After staying indoors and away from the heat for much of summer, festival season has arrived with a bang.
Fall and winter in Tucson marks the return of beloved events — Winterhaven, the Tamal Festival and all the artisan markets you can imagine.
Here's a big list of festivals, markets and other larger-scale events happening through January. We'll update this list as more events pop up.
Some of the cutting boards and risers from “La Vida. Taprūt.” made by local designer Emily White, who will be at TMA's upcoming market.
Fall Artisans Market
Get your holiday shopping started at Tucson Museum of Art's Fall Artisans Market, which is set to feature more than 100 artists bringing their pottery, glasswork, jewelry and other artwork to the market space. The museum will have pay-what-you-wish admission during the market!
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 17-18; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Self Love Market
More than 15 local artists will be part of the upcoming Self Love Market with items that range from candles to macrame. Beyond the vendors, the event will feature yoga, speakers, food and sound healing.
When: 2-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17
Where: Catalyst in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Native American Arts Fair
Find ceramics, basketry, beads, clothing and more artwork from Native American artists. Some artists will also demonstrate their crafts during this fair.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations appreciated
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Festival in the Park
Tucson Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Cigna, is hosting the 16th annual Family Festival in the Park where you'll find games, prizes, crafts, inflatables, demonstrations and food. There will also be free swimming at Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center and $1 admission to Reid Park Zoo.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Reid Park, 22nd Street and Country Club Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food. Reid Park Zoo will have $1 admission.
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Haze Market
Desert Haze is set to feature a lineup of about a dozen vendors who curate vintage clothing. There will be live music, too!
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Local Magick Market
The Ninth House is putting together a mini market featuring needle crafts, essential oils, plants, curiosities, jewelry, glasswork and more.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: The Ninth House, 2563 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Sampson Sinquah of the drum group Wild Medicine and the 2022 World Hoop Dance Champion, performs at the dedication of the mural painted by Lucinda Y. Hinojos "La Morena," Kayla Bellerose, and Jay Lopez, at Southwest Native Trading Post on Nov. 28.
Southwest Native Craft Market
About 10 vendors will be part of this craft market hosted by Native Music Coalition. You'll also find music, hoop dancers and food.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Southwest Native Trading Post, 301 W. Ajo Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers. 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. Saturdays and Sundays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
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.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this four-day market.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. This is a monthly market.
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Foothills Community Markets
Visit this market at the Foothills Mall for items made by a variety of artisans, from jewelry to yard art to crochet.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; closed Dec. 30 and Jan. 6.
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the website for more information.
Wyatt Masseth skates with his girlfriend, Amanda Mooney, at the ice rink outside the Tucson Convention Center in 2021.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Ring in the holiday season at Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.
When: Nov. 19-Jan. 7
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Annual Harvest Fest at Rillito Park
Heirloom Farmers Markets host a market at Rillito Park every Sunday, but this Sunday's market will be extra special. It's the second annual Harvest Fest, set to feature educational presentations from local farmers, more than 90 food vendors, a demonstration from a chef and live music.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19
Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
First Avenue Flea
There's a new antique market in town — and it's indoors! The inaugural market takes place this Sunday, featuring antiques and vintage items.
When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. This flea takes place every third Sunday.
Where: 3239 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
El Tour de Tucson
El Tour de Tucson is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, bringing riders from around the globe to cycle the perimeter of the Old Pueblo. Ride day happens Nov. 18, but there's an expo and fiesta Nov. 16-18 with vendors.
When: Saturday, Nov. 18 is ride day. The expo is noon to 9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Nov. 16-17 and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.
Where: The expo is held at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $15-$300 to ride. Expo is free to attend, bring money for shopping and food.
Visit the event page for more information.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be luminaria displays, 1 million twinkling lights and dancing sculptures among the gardens' six themed light areas.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, Nov. 24 through Jan. 7
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $20-$50 for adults and $18-$45 for kids, depending on the day.
Visit the event page for more information.
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Old Tucson is hosting a holiday experience that will highlight "the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson" with live shows, interactive experiences and period costumes.
When: Fridays-Sundays Nov. 24-Dec. 24, plus Dec. 14 and Dec. 20-21
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Randiesia Fletcher talks about the stories behind her paintings at her Living2Portraits booth during Blax Friday's Soul Food Wednesday at the MSA Annex.
Black Owned Business Festival
Blax Friday, a local organization with a directory of Black-owned businesses throughout Arizona, is hosting its second Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival in November. Last year, the festival featured 60 vendors, food trucks and live entertainment.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: MLK Lot, 55 N. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Arts & Crafts Fair in Reid Park
This Arts & Crafts Fair held by Tucson Parks and Recreation boasts more than 140 vendors from the Southwest typically including painters, jewelers, photographers and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 25-26
Where: Reid Park, 920 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The biannual Made In Tucson market happens in spring and fall.
Made in Tucson Market
The Made in Tucson Market featured around 300 makers at its last market in March. Although the vendor list is TBA, the market supports local artists and in the past has featured items like paper goods, clothing, jewelry, home decor and photography.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: Seventh Street west of Fourth Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Loom Holiday Market
Loom Market is part of the Southwest Folklife Alliance, who puts on Tucson Meet Yourself each year. The market will feature Indigenous, African American and Mexican American heritage-based artists with jewelry, paintings, pottery and more. There will be live music and a silent auction as part of the event.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1
Where: Historic Pima County Courthouse courtyard, 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
18th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival
This festival celebrating all things tamales is back for another year at Casino Del Sol. Attendees will enjoy a tamale contest, live entertainment, and food and artisan vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Hundreds gather at the Marana Civic Center to get up close to the lighted Christmas tree during the Marana Holiday Festival in 2021.
Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Ring in the holiday season at Marana's holiday festival and Christmas tree lighting. Snap a photo with Santa, order food from one of 30 food vendors, watch live performances, shop from artisans, plus enjoy lots of kid-friendly activities like crafts, train rides and inflatables. At 6 p.m. Marana will light their 40-foot Christmas tree.
When: 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting
Check out more than 100 Southern Arizona artists at this two-day festival, all while enjoying performances, food trucks, art activities and the lighting of Oro Valley's 35-foot tree alongside carolers and a parade.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. The tree lighting is 6 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2023
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is almost here! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2-23; Dec. 26-30; Jan. 2-7
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $13 for general admission; $8 for kids ages 2-14. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy or an unwrapped children's toy and receive $1 off admission.
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Walk through a wonderland of lights at Tohono Chul, set to also include live entertainment.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, plus Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16. Member-only night is Dec. 1!
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Tickets are not yet on sale but last year they were $20 for adults, $6 for kids.
Visit the event page for more information.
Makers Market at The Tuxon
Local maker Lilith & Daughters puts together this seasonal makers market at The Tuxon. Expect more than 70 vendors across two days (around 35 each day), selling bath oils, jewelry, baked goods, stickers, plushies, ceramics and more.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes is a group with a goal: helping other minority-owned small businesses thrive through frequent artisan markets. You can typically find food, candles, jewelry and more.
When: Saturdays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16. This market typically happens twice a month.
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Vegan Night Market
The third Vegan Night Market is happening on Dec. 2, hosted by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie. Expect 36 vendors with everything from cakes and tortillas to pizza and hot dogs.
When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Owls Club, 236 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food. This event is family-friendly in the courtyard, though it's ages 21 and up inside the bar.
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Festival Car Show and Tree Lighting
Forty Niner Country Club is hosting a car show and tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Also expect games, inflatables, face painting, photos with Santa and a petting zoo. Bring an unwrapped toy as part of a donation drive!
When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 for the car show; 3-6 p.m. for the festival. The tree lighting is at 6 p.m.
Where: Forty Niner Country Club, 12000 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Winterfest in Sahuarita
Shop from a vendor market, watch a light parade, tree-lighting ceremony and ice sculpting, order a bite to eat from food trucks, and more at Winterfest in Sahuarita.
When: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Winter Garden Bazaar
Sixteen local makers will be part of this upcoming bazaar in Barrio Santa Rosa where you'll find handcrafted journals, leather accessories, baked goods and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3
Where: 115 W. 20th St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Medella Vina Antique and Vintage Fair
Once a month, Medella Vina Ranch hosts an antique fair where you can shop vintage items from more than 100 vendors, plus take a break at an onsite food truck.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month
Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Tianguis in South Tucson
This market from Alianza Indigena sin Fronteras is slated to feature 20 Indigenous and South Tucson vendors, selling items like handmade soap, apparel, resin creations, food and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3
Where: South Tucson City Hall, 1591 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Chanukah at Downtown Tucson
Celebrate Chanukah at the 40th annual lighting of what's dubbed Tucson's tallest Menorah. In addition to the lighting, there will be music, crafts and treats.
When: 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Startup Tucson Downtown Holiday Market
Shop from local makers at Startup Tucson's upcoming mini market, all while mingling with fellow entrepreneurs.
When: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: FORGE at Roy Place, 44 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Mary Huggins takes a look at copper wind sculptures before purchasing one at the Brighten Your Life Creations tent during the Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair on March 24, 2023.
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
The biannual Fourth Avenue Street Fair is back this December! Shop from more than 350 artists, plus eat all the food of your dreams and listen to live music.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Along North Fourth Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Marana Christmas Express
The Marana Pumpkin Patch will be transformed for the holidays and turned into the family-friendly Christmas Express. Check out train rides, farm animals, jumping pillows, a super slide and more. Santa will be there too!
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 8-23. Closed Dec. 24.
Where: Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
A Happy Hive Holiday Market
Shop from 50 local makers and creatives at the upcoming Happy Hive market. Beyond the market, you can get tickets for a charcuterie boat or a gingerbread house workshop.
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: Forty Niner Country Club, 12000 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for more than 70 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 9. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 9-25
Where: Winterhaven neighborhood; north of Fort Lowell Road and south of Prince Road, west of Country Club Road and east of Tucson Boulevard.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Anime Wonder Festival
This two-day festival celebrates anime and Japanese culture through vendors, food, car displays, cosplay, music and more.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
2nd Saturdays
Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When: 5-10 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month
Where: Downtown Tucson along East Congress Street
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
The Northwest Chanukah Festival
Chabad of Oro Valley is putting together a Chanukah celebration with music, free latkes and doughnuts, Jewish art, crafts, inflatables, cookie decorating, challah braiding and a menorah lighting.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 11695 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 45 vendors selling antique and vintage items at the Mercado Flea.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May.
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Mercado Holiday Bazaar
The annual Holiday Bazaar in the Mercado District is set to feature more than 60 local artists and collectors.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 15-16; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17.
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The 25th annual Parade of Lights in downtown Tucson on Nov. 30, 2019.
Downtown Parade of Lights
Back for its 29th year, the Downtown Parade of Lights will snake through the Armory Park area this holiday season. Last year's parade had more than 30 floats and 1,000 participants. Before the parade starts, a festival will take place at 4 p.m. with food trucks, vendors and music.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Festival begins at Armory Park at 4 p.m.
Where: Armory Park area, see the route here.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The Winter Queer Bazaar
This event typically happens a couple times a year, hosted by Tucson Hop Shop. Vendor list TBA!
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Zoppé Family Circus
Zoppé Family Circus, featuring Nino the Clown and a cast of seven generations of Zoppés, makes its way back to Tucson this winter. Expect acrobatic acts, a trapeze artist, a ringmaster and more. The circus has been a January tradition in Tucson since 2011.
When: Jan. 5-21
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Tickets are not yet on sale, but last year's tickets were $25 for general admission, $45 for ringside.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Trades
Indoor market Tucson Trades made its debut last summer and they're doin' it again this winter. Around 100 vendors are set to be at the market.
When: Saturday, Jan. 6
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
SAVOR Food and Wine Festival
SAACA hosts this annual festival in celebration of Southern Arizona's culinary arts. Walk the Tucson Botanical Gardens for tastings from more than 50 of our region's chefs, wineries, breweries and restaurants.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $115
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: Jan. 27-Feb. 11
Where: Various locations across Tucson
Cost: Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
SAACA is hosting a fine art festival at La Encantada, featuring artists selling items that range from mixed media to paintings to sculptures. You'll also find live music and art demonstrations.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
