An Earth Day celebration for kids and a poetry festival — you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 11 events that are free to attend this weekend.
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.
Info: childrensmuseumtucson.org
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring No Sand Beach Band. Food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 17
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Info: facebook.com/maranaparksrec
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, April 18
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Info: instagram.com/el_surco_tucson
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 19
Where: Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Info: childrensmuseumtucson.org
Easter Eggstravaganza
This Oro Valley Eggstravaganza includes egg hunts, 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 19
Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Info: orovalleyaz.gov
Kids Create
Head to the University of Arizona Poetry Center for a day of workshops, music and activities for kids up to age 10.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19
Where: University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St.
Info: poetry.arizona.edu
Family Saturdays
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you’ll learn about the return of beavers to Tucson rivers.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Info: watershedmg.org
Traditional O’odham Agriculture
Attend this event to learn about Tohono O’odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Info: missiongarden.org
Tucson Poetry Festival
Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Tucson Poetry Festival, featuring two days of workshops, readings and a community open mic.
When: Saturday, April 19, beginning at 11 a.m.; open mic is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., for workshops and readings; Talega Coffee Co., 236 S. Scott Ave., for open mic.
Info: tucsonpoetryfest.org
Summer Flower Pots
Learn about flowers that thrive in Tucson summers.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Info: facebook.com/harlowgardens
BICAS Crafternoons
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: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Info: facebook.com/bicasart
