January in Tucson means the circus is in town.
You can also catch the last weekend of the light show at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and a dog-friendly festival in Armory Park. The Tucson Fringe Festival and the Tucson Desert Song Festival also make their return this weekend.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A couple takes a stroll among more than 3,000 luminarias in Wanderland at the Tucson Botanical Gardens on Dec. 5, 2021.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where there are luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $23 and up, depending on the day
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson J International Film Festival
From Jan. 8-19, dozens of films will be screened at locations in Tucson as part of the Tucson Jewish Community Center's film fest. Most films will also be available to screen virtually.
When: Now through Jan. 19
Where: Several locations
Cost: $60 for six films, $120 for all films
Visit the event page for more information.
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Odyssey Live Storytelling
Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "safe space."
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9
Where: The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St.
Cost: $12
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Fringe Festival
This 13th annual performing arts festival is back for another year, featuring more than two dozen shows of various art types. The festival is said to be unjuried and uncensored to ensure inclusivity.
When: Jan. 9-12
Where: In person at two venues (on the University of Arizona campus) and offered virtually
Cost: $25 for two shows, $55 for five shows
Visit the event page for more information.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this market.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 9-11; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
We're hosting our third annual market featuring 100+ local vendors 🎉
#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! :)
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.
Art Cart with Caroline Martin
Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 at Korean Rose; noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at Chela's
Where: Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway; Chela's, 256 E. Congress St.
Cost: Crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15
Visit the event page for more information.
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 and more. The circus has been a January tradition in Tucson since 2011.
When: Jan. 10-26
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $25 for general admission, $40 for ringside
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Desert Song Festival commissioned a work from composing great John Corigliano for violin great Joshua Bell and his wife, lyric soprano Larisa Martinez.
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: Jan. 10-Feb. 28; April 1-19
Where: Several locations
Cost: Varies
Visit the event page for more information.
Paint your Pet
Dog ice cream shop Cones For Bones is collaborating with Tipsy Picassos for a workshop where you'll have the chance to paint a watercolor portrait of your pet.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: The Eddy Hotel, 4626 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $50
Visit the event page for more information.
Broadway Rave
This traveling rave is basically a big musical theater dance party "celebrating the best of Broadway."
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Tasting History: Olives
Learn about the origins behind olives and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Tastings are part of the fun.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 10-11
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Weekend Events at Yume
Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson has two events on the calendar this week. Come Friday, learn the art of doll-making with a lecture and demonstration. On Saturday, attend a bento-making workshop.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 for doll-making; noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 for bento-making
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $20 for adults, $5 for kids ages 3-15 for doll-making; $30 for bento-making. Advance ticket registration is required for both.
Visit the event page for more information.
Carnitas Los Reyes' Anniversary Party
Food truck Carnitas Los Reyes is hosting its third anniversary with discounts and live music.
When: 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: Carnitas Los Reyes, 5050 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
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 in all things "Blade Runner."
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where: Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. most Fridays and all Saturdays in January
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Bark in the Barrio
Pima Animal Care Center is hosting its third annual Bark in the Barrio featuring adoptable dogs from several organizations and rescues. You'll also find pet vendors, food trucks and games.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Armory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
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, an art installation on the lake, a Chinese lion dance and food trucks.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
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.
Remembering Thomas "Tiger" Ziegler
For 60 years, Tom "Tiger" Ziegler was the crier, laugher and counselor at Tucson's Hotel Congress. The iconic Tap Room bartender died Dec. 21 at age 91. Hotel Congress is hosting a celebration of life this Saturday. Bring a story or picture to share of Tiger!
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Urgent Care Art: Still OK
Urgent Care Art is hosting its first of three art shows on Jan. 11, an initiative to bring work by underrepresented artists to unconventional spaces. You'll see paintings projected through small drill holes in a door, in addition to ethereal piñatas outside the century-old OK Market building.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: OK Market, 600 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Parents watch their children ride in the wagon-themed Ferris wheel at Trail Dust Town on Dec. 29, 2023.
Second Saturdays Family Fest
The Play District is hosting a free family-friendly event at Trail Dust Town, slated to feature music from Mr. Nature, bilingual story time and more.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
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!
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Country Fest
191 Toole is hosting Country Fest as part of its Local Love Presents series. The concert features a local lineup of musicians.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
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.
Tucson Royal Princess Ball
Kids can attend this royal ball to meet with princesses, enjoy performances, stories and games, and learn some ballroom dance moves. The event is geared toward kids ages 3-7.
When: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 7060 S. Tucson Blvd.
Cost: $20-$30
Visit the event page for more information.
Meet the Artists
Warm Shape is gathering together all of the shop's artists for a meet-and-greet! Chat with all the makers who make Warm Shape possible.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Warm Shape in the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Weekend Workshops at Colliope Co
Local shop and art space Colliope Co has two workshops coming up this weekend. The first, on Saturday, is with Monsoon Mystics where you'll create an intentional potpourri simmer pot. On Sunday, you'll have the chance to create a 2025 vision board.
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 for simmer pot; 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 for vision board
Where: Colliope Co, 2706 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: $25 for simmer pot; $35 for vision board
Visit the event page for more information.
Fourth Avenue Clean-up
The Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition is putting together a community clean-up to help spruce up Fourth Avenue.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, supplies will be provided
Visit the event page for more information.
Living History Day
Get a look inside the jobs people had in the 18th and 19th centuries. While you're there, expect traditional Spanish music, blacksmiths, musket drills and displays.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-13
Visit the event page for more information.
Creative Cafecito
Amiga Print.co, Chappopin Cafe and Comida del Barrio are collaborating for this custom cup workshop. You'll get to design your own cup all while munching on burritos and sipping coffee.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Comida del Barrio, 405 W. 32nd St.
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with these classes!
When: 10 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25; 10 a.m. Sundays, Jan. 12 and Jan. 26
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road, on Saturday dates; and Silverbell Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road, on Sunday dates
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitty Yoga
Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting yoga with cats!
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $20, this event is for ages 10 and up
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: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
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.
Book Swap
The Fourth Avenue Coalition is partnering with the Pima County Library for a book swap. You don't have to bring anything to take home a book!
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring books to swap
Visit the event page for more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 50 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.
Auguste Rodin’s Adam stands on the lowest level of the Tucson Museum of Art, in one of several galleries utilizing underground space in 2021.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making, a self-help zine workshop and a performance from School of Rock Tucson.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Nogales Taco Tour
Borderlandia's upcoming tour will take you through Nogales, Mexico to try tacos from 3-4 spots along a two-mile walking route.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: Nogales, Mexico
Cost: $100
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. There are three tours on the calendar for Sunday: Armory Park, Barrio Viejo and Death After Dark.
When: Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo.
When: 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $14, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
