Though March 20 is the first official day of spring, it's long felt like spring in Tucson.
Enjoy the spring weather during weekend events like the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, a wine celebration at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, an astronomy festival, a dog-friendly event dubbed Woofstock, an art mart hosted by BICAS and a two-day air show at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.
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, food from Substance Diner and beer from Brick Box Brewery.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, March 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.
Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention
Put on your best Western-style steampunk garb and head over to the Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention, which has taken place since 2011. You'll find entertainment, panels, workshops, games and more.
When: Thursday-Sunday, March 20-23
Where: Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: $50 and up for convention passes for adults
Visit the event page for more information.
The Southern AZ Home Show returns to the Tucson Convention Center March 28-30
For three days only, Southern Arizona’s largest and most comprehensive home show will host more than 200 of the area’s most trusted home improvement professionals, all offering the newest trends and practical advice for almost any home projects, with many of them offering show-only specials and discounts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to shop, compare and save by consulting with these local experts, all in one place!
Pitch a Pal
Say goodbye to dating apps and hello to PowerPoint presentations. Pitch your single friend with the help of a slideshow.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $5 to attend, $10 to pitch a pal. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Taste of the Desert
Wild edibles and native cultivated plants will be the center of a discussion led by naturalist Jack Dash. Learn the historic and current uses for plants all while tasting dishes like palo verde bean edamame and prickly pear agua fresca.
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $60
Visit the event page for more information.
Five-Course Vegan Wine Dinner at The National
Head to new restaurant The National for a five-course vegan dinner with wine pairings. The menu includes items like beet aguachile and mushroom birria relleno.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where: The National, 98 E. Congress St.
Cost: $150
Visit the event page for more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring OnesAll Band. Food trucks will be onsite, as well as various pet agencies. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Songwriters Central
This monthly showcase features eight performers over two sets, all showing off their most recent compositions.
When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where: Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Leo Sameniego, 6, continues his work on building a house in the Imagine It! exhibit, which encourages kids to let their creative imaginations run free.
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 Cart with Caroline Martin
Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts!
When: Various dates for art cart
Where: Various locations for art cart
Cost: Crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15
Visit the event page for more information.
Dama Reynoso works the La Meno booth, selling earrings, bracelets and more during the 55th annual Spring Fourth Avenue Street fair on March 22, 2024.
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
The biannual Fourth Avenue Street Fair is back! Shop from more than 350 artists from around the world, plus eat all the food of your dreams and listen to live music.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 21-22; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Along North Fourth Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Flow for the Soul
In-Rave is hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, March 21
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
This Forest Remembers Fire
In this solo exhibition by University of Arizona student Alexis Joy Hagestad, viewers can walk through a fictional burned forest while watching a video with a fire map and listening to trees in the wind. The exhibit explores the effects of fires throughout the country, while Hagestad also reflects on the death of her grandmother.
When: 4-6 p.m. Friday, March 21 for a reception; exhibit runs through April 18
Where: Lionel Rombach Gallery, 1031 N. Olive Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Patio Party
Bakery by Ren is moving across St. Philip's Plaza to a space near their sister, Ren Coffeehouse. Celebrate the move with a patio party featuring snacks and samples from the bakery, two vendors selling granola and olive oil, and blind portraits with artist Linus Schief.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 21
Where: Bakery by Ren, 4300 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and vendors
Visit the event page for more information.
The March G3
G3 Tucson, the city's gay happy hour group, is hosting their monthly party at Playground. Expect music and specialty cocktails.
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, March 21
Where: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.
Cost: $9, your first drink is included. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
The Moonstone x #ThisIsTucson Happy Hour
#ThisIsTucson curated a spring happy hour menu with The Moonstone featuring discounted items and two brand-new drinks in addition to astrology and tarot readings.
When: 5-7 p.m. Fridays, March 21, April 4, April 18
Where: The Moonstone in Graduate Tucson, 930 E. Second St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and readings
Visit the event page for more information.
A Tribute To Queen
Queen tribute band Killer Queen is making a stop at Tucson's Fox Theatre.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: $20-$65
Visit the event page for more information.
Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This Friday, test your knowledge in all things Dragon Ball Z.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 21
Where: Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.
Visit the event page for more information.
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert featuring Vindaloo Band.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 21
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
WineDown with Wildlife
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is hosting its fifth annual WineDown with Wildlife festival, where attendees can sip on regional wines, enjoy live music and stargaze — all while supporting wildlife.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $35 designated driver tickets, $55 general admission tickets. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Astronomy Festival
It’s almost time for Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association’s annual Tucson Astronomy Festival! Head to Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in the afternoon for solar observing, followed by stargazing after dark. There will be astronomy-themed family-friendly activities and prizes!
When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Organic Gardeners Spring Garden Fair
Shop plants and gardening supplies at this spring plant fair with Tucson Organic Gardeners, where you can also get advice from plant experts about gardening in Tucson. During the fair, shop a $1 cash-only clothing sale benefitting the Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, 1200 W. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Thunderbirds practice their diamond formation in a morning session as they get ready for the weekend's Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona airshow at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz., March 24, 2023.
Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is opening the gates for their free weekend-long air show. Watch aerial displays from headliner the Thunderbirds.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 22-23
Where: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, 3100 S. Craycroft Road
Cost: Free to attend, tickets available for seating and VIP options at $55 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
KXCI Presents: Baila el Pueblo
KXCI is hosting this music festival to showcase the diversity in musical traditions in our area. Both art and food vendors will be onsite.
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $35-$40
Visit the event page for more information.
Button Brew House Taps & Tapas
Taste tapas made by six chefs alongside six 5-ounce Button Brew House beers, then vote for your favorite.
When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
2025 Silver Spike Jubilee
The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary alongside the 1880 arrival of the first train to Tucson. Expect music, a mural dedication and stories from cast members of "Oklahoma," which featured the Locomotive 1673.
When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Guided Haiku Hike
It's time for the sixth annual Haiku Hike, which is a self-guided display of poems throughout Downtown tucson each spring. This Saturday, Tucson's Poet Laureate TC Tolbert will lead a guided stroll of 2025's selected poems.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
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: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Tucson Village Farm, 2201 E. Roger Road
Cost: $65
Visit the event page for more information.
Citrus Social
Four Arrows Garden is hosting Citrus Social where you'll find a variety of citrus trees, information on growing citrus, tasting booths with recipes and a food cart.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Four Arrows Garden, 13499 E. Success Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Rain clouds roll over the Goldfish booth, one of the carny games running on a dark, cold evening at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet in January 2022.
Rock The Swap
Tanque Verde Swap Meet is hosting Rock The Swap, where musicians will be spread across four stages this Saturday. While you're there, expect concession discounts and giveaways.
When: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S. Palo Verde Road
Cost: $2 admission, kids ages 12 and under enter for free
Visit the event page for more information.
The Secret Gardener
Arizona Opera, as part of its season-long Beyond Downtown series, is taking its act outdoors when it brings Mozart's "The Secret Gardener" to Tohono Chul.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte
Cost: $30
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party. Wear your best '90s attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, March 22
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.
Tohono O’odham Utilitarian Vessel Pottery Workshop
Tohono O'odham potter Kathleen Vance will lead this workshop in creating small clay vessels.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 22
Where: 186 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $65
Visit the event page for more information.
Mission Garden is located at the base of “A” Mountain, at 946 W. Mission Lane.
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, March 22
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Di Luna Self Care Workshop
Create your own 9-ounce candle alongside DIY bath salts during this workshop at Di Luna Candles.
When: Noon on Saturday, March 22
Where: Di Luna Candles, 3061 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $50
Visit the event page for more information.
Emo Night Brooklyn
This traveling emo party will bring all your favorite pop-punk and emo songs to The Rock.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave.
Cost: $20. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Backyard Vintage & Bake Sale
Ghost Orchid Vintage and Mellifluous Baking Co. are teaming up for this sale in Barrio Viejo featuring vintage clothing and baked goods.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: 410 W. Rosales St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Painted Garden Aprons
Pima County Master Gardeners are hosting a workshop where you'll paint your own garden apron. While you're there, you'll have the chance to listen to a short talk about garden tool maintenance.
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Pima County Master Gardeners, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $30
Visit the event page for more information.
Workshops at Harlow Gardens
Harlow Gardens is hosting two events this weekend. The first is a make-and-take bouquet workshop, followed by a class with tips about citrus trees.
When: Saturday, March 22; 10 a.m. for bouquet workshop, 2 p.m. for citrus class
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Bouquet workshop is $60; citrus class is free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Public Lecture: From the Factory to the Studio
Enjoy a free historical photo presentation by glass artist and professor Henry Halen, which "traces the demise of the American glass factory to the rise of the American art glass studio."
When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Alice Chaiten Baker Center for Art Education at the Tucson Museum of Art, 166 W. Alameda St.
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. On the calendar this weekend: Public Art & Murals, Barrio Viejo and Death After Dark.
When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
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.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
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-Sundays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22; 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Woofstock
The Tucson Dog Magazine is hosting a doggie celebration dubbed Woofstock, set to feature adoptable pets, dog costume contests and vaccination/microchipping clinics. For the humans, enjoy live music, food trucks and a kids' zone.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Jesus Garcia sells art at the BICAS Art Mart on April 24, 2022.
BICAS Art Mart
Local nonprofit BICAS started this art market in 2021 after art events were canceled during the pandemic. Shop jewelry, prints, crocheted plushies, bicycle-themed art and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Slow Makers Market
Seven vendors will be popping up at Slow Body Beer this Sunday. Expect handcrafted soap, jewelry, ceramics and more.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Slow Body Beer, 831 E. 17th St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Puzzle Race Mini Tournament
Spend your Sunday piecing together a jigsaw puzzle for a chance to win a prize! A non-alcoholic drink for each team member is included, in addition to a shareable snack. You'll also get to take home a 500-piece puzzle.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $20 for a 2-person table; $35 for a 4-person table
Visit the event page for more information.
Blacksmithing Workshop
Tucson Village Farm's blacksmithing program will host this workshop where you'll forge your own garden trowel.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 23
Where: Tucson Village Farm, 2201 E. Roger Road
Cost: $100, this event is for ages 13 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat yoga with Hermitage Shelter
Enjoy a morning of yoga and cats! Bring your own mat and water.
When: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 23
Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost: $25, RSVP in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while enjoying a yoga session or playing bingo.
When: Sunday, March 23; 10 a.m. for yoga, 6 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.
