Tucson Folk Festival

A band performs during the Tucson Folk Festival in 2022.

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 Playwrights’ 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, β€œThe Radical History of Enrika la Quarta,” 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 Cafe’s 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 Women’s 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 Children’s 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.


Our coverage on things to do is supported by Children's Museum Tucson:

Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s 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.


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