As we head into another weekend, a slew of annual events are getting ready to make their return.
From the Tucson International Mariachi Conference to the Pima County Fair, Tucson's in for a fun weekend. What else to expect this weekend? Cannabis festivals, local markets, outdoor movie screenings and lots of Earth Day celebrations.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Tucson International Mariachi Conference
The Tucson International Mariachi Conference is back for another year of student workshops, competitions and concerts. The goal of the conference is to "promote awareness and foster traditional values of mariachi music and baile folklórico."
When: April 19-23
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various prices
Visit the event page for more information.
Arizona International Film Festival
The 31st Arizona International Film Festival will feature independent and innovative films from around the world. See the full schedule here.
When: April 19-30
Where: Various locations
Cost: $10 per film, some events are free.
Visit the event page for more information.
Last call to purchase Cookies and Cocktails tickets!!
Cookies and Cocktails returns this year with an incredible lineup of competitors hoping to take home the Best Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge title! Sip on and sample tasty cookie-inspired beverages and desserts, participate in fun raffles and contests, and support local Girl Scouts in our unique programming, including those who are impacted by incarceration or within the foster care system. Don’t miss out on this signature event—buy your tickets today!
Dance Springs Eternal
The spring performance series from the University of Arizona School of Dance will feature choreography from program faculty and guest artists. The school’s ensemble will be performing.
When: April 19-30
Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $35 for adults, $15 for students
Visit the event page for more information.
High In The Desert
Produced by Tucson Foodie and Bl_nk Media is a cannabis consumption festival dubbed High In The Desert. The festival is set to feature more than 40 cannabis brands, live glass blowing demonstrations, music and food trucks.
When: 2:30-10 p.m. Thursday, April 20
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $55
Visit the event page for more information.
Arizona Theatre Co. presents Private Lives!
This hilarious classic is Noël Coward’s most popular and enduring comedy with a tempestuous battle of equals. The show began April 15 at the Temple of Music and Arts. Find more information and tickets on Arizona Theatre Company's website.
Sonoran Cannabis Festival
This cannabis extravaganza spans two different downtown venues over the course of an afternoon. Enjoy samples, panels, local vendors and networking at Whistle Stop Depot before ending the night with concerts at Hotel Congress.
When: Whistle Stop event starts at 4 p.m.; Hotel Congress event starts at 7 p.m. — both on Thursday, April 20.
Where: Whistle Stop Depot, 127 W. Fifth St.; Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: The concert costs $23.18; tickets for both the expo and the concert cost $39.14 total. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
West Side Stories by Borderlands Theater
This performance and community event will spotlight stories from Tucson’s west side. The event will include an interactive game show, a heritage talk circle, an augmented reality exhibition and a local story told through shadow boxes. Families are encouraged to bring seating, drinks with ice and food from classic west-side vendors (though there will also be food trucks).
When: Pre-show picnic and festivities start at 6 p.m. Main stage opens at 7:45 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, April 20-30
Where: Bonita Park, 20 N. Bonita Ave.
Cost: Choose what you pay
Visit the event page for more information.
Pima County Fair Weekday Discount FunPass offer ends TODAY!
The Pima County Fair is back! Don’t miss your last chance to buy your Presale Weekday Discount FunPass. The pass includes 10 rides or 10 games for only $20. Good Monday through Friday, available online only, and this offer ends TODAY. And don’t forget to check out the upcoming concerts and entertainment schedule.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission — and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing!
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 20
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Opening Reception of MFA thesis exhibition at UA Museum of Art
To graduate, MFA candidates produce a unique body of work instead of writing a thesis. The University of Arizona Museum of Art will host the students’ work for a month.
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20
Where: University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
KXCI is tuned in to Arizona
For nearly 40 years, Tucson’s independent radio station 91.3 KXCI has been groovin’ to the beat of their own drum. By broadcasting informative, engaging, community-based programming (on air and online) the local nonprofit reaches over 35,000 weekly listeners. Recently, KXCI decided to tune into their community investment and moved the organization's banking over to Vantage West Credit Union, creating an indie collaboration that’s an instant hit by keeping 4X more dollars circulating in local communities with a credit union instead of a big bank. Through their shared commitment to Arizonans and fiercely independent spirit, Vantage West business banking is helping KXCI connect with what matters most.
Cirque Italia Water Circus
See aerial acts, balancing, contortionists and more at Cirque Italia, which features a custom-designed water stage.
When: Now through April 23
Where: Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $10-$50
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: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20
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.
Earth Day Crafts at Dusenberry-River Library
This all-ages event will provide supplies to make collages and plant seeds in pots to celebrate Earth Day.
When: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20
Where: Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Awakening: Student Spotlight at UA Dance
These six performances feature dance and choreography from student performers.
When: April 20-29
Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $25 for adults, $12 for students
Visit the event page for more information.
A Western Experience at Old Tucson
Old Tucson hosted two attractions last year, Nightfall for Halloween and Yuletide over the holidays. But now Old Tucson has returned to its roots with "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.
Blaire Manalisay, left, 6, plays grocery store with her uncle Ryan Bustamante at the Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. 6th Ave., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 25, 2021.
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.
"A Bug’s Life" at Tohono Chul
Catch a screening of "A Bug’s Life" at Tohono Chul. Popcorn, cotton candy and drinks will be available for purchase.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 21
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte
Cost: $4
Visit the event page for more information.
The Happy Hive Market
Head to Button Brew House for The Happy Hive Market, complete with nearly two dozen local makers and a food truck.
When: 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 21
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Community Book Sale
Looking to add more books to your collection? Check out this community sale hosted by Friends of the Pima County Public Library, where you'll find books hand-picked by the nonprofit's volunteers.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday-Monday, April 21-24
Where: Friends of the Pima County Public Library, 2230 N. Country Club Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for books
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: 7:45 p.m. Friday, April 21
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.
Native Basketry Trunk Show
Head to The National Parks Store where art expert Terry DeWald will explain the history and artistry behind antique and contemporary baskets.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 21-22. Talks are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: The National Parks Store, 12880 N. Vistoso Village Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
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 22
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Located at the base of Sentinel Peak, Mission Garden, a nonprofit organization, is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, traditional local crops and edible native plants.
Earth Day at Mission Garden
Spend your Earth Day surrounded by the flora of Mission Garden! You’ll hear from a slew of speakers about the history of canals in the area, and the process of creating one at the gardens. Kids can also expect to participate in science-themed activities!
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend with a suggested donation at the gate
Visit the event page for more information.
Pups & Stuff adoption event and pop-up shop
Lend A Bone Rescue is hosting its first ever adoption and pop-up shop with local vendors. Vendors include Luna Scrubs, Desert Garden Collective and Spark Joy permanent jewelry.
When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Lend A Bone Rescue, 1448 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for merchandise
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Air Market
This pop-up market is run by local makers and creatives. Find more than 40 vendors featuring items like jewelry, stained glass, candles and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Bhava Wellness, 439 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Ducky's Bake Sale
Ducky's, known for their air-fried pineapple banana bread, is hosting a bake sale! Find sweets from home bakers Ducky's, Bolita Bakery, Sweet Vivi's, Cal's Bakeshop, Novia's Bakery and Chez Peachy.
When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Outdoor screening of "The Lorax"
Celebrate Earth Day with an outdoor screening of “The Lorax,” presented by Cats After Dark and The Loft Cinema. Bring your own seating!
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: University of Arizona Mall
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Earth Day Sale with Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society
Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society is hosting a plant sale for Earth Day. Expect to find cacti and succulents, pottery, books and other plant-related items, in addition to demonstrations and food trucks.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: 4342 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for plants
Visit the event page for more information.
Earth Day at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Explore the Tucson Botanical Gardens this Earth Day while enjoying performances, garden meditation and compost demonstrations, in addition to speeches from Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: Included with garden admission, which is $15 for adults and $8 for kids.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Poetry Festival
For 40 years, this festival has been celebrating poetry in Tucson. Learn from workshops and listen to readings during the two-day event.
When: April 22-23
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Camp Cooper Earth Day Celebration
This free Earth Day celebration, hosted by Camp Cooper, will feature food from Midtown Vegan Deli, live music, guest speaker Dr. Earyn McGee, and hands-on activities from participating organizations.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Cooper Center, 5403 W. Trails End Road
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes, a group of four women looking to uplift small businesses, is hosting its next market this weekend, set to feature more than 40 local vendors.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Flowers & Bullets Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Curtis Kapner uses a rock outcropping to get a cellphone video of the sunset from the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail in Saguaro National Park East.
Stargazing in Saguaro National Park East
Go stargazing with the National Park Service and Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association in Saguaro National Park East.
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Cost: Free to attend, park entrance fee applies. ($25 per vehicle, $15 for pedestrians/cyclists and all federal passes are honored.)
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 "The $9.95 Pyramid."
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22
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.
Arizona Wine Walk
Westbound is hosting their second Arizona Wine Walk, where you'll get to sample 15 wines from featured wineries around the state. There will be live music and a charcuterie pop-up, too!
When: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Westbound, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $50 for general admission. VIP options also available.
Visit the event page for more information.
Biosphere 2 in Oracle — a living, breathing laboratory for University of Arizona scientists.
Earth Day 5K at Biosphere 2
Walk or run the backroads of Biosphere 2 north of Tucson during this Earth Day 5K. Check out Biosphere 2 afterwards!
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Biosphere 2, 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Oracle
Cost: $40
Visit the event page for more information.
Earth Day Celebration at Triangle L Ranch
Also in Oracle is this Earth Day Celebration at Triangle L Ranch where you'll be able to chat with naturalists about native plants and pollinators. There will be presentations, guided walks and art to see, in addition to the Q&As with experts.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Triangle L Ranch, 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Road, Oracle
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
Earth Day Art Event
Spend the afternoon with local maker Handcrafted by Care creating upcycled artwork out of an old record. Enjoy food from Midtown Vegan Deli while you're there!
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Midtown Vegan Deli and Market, 5071 E. Fifth St.
Cost: $40. RSVPs are required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Taste of Sonora with Chef Maria Mazon + Chef Carlos Anthony
Chef Maria Mazon is teaming up with Chef Carlos Anthony to host a special dinner event at Boca. Chef Anthony grew up in Tucson before moving to San Diego, where he is now the executive chef at downtown restaurant Herb & Wood.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Boca, 533 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $150
Visit the event page for more information.
Open Studio Tours
Over the course of a week, you can step into the studios of local makers to take a peek at where their art is created. More than 100 artists will be part of the 2023 tours, which are hosted by the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona.
When: April 22-28
Where: In person and virtual, find a map here.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Kid's Night Out
Drop off the kids for a night at We Rock The Spectrum. There will be pizza, crafts, games and open play such as a zipline and a trampoline.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: We Rock The Spectrum, 4811 E. Grant Road
Cost: $35 per child in advance, $45 day of
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Funday at the Presidio Museum
The Presidio Museum is hosting a Family Funday where you'll be able to learn about native plants and pollinators through demonstrations and hands-on activities such as building a birdhouse and making your own hummingbird food.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-13. Pima County residents get $3 off with a valid ID!
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, April 22
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend with a $5 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
Opening reception for Shelley Niro at Andrew Smith Gallery
Shelley Niro is a photographer and filmmaker and a member of the Six Nations Reserve, Turtle Clan, Bay of Quinte Mohawk. She will be attending the opening reception of her work at Andrew Smith Gallery.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Andrew Smith Gallery, 330 S. Convent Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Saturday's tours include Public Art and Murals, and Mansions of Main Avenue. Each tour is separate.
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave., for Public Art and Murals; Café a la C’art, 150 N. Main Ave., for Mansions of Main Avenue.
Cost: $25. Pre-registration is required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
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, April 22
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
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. Saturdays
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.
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. Saturday-Sunday, April 22-23
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.
Watch now: Local maker Q.street Collective makes iridescent saguaro-shaped paperweights.
Visionary House Market
This market, presented by Fatboy Sandos, will feature a food truck garden, a DJ, live art and 20 vendors selling items like resin saguaros, mixed media, Filipino treats, pressed flowers and more.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23
Where: Hem & Her Bridal, 4004 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Bicycle Scavenger Hunt
Local nonprofit El Grupo is hosting a bicycle scavenger hunt this Sunday! With a paper map (no phones allowed!), you'll bike around town in search of clues to complete certain activities. The goal is to get through all the clues as fast as possible and then head back to El Grupo Clubhouse!
When: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 23
Where: El Grupo Clubhouse, 610 N. Ninth Ave.
Cost: $25-$75
Visit the event page for more information.
STEAM Sunday
The Tucson J is hosting STEAM Sunday where kids ages 2-8 can enjoy play-based activities in the fields of science, tech, engineering, art and math. The first 150 kids will get special goodie bags!
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 23
Where: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tea ceremony at Yume Japanese Gardens
Sakura Tea Circle will be presenting a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Yume Japanese Gardens. The ritual dates back to the 12th century and uses powdered green tea presented in a formal ceremony.
When: 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $25
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: 7:30-10 p.m. Sunday, April 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.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Lounge
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Lounge with cat-themed bingo this Sunday.
When: 6-7 p.m. Sunday, April 23
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $14. Reservations are required. This event is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
