Ferris wheels, a mezcal crawl, outdoor movies and more are taking over Tucson this weekend.
This week marks the return of annual favorites including the Pima County Fair, Children's Museum Earth Day Festival, Agave Heritage Festival, Tucson Zine Fest and Arizona International Film Festival. What else? A cannabis expo on 4/20, a giant car show, an anime con and a Taylor Swift-themed silent disco-meets-flash mob.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A couple head into the theater past the Jessica Gonzales mural on the building's wall just before the evening screenings at The Loft Cinema on February 16, 2022.
Arizona International Film Festival
The 32nd Arizona International Film Festival will feature more than 125 independent and innovative films from around the world. Throughout its years, this festival has exhibited more than 3,300 films representing 100 countries.
When: April 17-28
Where: The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St., The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway, Main Gate, 814 E. University Blvd., and the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10-$15, some screenings are free
Visit the event page for more information.
Pima County Fair
Enjoy funky fair food, hop on the rides, play carnival games and more at the Pima County Fair. Concerts this year include Wiz Khalifa, Chevelle, Tesla, Sublime with Rome and more.
When: April 18-28
Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: General admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-10. Parking is $8. Visit the website for info on wristbands, bundles and other promotions.
Visit the event page for more information.
Register for Girl Scout Camp — Camp Together, Grow Forever!
A lifetime of memories and friendships await when you spend your summer at Girl Scout Camp! At the Hacienda Day Camp and Camp Whispering Pines properties, discover a close-knit community built upon strong relationships and confidence-building activities.
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 dinners, lectures, concerts, a mezcal crawl and a fiesta.
When: April 18-21
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various prices, some events are free!
Visit the event page for more information.
Night at the Alfie
The gem and mineral museum’s exhibits will be intertwined with music this Thursday. The concert happens in three rounds, beginning at the Historic Pima County Courthouse and going through museum exhibits.
When: 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Three separate start times, though each performance will feature the same songs. Performances last an hour.
Where: Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
A fight is a brewin' at mom's house as Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer finalist and Tony-nominated play “True West” unfolds.
This hysterically twisted tale is a Cain and Abel story of brotherly love and sibling rivalry set against the Dreams of the American West. Estranged brothers Austin and Lee find themselves in a situation where they are forced to collaborate on a screenplay with the promise of a huge Hollywood payday. Tormenting each other along the way, they discover that this town ain't big enough for the both of them ...
A Western Experience at Old Tucson
Old Tucson has returned to its roots with "A Western Experience." There will be live stunt shows, old-fashioned games, historical tours, rides and a petting zoo.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May 5, plus other select dates through May 12
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12.
Visit the event page for more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring Bad News Blues Band. Food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 18
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Arizona Opera presents Don Giovanni April 27-28 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Mozart’s Don Giovanni, regarded by many as one of the greatest operas of all time, tells the centuries-old story of the libertine Don Juan, performed in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles. Get your tickets here!
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.
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: 3-6 p.m. Thursdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
From STEM to theater, find more than 100 summer camps in our database
From coding to circus camps, #ThisIsTucson's 2024 Summer Camp Guide is filled with more than 100 camps — and more being added every day. You'll find camps about upcycled crafts, sewing projects, sports, musical theater, capoeira and more. Our guide lists prices, times, dates and all the nitty-gritty details you need to know like whether or not lunch is offered. Click here!
Sonoran Cinema at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Sonoran Cinema for an indoor screening of "Mary Poppins." Get cotton candy and popcorn from the concession stands!
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $4
Visit the event page for more information.
Noche en Blanco
Support Pueblo High School’s Mariachi Aztlan during this gala that features music, a silent auction, beer, wine, charcuterie and dessert. Dress in white!
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Historic Pima County Courthouse, 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost: $52
Visit the event page for more information.
Monsoon Mystics Anniversary Weekend
Witchy shop Monsoon Mystics is celebrating its first birthday! To celebrate, the store is hosting a weekend of events that includes tarot readings, guest speakers, demonstrations, a 4/20-friendly sound bath, a coffee bar, a high tea and more.
When: Friday-Sunday, April 19-21
Where: Monsoon Mystics, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: $15 for high tea, $20 for sound bath
Visit the event page for more information.
Latte Art Throwdown
Calling all baristas! Yellow Brick Coffee is kicking off its anniversary with a Latte Art Throwdown. Tacos and DJ music are part of the fun.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Yellow Brick Coffee, 800 N. Country Club Road
Cost: Free to watch, $5 to compete
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Speed Dating
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cast members walk through a path of fairy lights at Valley of the Moon.
"The Monty Tale of King Arthur" at Valley of the Moon
Tucson fantasy park Valley of the Moon is bringing King Arthur's story to life. The park says to expect "zany humor, social satire and cartoonish violence."
When: Shows begin every 30 minutes from 6-8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, April 5-28
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7-17
Visit the event page for more information.
Jazz under the Stars at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Garden Bistro on Friday and Saturday nights through May 11 for cocktails, brews and bites, all while listening to local jazz.
When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through May 11
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.
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 20
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Artist James Lee paints on a canvas in his booth during the Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting in Oro Valley Marketplace on Dec. 4, 2021.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
Head over to this art festival to see metalwork, clothing, paintings and more fine art. The festival will also feature live art demonstrations and music.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Pima County Master Gardeners plant sale
Mark your calendars! Previous Pima County Master Gardeners plant sales have included potted plants, fruit and veggie starts, native grasses, desert plants, cacti and succulents.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Pima County Cooperative Extension Gardens, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Zine Fest
Tucson Zine Fest is a celebration of self publishers creating zines, comics and other printed art.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Subspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Sonoran Cannabis Expo
This cannabis celebration is set to feature local vendors, samplings, live music, food and networking opportunities.
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $40. This event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Native American Pop-up Shop
Casa Santa Rosa is hosting their first Native American Pop-up Shop this Saturday, slated to feature all kinds of art including stickers, apparel and jewelry, plus live music and snacks like pickle slushies.
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Cafe Santa Rosa, 2615 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
49th Annual Rodders Days Car Show
The Tucson Street Rod Association is back with its Rodders Days Car Show for the 49th year! Expect to see pre-1994 cars and classic trucks, custom restored vehicles, electric vehicles and vintage campers alongside food vendors.
When: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Pima Community College Downtown Campus, 1255 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Outdoor Screening of "Planes"
Enjoy an outdoor screening of Disney's "Planes." Two food vendors will be onsite!
When: 6:45-8:45 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie at the Ranch
Watch a free outdoor screening of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" at Steam Pump Ranch.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Miku Matsuri
This Hatsune Miku-themed anime event organized by Kira Kira Collectibles is set to feature vendors, a cosplay contest, performances and more activities throughout the day.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Laser Fun Day
The Student Optics Chapter at the University of Arizona is hosting a free community event dubbed Laser Fun Day where attendees will be able to tour the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and watch science demonstrations relating to optics.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Wyant College of Optical Sciences, 1630 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Silent Adventures: Taylor Swift Edition
Silent disco meets flash mob with Silent Adventures! Put on your headphones and dance your way through downtown Tucson, this time featuring Taylor Swift hits.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
Yard Sale at the Hermitage
The Hermitage Cat Shelter is hosting its annual yard sale benefitting its cats.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The UA Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen Street, on Sept. 27, 2007.
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 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
4/20 Mercado and Taco Competition
Button Brew House is hosting its inaugural taco competition featuring seven chefs. Vote for your favorite! Meanwhile, The Happy Hive Market will host a mercado featuring Southwest-focused or 4/20-friendly vendors.
When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: $30 to attend the taco competition, which includes one vote and six tacos; Free to attend the market, bring money for shopping, drinks and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Dirty T Market
Every third Saturday of the month, local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo hosts a monthly market featuring vendors, food trucks and games.
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Dirty T Tamarindo, 1211 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop watercolors, tumblers, glasswork and more during this indoor artisan market.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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 and planting native edible plants.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Healthy Kids Day
Head to the Northwest YMCA for the Y’s national initiative to “improve health and well-being of kids and families.” The morning includes life jacket relay races, mermaid safety, STEAM activities and more.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Northwest YMCA, 7770 N. Shannon Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s-themed dance party. Wear your best '80s attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, April 20
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.
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, April 20
Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $9
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Flowers
During this discussion at Harlow Gardens, you'll learn about flowers that thrive in Tucson summers.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Katie Wilson, assistant manager, stocks the shelves at Candy World. The shop sells 800 different types of sweets.
Cars and Candy
Local candy shop Candy World is hosting a car show. All models are welcome, though it's first come, first served.
When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Candy World, 9136 E. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Cumbia Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a cumbia class followed by social dancing.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15
Visit the event page for more information.
Nuestro Tianguis Tucson
Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Flowers & Bullets' Midtown Farm for a swap meet featuring vendors, food and music.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Cricut Classes at Crafty Flamingo Studio
Get access to a Cricut machine and make your own custom crafts at this art studio. Cricut classes take place every Saturday where you'll learn everything from basics to special techniques.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Crafty Flamingo Studio, 6061 E. Broadway
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
Fulta & Friends Cocktail Cabaret
From the team behind the LGBTQ+ cocktail hour Fruit Cocktail Lounge comes Fulta & Friends Cocktail Cabaret, an afternoon of music, dance and comedy hosted by queen Fulta Burstyn.
When: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $10 cash, this event is for ages 18 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Wind Chime Art with BICAS
Local nonprofit BICAS is hosting a workshop at Pueblo Vida where you'll have the chance to make your own wind chime from recycled bicycle parts.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, 115 E. Broadway
Cost: $25, includes your first beer
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Masterworks Chorale 75th Anniversary Concert
Tucson Masterworks Chorale is celebrating its 75th birthday with a concert featuring works that have a connection to the number 75. The main piece features 100 voices.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 7575 N. Paseo Del Norte
Cost: $20; $10 for students
Visit the event page for more information.
Solar Observing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Learn about the sky with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association! The group is hosting a solar observing event.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Cost: Park entrance fee is $25 per car
Visit the event page for more information.
STEAM Sunday
Kids ages 2-8 years old can enjoy a day of hands-on STEAM activities at the Tucson J.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 21
Where: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class
When: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where: Silverbell Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Among this weekend's tours: Mansions of Main Avenue, the Turquoise Trail downtown and Barrio Viejo.
When: Sunday, April 21
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30 for tours without wine tastings, $60 for tours with wine tastings. Pre-registration is required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! This weekend's events include cat yoga and cat bingo.
When: Sunday, April 21; 10-11 a.m. for yoga, 6-7 p.m. for bingo
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.
