It's a big weekend in Tucson as two icons make their return.
Old Tucson is making its revival, offering a western experience through May. The massive gem and mineral showcase has also arrived with its many shows scattered throughout the city.
What else? A Lunar New Year celebration, the Savor Food and Wine Festival, late-night skating at Skate Country, drag shows, community yard sales and more.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Old Tucson returns
It's happening! 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, debuting "A Western Experience" on Jan. 26. 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, Jan. 26 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.
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
The giant Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is back for yet another winter season, bringing people from allover the world to shop the dozens of shows spread out across the city. Find jewelry, rocks, fossils and more.
When: Some shows have already started, many shows go through mid-February
Where: Various locations across Tucson
Cost: Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Send Girl Scouts on their next adventure!
Did you know that your purchase of delicious Girl Scout Cookies help cookie entrepreneurs fund trips, from domestic to international? That's the Power of the Girl Scout Cookie — starting now!
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.
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, Jan. 27
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.
35th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace
Experience the 35th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival's 50-acre village, 16 stages, arts & crafts fair, jousting tournaments and feasting all rolled into one non-stop, day-long adventure Feb. 4 through April 2!
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.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 27-28
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
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, Jan. 27
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Shop local and support Tucson's talented artists
Save the date! #ThisIsTucson is hosting an outdoor artisan market featuring handcrafted items from local makers including soaps, jewelry, baked goods and more. The market will also feature a donation drive for Youth On Their Own and a book scavenger hunt from Tucson Tome Gnome. #ThisIsTucson's Tucson Together market takes place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at 55 N. Fifth Ave. See you there!
Queer Goth Nite
The Royal Room will be the site of this Friday's Queer Goth Nite, featuring drag performances, drink specials and a DJ spinning "goth club and dark dance jams."
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27
Where: The Royal Room, 450 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Public Opening: Cecilia Vicuña
MOCA Tucson is hosting an event in celebration of the opening of new exhibit "Cecilia Vicuña: Sonoran Quipu." At 7 p.m., Vicuña will lead attendees in a "participatory ritual and assembly to activate the Sonoran Quipu." Afterwards, there will be an opening reception with beer, food and music.
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27
Where: MOCA Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Lounge
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Lounge at these two events, including cat trivia and cat bingo.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 for cat trivia; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 for cat bingo.
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $15 for trivia, adults only; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Mission Garden is celebrating Lunar New Year in partnership with the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center. You'll have the chance to learn about the tradition of Lunar New Year, shop from a TCCC table of unique items, and check out demonstrations on Chinese calligraphy. There will also be a lion dance and a yo-yo demonstration.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
The eighth Savor Food & Wine Festival is back on Jan. 28 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Savor Food and Wine Festival
Walk through the Tucson Botanical Gardens while enjoying tastings from more than 50 Southern Arizona chefs, restaurants, wineries and breweries.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $100 for general admission, $150 for VIP. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
&gallery Anniversary Celebration
&gallery is hosting an anniversary celebration! It's a day of panels geared toward artists, touching on topics like monetizing your art, digital art 101, and self care. Afterwards, head to Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. for a networking after party!
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 for the panels; 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 for the networking after party
Where: &gallery for the panels, 419 N. Fourth Ave.; Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
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 "Wheel of Misfortune."
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
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.
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, Jan. 28
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.
Native Nations Demonstrations & Craft Market
Head to the Presidio Museum to watch educational demonstrations and purchase crafts from Native American artists. There will also be storytelling, agricultural displays and popovers for sale.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Food Not Bombs Yard Sale
Food Not Bombs Tucson and Tucson Food Share are hosting a yard sale in support of their mutual-aid organization. Bring items to donate and shop from an array of inexpensive goodies.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 28-29
Where: 2500 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Menlo Park Neighborhood Yard Sale
There's a yard sale happening in Menlo Park as a way to raise money for the west-side neighborhood. They're hoping to fundraise for traffic calming, trees and community events.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Congress Street and Melwood Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Sun shines on an arch way full with Bottle Gourd vines in the Chinese Garden at Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Ln., in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 18, 2020.
Chinese Vegetable Cooking Class
Mission Garden is hosting a Chinese veggie class in addition to its Lunar New Year celebration! In this class, you'll learn to cook Chinese vegetable dishes with the kinds of veggies that Mission Garden grows in its Chinese Garden plot.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: $35
Visit the event page 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! This show will help raise money for two people in need.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Bumsteds, 1003 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $15
Visit the event page for more information.
Reading & Conversation: Cecilia Vicuña, Rosa Alcalá, and Daniel Borzutzky
Cecilia Vicuña has a new exhibit at MOCA Tucson, opening on Friday. The following day, Vicuña, Rosa Alcalá, and Daniel Borzutzky will present poetry readings followed by a discussion.
When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: MOCA Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Roadrunners "Star Wars" Night
Love hockey? Love "Star Wars"? It's "Star Wars" night at the Tucson Roadrunners game!
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $16 and up
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. This weekend's tours include Public Art and Murals, and Mansions of Main Avenue.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 28 for Public Art and Murals; 10 a.m. to noon for Mansions of Main Avenue.
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave. for Public Art and Murals; Café a la C’art at 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: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
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, Jan. 28
Where: Floor Polish Dance + Fitness, 930 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $10, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Yoga in the Garden at The Lavender Manor
Bring a mat, towel or blanket and spend an hour doing yoga in the garden of The Lavender Manor. Purchase lavender goodies in the shop afterwards!
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: The Lavender Manor, 347 E. Fourth St.
Cost: $15
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, Jan. 28
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Bartender Crystal Fiero talks with customers at Barrio Brewing Company, 800 E. 16th St.
Paws in Heels: Fundraising Drag Show
Head to Barrio Brewing Co. for the Paws in Heels drag show, a fundraiser for Friends of Pima Animal Care Center.
When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29
Where: Barrio Brewing Co., 800 E. 16th St.
Cost: $25. This event is for ages 21 and up.
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, Jan. 29
Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost: $20, RSVP in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
Group bike ride with Hello Bicycle
Hello Bicycle is putting together a casual group bike ride along The Loop! This is a no-drop ride, so if you start with them, you'll finish with them.
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29
Where: Hello Bicycle & Cafe, 3702 E. Hardy Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for coffee and pastries if you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Drag Queen Bingo
Roxi Starr is hosting Drag Queen Bingo!
When: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29
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.
Catherine Eyde at DeGrazia Gallery
Local artist Catherine Eyde is putting on a solo show at the DeGrazia Gallery's Little Gallery, featuring paintings and drawings, plus accessories available in a mini gift shop. The exhibit will be open through Feb. 10, and this Sunday marks the opening reception!
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 for the opening reception. The exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Feb. 10.
Where: DeGrazia Gallery's Little Gallery, 6300 N. Swan Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Plushies n' Stuffies Tea Party
This party at This n' That Creative Studio is all about plushies! Kids can pick a plush, stuff it with the studio's stuffing machine, then decorate a shirt for it. Afterwards, kids can sip tea all while decorating cupcakes.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29
Where: This n' That Creative Studio, 1066 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
The Spirit of Haiku at Yume Japanese Gardens
Yume Japanese Gardens is hosting a "writing walk" surrounding the haiku, where you'll learn history, form and aesthetics of the poem.
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $20, limited space so reserve your spot in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
