'Tis the season for one of Tucson's largest events of the year β the gem show.
More than 50 shows are part of this year's showcase. While some haven't made their 2025 debut quite yet, others are already set up and ready for business.
Beyond the gem show, this weekend includes the return of the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, a market featuring unusual vendors and a couple pop punk dance parties.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
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The cashier at Kaia Sparks Designs helps a customer while buyers browse the selection of sterling silver gemstone jewelry and other handicrafts available during the 22nd Street Gem Show on Jan. 30, 2024.
Tucson, Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
The giant Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is back for yet another winter season, bringing people from allover the world to shop the dozens of shows spread out across the city. Find jewelry, rocks, fossils and more.
When: Now through Feb. 16
Where: Various locations across Tucson
Cost: Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Partner Drawing Workshop with Linus
Local artist Linus Schief is hosting a drawing workshop with a twist. You'll have the chance to draw your partner without ever looking down at the paper!
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30
Where: Whiskey Del Bac, 2106 N. Forbes Blvd.
Cost: $45 per pair, includes one drink per person
Visit the event page for more information.
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Watch Blues in the Night, a musical celebration of the blues and its influence on American music πΆ
This toe-tapping revue weaves the stories of three women and one man as they navigate love, heartbreak and rebirth. Set in 1930s Chicago, this emotionally uplifting story features 26 of the hottest torch numbers by blues and jazz icons. Come and celebrate a uniquely American music genre on this powerful and uplifting journey through the hearts of four of the countryβs best crooners, a live band and a soundtrack by an array of Americaβs greatest composers.
Pueblo Vida Coloring Day
On the last Thursday of every month, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company hosts Coloring Day! Visit the brewery to color Pueblo Vida-themed coloring pages with crayons, colored pencils and watercolors.
When: 3-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30
Where: Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, 115 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
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.
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Meet America's largest capybara herd!
Visit Ghost Ranch Exotics for a one-of-a-kind encounter with the largest group of capybaras in the USA. Book your exclusive tour today and create unforgettable memories!
Znora Fest
Local band Znora's first full-length album will be released during a party at the Rialto, featuring a lineup of local musicians.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $5-$8
Visit the event page for more information.
Tohono Oβodham Nation Rodeo and Fair - Oβodham Wapkial Ha-TasΜ£
For the first time in the 86 years that the Tohono O'odham Nation has held its annual rodeo and fair, admission will be free to the public. Expect rodeo competitions, carnival rides, a basketball tournament, food vendors and more.
When: Friday, Jan. 31-Sunday, Feb. 2
Where: Eugene P. Tashquinth Sr. Livestock Complex, AZ-86, Sells
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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We're hosting our third annual market featuring 100+ local vendors π
#ThisIsTucson is putting together an outdoor artisan market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 along Fifth Avenue near Congress Street. You'll find handmade and curated items including earrings, baked goods, soaps, stickers, macrame, photography and more. Save the date! More details TBA soon! :)
Pop Punk and Emo Night
If you miss Warped Tour, this emo night might be up your alley.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31
Where: Corbett's, 340 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Learn about the sky with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association!
When: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31
Where: Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Cost: Free to attend, park entrance fees may apply
Visit the event page for more information.
The Unuzual Market
Shop all things strange and unusual from 30 vendors. You'll find apparel, jewelry and oddities.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: $1 cash for entry, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Lee Lee's Lunar New Year Celebration
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center's Lion Dance Troupe is performing at Lee Lee International Supermarkets' Lunar New Year party.
When: Noon on Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Lee Lee International Supermarkets, 1990 W. Orange Grove Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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Kat Rodriguez plays with Chloe during the grand opening of Hunterβs Kitten Lounge. The lounge showcases cats available for adoption.
Movie Night with Cats
Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting a movie night! Watch "The Aristocats" alongside adoptable cats.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $25, includes a drink and candy
Visit the event page for more information.
A Day at the Alfie
For the third year, the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum is hosting A Day at the Alfie, an all-day event kicking off gem show season. Admission is free all day and attendees will find presentations featuring guest speakers.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Free First Saturday
Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday. Expect campfire songs, marshmallows and hot cocoa.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
First Saturday ArtWalk
The Warehouse Arts Management Organization is hosting its First Saturday ArtWalk this weekend, where you can walk through several local galleries and artist studios.
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: See the map here
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
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The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making a visit to Tucson this weekend.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is rollin' into Tucson with its adorable Sanrio merch and treats.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Saturday Movies in the Woods
Woods Memorial Library is screening "Maleficent" with free popcorn!
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Chocolate Factory Tour
If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," this might be your dream come true. Though not as extravagant as Willy Wonka's facility, take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to learn how the chocolate is made.
When: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe. On the calendar this weekend: a comedy show with Lady Haha and bingo!
When: 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 for comedy; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $18 for comedy show, ages 21 and up; $14 for bingo, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
Save Our Saguaros Month Kickoff Day
Help pull the invasive buffelgrass on "A" Mountain this Saturday to kick off Save Our Saguaros Month. Gloves, shovels and digging bars will be provided.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: "A" Mountain's lower parking lot, 1001 S. Sentinel Peak Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau is hosting laser shows paired to the music of Radiohead, Tool and Pink Floyd.
When: Saturday, Feb. 1; 6:30 p.m. for Radiohead, 8 p.m. for Tool, 9:30 p.m. for Pink Floyd
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit the event page for more information.
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Arizona Opera is bringing three staged operas to Tucson in the 2024-25 season including Pucciniβs βLa BohΓ©meβ in February.
La BohΓ©me
Arizona Opera could have one of its fullest houses since the pandemic on Saturday for its one and only Tucson performance of Puccini's "La BohΓ©me."
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $45-$215
Visit the event page 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: Noon on Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for brews
Visit the event page for more information.
Jazzercise Community Intro Class
Jazzercise Tucson Fitness Center is hosting a free one-hour community intro class that includes cardio dance and sculpting.
When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Jazzercise, 6336 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, registration required
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend, you can get a mural tour! One of the tours features a wine tasting.
When: Saturday, Feb. 1; 9 a.m. without wine tasting, 1 p.m. with wine tasting
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $35 without wine; $65 with wine
Visit the event page for more information.
Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Dance Party
Join this indie party for a night of dancing to a DJ mixing Tame Impala, MGMT, Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit, Dayglow and more.
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $19. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Presidio Painting
The Presidio Museum is hosting a watercolor workshop led by artist John Gates.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $60
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Desert Song Festival
Tucson Desert Song Festival returns with big names in the operatic and art song world. The festival has two parts, one that runs through the end of February and the second that picks up in April.
When: Now through Feb. 28; April 1-19
Where: Several locations
Cost: Varies
Visit the event page for more information.
BICAS Crafternoons
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: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
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-Sundays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with these classes!
When: 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 1-2
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road, on Saturday; and Silverbell Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road, on Sunday
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Medella Vina Antique and Vintage Fair
Once a month, Medella Vina Ranch hosts an antique fair where you can shop vintage items from more than 100 vendors, plus take a break at an onsite food truck.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month
Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.