Tucson's mariachi music weekend wraps up with Mass performance Sunday (copy)

Folklorico dancers work on their steps prior to the Armando C. Gonzales Student Showcase as part of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference in 2024.

No plans for the weekend? Don't worry, we got you!

Enjoying mariachi music, checking out some new grand openings and shopping till you drop at various markets are all on the agenda this weekend. 

Learn more about all these events and more below!

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 Steve Aoki, Baby Bash, Clay Walker, Switchfoot, Sevendust, Brothers Osborne and Luis Angel "El Flaco."

When: April 17-27

Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road

Cost: General admission is $12 for adults, $7 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 

Tucson Poetry Festival

Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Tucson Poetry Festival, featuring two days of workshops, readings and a community open mic.

When: Open mic is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: Talega Coffee Co., 236 S. Scott Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.


Sponsored

Discover all things savory at the Pima County Fair – Thru the 27th

For fans of bold and savory flavors, the Pima County Fair delivers with a lineup that’s anything but ordinary. Mike’s Hot Honey Turkey Leg is a standout — imagine the sweet, smoky richness of a Honey Baked Ham infused into a juicy, slow-smoked turkey leg with a spicy kick. The Hot Honey Big Daddy Corn Dog takes fair food to the next level with a deep-fried pecan-smoked sausage on a stick, while the Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly, seasoned with Biggy’s secret spice blend, is a must-try indulgence. Craving something crunchy and tangy? Mike’s Hot Honey Pickles deliver a punch, and the Hot Honey Cheese Pizza offers a sweet-heat twist on a classic favorite. For something truly unexpected, don’t miss the crispy, golden Spam Fries — salty, nostalgic, and totally delicious. Get your tickets today. 


Tucson International Mariachi Conference

The Tucson International Mariachi Conference is back for another year of 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 23-27

Where: Various locations

Cost: Various prices

Visit the event page for more information. 

Every third Thursday night, MOCA opens its doors for free.

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 beer from Brick Box Brewery.

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 24

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Witches Brew Bazaar

Alternative businesses will set up shop at this market. Expect to see tarot readings, insect taxidermy, vintage goods, ceramics and more art. 

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 24

Where: Screwbean Brewing, 103 N. Park Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Stars Around Us: Foodie Edition

This event features vendors, food trucks and a demonstration from Iron Chef Tucson finalist Chef Devon Sanner. The event, hosted by Intermountain Centers for Human Development, benefits youth with autism. 

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24

Where: Sensory Park, 401 N. Bonita Ave.

Cost: $60

Visit the event page for more information.

Derek Gentry, owner of SoGayCrochet, crochets another duck to add to the stock of soft creatures on display at Ducky’s Banana Bread Bonanza on Sept. 21.

Art 4 All

Hosted by local artist SoGayCrochet, this market will feature vendors whose items are priced at $25 or less. 

When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 25

Where: Celestia Collective, 1122 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Speakeasy x "Koyaanisqatsi" Screening

Tucson Museum of Art is collaborating with The Loft Cinema and the Chinese Chorizo Project for extended hours for the "Divergence of Legacy" exhibit, small bites and drinks, and a screening of "Koyaanisqatsi."

When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 25

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

Cost: $20, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

Evenings at Yume

Visit Yume after hours! Walk through the gardens and enjoy performances by Suzu Igarashi. Food truck Takoyaki Balls will be there!

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 25-26

Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $20 for adults, $5 for kids 15 and under

Visit the event page for more information.

Fire Show at Sky Bar

Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar. 

When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, April 25

Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Blk House Mrkt

Support Black-owned businesses when this event returns to Z Street International Marketplace. Expect vendors, games, DJs, Ethiopian food from Zemam's and cocktails from Zerai's. 

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Z Street, 2731 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information. 

The first Indigenous Market was held at the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space last year. 

Indigenous Market

Local artist Josie Rios is hosting the fifth Indigenous Market where you can expect to find dozens of Indigenous vendors selling items like jewelry, apparel, baked goods and more.

When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

PlayPalooza

The Play District, a local resource on kid-friendly things to do in Tucson, is hosting PlayPalooza featuring STEM activities, crafts, face painting and family-friendly vendors.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Second Sky, 4141 E. Irvington Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Sunset Supper at Tucson Village Farm

Enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Bruce Yim and a team of teens during this fundraiser for Tucson Village Farm's 4-H youth programming. 

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Tucson Village Farm, 2201 E. Roger Road

Cost: $65

Visit the event page for more information.

Family Picnic in the Park

HealthCorps is hosting a picnic in the park with games, music, snacks and health resources.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Naranja Park, 810 W. Naranja Drive

Cost: Free to attend, bring a picnic blanket

Visit the event page for more information.

All Things Hair

This event is a celebration of the dynamic power and beauty of black hair by the We Make Art Collective. 

When: 1-5 p.m.; reception is at 3 p.m. and artist talks are at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Melvira's Hair Studio, 6900 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Archaeology Day at Mission Garden

Kids can learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

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.

Di Luna Candles + Goods Grand Opening 

Popular candle store, Di Luna, is celebrating their brand new space with free nachos, Espressoul drinks, a brand new bath salt bar, live music and special surprises. 

When: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Di Luna Candles, 2700 N. Campbell Ave. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit their event page for more information.

Froggy Make & Take

Head over to the Desert Garden Gallery where you’ll be able to paint and embellish a cute frog with local artist Darby Hunter.

When: 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26

Where: Desert Garden Gallery, 2456 N. Pantano Rd. 

Cost: $15 for a small frog and $20 for a large frog. $25 for two small frogs and $35 for two large frogs. 

Check out their event page for more information. 

Mother’s Night Market

Agave Pantry is throwing a night market that supports local, women-owned businesses. Pottery, Polaroid portraits, jewelry and self care items will all be on sale. 

When: 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26

Where: Agave Pantry’s Backyard Studio, 4752 E. 3rd St. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Tannas Botannas El Patio Opening 

Tannas Botannas is hosting a grand opening for their remodeled patio space. There will even be a huge dance floor if your in the mood to bust a move. 

When: 12-9 p.m. Saturday, April 26

Where: Tannas Botannas, 4426 S. 6th Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for various treats

Visit their event page for more information. 

Great Strides Tucson Walk & Family Fun Event

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is holding a family friendly walk that includes activities like a candy carnival, custom balloon art, character meet and greets, games and more. 

When: Check in at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 

Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Rd. 

Cost: Free to attend, donations welcome 

Visit their event page for more information.

Children's Day Festival

This festival presented by Arizona Bilingual Newspaper includes free admission to Children’s Museum Tucson, plus live entertainment, crafts and food vendors.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Himaya Garden serves tea cakes at their events.

Filipino-Inspired High Tea

New venue Himaya Garden is organizing a Filipino-inspired tea party featuring sweet and savory bites.

When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: Himaya Garden, 427 E. Limberlost Dr.

Cost: $59.99

Visit the event page for more information.

Earth Day Clothes Swap

Swap your gently used clothing for new-to-you items during this clothing swap. 

When: 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: Borderlands Brewing North, 5605 E. River Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring clothes to swap

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Masterworks Chorale Spring Concert

Known as the oldest community chorus in Arizona, Tucson Masterworks Chorale will host its spring concert with works ranging from Baroque to Beethoven, with featured work by Christopher Tin.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 7575 N. Paseo del Norte

Cost: $20

Visit their event page for more information. 

Hábitat Comunitario Luna y Sol

A new community habitat garden that was designed to support local wildlife, grow native plants and bring the neighborhood together will be unveiled. The unveiling will feature iced coffee, pan dulce and music. 

When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: 137 W. 29th St. 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their event page for more information. 

Rewilding Jaguars From Argentina to Arizona

The Rewilding Institute, Center for Biological Diversity, Northern Jaguar Project and Cuenca los Ojos are hosting a conservation evening at MoCA.

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 265 S. Church Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donations welcome

Visit their event page for more information.

Sound Bath + Somatic Breathwork Experience

This experience will be a deeply restorative evening of sound healing, somatic breathwork and guided energy under the energy of the new moon. 

When: 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27

Where: The Treasury 1929, 2. E. Congress St. 

Cost: $33

Visit the event page for more information.

International Jazz Day Celebration

The Tucson Jazz Music Foundation and The Century Room is hosting a celebration for International Jazz Day and International Dance Day at Hotel Congress. The celebration will feature live music performances and dance lessons. 

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 30

Where: Hotel Congress Plaza, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Tickets range from $10 to $30

Visit their event page for more information.

 

2211React

Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Jamie Donnelly is the food writer for #ThisIsTucson. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com