Free museum days, an Earth Day festival, live music and outdoor movies β you don't have to break the bank to enjoy localΒ events in Tucson.
Here are 48 events that are free to attend this April.
The idea behind the New Play Festival is to give audiences a chance to experience a play before it actually hits the stage. Actors perform readings of the new works over two weekends.
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.
Antigona 3.0Β
Catch a showing of "Antigona 3.0," by Borderlands Theater Ensemble and Jesus I. Valles, at theΒ Scoundrel & Scamp Theater. The production is described as a "postcolonial dark comedy that takes an irreverent look at the American Theatre, the US-Mexico border and the generational trauma that has plagued us all."
When:Β Now through April 14; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays
Where:Β Scoundrel & Scamp Theater,Β 738 N. Fifth Ave.
Cost:Β $30 in advance, $35 at the door; a limited number of free tickets are available
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Art Corner with BICAS
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:Β 3-6 p.m. Thursdays
Where:Β BICAS,Β 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, donation suggestedΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
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
Shakesqueer Theater will perform its first musical, βThe Radical History of Enrika la Quarta,β this weekend.
"The Radical History of Enrika la Quarta" by Shakesqueer Theater
Shakesqueer Theater has staged five shows since forming in 2017. Their sixth show, which ends this weekend, is their first musical.Β The troupe uses the Bard's "Henry IV" as a template for "The Radical History of Enrika la Quarta," which takes place in the early days of the Spanish Revolution of the late 1930s.Β
When:Β 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 5-6
Where:Β Blacklidge Community Collective,Β 101 E. Ventura St.
Cost:Β $10-$20 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
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
Town of Oro Valley 50th Anniversary Parade
Celebrate Oro Valley's 50th birthday with a parade! Watch as floats, performers and community groups rally to celebrate Oro Valley.Β
When:Β 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Near Iron Ridge High School,Β 2475 W. Naranja Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend
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.
Art in the GardensΒ
The Palo Verde Neighborhood is hosting their second annual Art in the Gardens event, where you can explore more than 10 gardens and shop from dozens of local artists. Food trucks Under Pressure and You Sly Dog will be there!
When:Β 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Catalina High School student parking lot is a good starting point,Β 3645 E. Pima St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Four Arrows Garden Anniversary CelebrationΒ
Four Arrows Garden is celebrating its first birthday with a party set to include family-friendly activities, live music, a book signing, food and giveaways.
When:Β 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Four Arrow Gardens,Β 13499 E. Success Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for plants and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Sebastian Duenas, 10, checks his programed lights on his hiking stick before modeling his outfit, "Change Altitude," during MakeFashion Edu's photoshoot at Hollinger K-8 School, 150 E. Ajo Way, in Tucson, Ariz. on March 26, 2022.
MakeFashion Edu Tucson Runway and Gallery
Local students in grades 1-8 have crafted light-up fashion designs that will tell a story on the runway. The young designers will chat about their designs after the show.
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β MSA Annex,Β 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Movie on the Lawn
Watch a free outdoor screening of "Back to the Future Part II" at the Oro Valley Community Center this weekend.
When:Β 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center,Β 10555 N.Β La CaΓ±ada Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Outdoor Screening of "Smoke Signals"
Catch an outdoor screening of "Smoke Signals," presented by San Xavier Co-Op Farm and The Loft Cinema.
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β San Xavier Co-Op Farm,Β 8100 Oidak Wog
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring your own seating
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.
First Saturday ArtWalk
The Warehouse Arts Management OrganizationΒ is hosting its First Saturday ArtWalk this weekend, where you can walk through several local galleries and artist studios.
When:Β 5-8 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β See the mapΒ here
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Beer + Bikes
This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a ride back to Button Brew House.
When:Β 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Β Button Brew House,Β 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for brewsΒ
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,Β 3482 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Outdoor Screening of "Dolores"
Catch an outdoor screening of "Dolores" on the University of Arizona campus, presented by Arizona Institute for Resilience and The Loft Cinema.
When:Β 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10
Where:Β Highland Bowl,Β 1224 E. Lowell St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring your own seating
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, a tour of Native Seeds/SEARCH, demonstrations, a film screening 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.
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 4 p.m. 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.Β
When:Β Noon on Saturday, April 13
Where:Β James D. Kriegh Park,Β 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
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,Β 330 S. Scott Ave., for workshops and readings; Talega Coffee Co.,Β 236 S. Scott Ave., for open mic.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Outdoor Screening of "Barbie"
Bring your own seating to this outdoor screening of "Barbie" in Iron Horse Park, presented by The Loft Cinema andΒ UA students ofΒ TLS 355 Community Events Planning.
When:Β 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where:Β Iron Horse Park,Β 75 N. First Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!Β
When:Β 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Community members gather at one of Tucson Repair Cafeβs free monthly repair events. The organization hopes to reduce waste in our community by fixing items instead of throwing them away.
Tucson Repair Cafe
Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.
When:Β 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where:Β Xerocraft Makerspace,Β 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost:Β Free to attend
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. Saturday, April 13
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.
Great Paper Airplane Fly-off
Kids ages 6-14 can compete in the Great Paper Airplane Fly-off by making and throwing their paper airplane to see whose goes the farthest.
When:Β 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Where:Β Pima Air & Space Museum,Β 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, registration required
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Mission Garden Mural Unveiling
Artists Maxie Adler and Paul "Nox" Pablo worked with the Boys and Girls Club to create two new murals inspired by their visits to Mission Garden. Watch as the murals are unveiled, plus hear from the muralists themselves.
When:Β 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Diana Madaras Legacy Collection
Artist Diana Madaras is releasing a nine-painting collection that celebrates her 25-year-long artistic journey. Come April 13, you can meet Madaras in person and hear about her inspiration behind the work.Β
When:Β 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where:Β Madaras Gallery,Β 3035 N. Swan Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Second SundAZe at TMAΒ
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy art-making, bilingual story time, gallery activities, family yoga and a performance byΒ Arizona Womenβs Chorus.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Β Sunday, April 14
Where:Β Tucson Museum of Art,Β 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost:Β Pay what you wish
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
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,Β 3800 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Agave Heritage Festival is a four-day event hosted by Hotel Congress that celebrates the agave plant.
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.
Outdoor Screening of "Planes"
Enjoy an outdoor screening of Disney's "Planes." Two food vendors will be onsite!
When:Β 6:45-8:45 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Ora Mae Harn Park,Β 13250 N. Lon Adams Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Movie at the Ranch
Watch a free outdoor screening of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" at Steam Pump Ranch this month.Β
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Steam Pump Ranch,Β 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Miku Matsuri
This Hatsune Miku-themed anime event organized by Kira Kira Collectibles is set to feature vendors, a cosplay contest, performances and more activities throughout the day.
When:Β 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Park Place Mall,Β 5870 E. Broadway
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Laser Fun Day
The Student Optics Chapter at the University of Arizona is hosting a free community event dubbed Laser Fun Day where attendees will be able to tour the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and watch science demonstrations relating to optics.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Wyant College of Optical Sciences,Β 1630 E. University Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Kids CreateΒ
Head to the University of Arizona Poetry Center for a day of workshops, music and activities for kids up to age 10.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β University of Arizona Poetry Center,Β 1508 E. Helen St.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden
Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.
When:Β 8-10 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn aboutΒ rain gardens and planting native edible plants.Β
When:Β 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Β Watershed Management Group,Β 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
STEAM Sunday
Kids ages 2-8 years old can enjoy a day of hands-on STEAM activities at the Tucson J.
When:Β 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 21
Where:Β Tucson Jewish Community Center,Β 3800 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.
Free Thursdays at MOCA
The art museum is open late with free admission, plus food, drinks and KXCI DJs spinning tunes at this party.
When:Β 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 25
Where:Β Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson,Β 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 8:15 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where:Β Sky Bar,Β 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichΒ advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.Β
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where:Β El Pueblo Center,Β 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Children's Day Festival
This festival presented by Arizona Bilingual Newspaper includes free admission to Childrenβs Museum Tucson, live entertainment and food.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 2 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.
Heritage Seed Swap at Mission Garden
Mission Garden is joining forces with Pima County Public Library's Seed Library for a seed swap. Donate your own seeds, especially if they're heirloom seeds grown in the area, and swap them for something new-to-you.
When:Β 8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 27
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Archaeology Day at Mission Garden
Kids can learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.
When:Β 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 27
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Childrenβs Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TCΒ has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,Β teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean?Β Click hereΒ to learn more.
