Somehow, some way, Tucson's first 90-degree day of the year might happen this week. Before the eventual triple-digit heat creeps in, now's the time to get outside.
Pueblos del Maíz kicks off this week with a slew of events including a free fiesta. The first-ever Bear Down Music Festival takes over the University of Arizona Mall on Friday, featuring a lineup of music, carnival rides and food trucks. Come Saturday, Oro Valley celebrates its 50th birthday with a big bash, Tucson Audubon Society is hosting a plant fest and Flandrau is organizing a Taylor Swift-themed laser show.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Pictured is Native Seeds/SEARCH’s conservation center.
Pueblos del Maíz
This festival celebrates the cultural and agricultural significance of maíz. Events include a chef's dinner, live music, demonstrations, a film screening, a tour of Native Seeds/SEARCH and a free fiesta.
When: April 11-14
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various prices, many events are free!
Visit the event page for more information.
Flowers & Bullets Fundraiser
This concert benefits grassroots collective Flowers & Bullets, which connects sustainability and art to underserved communities. Enjoy performances by Desert Child, Orchadia and Bush League.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Next week at Casino Del Sol: Selena Tribute with Emily Flores
Thursday, April 18! A first-class and uplifting celebration of the “Queen of Cumbia” Selena Quintanilla. Emily Flores has been able to capture the spirit of the beautiful singer who inspired her fans and youth throughout the Latino community. The tribute is a must-see performance and is reminiscent of why fans hold the memory of Selena dear to their heart.
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. Thursday-Saturday, April 11-13; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Antigona 3.0
Catch a showing of "Antigona 3.0," by Borderlands Theater Ensemble and Jesus I. Valles, at the 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: Thursday-Sunday, April 11-14
Where: Scoundrel & Scamp Theater, 738 N. Fifth Ave.
Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door; a limited number of free tickets are available
Visit the event page for more information.
Arizona Opera presents Don Giovanni April 27-28 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Mozart’s Don Giovanni, regarded by many as one of the greatest operas of all time, tells the centuries-old story of the libertine Don Juan, performed in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles. Get your tickets here!
A Western Experience at Old Tucson
Old Tucson has returned to its roots with "A Western Experience." There will be live stunt shows, old-fashioned games, historical tours, rides and a petting zoo.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May 5, plus other select dates through May 12
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12.
Visit the event page 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.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Don’t miss out on Pima County Fair pre-sale discounts! 🎡
The Pima County Fair is coming to town, featuring funky food, carnival rides and music from artists like Wiz Khalifa and Sublime with Rome. Now through April 17, buy 10 games or rides for only $20. Get your tickets now at pimacountyfair.com.
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: 3-6 p.m. Thursdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page 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: 4 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: University of Arizona Mall
Cost: Free to attend; $7 for a wristband that gets you full access to rides and a non-alcoholic beverage
Visit the event page for more information.
From STEM to theater, find more than 100 summer camps in our database
From coding to circus camps, #ThisIsTucson's 2024 Summer Camp Guide is filled with more than 100 camps — and more being added every day. You'll find camps about upcycled crafts, sewing projects, sports, musical theater, capoeira and more. Our guide lists prices, times, dates and all the nitty-gritty details you need to know like whether or not lunch is offered. Click here!
Bidi Bidi Banda Final Tour
Attend the farewell tour of Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, who hails from Texas.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 day of. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
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: April 12-14
Where: St. Francis in the Foothills, 4625 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
"The Monty Tale of King Arthur" at Valley of the Moon
Tucson fantasy park Valley of the Moon is bringing King Arthur's story to life. The park says to expect "zany humor, social satire and cartoonish violence" in the April shows.
When: Shows begin every 30 minutes from 6-8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, now through April 28
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7-17
Visit the event page for more information.
Local Love Presents
Enjoy a lineup of local music at 191 Toole during the venue's Local Love series.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 12
Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $5-$8. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Jazz under the Stars at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Garden Bistro on Friday and Saturday nights through May 11 for cocktails, brews and bites, all while listening to local jazz.
When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through May 11
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Libra & Thorn Workshops
Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting a slew of workshops and events this month, including two this weekend: a sound bath and a class about interpreting tarot through art.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 12 for sound bath; 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13 for tarot
Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $25 for sound bath; $35 for tarot class
Visit the event page for more information.
Kids run in the road as floats throw a variety of snacks, toys, and bubbles during the Oro Valley 50th anniversary parade, West Naranja Drive, Tucson, Ariz., April 6, 2024.
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.
When: Noon on Saturday, April 13
Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Spring Native Plant Fest
This plant sale hosted by Tucson Audubon Society will feature native trees, shrubs, grasses, vines and more. Activities are also part of the fun, including face painting, a plant walk, story time and bee box building.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13. The sale opens for members on April 12.
Where: Tucson Audubon's Mason Center, 3835 W. Hardy Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page 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: April 13-14
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., for workshops and readings; Talega Coffee Co., 236 S. Scott Ave., for open mic.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page 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 and UA students of TLS 355 Community Events Planning.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Iron Horse Park, 75 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Dragoon Brewing Company, 1859 W. Grant Road.
Dragoon Brewing's 12th Anniversary
Dragoon Brewing Co. is celebrating its 12th birthday with new beer collabs, music, food trucks and a mini market featuring up to 20 vendors.
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Dragoon Brewing Co., 1859 W. Grant Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Biodiversity Party 2024
Search for and document wild animals at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum during this biodiversity party! The party also includes live music, guided talks and walks and the chance to meet with local organizations.
When: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 13
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: Included with museum admission, $24.95 for Arizona residents, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. Every adult ticket purchased will come with free admission for one child.
Visit the event page or 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!
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Repair Cafe
Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
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. Saturday, April 13
Where: Downtown Tucson along East Congress Street
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, demonstrations led by Archaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Visitors check out Flandrau’s science exhibits during one of the planetarium’s Laser Light Music Nights.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau is hosting two laser shows this weekend, one paired with the hits of Lady Gaga and one for Taylor Swift.
When: Saturday, April 13; 8 p.m. for Lady Gaga, 9:30 p.m. for Taylor Swift
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $18.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit the event page for more information.
Flow for the Soul
In-Rave is hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors, food trucks and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10
Visit the event page 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: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend, registration required
Visit the event page 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: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page 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.
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Silent Adventures
Silent disco meets flash mob with Silent Adventures! Put on your headphones and dance your way through downtown Tucson.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
The Rialto Theatre sign lights up downtown Tucson while cars drive down East Congress Street by The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., in Tucson, Ariz. on December 20th, 2019.
Metal Fest
The Rialto is hosting Metal Fest as part of its Local Love Presents series. The concert features a local lineup of musicians.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $5-$8
Visit the event page for more information.
Living History Day: Horticulture in the Southwest
Enjoy a day of activities at the Presidio Museum, including an escape room, blacksmith demonstrations, tortilla samplings and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-13
Visit the event page for more information.
Bulletproof Plants
During this discussion at Harlow Gardens, you'll learn about 10 tough plants that thrive in Tucson's desert landscape.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 13
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Floor & Decor Market by Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank
Local nonprofit Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank is setting up a twice-a-month market at Floor & Decor on Tucson's east side. Find vendors, food trucks, produce and live music. A portion of your purchases goes toward the Southern Arizona Food Bank.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday
Where: Floor & Decor, 7025 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page 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.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page 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: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Cricut Classes at Crafty Flamingo Studio
Get access to a Cricut machine and make your own custom crafts at this art studio. Cricut classes take place every Saturday where you'll learn everything from basics to special techniques.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Crafty Flamingo Studio, 6061 E. Broadway
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Among this weekend's tours: the Turquoise Trail downtown, murals and wine, Court Street Cemetery and Barrio Viejo.
When: Various times on Saturday-Sunday, April 13-14
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30. The tour with the wine tasting is $60. Pre-registration is required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class!
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Customers shop at the Mercado Flea, held on the second Sunday of each month through May.
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.
Second SundAZe at TMA
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 by Arizona Women’s Chorus.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page 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: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
GABA Rio Nuevo Bike Swap
Rio Nuevo and the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association are partnering up for their biannual bike swap where you can purchase used bikes, parts and clothing.
When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitten Shower
You've heard of baby showers, but what about kitten showers? Before kitten season hits, Southern Arizona Cat Rescue is organizing a kitten shower with food, games and a raffle. Of course, kittens will be part of the fun.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: MotoSonora Brewing Company, 1015 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Wildflower & Creosote Bundle Workshop
Head to groovy maker shop Arizona Poppy where you'll get to bundle together wildflowers and creosote. Display it as decor or hang it in your shower to get an early monsoon scent.
When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Arizona Poppy, 150 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
April Swim + Sip
Swimmers of all ages can take a dip in the pool at the Tucson J. Aquatics staff will work on freestyle breathing with the adults, youth ages 5-18 will participate in swim programming assessments and kiddos ages 4-5 will learn about water safety.
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
'Assemblage' Opening Reception
A new exhibit featuring seven artists opened last weekend at Oracle's Triangle L Ranch. Though "Assemblage" runs through June 1, an opening reception is happening this Sunday. The exhibit includes artwork made by grouping together found or unrelated objects.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: Triangle L Ranch, 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Road, Oracle
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! Come Sunday, the cafe will be hosting cat bingo.
When: 6-7 p.m. Sunday, April 14
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $14, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.
