From a massive book festival to a parade celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Tucson is packed with festivities this weekend.
Also on the calendar: a Japanese festival, a giant celebration for the town of Marana, two plant sales, a market filled with unusual vendors, an outdoor roller disco and lots more.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A couple in the planetarium looking up at the dome.
Starlight Date Night
Flandrau is hosting a date night featuring a star talk and curated laser music show, followed by stargazing and a look at the science exhibits.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $25 per person
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 13-15; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $20 for adults, $5 for kids under age 15
Visit the event page for more information.
Enjoy cookie-themed desserts and drinks while supporting Girl Scouts!
Celebrate Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona's innovative youth programming at their signature event this year at Corbett's! Taste and vote on delectable Girl Scout-themed desserts, spin the wine wheel, buy raffle tickets and ensure that Girl Scouts have access to incredible skill-building opportunities here in Southern Arizona.
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.
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, March 13-15; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
ATC Presents: “Bob & Jean: A Love Story”
Lightning strikes and sparks fly when Bob and Jean meet in New York City, 1941. But their instant attraction is cut short as World War II drives the pair thousands of miles apart. Travel through their passionate, funny, sometimes desperate correspondence as they navigate battle, Broadway and the complexities of the human heart. A new play written by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated playwright Robert Schenkkan, “Bob & Jean: A Love Story” is a stirring and romantic world premiere that tells the remarkable story of an exhilarating courtship.
Art Cart with Caroline Martin
Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
Cost: $5-$15
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Goth Nite
Head to 191 Toole where Nitecall is hosting a queer goth party featuring DJs, drag, vendors and raffles.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $8-$14, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Make your tax dollars matter!
Give today for a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow, and your gift may qualify for a tax credit! Your gift feeds families, seniors and individuals living right here in our community, plus supports our local growers, farmers market, community gardens, school pantries and more. Give before April 15 to make your tax dollars matter!
TJs and PJs
Throw on your favorite pajamas and bring your favorite Trader Joe's snack to Arizona Wine Collective for a bookish night. Chat with fellow book lovers about their most recent reads and create your own bookmark. Tickets include a glass of wine!
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Arizona Wine Collective, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25 for general admission, $60 for VIP
Visit the event page for more information.
Book Talk: "What Side Are You On?"
Mission Garden will play host to this reading and conversation surrounding Michael Steven Wilson and José Antonio Lucero's book "What Side Are You On? A Tohono O'odham Life Across Borders."
When: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Parks and Recreation to host summer job fair
Tucson Parks and Recreation will host a summer job fair on Friday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the department’s administration building, 900 S. Randolph Way. The job fair will highlight a variety of seasonal opportunities, including positions for KIDCO, lifeguards, sports and therapeutic recreation workers. These roles provide valuable experience and a chance to make a difference in the community while earning a paycheck. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend to learn more and apply on-site.
Family Game Night
Enjoy games, music and refreshments at this free event hosted by Tucson Parks and Recreation.
When: 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Glow in the Dark Pickleball
Ace Pickleball Club is hosting a space-themed glow-in-the-dark night with open play. Players will receive glow-in-the-dark pickleballs during the matches and will be gifted a glow-in-the-dark shirt to take home. Bring your own paddles!
When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Ace Pickleball Club, 4881 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $15
Visit the event page for more information.
CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS, CREATIVES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
Don't Miss the TENWEST Festival on March 25-30. Discover latest trends in technology, entrepreneurship and creativity including a keynote from "How I Built This" host, Guy Raz! To learn more and get your tickets, go to TENWEST.com.
Classic Hard Rock/Hair Metal Night
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a party featuring hard rock and metal jams of the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, March 14
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert featuring Vindaloo Band.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 14
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.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 14-15
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Festival of Books
Book lovers, it's almost the best time of year: the annual Tucson Festival of Books is back! Find hundreds of authors, presentations and vendors at the beloved book fest.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16
Where: University of Arizona Mall
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Love bugs walk in the annual Founders’ Day parade during Founders’ Day at Ora Mae Harn Park in Marana in 2017.
Marana Founders' Day
It's a day to celebrate Marana! There will be a parade, a car show, performances, an art station, food trucks, vendors, inflatables and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Town of Marana, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Japanese Festival 2025
The Tucson Japanese Festival is back this month to celebrate Japanese culture through taiko drumming, traditional dancing, mochi pounding, games, origami, martial arts and food.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road
Cost: $5; free for kids ages 5 years and under
Visit the event page for more information.
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. Saturday, March 15
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Spring Plant Sale at Tohono Chul
Tohono Chul is hosting their annual spring plant sale featuring native and landscape-ready plants.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16
Where: Tohono Chul's main parking lot, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for plants
Visit the event page for more information.
Spring Plant Sale
Pick up herbs, veggies, wildflowers and landscape plants for your garden, thanks to local nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Center, 3584 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for plants
Visit the event page for more information.
Founded just this year, An Unuzual Market has quickly become a favorite for Tucsonans.
The Unuzual Market
Shop all things strange and unusual from 30 vendors. You'll find apparel, jewelry and oddities.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: $1 cash for entry, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $19.06. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Clover Club Weekend
Hotel Congress is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a three-day celebration featuring Irish drink specials, music and giveaways.
When: Saturday-Monday, March 15-17
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie at the Ranch
Watch a free outdoor screening of "Inside Out 2" at Steam Pump Ranch.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Ryan Madden uses a dangler wand to play with some of the cats during the grand opening of Hunter’s Kitten Lounge on July 6.
Movie Night with Cats
Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting two movie nights in March! Watch "Twilight" on March 15 and "Freaky Friday" on March 29.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturdays, March 15 and March 29
Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $25, includes a drink and candy
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 about rain gardens.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 15
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Salon & Saloon Lecture
This lecture will discuss the importance of the Apache people in Tucson's history.
When: 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Monsoon Room at JoJo’s Restaurant, 201 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $5
Visit the event page for more information.
Buds & Blooms
Local garden center Eco Gro is hosting Buds & Blooms, an event featuring food and art vendors.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Eco Gro, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
41st Anniversary Party
Celebrate Wooden Nickel's 41st birthday with a DJ, vendors and 50-cent wings.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Wooden Nickel, 1908 S. Country Club Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Wine and Craft Fair
Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring local artists, music and wine tastings.
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. Saint Patrick Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks. Reservations are required for wine tastings.
Visit the event page for more information.
Maya Moffett, right, and Madeline Bosshardt browse the jewelry and candle tables while Di Luna Candles and Goods employee Josefina Cortes stamps logos onto shopping bags.
Pressed Flower Workshop
Create your own pressed flower candle during this workshop at Di Luna Candles. A decorative flower flame is also part of the fun.
When: Noon on Saturday, March 15
Where: Di Luna Candles, 3061 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $60
Visit the event page for more information.
Afternoon Tea at The Lavender Manor
The Lavender Manor, the Tucson sister of Oracle's Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, is hosting a tea party with lavender-themed tea and treats.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: The Lavender Manor, 347 E. Fourth St.
Cost: $50 for adults, $20 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Manifesting Everyday Magic
It's never too late to create a vision board! Create your own board during this class led by Meela Hill.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: $30-$45, sliding scale. RSVP through art@bicas.org
Visit the event page for more information.
Tomato Tips
Harlow Gardens will teach you tips and recommendations for growing tomatoes in Tucson.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats during these classes!
When: 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road, on Saturday; and Silverbell Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road, on Sunday
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Sue Buckner, left, uses pink and white paint to decorate Emma Shannon’s face during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Armory Park in 2024.
St. Patrick's Day Festival of Tucson
This festival kicks off with a parade in downtown Tucson, followed by music, dancers, an area for kids, vendors and food.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Spinnin’ Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco
DJ Herm will be rocking beats at this outdoor roller disco and dance party.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for kids under 12 years old. Bring your own skates!
Visit the event page for more information.
Living Room Craft Night
Bring whatever art project you're working on and craft in a safe space among friends and community.
When: 5-10 p.m. every third Sunday
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Sip: Speakeasy in Prohibición
Roux Events is hosting its next "Sip" event inside Sonora Moonshine's speakeasy Prohibición, featuring performances and black attire.
When: 10 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: Sonora Moonshine Company, 124 E. Broadway
Cost: $25 for table seating, $10 for bar seating, must RSVP in advance. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Blues and Vines
During this celebration at Medella Vina Ranch, guests can expect live blues music, local wine, food trucks and art vendors.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road
Cost: $6-$25, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo.
When: 6-7 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $14, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
