It's another weekend packed with things to do from a free science fest at the Children's Museum to a party celebrating all things Dolly Parton.
What else? A SpongeBob-themed rave, a wine festival in Oro Valley, stargazing, an art hike through Sweetwater Preserve, and the start of the Tucson rodeo.
We're extra excited for this weekend because we're hosting our first-ever artisan market! Shop from 70 local makers on Saturday, find a free autographed book hidden by Tucson Tome Gnome, and bring a donation for Youth On Their Own. Hope to see you there! π
Of course, things change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
The Dolly Party
It's time to celebrate Dolly Parton! Dance the night away at this Dolly-inspired party featuring the music of Dolly herself, in addition to Tina Turner, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, among others.
When:Β 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Where:Β Hotel Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $18.54. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Bistro at the J
If youβve ever enjoyed the Shabbat dinners that the Tucson Jewish Community Center caters, youβve enjoyed the work of Chef Asher Amar. Now the JCCΒ is collaborating with Chef Asher to host kosher pop-up dinners every third Thursday of the month, through April.
When:Β 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Where:Β JCC,Β 3800 E. River Road
Cost:Β Price varies based on menu item ordered. Make reservations in advance.Β
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
If you can't eat them, treat them!
Cookies for HeroesΒ enables Girl Scouts and the community to gift donated boxes ofΒ Girl Scout cookiesΒ to heroes both near and far. From the brave military around the globe, as well as hometown heroes, a box ofΒ Girl Scout cookies can lift their spirits and bring a welcome taste of home wherever they may be.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at Tucsonβs 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 and Tita Tita will be serving Filipino food!
When:Β 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Where:Β Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson,Β 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event siteΒ for more information.
Ben's Bells Bingo
Ben's Bells and Harbottle Brewing are hosting a night of bingo in celebration of the nonprofit's 20th anniversary. Music from two decades ago will be playing while you try to win prizes during bingo!
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Where: Harbottle Brewing Company, 3820 S. Palo Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
La Paloma Academy. Enrolling now, K-8.
For 20 years,Β La Paloma AcademyΒ has been offering excellence in academics with a character-based, tuition-free education. With four campuses across Tucson,Β your child can be a part of the La Paloma Academy family. Free full-day kindergarten, free before- and after-school program, music, arts, computers, and more.Β Save your childβs spot for Fall 2023 today.
Community Reinvestment Day
The Sunnyside Foundation is hosting Community Reinvestment Day focusing on the impact of El Pueblo Neighborhood Center. Attendees are invited to bring photos, flyers and memories that they have at the center. "Let's celebrate our south-side community and continue to preserve El Pueblo Neighborhood Center's history," the nonprofit wrote on Instagram.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Where: El Pueblo Library, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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:Β 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Where:Β The Tuxon,Β 960 S. Freeway
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Shop local at #ThisIsTucson's Tucson Together artisan market
Welcoming the community to shop local, all while supporting the talented artists in Tucson,Β #ThisIsTucson is putting together an outdoor artisan marketΒ from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 on Fifth Avenue near Congress Street. You'll findΒ handmade and curated items from local makers, plus there will be a book scavenger hunt from Tucson Tome Gnome andΒ a donation drive for Youth On Their Own!
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this monthly concert series, with food trucks onsite. This month, enjoy music from Mr. Boogie Woogie and Bourbon Street Bash. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When:Β 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16
Where:Β Marana MunicipalΒ Complex,Β 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May 7
Where:Β Old Tucson,Β 201 Kinney Road
Cost:Β $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 theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
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.Β
When:Β 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Blax Friday at The Monica
Blax Friday, a directory of Black-owned businesses in Arizona, highlights businesses and makers through many markets throughout the year. Come Friday, Blax Friday is collaborating with The Monica for a night of DJ music and featured businesses including Drutopia, African American Museum of Southern Arizona, Song & Sugar Sweets and Lilith + Daughters.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Where: The Monica, 40 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Bikini Bottom Rave
A SpongeBob-themed party?! Celebrate your love for Bikini Bottom at this rave at The Rialto.
When:Β 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Where:Β The Rialto Theatre,Β 318 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $22 and up
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Family Fun Night
Families can attend this free event that's set to feature food, drinks, board games, card games and video games.Β
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17
Where:Β Donna Liggins Center,Β 2160 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend. CallΒ 520-791-3247Β to reserve your spot
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz. on January 10, 2022.
Guided look at the night sky
Volunteer astronomers at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium will guide guests through points in the night sky with a 16-inch telescope at the observatory.Β
When:Β 7-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 17-18
Where:Β Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium,Β 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where:Β BICAS,Β 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, donation suggestedΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Westward Look Concert Series
Get a dose of jazz, rock and more at the Lookout Tucson at Westward Look Concert Series, in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. This Friday, check out Liz and Pete. On Saturday, watch Cornerstone Band.
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 17-18
Where:Β Westward Look,Β 245 E. Ina Road
Cost:Β Free admission with a table reservation
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Mata Ortiz Pottery Trunk Show
Western National Parks Association is hosting a trunk show this weekend showcasing pottery and rugs. If weather allows, there will be daily pottery firings too.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 17-18
Where:Β The National Parks Store,Β 12880 N. Vistoso Village Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shoppingΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Sci-Fest
Children's Museum Tucson is hosting a festival dedicated to science, where kids will be able to watch science demonstrations and participate in STEM activities.
When:Β 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attendΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The ninth annual Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival is Saturday, Feb. 18, at the historic Steam Pump Ranch.
Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival
More than 25 Arizona wineries will be at the upcoming Off the Vine Arizona Wine Festival. Taste wine, grab some bites from food trucks and enjoy live music.
When:Β 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Historic Steam Pump Ranch,Β 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β $30 for early bird general admission, $40 day of. $10 if you aren't drinking.
VisitΒ the event pageΒ for more information.
Art Hike in Sweetwater Preserve
Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading an art hike in Sweetwater Preserve with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and go hiking, stopping to draw surrounding scenery. Daniels will provide some artistic guidance.
When:Β 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Sweetwater Preserve,Β 4001 N. Tortolita Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, register online
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend with a $5 suggested donation
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Cameo Cruz, jewelry maker of Lower Arizona Jewelry, creates custom Xicana-inspired statement pieces.
Las Mujeres VerdesΒ Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes, a group of four women looking to uplift small businesses, are putting together their second market of the month! This Saturday's market will feature more than 35 makers.
When:Β 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Flowers & Bullets Midtown Farm,Β 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Rodeo and paradeΒ
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, aka the Tucson rodeo, returns this February with more than a week of professional events, bull riding, roping and more. The Tucson Rodeo Parade will be held on Feb. 23.
When:Β The rodeo will be held Feb. 18-26. The parade is 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.
Where:Β Tucson Rodeo Grounds,Β 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β $18 and up
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn about the importance of water conservation in the desert. You'll learn how to make a tippy tap, plus there will be story and song time, and you can polish a worry stone.Β
When:Β 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Watershed Management Group,Β 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Moon Market
Four of Wands is hosting a moon market, complete with astrology, palm readers, and bone and tarot readings. There will be $20 Pisces-themed flash tattoos, vendors and a food truck.Β
When:Β 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Spark Project Collective Event Center,Β 4349 E. Broadway
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shoppingΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s-themed dance party featuring music videos from the '80s and themed drinks. Dress in your best '80s attire.Β
When:Β 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Surly Wench Pub,Β 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Citrus Celebration
Celebrate all things citrus at Mission Garden! You'll find interpretive displays with the many citrus varieties throughout the garden, plus demonstrations, speakers and foods made with oranges and other fruits.Β
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested at the gate
Visit the event page for more information.
Anti-Valentine's Day Party
Head to Sky Bar for an anti-Valentine's Day party featuring a raffle, heart-shaped piΓ±atas, samplings of local candy and a DJ.
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitten yoga with Barefoot Studio
Take this beginner's yoga class surrounded by kittens! Proceeds go to Southern Arizona Cat Rescue. Bring your own mat, blanket or towel.
When:Β 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18
Where:Β Barefoot Studio,Β 7053 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β $20
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!Β
When:Β 10-11 a.m. Saturdays in FebruaryΒ
Where:Β Udall Park,Β 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Β $25
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Pets of Pima Parade
The second annual Pets of Pima Parade is taking over Fourth Avenue to celebrate Tucson pets of all shapes, sizes and species. There will also be the 4 Legs on 4th Festival featuring classic cars, music, costumed characters, food and more.Β
When:Β Parade begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Historic Fourth Avenue. Find the parade routeΒ here.
Cost:Β Free to watch the parade, clickΒ hereΒ to register to be in the parade
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Making Black History Market
Local makers Clever Stitches, Lilith + Daughters and Lil Desert Doodles have teamed up to create the Making Black History market, a "community outreach event supporting local Black-owned businesses." There will be more than 20 vendors, food from Off The Hook Seafood, and live music. A percentage of bar sales will go to nonprofit I Am You 360.
When:Β Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Tucson Hop Shop,Β 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Ocotillo Sale with Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society
Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society is hosting its first sale of 2023. You'll find ocotillo and sotols for sale, plus vendors onsite selling other plants!
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where: 4342 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for plants
Visit the event page for more information.
Purim Palooza
PJ Library and the Jewish Community Center will be at Children's Museum Tucson for Purim Palooza with activities like crafts, games and story time. There will be kosher pizza, too. Don't forget to bring a canned food donation for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona!
When:Β 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend for families enrolled in or eligible for PJ Library and PJ Our Way. RSVP online.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Nature at Night drag show
Miss Nature frequently hosts drag shows at Bumsteds with several performers. No two shows are the same!Β
When:Β 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Bumsteds,Β 1003 N. Stone Ave.
Cost:Β $12
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for moreΒ information.Β
Shop Exo's Closet
Exo Roast Co. is hosting a vintage pop-up where you can shop from the "thrifters, hoarders and style hunters who fashionably serve you coffee everyday."Β
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where: Exo Roast Co., 196 W. Simpson St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Bandit's Western Market
Check out this marketΒ organized by Beautiful Bandit Boutique. Find Western and country-themed items, and enjoy $15 bottomless mimosas, live music and a mechanical bull. The rodeo will be streaming live, too.Β
When:Β 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Whiskey Roads,Β 2290 W. Ina Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This Sunday, take a tour of the Turquoise Trail, where you'll see historic buildings and learn about Tucson history.
When:Β 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson Museum,Β 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost:Β $25. Pre-registration is required.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tea Ceremony at Yume Japanese Gardens
Yume Japanese Gardens is hosting a Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, in which guests will watch demonstrations on how tea has been prepared, served and enjoyed in Japan for centuries.
When:Β 1-1:45 p.m. and 2:30-3:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson,Β 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost:Β $25, advance registration is required
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
TKMA Song Circle Social Gathering
Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the annual Tucson Folk Festival, are putting together a bimonthly Song Circle Social. Bring your instrument, share some songs and mingle with fellow musicians.
When:Β 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Where:Β Borderlands Brewing Company,Β 119 E. Toole Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attendΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
