It's officially that time of year, Tucson. The massive gem and mineral showcase is back in town.Β
The gem show kicks off this week with its dozens of shows across the city. Also happening this weekend: a handful of cat-themed events, a fine art festival at La Encantada, a comedy show that pays homage to TV game shows and a yard sale tucked into a local bar.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
The marquee shines over the holiday decorated windows outside The Screening Room in downtown Tucson, 2014.
Tucson Fringe Festival
This 12th annual performing arts festival is back for another year, featuring more than two dozen shows. The festival is said to be unjuried and uncensored to ensure inclusivity.Β
When:Β Now through Jan. 28
Where:Β Several downtown venues, plus virtual performances
Cost:Β $25 for two shows, $55 for five shows
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson International Jewish Film Festival
Now through Jan. 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:Β Now through Jan. 31
Where:Β Several locationsΒ
Cost:Β $12 per film, $60 for six films
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
ATC presentsΒ βIntimate Apparelβ Jan. 20-Feb. 10
TheΒ Arizona Theatre CompanyΒ presents the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lynn Nottageβs play βIntimate Apparel.β 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.Β Get tickets now!
Night at the Museum: Minis & Sip
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is pairing miniatures with wine! Alongside wine and small snacks, you'll get to create your own mini bar cart.
When:Β 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25
Where:Β The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures,Β 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.
Cost:Β $40. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
"Friends" Trivia at Caps & Corks
Test your knowledge in all things "Friends" during this trivia night at Caps & Corks, hosted by beertender PJ.
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25
Where:Β Caps & Corks, 3830 W. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Arizona Opera presents: The Barber of Seville at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Feb. 3-4.
Love, mistaken identity and humor are woven throughoutΒ The Barber of Seville, Rossiniβs comic opera masterpiece. Performed in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles,Β The Barber of SevilleΒ is considered one of the greatest opera buffa of all time, maintaining its popularity for over 200 years.Β Get tickets now!
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.
Free Mead Tasting at Westbound
Westbound is hosting a free tasting of locally-produced mead from BrillΓ© Mead Company this Thursday.Β
When:Β 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25
Where:Β Westbound,Β 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Join the conversation about Community and Care at TMA on Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Kick-off theΒ Tucson Museum of Artβs celebration of its Centennial with a conversation aboutΒ Caretaking: Preserving Collections, Communities and CreativityΒ to explore the ways in which institutions, artists and professionals embody the role of caretaker. Presenters, including Rachel Adler (collections manager/registrar), Amber Doe (artist), Alexandra E. Samarron Longorio (assistant professor of practice, nutritional science and wellness), and Feng-Feng Yeh (founder, Chinese Chorizo Project), will share insights on their practice β creative and professional β and the way they enact and provide care.Β Learn more about upcoming TMA lectures here!
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.
"The Office" Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This Friday, test your knowledge on all things "The Office."
When:Β 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26
Where:Β Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall,Β 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
BjΓΆrkΒ Nite at The Royal Room
Celebrate artistΒ BjΓΆrk during this dance night at The Royal Room. Hear your favorite songs, plus remixes, deep cuts and covers.
When:Β 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26
Where:Β The Royal Room,Β 450 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for drinks and snacks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
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 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26
Where:Β El Pueblo Center,Β 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
A pedestrian walks by Surly Wench Pub on March 18, 2020.
'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '90s-themed dance party. Wear your best '90s attire!
When:Β 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26
Where:Β Surly Wench Pub,Β 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 26-27
Where:Β Dante's Fire,Β 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost:Β $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! This weekend, check out sound bath meditation with cats, cat yoga and cat bingo.
When:Β 7-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 for sound bath; 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 for bingo.
Where:Β El Jefe Cat Cafe,Β 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β $25 for sound bath; $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
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:Β Jan. 27-Feb. 11. Some shows start earlier or end later.
Where:Β Various locations across Tucson
Cost:Β Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Painter Jacqueline Chanda is one of the vendors at SAACA's upcoming Fine Art Festival.Β
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
SAACA is hosting a fine art festival at La Encantada, featuring artists selling items that range from mixed media to paintings to sculptures. You'll also find live music and art demonstrations.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where:Β La Encantada Shopping Center,Β 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Retro Game Show Night, an evening of off-the-cuff comedy thatΒ pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist,Β returns with "The Wheel of Misfortune."
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Club Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $19.06. Β This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
A Day at the Alfie
To kick off the gem show, the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum is hosting a day of free admission and guest speakers.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum,Β 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend; arrive early as seats are first come, first served
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Libra & Thorn Astrology Workshop
Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting an astrology workshop where you'll learn about your sun, moon and rising and how they relate to your lifestyle or business.
When:Β 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Libra & Thorn,Β 101 S. Pantano Road
Cost:Β $35
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Plant Vibes
This Saturday, enjoy a plant swap with Plantney, comedy with Lady Haha, vendors, music and drag.
When:Β Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β The Boxyard,Β 238 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Metal FestΒ
The Rialto is hosting Metal Fest as part of its Local Love Presents series. The concert features a local lineup of musicians.
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Rialto Theatre,Β 318 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $5-$8
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Family Funday: A Mystery of History
The Presidio and Fort Lowell museums are hosting a Family Funday where attendees will use clues to solve a mystery.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Fort Lowell Museum,Β 2900 N. Craycroft Road
Cost:Β $3
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Maya Moffett, right, and Madeline Bosshardt browse the jewelry and candle tables while Di Luna Candles and Goods employee Josefina Cortes stamps logos onto shopping bags.
Di Luna Saturdays
Every Saturday, a handful of makers pop up in and around local shop Di Luna Candles + Goods. This Saturday, find vintage clothes, lunchbox-sized cakes, hats, jewelry and crocheted plushies.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Di Luna Candles,Β 3061 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Rose Care and Pruning Class
Harlow Gardens is hosting a demonstration and class about rose pruning and the basics of caring for roses.
When:Β 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Harlow Gardens,Β 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost:Β Free to attendΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Menlo Park Neighborhood Yard Sale
There's a yard sale happening in Menlo Park as a way to raise money for the west-side neighborhood. They're hoping to fundraise for traffic calming, trees and community events.
When:Β 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β 901 and 905 W. Congress St.Β
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shoppingΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Located at the base of Sentinel Peak, Mission Garden, a nonprofit organization, is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, traditional local crops and edible native plants.
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 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where:Β St. Philip's Plaza,Β 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!Β
When:Β 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Northeast of the Udall Pool building at Udall Park,Β 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Β $25
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Jan. 27
Where:Β Tucson Creative Dance Center,Β 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost:Β $15, cash or Venmo
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The White Elephant Rummage Sale
Drop off and shop gently used items during this rummage sale benefitting the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition's space that hosts year-round markets, workshops and other events for the community.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where:Β The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Not Your Grandma's Yard Sale
Shop from 10 vendors, plus grab pastries from baker Carbs and Coffee and drink specials from The Royal Room. You'll find clothing for adults and kids, home decor, art, music equipment and more.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where:Β The Royal Room,Β 450 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Cat yoga with Hermitage Shelter
It's time for another round of yoga with cats at the Hermitage Cat Shelter. Bring your own mat!Β
When:Β 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where:Β Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary,Β 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost:Β $25, RSVP in advance
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Shana Oseran spearheaded the idea of opening a jazz club called the Century Room inside Hotel Congress' former Copper Hall.
Tucson Folk Fest Presents: Songwriter Roundtable
Each month, the folks behind the annual Tucson Folk Festival put together a roundtable for song writers, featuring special guests. This month you'll see Ryan David Green, Nancy McCallionΒ and host Eric Schaffer.
When:Β 3:30-5:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where:Β The Century Room,Β 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $10-$15. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Dive Bar Art Market at Mr. Head's
Mr. Head's is hosting an art market this Sunday, featuring vendors selling jewelry, stickers, magnets, prints and wearables.
When:Β 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where:Β Mr. Head's, 513 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
January Jazz with Hermitage Shelter
The Susan Artemis Jazz Duo will be performing in Hermitage Cat Shelter's garden. Enjoy refreshments and tours of the space to learn more about the shelter.
When:Β 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where:Β Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary,Β 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
