While it's long felt like spring in Tucson, today marks the first official day of the season.
Each year, spring welcomes the return of beloved events like Made in Tucson, Cyclovia and the Pima County Fair. New additions to the calendar are always welcome, too β this year there's a celebration of Mexican food and a festival for Tucson's Latino LGBTQ+ community.
Save the date for these festivals, fairs and markets this spring.
Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention
Put on your best Western-style steampunk garb and head over to the Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention, which has taken place since 2011. You'll find entertainment, panels, workshops, games and more. Convention passes start at $50 for adults.
When: Thursday-Sunday, March 20-23
Where: Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Details: wildwestcon.com
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Shop from more than 350 artists from around the world, plus eat all the food of your dreams and listen to live music.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 21-22; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Along North Fourth Avenue
Details: fourthavenue.org
WineDown with Wildlife
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is hosting its fifth annual WineDown with Wildlife festival where attendees can sip on regional wines, enjoy live music and stargaze β all while supporting wildlife. Tickets are $55 for general admission, $35 for designated drivers.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Details: desertmuseum.org
Tucson Astronomy Festival
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Associationβs free festival includes solar observing during the day and stargazing at night. Expect astronomy-themed family-friendly activities and prizes.
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Details: tucsonastronomy.org
Tucson Organic Gardeners Spring Garden Fair
Shop plants and supplies at this spring fair organized by Tucson Organic Gardeners, where you can also get advice from gardening experts.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, 1200 W. Speedway
Details: tucsonorganicgardeners.org
Baila el Pueblo: A Desert Music Festival
KXCI is hosting this music festival to showcase the diversity in musical traditions in our area. Both art and food vendors will be onsite. Tickets start at $35.
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Details: kxci.org
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-Sundays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Details: facebook.com/foothillscommunitymarket
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Details: facebook.com/stphilipsplazamarket
BICAS Art Mart
Local nonprofit BICAS started this art market in 2021 after art events were canceled during the pandemic. Shop jewelry, prints, crocheted plushies, bicycle-themed art and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Details: instagram.com/bicasart
Woofstock
The Tucson Dog Magazine is hosting a free doggie celebration dubbed Woofstock, set to feature adoptable pets, dog costume contests and vaccination/microchipping clinics. For the humans, enjoy live music, food trucks and a kids' zone.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Details: facebook.com/thetucsondogmag
TENWEST Impact Festival
This festival led by Startup Tucson is a professional development experience centering technology, creativity and entrepreneurship, giving you the tools and knowledge to grow your business and expand your impact in the community. The festival includes a performance by Reggie Watts and a keynote chat from "How I Built This" host Guy Raz. It's $150 for an all-conference pass and $75 for individual conference days.
When: March 25-30
Where: Various locations
Details: tenwest.com
Soul Food Wednesday
Visit Blax Friday's Soul Food Wednesday to support local Black-owned businesses and food vendors.
When: 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, March 26
Where: Playground Bar and Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.
Details: instagram.com/blaxfriday
Southern AZ Home Show
Meet with hundreds of experts and vendors specializing in home improvement, interior design, outdoor living and more. Admission is $8 for adults.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 28-30
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Details: southernazhomeshow.com
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
SAACA is hosting a fine art festival with items that range from paintings to sculptures. You'll also find live art demonstrations.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Details: saaca.org
Tucson Sculpture Festival
Sculpture Tucson is hosting this free festival featuring works by more than 60 sculptors. The festival was first held in 2018 and has since become the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in Arizona, organizers say.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 29-30
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Details: sculpturetucson.org
Native Nations Artisan Market
This event at the Presidio Museum is slated to feature vendors, demonstrations and performances to celebrate the history and culture of Indigenous people of Southern Arizona. The market is included with museum admission, which is $9 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6-13.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Details: tucsonpresidio.com
Made in Tucson
This market is set to feature 250 local artists and food trucks. Shop apparel, paper goods, cosmetics, candles, baked goods and more at this celebration of Tucson creatives.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 30
Where: Seventh Street, west of Fourth Avenue
Details: madeintucsonmarket.com
Tucson Desert Song Festival
Tucson Desert Song Festival returns for its second leg of the year with names in the operatic and art song world.
When: April 1-19
Where: Several locations
Details: tucsondesertsongfestival.org
Arizona International Film Festival
The 33rd rendition of this film festival will include 24 features and 70 shorts from 19 countries. Throughout its years, the festival has exhibited more than 3,400 films representing 100 countries. It's $10 for single admission or $100 for an all-access pass.
When: April 3-13
Where: Various locations
Details: filmfestivalarizona.com
Fans get up and dance to the music of Southbound Pilot, one of the acts during 39th Annual Tucson Folk Festival in 2024.
Tucson Folk Festival
Expect more than 150 live performances across six stages at this free festival. Headliners include Cheryl Wheeler & Kenny White and Orkesta Mendoza.
When: Friday-Sunday, April 4-6
Where: Downtown Tucson
Details: tucsonfolkfest.org
Wine Gone Wild
Enjoy tastings from regional wineries and distilleries while supporting animals at Reid Park Zoo. Admission to the event is $75 includes 10 tasting tickets, light food samplings and animal encounters. Designated drivers get in for $50.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Details: reidparkzoo.org
Family Fun Fair
SAYF Pima County is hosting a free, family-friendly festival with kite making, glitter tattoos, crafts, games, food and resources.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way
Details: facebook.com/sayfpimacounty
Touch-A-Truck
Junior League of Tucson is hosting a family-friendly event where kids will be able to touch, climb and explore vehicles. Previous lineups included firetrucks, police cars, a school bus, a USPS truck and construction equipment. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 the day of.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5. 9:30-10:30 a.m. is dubbed a quiet hour, without horns and bright lights.
Where: Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way
Details: juniorleagueoftucson.org
Baja Beer Festival
Head to the ninth annual Baja Beer Festival to sample beers from Arizona breweries. Tickets start at $55. Designated drivers get in for $15.
When: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Armory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave.
Details: chooseazbrews.com
Spring Fling Market
This market takes place in Casas Adobes Plaza, where you'll find more than 30 vendors, a craft workshop, live music and free bouquets if you make a $50 purchase at a plaza business the day of the event.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Casas Adobes Plaza, 7001 N. Oracle Road
Details: casasadobesplaza.com
Desert Artisans Market
Shop from local makers during this indoor artisan market.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, April 5, May 3
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Details: instagram.com/desert_artisans_market
Fiesta Sahuarita
Celebrate the town of Sahuarita at this free festival with 100-plus vendors, food trucks, live music, a drone show and more.
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Where: Anamax Park, 17501 S. Camino de las Quintas, Sahuarita
Details: sahuaritaparksandrec.org
Cyclovia
Walk, bike or skate through car-free streets during this free block party featuring food vendors and activity hubs.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6
Where: Treat Avenue Bicycle Boulevard in midtown
Details: cycloviatucson.org
Medella Vina Antique and Vintage Fair
Once a month, Medella Vina Ranch hosts an antique fair where you can shop vintage items from more than 100 vendors.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month
Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road
Details: medellavina.com
Agave Heritage Festival
Celebrate agave at this festival that's "rooted in the historical and cultural significance of the agave plant," organizers say. The festival features tastings, dinners, lectures and more. Events range in price.
When: April 10-13
Where: Various locations
Details: agaveheritagefestival.com
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, April 10-12; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13; also May 8-11
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Details: gatheravintagemarket.com
Latino Pride Festival
Expect a day of performances at the first annual Latino Pride Festival. Among the performers are Dev and La Sonora Dinamita. Tickets start at $15.
When: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Details: http://latinopridealliance.org
The Happy Hive Market
Shop from local vendors, order brunch favorites and enjoy live music at this market.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12
Where: Omni Tucson, 2727 W. Club Dr.
Details: instagram.com/thehappyhivemarket
Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, April 12, May 10
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Details: facebook.com/OroValleyParksandRec
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 50 vendors selling antique and vintage items.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, April 13, May 11
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Details: mercadodistrict.com
2nd Sunday Vintage Market
Shop from vintage curators and local artists during this monthly market.
When: 8 a.m to 1 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month
Where: West side of Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Details: facebook.com/2ndsundayvintagemarket
Pima County Fair
The Pima County Fair is back with rides, carnival games and funky fair food. Concerts this year include Steve Aoki, Baby Bash, Clay Walker, Switchfoot, Sevendust, Brothers Osborne and Luis Angel "El Flaco." Fair admission is $12 for adults, $7 for kids ages 6-10. Parking is $8.
When: April 17-27
Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road
Details: pimacountyfair.com
Tucson Earth Day Festival
Celebrate Earth Day by learning about recycling, composting, gardening and nature at this free 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 19
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Details: childrensmuseumtucson.org
Pima County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale
Here's where you'll find cacti, succulents, perennials and more water-wise plants to take home.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Pima County Cooperative Extension Gardens, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Details: facebook.com/pimamastergardeners
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. Saturdays, April 19, May 17
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Details: instagram.com/deserthazemarket
Tucson Zine Fest
Tucson Zine Fest is a free celebration of self publishers creating zines, comics and other printed art.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Steinfeld Warehouse, 101 W. Sixth St.
Details: instagram.com/tucsonzinefest
Tucson International Mariachi Conference
The goal of this conference is to "promote awareness and foster traditional values of mariachi music and baile folklΓ³rico," organizers say. Expect workshops, competitions and concerts. Events range in price.
When: April 23-26
Where: Various locations
Details: tucsonmariachi.org
Blk House Mrkt
Support Black-owned businesses when this market returns to Z Street International Marketplace. Expect vendors, DJs, Ethiopian food from Zemam's and cocktails from Zerai's.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Z Street, 2731 E. Broadway
Details: blkhousemrkt.com
PlayPalooza
The Play District, a local resource on kid-friendly things to do in Tucson, is hosting the free PlayPalooza featuring STEM activities, crafts, face painting and family-friendly vendors.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Where: Second Sky, 4141 E. Irvington Road
Details: facebook.com/theplaydistricttucson
Sabores de Tucson
Many say Tucson has the best Mexican food in America β this festival celebrates that. Expect tasting stations in hubs separated by region, from carne asada in Northern Mexico to sopa de lima in Southern Mexico. Tickets are $115.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 2
Where: Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Dr.
Details: saaca.org
An Unuzual Market
Shop all things strange and unusual from 30 vendors. You'll find apparel, jewelry and oddities. Entry is $1 cash, a portion of which benefits a local charity.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Details: instagram.com/anunuzualmarket
Makers Market at The Tuxon
Local maker Lilith & Daughters puts together this seasonal makers market at The Tuxon, typically featuring 30-plus local vendors with items like jewelry, baked goods, stickers and more.
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Details: instagram.com/makersmarkettuxon
