Tucson definitely takes a breather during Thanksgiving weekend — but there's still plenty to do.
Several markets are on the roster this weekend including three large ones: Made In Tucson, Black Owned Business Festival and the Arts and Crafts Fair at Reid Park. Beyond the shopping, the Shrek Rave is making its way back to Tucson on Friday, the same day a Native American Music and Arts Festival is set to take over Hotel Congress. Some Christmas events also kick off this weekend, like the annual light show at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and snowfall in Trail Dust Town.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest information before heading out!
Classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala performs as part of the Sounds of Summer concert series at the Kirk-Bear Canyon Library.
Native American Music and Arts Festival
The first annual Native American Music and Arts Festival was created by musician Gabriel Ayala as a way to celebrate the cultural impact of Native Americans in Southern Arizona. The afternoon will include food, vendors, artists, Indigenous music and more.
When: 4-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 day of
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.
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair this Thanksgiving Weekend
Get started on your holiday shopping at the fair held in Gene C. Reid Park on Nov. 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 140 vendors from all over the Southwest will be showcasing unique, handmade goods that provide shoppers with a high-quality and diverse selection of items ranging from holiday wreathes, fine jewelry and gourmet dog treats. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local vendors.
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: Now through 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.
Shrek Rave
You might have seen this viral rave on TikTok — the Shrek-themed rave is making its second trek to Tucson.
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $22-$42. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Join the J for Black Friday, Be Well all year long!
Everyone Belongs! Cash in this Black Friday/Cyber Monday and give the gift of wellness this season while SAVING BIG! Join for $0 NOW, plus pay NO dues for the month of November and get a $50 program credit. *restrictions apply, see website for details.
Queer Goth Nite: Black Friday Masquerade
A DJ will spin goth and dark dance jams from both then and now at this queer goth night. You'll also find a pop-up with jewelry, tarot and more. Black attire is encouraged and don't forget your masquerade mask.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: The Royal Room, 450 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
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.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 24-26
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.
Holiday-Themed Planetarium Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau Science Center is showing three holiday-themed planetarium shows this weekend, all of which can also be viewed on select days throughout December.
When: Various times on Friday-Saturday, Nov. 24-25
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Varies based on show. $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for kids ages 3-15 for some; $18.95 for laser shows and admission to science exhibits.
Visit the event page for more information.
Brewin at the Chul
Tohono Chul is hosting its second-ever fall series at its Garden Bistro! There will be music, spirits, brews and bites.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 24-25
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte
Cost: Pricing varies based on menu items ordered. The gardens will be closed during these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
Community members join FUGA on the last Friday or second Sunday of every month to ride for safer streets and to promote accessibility and mobility in their communities.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Enchanted Snowfall
Looking to enjoy a snowy evening? Head to La Encantada to see snow flurries, all while sipping hot chocolate and enjoying live entertainment.
When: Thursdays-Saturdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 23. Snowfall is 6-6:15 p.m. and 6:45-7 p.m. Entertainment is 6:15-6:45 p.m. and 7-7:45 p.m.
Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Festive Fridays
Trail Dust Town is hosting six Fridays of holiday festivities. Enjoy snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides and a Christmas-themed stunt show.
When: 4-8 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 29
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides
Visit the event page for more information.
The Hoppy Vine's 1-Year Anniversary
Beer and wine bar The Hoppy Vine is celebrating its first birthday. Celebrate with food, prizes and live music from three musicians.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: The Hoppy Vine, 12125 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
The Cirque Roots Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Watch now: El Jefe Cat Lounge is home to around 30 cats. Find the lounge at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe during these three events including trivia, yoga and bingo.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 for trivia; 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 for bingo.
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $15 for trivia, adults only; $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations are required.
Visit the event page for more information.
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 this weekend. More than 50 businesses will be at the festival, ranging from bakers to candlemakers. Also expect food trucks and live music at Hotel Congress.
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.
Small Business Saturday at Four Arrows Garden
Four Arrows Garden in Vail is hosting a day of Small Business Saturday festivities including plant sales, shopping from local artisans, mini photo shoots, free succulents for kids and free ice cream.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Four Arrows Garden, 13499 E. Success Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Marketplace
Desert Artisans' Gallery is celebrating Small Business Saturday with a holiday market that includes paintings, jewelry, ornaments and novelties.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Desert Artisans' Gallery, 6536 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Small Business Saturday at Space Monkey Comics
Local vendors will be popping up at Space Monkey Comics for Small Business Saturday. Find comics and related items from the vendors, plus sales inside the store.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 for vendors; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 24-25 for sales in the store.
Where: Space Monkey Comics, 7431 E. 22nd St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Cultures of Tucson Family Funday
The Presidio and Fort Lowell museums are hosting a Family Funday featuring crafts like alebrijes, corn husk dolls and Chinese dragons — all to celebrate Tucson's many cultures.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: Fort Lowell Museum, 2900 N. Craycroft Road
Cost: Free to attend, donations appreciated
Visit the event page for more information.
The Emo Night Tour
This emo dance party features the sounds of Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25
Where: The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave.
Cost: $15 in advance, $21 day of. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Trunk Show at The National Parks Store
Head to The National Parks Store for a two-day trunk show featuring Oaxacan wood carvings by artist Agustin Cruz Prudencio. Purchase his artwork and enjoy demonstrations throughout the day.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 25-26
Where: The National Parks Store, 12880 N. Vistoso Village Dr.
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 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: 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.
Fine Wines for Felines
Enjoy three tastings of Arizona wines, plus hors’ d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the cats at Pawsitively Cats No-Kill Shelter.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: Arizona Wine Collective, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Cookie Decorating Workshop
Transform five cookies into pieces of art during this workshop at This n' That Creative Studio.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26
Where: This n' That Creative Studio, 1066 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $50. Reserve your spot in advance.
Visit the event page for more information.
