There are a lot of reasons to love spring. Wildflowers are blooming, it's the perfect weather to dine on your favorite restaurant patio and events are in full swing.
From annual favorites like the Pima County Fair and Agave Heritage Festival to newcomers like the Tanque Verde Market andΒ Pueblos del MaΓz, we are so excited for all the markets and festivals this spring.
Mark your calendars, y'all. Spring festival season has arrived.
Safe Shift Store 3-Day Sale
The Safe Shift estate store, which helps raise funds for firefighters and first responders through the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, opens its doors for three days each month. Past items for sale have included furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books and more.
When:Β 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, April 4-6 and May 2-4
Where:Β Safe Shift,Β 2801 E. Grant Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Old Pueblo Playwrightsβ New Play Festival
Nearly a dozen playwrights will present readings of original works during this festival hosted by Old Pueblo Playwrights, who have been hosting the showcase for three decades.
When:Β April 4-7; April 12-14
Where:Β St. Francis in the Foothills,Β 4625 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
A band performs during the Tucson Folk Festival in 2022.
Tucson Folk Festival
The annual Tucson Folk Festival features more than 150 live performances across six stages. Headliners include Lisa Morales Band, Steve Poltz, Leslie Mendelson, Baba Marimba and more.
When:Β Friday-Sunday, April 5-7
Where:Β Downtown Tucson
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Family Fun Fair
SAYF Pima County is hosting a family-friendly festival at Reid Park! You'll find jumping castles, face painting, games, crafts, food, music, raffles and free booster seats.
When:Β 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Reid Park,Β 900 S. Randolph Way
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Wine Gone Wild
Enjoy tastings from regional wineries and distilleries while supporting animals at Reid Park Zoo. Admission to the event includes 10 tasting tickets, food samplings, live music, wine glass painting, a spa zone and animal encounters.
When:Β 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Reid Park Zoo,Β 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost:Β $65; $30 for designated drivers
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Tanque Verde Market was started by Michelle Bullock, who hopes to create community on Tucsonβs east side.
Tanque Verde Market
This market brings local creatives to the east side! Find more than 60 vendors offering pottery, home decor, skin-care products, plants, clothing and more.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Forty Niner Country Club,Β 12000 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Spring Fling Market
The third annual Spring Fling Market is taking place in the Casas Adobes Plaza, where you'll find more than 20 vendors, a craft workshop, live music and free bouquets if you make a $50 purchase at a plaza shop, restaurant or service the day of the event.
When:Β 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Casas Adobes Plaza, 7001 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Touch-A-Truck
Junior League of Tucson is hosting a family-friendly event where kids will be able to touch, climb and explore vehicles. Last year's lineup included firetrucks, police cars, a school bus, a USPS truck and construction equipment. There will also be crafts and food trucks.
When:Β 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6. 9:30-10:30 a.m. is dubbed a quiet hour, without horns and bright lights.
Where:Β Kino Sports Complex,Β 2500 E. Ajo Way
Cost:Β $5
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Native Seeds/SEARCH 40th Anniversary Celebration
Help local nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH celebrate 40 years of seed conservation with a bash that includes tours of the center, seed-saving activities, live music, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and items for sale.
When:Β 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Native Seeds/SEARCH,Β 3584 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, RSVP required
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Children's Entrepreneur Market
The Children's Entrepreneur Market is a farmers market run entirely by kids, hosting events in several states to teach youth about the power of innovation and leadership. You'll shop from kids who decide what to sell, create their own booth, handle money and talk with customers.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β 324 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Fiesta SahuaritaΒ
Celebrate 30 years of Sahuarita with more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, a kids' area, giveaways and more.Β
When:Β 2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Anamax Park,Β 17501 S. Camino de las Quintas, Sahuarita
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where:Β St. Philip's Plaza,Β 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Nuestro Tianguis Tucson
Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Flowers & Bullets' Midtown Farm for a swap meet featuring vendors, food and music.Β
When:Β 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and SundaysΒ
Where:Β Midtown Farm,Β 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Β Saturdays
Where:Β Foothills Mall,Β 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The biannual Made In Tucson market happens in spring and fall.
Made In Tucson Market
The biannual Made In Tucson Market will feature upwards of 300 local makers selling items like soaps, baked goods, glasswork, stickers, jewelry and other artwork. Food trucks are also part of the fun.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7
Where:Β Seventh Street west of Fourth Avenue
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Woofstock
The Tucson Dog Magazine is hosting a doggie celebration dubbed Woofstock, set to feature adoptable pets, dog costume contests, games for the pups, and vaccination and microchipping clinics. For the humans, enjoy live music, food trucks and a kids' zone.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7
Where:Β Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month
Where:Β Medella Vina Ranch,Β 4450 S. Houghton Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Pueblos del MaΓz
This festival celebrates the cultural and agricultural significance of maΓz. Events include a chef's dinner, live music, demonstrations, a film screening, a tour of Native Seeds/SEARCH and a free fiesta.Β
When:Β April 11-14
Where:Β Various locationsΒ
Cost:Β Various prices, many events are free!
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this four-day market.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Β Thursday-Saturday, April 11-13; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where:Β Gather A Vintage Market,Β 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Bear Down Music Festival
The inaugural Bear Down Music Festival, which replaces the UA's Spring Fling, will feature musicians Coin, Redveil, Desert Child and The Hawthorne Experience. There will also be interactive mural painting, food trucks, photo booths, rides and inflatables, face painting, henna art, airbrush tattoos and a drink tent.
When:Β Friday, April 12
Where:Β University of Arizona Mall
Cost:Β Free to attend; $7 for a wristband that gets you full access to rides and a non-alcoholic beverage
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Oro Valley 50th Anniversary Community Celebration
Celebrate Oro Valley's birthday! Enjoy all-day festivities that include live entertainment, crafts, games, inflatables and food trucks. A fireworks show ends the night at 9:30 p.m. (P.S. β On April 6, Oro Valley will host a parade in celebration of its 50th anniversary.)
When:Β Noon on Saturday, April 13
Where:Β James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Desert Haze Market
Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress. Expect about 15 vendors and live music!
When:Β 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where:Β Hotel Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
2nd Saturdays
Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When:Β 5-10 p.m. Saturdays, April 13 and May 11
Where:Β Downtown Tucson alongΒ East Congress Street
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Poetry Festival
Celebrate National Poetry Month at the 41st Tucson Poetry Festival. Events include poetry workshops, readings and an open mic.
When:Β April 13-14
Where:Β Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., for workshops and readings; Talega Coffee Co., 236 S. Scott Ave., for open mic.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Spring Arts Fest
Hosted by SAACA and the Tucson J, this festival is set to include live music and dance, an art exhibition, ceramic demonstrations, art vendors, sculpture garden tours, crafts, face painting, food and more.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where:Β Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 45 vendors selling antique and vintage items at the Mercado Flea.Β
When:Β 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May
Where:Β Mercado District,Β 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Arizona International Film Festival
The 32nd Arizona International Film Festival will feature more than 125 independent and innovative films from around the world. Throughout its years, this festival has exhibited more than 3,300 films representing 100 countries.
When:Β April 17-28
Where:Β The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St., and the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β TBA
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
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 Wiz Khalifa, Chevelle, Tesla, Sublime with Rome and more.
When:Β April 18-28
Where:Β Pima County Fairgrounds,Β 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost:Β General admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-10. Parking is $8. Visit theΒ websiteΒ for info on wristbands, bundles and other promotions.
VisitΒ theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Agave Heritage Festival returns with tastings, dinners and conversations with experts on all things agave.
Agave Heritage Festival
Celebrate agave at this festival that's "rooted in the historical and cultural significance of the agave plant," organizers say. The festival features dinners, lectures, concerts, a mezcal crawl and a fiesta.Β
When:Β April 18-21
Where:Β Various locations
Cost:Β Various prices, some events are free!
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Earth Day Festival
Celebrate Earth Day by learning about recycling, composting, gardening and nature at this festival hosted by Children's Museum Tucson. See exhibits from wildlife groups and enjoy kid-friendly activities.
When:Β 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
Head over to this art festival to see metalwork, clothing, paintings and more fine art. The festival will also feature live art demonstrations and music.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where:Β La Encantada Shopping Center,Β 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Pima County Master Gardeners plant sale
Mark your calendars! Previous Pima County Master Gardeners plant sales have included potted plants, fruit and veggie starts, native grasses, desert plants, cacti and succulents.Β
When:Β 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Pima County Cooperative Extension Gardens,Β 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Zine Fest
Tucson Zine Fest is a celebration of self publishers creating zines, comics and other printed art.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Subspace,Β 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Sonoran Cannabis Expo
This cannabis celebration is set to feature local vendors, samplings, live music, food and networking opportunities.Β
When:Β 2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β $30. This event is for ages 21 and up
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Four Twenty Mercado and Taco CompetitionΒ
Button Brew House is hosting its inaugural taco competition. Meanwhile, The Happy Hive Market will host a mercado featuring Southwest-focused or 4/20-friendly vendors and a doggie costume contest.
When:Β Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost:Β Free to attend the mercado, bring money for shopping, drinks and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Dirty T Market
Every third Saturday of the month, local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo hosts a monthly market featuring vendors, food trucks and games.
When:Β 4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Dirty T Tamarindo,Β 1211 W. St Marys Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Randiesia Fletcher talks about the stories behind her paintings at her Living2Portraits booth during Blax Fridayβs Soul Food Wednesday in 2021.
Soul Food Wednesday
Visit Blax Friday's Soul Food Wednesday to support local Black-owned businesses and food vendors.
When:Β 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, April 24Β
Where:Β Playground Bar and Lounge,Β 278 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Children's Day Festival
This festival presented by Arizona Bilingual Newspaper includes free admission to Childrenβs Museum Tucson, live entertainment and food.
When:Β 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Makers Market at The Tuxon
While the vendor list isn't up yet, this market created by Lilith & Daughters typically features more than 40 local makers with items like candles, photography, stickers, baked goods and more.
When:Β Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where:Β The Tuxon,Β 960 S. Freeway
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Las Mujeres VerdesΒ Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes is back! These markets usually feature 30-40 local makers selling items that include food, apparel, jewelry and more.Β
When:Β 5-9 p.m. Saturdays, April 27, May 18
Where:Β Coalition Space,Β 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Vendor Rowdy Society is set up at The Happy Hive Market at Button Brew House in Marana.
The Happy Hive Market
Head to Button Brew House for The Happy Hive Market, complete with local makers, beer and food. Stay tuned for the vendor list!
When:Β Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where:Β Button Brew House,Β 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
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 folklΓ³rico."
When:Β May 1-5
Where:Β Various locations
Cost:Β Various prices
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Baja Beer Festival
Head to the eighth annual Baja Beer Festival to sample beers from Arizona breweries, plus food from area chefs.
When:Β Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where:Β Armory Park,Β 220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost:Β $45-$65, or $15 for designated drivers. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
