "The Lorax"
The Loft Cinema is heading to the University of Arizona twice for an outdoor movie screening of "The Lorax." Bring your own seating.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: University of Arizona Mall
Cost: Free to attend
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.
Take Back The Night Tucson
With the goal of raising awareness about sexual violence and honoring survivors, this community event includes artistic expressions, a resource fair and talks from survivors.
When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25
Where: Pima Community College Downtown Campus, 1255 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Agave Heritage Festival
Celebrate agave at this festival that's "rooted in the historical and cultural significance of the agave plant," according to the event's website. The festival features workshops, tastings, lectures, dinners and more.
When: April 27-30
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various prices, some events are free!
Visit the event page for more information.
Screening and lecture with Dr. Sarah K. Khan at CCP
Dr. Sarah K. Khan will be presenting her films alongside a lecture at the University of Arizona's Center for Creative Photography. The screening will be her project, "Migrant Kitchens," a series of short films she took of migrants in Queens, New York. The lecture is called "Contemporary Migrant Kitchens: Empty-Handed Not Empty-Headed."
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 27
Where: Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Children's Day Festival
This festival presented by Arizona Bilingual Newspaper includes free admission to Children’s Museum Tucson, live entertainment, food trucks, community resources and a vaccine clinic.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Astronomy Festival
It’s almost time for Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association’s annual Tucson Astronomy Festival! Head to Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in the afternoon for solar observing, followed by stargazing after dark. There will be astronomy-themed family-friendly activities and prizes!
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, April 29
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tile painting in Barrio Kroeger Lane
Community organization Favor Celestial is teaming up with the UA Poetry Center to host tile painting that will become a mural in Barrio Kroeger Lane. Documents like newspaper clippings, photographs, oral history and other stories will be used as inspiration at the Ochoa House. Food will be provided!
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29
Where: Ochoa House, 935 W. Ochoa Lane
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
