34 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Jan. 11-14 🔭🎷

After a cold week and a dash of snow, it looks like the weekend is set to bring a little bit of warmth and sunshine to Tucson.

Here's what's going on: the Tucson Jazz Festival kicks off and the Zoppé Circus is back in town. Celebrate Japanese New Year at Yume Japanese Gardens, sing along to all your Bowie favorites at Surly Wench and explore the Tucson Museum of Art for pay-what-you-wish admission.

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

Zoppé Family Circus

Zoppé Family Circus, featuring Nino the Clown and a cast of seven generations of Zoppés, is back in Tucson this winter. Expect acrobatic acts, a trapeze artist, a ringmaster and more. The circus has been a January tradition in Tucson since 2011.

When: Now through Jan. 21

Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: $25 for general admission, $45 for ringside

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.

Unbox a brighter future with Girl Scout Cookies!

The future is sweet, and it's in your hands! Every bite of Girl Scout Cookies is a bite towards real change in our communities and beyond. Unbox the future by supporting your local Girl Scout entrepreneurs.

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.

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, Jan. 11-13; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 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. 

ATC presents “Intimate Apparel” Jan. 20-Feb. 10

The Arizona Theatre Company presents the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lynn Nottage’s play “Intimate Apparel.” The story features a successful seamstress who makes revolutionary undergarments for an array of women, exploring forbidden relationships and clientele that profoundly change her life. Get tickets now!

Tucson International Jewish Film Festival

From Jan. 11-31, dozens of films will be screened as part of the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival. Some films will be screened in person throughout the Tucson area. Others will be available to screen virtually.

When: Jan. 11-31

Where: Several locations 

Cost: $60 for six films, $135 for all films

Visit the event page for more information.

Libra & Thorn Workshops

Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting two workshops this weekend: manifestation candles on Thursday and books of shadows on Saturday.

When: 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 for candles; 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 for book of shadows.

Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road

Cost: $25 for candles; $30 for book of shadows

Visit the event page for more information.

Local Love Series at Hotel McCoy

Celebrating local music and vendors, Hotel McCoy is hosting a free poolside concert with folk musician Jacob Acosta alongside artist Qmulative, who creates Arizona-themed pocket tees.

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Jazz Festival

January in Tucson means jazz. The theme for this year's HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival is "Join the Party." Expect musicians like Arturo Sandoval, Trombone Shorty and Calexico. 

When: Jan. 12-20

Where: Several locations

Cost: Varies. A free fiesta takes place Jan. 15.

Visit the event page for more information.

Tasting History: Herbs

Learn about the origins behind herbs like lemongrass and cilantro and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.

When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 12-13

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Crafting with This n' That Creative Studio

This n' That Creative Studio is hosting two crafty events this Friday. The first, on Friday morning, is a story time event featuring "Be Brave, Little Penguin." After story time is over, kids will get to participate in a craft related to the book. On Friday evening, make a stack of Valentine's Day bracelets.

When: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12 for story time; 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12 for bracelets

Where: This n' That Creative Studio, 1066 S. Pantano Road

Cost: $10 for story time, $35 for bracelets

Visit the event page for more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance. 

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12

Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road

Cost: $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner

Visit the event page for more information.

Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! This weekend's events include sound bath meditation and cat bingo. 

When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12 for sound bath; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 for bingo

Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: $25 for sound bath; $14 for bingo, reservations required 

Visit the event page for more information.

Rockin' Minerals

Shop minerals, fossils and jewelry alongside hands-on geology activities for kids at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 13-14

Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road

Cost: Museum admission is $29.95 for adults ages 13 and up ($24.95 for Arizona and Sonora residents). Kids ages 3-12 get in for $19.95.

Visit the event page for more information.

Japanese New Year Festival 2024

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson. Watch live performances, enjoy Japanese food and see the annual mochitsuki ritual, which is the pounding of rice to make mochi. 

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $18 for adults, $6 for kids. Advanced registration is required.

Visit the event page for more information.

Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival

Experience art in Sahuarita! You'll have the chance to shop local artwork and enjoy interactive art activities, such as a community chalk mural competition. There will also be live music and food trucks.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Bowie Tribute at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting a Bowie tribute this weekend, featuring performers, giveaways and a vendor selling dark jewelry. 

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: $5

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

Visit the event page 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! The star of this week's Art After Dark is KXCI, who will spin playlists created by youth DJs. 

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 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, Jan. 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, Jan. 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, Jan. 13

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Go stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at Agua Caliente Park! The group will have several telescopes available. 

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road

Cost: Free to attend, registration required

Visit the event page for more information.

Di Luna x Barista del Barrio Workshop

Head to Barista del Barrio for a workshop in collaboration with Di Luna Candles where you'll make a 16-inch mosaic saguaro. You'll also get a Barista del Barrio tumbler and a hot chocolate or latte alongside the craft.

When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Barista del Barrio, 1002 N. Grande Ave.

Cost: $60

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: 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 13-20

Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids

Visit the event page for more information.

Three Artist Photography Exhibit

This Saturday marks opening night for Decode Gallery's next exhibit, which features three photo projects. 

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Decode Gallery, 314 S. Convent Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Living History Day

Head to Living History Day at the Presidio Museum to learn about the types of jobs people had in the 18th and 19th centuries. There will be demonstrations like blacksmithing and soldier drills, plus music and tortilla tastings.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 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.

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, Jan. 13

Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.

Cost: $15, cash or Venmo

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. Saturdays and Sundays

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.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market at the Foothills Mall 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. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the website for more information.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend, take a tour of the Turquoise Trail, where you'll see historic buildings and learn Tucson history.

When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.

Cost: $30. Pre-registration is required.

Visit the event page for more information.

Goat yoga

Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park! 

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Northeast of the Udall Pool building at Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $25

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, gallery activities, family yoga and a performance by AZ Peruvian.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information. 

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.

Rodeo Parade Barn Dance at The Maverick

The Tucson Rodeo Parade and Museum is hosting a barn dance fundraiser at The Maverick. Expect live music and dance lessons.

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14

Where: The Maverick, 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door

Visit the event page for more information.

Chez Peachy Bento Cake Workshop

Chez Peachy is known for her colorful lunchbox-size cakes. Come Sunday, she'll teach you how to decorate your own cake to take home. 

When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14

Where: The Monica, 40 E. Congress St.

Cost: $50

Visit the event page for more information.