The rodeo parade, craft nights and a STEM fest β you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 26 events that are free to attend this February.
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: Now through Feb. 16
Where: Various locations across Tucson
Cost: Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
We Make Art
This group exhibition will highlight work by more than a dozen local Pan-African artists. Expect artist talks at 2 p.m, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
Where: The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
We're hosting our third annual market featuring 100+ local vendors π
#ThisIsTucson is putting together an outdoor artisan market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 along Fifth Avenue near Congress Street. You'll find handmade and curated items from 100-plus makers, in addition to food trucks, live music and a donation drive supporting Youth On Their Own. Save the date! More info here. π
SARSEF70
Local nonprofit SARSEF is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Regional Science Fair. Head to Bear Down Gym to celebrate the milestone while perusing the work of Arizona students from the last seven decades.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7
Where: Bear Down Gym, 1428 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Park Place Rodeo Round Up
Gather in the center court of Park Place Mall to celebrate the rodeo with a mechanical bull, a pony stick race, music and a photo booth.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Saturdays Family Fest
The Play District is hosting a free family-friendly event at Trail Dust Town, slated to feature music from Mr. Nature, bilingual story time and more.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
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.
Visitors look over the art displayed on multiple levels at the Tucson Museum of Art where ramps lead to the lowermost galleries below ground level.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making and performances by Mariachi Las Aguilitas and Red Herring Puppets.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
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: 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 9; 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Feb. 9; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Feb. 28
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at Tucsonβs Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission, plus food from Doshirok, beer from Brick Box Brewery and KXCI DJs spinning tunes.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event site for more information.
Queer and Femme Craft Night
Bring a project to R Bar and craft among community during this Galentine's Day edition of Queer and Femme Craft Night.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
Where: R Bar, 350 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event site for more information.
La PeΓ±a del SurCo
The University of Arizona's Applied Intercultural Arts Research is hosting a free gathering of Latin American folk music. Empanadas will be available for purchase!
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
Mission Garden is located at the base of βAβ Mountain, at 946 W. Mission Lane.
Tasting History: Citrus
This drop-in monthly series teaches attendees about the plants that shape our home, including agricultural traditions and tastings. This month is all about citrus.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-15
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
World Sound Healing Day in Tucson
Attendees of this free event will have the chance to explore sound healing through instruments, a group sound bath and a meet-and-greet with local sound practitioners.
When: 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
Where: Hacienda del Sol, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Sci-Fest
Children's Museum Tucson is hosting a festival dedicated to science, where kids will be able to watch science demonstrations and participate in STEM activities. Museum admission is pay-what-you-wish all day!
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Student Eric Don, left, and teacher Rich Greenwood examine a red-hot steel knife being shaped by Don at Desert Metal Craft in 2019.
Carnival of Fire
Local blacksmithing school Desert Metal Craft is hosting its annual Carnival of Fire with fire dancers, demonstrations by blacksmiths, vendors and food trucks.
When: 1-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: Desert Metal Craft, 544 E. 24th St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Traditional O'odham Agriculture
Learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Tomato Tips at Harlow Gardens
Harlow Gardens will teach you tips and recommendations for growing tomatoes in Tucson.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
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.
Silent Reading Party
Join the Silent Book Club for a silent reading party. After 90 minutes of reading silently, you can stay to chat with others about what they're reading.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Lady Haha
Lady Haha is a comedy open mic for women, the LGBTQ+ community and allies to perform in a "supportive and super fun environment."
When: 7 p.m. for sign-ups, 8 p.m. show, Tuesday, Feb. 18
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Rodeo and Parade
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, aka the Tucson rodeo, returns this February for its 100th year. Expect professional events, bull riding, steer wrestling and more. The Tucson Rodeo Parade will be held on Feb. 20.
When: The rodeo will be held Feb. 15-23. The parade is 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.
Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: $20 and up for the rodeo; the parade is free to watch!
Visit the event page for more information.
WIG! A Drag Variety Show
With a goal of inclusivity, queen Iona Hoya is hosting a drag variety show at R Bar featuring the talents of several other queens.
When: 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21
Where: R Bar, 350 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival
The Tucson Peace Center is hosting the 41st annual Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival, a gathering place for "peace, social justice, environmental and labor equity groups." There will be music, food, informational tables and kid-friendly activities.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22
Where: Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Ave.
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, Feb. 22
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Bridal Expo
The Tucson Bridal Expo, hosted by our sister site the Arizona Daily Star, is back for another year. Chat with more than 50 wedding vendors, see a furniture showcase and watch three fashion shows.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, registration required
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, Feb. 28
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
