It's a weekend of cowboy celebrations, brews and family-friendly activities.
The rodeo is back in town and organizations are celebrating — activities at Trail Dust Town, a cowboy storytime at This n' That Creative Studio, and Western finds at an artisan market in midtown. What else is happening this weekend? Laser shows at Flandrau, a beer crawl, and the grand opening of the Children's Museum's new location in Tohono Chul.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
People sitting in the UnitedHealthcare float smile while heading down E. Irvington Rd. during the 97th Annual Tucson Rodeo Parade in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 24, 2022.
Tucson Rodeo and parade
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, aka the Tucson rodeo, has returned with more than a week of professional events, bull riding, roping and more. The Tucson Rodeo Parade will be held on Feb. 23.
When: The rodeo will be held Feb. 18-26. The parade is 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.
Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: $18 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Old Tucson returns
Old Tucson hosted two attractions last year, Nightfall for Halloween and Yuletide over the holidays. But now, Old Tucson is ready to return to its roots, officially debuting "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.
Hollywood stars Mimi Kennedy & Gordon Clapp to star in Arizona Theatre Company's "Pru Payne"
Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award and written by Pulitzer Prize Nominee Steven Drukman, this ATC world premiere is a remarkable, funny and emotional journey about the evolution of love and identity in the face of memory loss. When her memory begins to fade, esteemed critic Prudence “Pru” Payne — widely recognized as a wit, a scholar and a public intellectual — questions preconceived notions about her identity and discovers unexpected love.
Spring Ikebana Festival
Ikebana is known as the "meditative art of Japanese floral arrangements." This festival at Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson celebrates the arrival of spring with floral arrangements around the gardens. Plus, its Yume's 10th anniversary!
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Feb. 23 through March 5
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $18 for adults, $5 for kids under age 15
Visit the event page for more information.
Rodeo Round Up at Trail Dust Town
Trail Dust Town is celebrating Tucson's rodeo season with four days of activities from live music to visits with farm animals to discounted prices on amusement rides.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 23-26
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and activities
Visit the event page for more information.
Don’t miss the 2023 Tucson Festival of Books!
Head to the Tucson Festival of Books on the University of Arizona Campus on March 4-5, 2023. Meet best-selling authors like Temple Grandin, Robert Crais and Lois Lowry. Explore interactive fun in Science City, stroll the midway packed with booksellers and local food vendors. Admission is FREE! You’ll find it all at the Tucson Festival of Books. Where words and imagination come to life!
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.
Flow Night with Flam Chen
Tucson Circus Arts is collaborating with Flam Chen to host a flow night where you can join performers and friends for skill-building with juggling, stilts and more.
When: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10 suggested donation, RSVP in the Facebook comment section
Visit the event page for more information.
Girl Scout Cookie proceeds stay local!
Did you know that when you buy Girl Scout Cookies, you are directly supporting Girl Scout entrepreneurs and funding their future adventures, such as lifetime memories at summer camp? Every purchase you make guarantees that Girl Scouts capture the experience of life and leadership — it’s a win-win for everyone!
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, Feb. 24
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
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 Séance Experience
The Hotel Congress Séance Experience is a live recreation of a Victorian Era-theatrical séance "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. Friday, Feb. 24
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.
Paint and Tea Sip
Sip on tea at The Korean Rose, all while creating a groovy painting on vinyl.
When: 6-8:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24
Where: The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway
Cost: $35. This event is for ages 12 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Watch now: El Jefe Cat Lounge is home to around 30 cats. Find the lounge at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Lounge
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Lounge at these weekend events, including cat trivia, cat yoga and cat bingo.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 for trivia; 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 for bingo.
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $15 for trivia, adults only; $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Craft Beer Crawl
Go on a craft beer crawl through downtown Tucson! A general admission ticket gets you 30 two-ounce drink sample tickets. VIP tickets are also available.
When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: TBA
Cost: $50 for general admission, $75 for VIP
Visit the event page for more information.
Children's Museum at Tohono Chul Grand Opening
Did ya hear? Children's Museum Oro Valley moved to Tohono Chul! A grand opening celebration is happening this weekend where you'll find family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon animals and a performance from Mr. Nature.
When: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Spencer Peterson (right), a staff member with the new mobile recreation program "Ready, Set, Rec!," spins a hula-hoop around his waist while waiting for a ribbon cutting to begin to kick-off the new city program in 2021.
Ready, Set, Rec! Anniversary Showcase
It's the second anniversary of Tucson Parks and Rec's Ready, Set, Rec! initiative, which is a mobile recreation program that brings games and activities to parks. The anniversary showcase will include coloring, origami, fitness, STEM, mini golf, disc golf, yard games and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Himmel Park, 1000 N. Tucson Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Flashlight Night
Bring a flashlight and explore the International Wildlife Museum in the dark! Arrive early to see the museum with the lights on, and stay to see the museum in the dark when the lights switch off at 6 p.m.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival
The Tucson Peace Center is hosting this month's Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival, a gathering place for "peace, social justice, environmental and labor equity groups." There will be music, food and a raffle.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Skate Country Late Night Skate
Skate Country after hours! The local roller rink is hosting Late Night Skate, for adults only.
When: 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $15, skate rental included. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Retro Game Show Night, an evening of off-the-cuff comedy featuring some of Tucson’s most talented drag queens and LGBTQ+ personalities, returns this weekend. The upcoming game show is "Sassword."
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $17.51. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Laser Light Music Nights
There are lots of planetarium shows happening at Flandrau this weekend, but two are part of Laser Light Music Nights. The first show on Saturday night features '90s rave music. The second show of the night includes 2010s techno music.
When: 7-7:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 for the '90s show; 8:30-9:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 for the 2010s show.
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $18, includes access to Flandrau's science exhibits. The 2010s show is intended for adult audiences.
Visit the event page for more information.
Grand opening of "The Linda McCartney Retrospective"
The Center for Creative Photography is celebrating the grand opening of new exhibit "The Linda McCartney Retrospective." There will be a Q&A, recipe exchanges, coloring pages and more activities.
When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Road
Cost: Free first come, first served tickets are available at 10 a.m.
Visit the event page for more information.
Guests swim in the pool at The Tuxon, a 112-room boutique hotel on the west side of Interstate 10 between Congress Street and 22nd Street.
Stargazing at The Tuxon
Head to The Tuxon for an evening of stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. There will be complimentary wine and s'mores kits!
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
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, Feb. 25
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend with a $5 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
13th Annual Rodeo Days Arts Celebration
The Rodeo Days Arts Celebration is back at Plaza Palomino for its 13th year. Check out artisan vendors with jewelry, paintings, photography, woodwork and more. There will be pony rides, giveaways, pet adoptions and a silent auction benefitting Rescue Me Tucson.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Plaza Palomino, 2900 N. Swan Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Funday at the Presidio Museum
Head over to the Presidio Museum to learn about the history of Tucson's rodeo, plus enjoy activities like roping demonstrations, a display from the Rodeo Parade Museum, a horseshoe tournament, and crafts like designing your own flag and making cowboy clothing out of paper bags and plates.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-13
Visit the event page for more information.
Rodeo Weekend Paint + Story Time
Kiddos ages 2-6 years old can enjoy a couple crafts and a reading of "The Gingerbread Cowboy" at This n' That Creative Studio.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: This n' That Creative Studio, 1066 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $12
Visit the event page for more information.
The Game Show Show
Tucson Improv Movement is hosting an improvised game show! Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $7
Visit the event page for more information.
Tohono Chul's margarita uses Cheri's prickly pear syrup, whose sweetness is well balanced by the tequila, lime and salty rim.
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. Saturday, Feb. 25
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.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Spring Vegetable Garden Workshop
Harlow Gardens will teach you about soil preparation and plant selection when creating your spring vegetable garden.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Gardening Workshop with Community Food Bank
Learn some of the "foundational principles of organic gardening" from the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. You'll learn about planting in Tucson, pest control, crop rotation and more.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Nuestra Tierra Learning Garden, 3003 S. Country Club 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! This dance night takes over Floor Polish, with a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Floor Polish Dance + Fitness, 930 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $10, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
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.
Drew Berryhill, owner of the plant nursery Drutopia, stands for a portrait in one of his greenhouses at his original location in 2020.
Black History Month Vendor Market
The Downtown Clifton is hosting a vendor market in honor of Black History Month featuring seven Black-owned businesses, live music and happy hour specials. You'll find plants, pineapple banana bread, candles and more.
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Beer Mile
It's time for the fifth annual Beer Mile, where each .25-mile lap, you drink a beer. Fun runs and competitive options are available.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: Westbound, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Larrea Market at Rozet Nursery
Head to Rozet Nursery every second and fourth Sunday of the month for a market featuring local vendors, music, classes and tarot readings.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: Rozet Nursery, 7707 E. 22nd St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitten yoga with Hermitage Shelter
Enjoy a 45-minute yoga flow session at Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary.
When: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost: $20, RSVP in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
Sunday Snake N Sip
Head to Cobra Arcade Bar for this monthly market featuring 12 vendors, plus music, a selfie station and ... live snakes.
When: 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: Cobra Arcade Bar, 63 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Drag Queen Bingo
Roxi Starr is hosting Drag Queen Bingo!
When: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: Bawker Bawker Cider, 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to play. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Soul'd Out Sundays
Chicago Bar is hosting a night of spoken word, stand-up comedy and live R&B, jazz, Neo soul and old-school hip-hop music. Food trucks will be onsite!
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Where: Chicago Bar, 5954 E. Speedway
Cost: $7 in advance, $10 at the door
Visit the event page for more information.
