40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend March 7-10 📚🤸‍♀️

Bounce houses, vintage markets and a whole lot of books.

This weekend marks the return of the annual Tucson Festival of Books, complete with hundreds of authors and exhibitors. Funbox, dubbed the world's biggest bounce park, is still in town, and a few vintage markets are also on the roster for the weekend. A Tucson version of Monopoly will also make its debut this weekend with a party hosted by Hotel Congress, plus the Tucson Museum of Art has pay-what-you-wish admission on Sunday.

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

Desert Survivors Plant Sale

During Desert Survivors' three plant sales throughout the year, all of their inventory is discounted. Members get 20% off, while the general public gets 10% off.

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. now through Saturday, March 9

Where: Desert Survivors Native Plant Nursery, 1020 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for plants

Visit the event page for more information.

First Thursday at Tucson Museum of Art

Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every first Thursday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission, gallery activities, live music and a cash bar. This month's event will also feature aura photo readings and food from You Sly Dog, Butter Lover and Sin Fronteras Coffee. 

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 7

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

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information. 

Don't miss the 2024 Tucson Festival of Books!

Head to the Tucson Festival of Books on the University of Arizona Campus on March 9-10, 2024. Meet best-selling authors, explore interactive fun in Science City, stroll the midway packed with booksellers and local food vendors. Admission is FREE! You’ll find it all at the Tucson Festival of Books. Where words and imagination come to life!

Odyssey Live Storytelling

Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "legacy." This is Odyssey's 20th anniversary show!

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7

Where: The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15

Visit the event page for more information.

Safe Shift Store 3-Day Sale

The Safe Shift estate store, which helps raise funds for firefighters and first responders through the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, opens its doors for three days each month. Past items for sale have included furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books and more.

When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 7-9

Where: Safe Shift, 2801 E. Grant Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Arizona Theatre Company presents "Master Class," March 2-23

The Tony-winning play "Master Class" tells the story of opera diva Maria Callas. Based on a series of real-life classes delivered at Julliard, "Master Class" carves a window into the soul of one of the most complicated and celebrated artists of the 20th century. Get your tickets today!

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 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.

Last year, Your United Way of Tucson gave away 213,650 books to under-served children — for many of these families, they were the first and only children's books in their home.

United Way needs your help to continue supporting schools and reach even more children. United Way of Tucson is dedicated to improving educational and life outcomes for children, youth and young adults by advancing equity and excellence in education. Learn more here.

Retro Rescue Vintage Market

Shop vintage items curated by the Humane Society of Southern Arizona's thrift store, alongside food trucks, live music and adoption specials for senior pets.

When: 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 635 W. Roger Road

Cost: $10 on March 8; free and open to the public on March 9

Visit the event page for more information.

Mr. Nature's Tunes & Tots

Children's musician Mr. Nature is hosting an interactive music hour to promote positive social interaction through music and storytelling. This class is best suited for infants to kids ages 6 years old. 

When: 11 a.m. to noon Friday, March 8

Where: Movement Culture, 2512 E. Sixth St.

Cost: $20; $10 for siblings

Visit the event page for more information.

The Southern Arizona Home Show Returns to the Convention Center

Three days only to shop, compare and save with hundreds of local, trusted home experts in kitchens and baths, flooring, windows, décor and more. This is the ideal place to find great deals, new ideas and practical advice to jump start your next home project. Learn more here!

Spring Bonanza at Trail Dust Town

Every Friday in March, Trail Dust Town will host Spring Bonanza, complete with discounted amusement rides, a kids' play area, a scavenger hunt and stunt shows. 

When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays in March

Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides, food and drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Desert Bluegrass Festival

This music festival has been ongoing since the early 2000s, hosted by The Desert Bluegrass Association. There will also be a kids zone with crafts and games, plus food vendors, workshops and jam sessions. 

When: Friday-Sunday, March 8-10

Where: Gladden Farms Community Park, 12205 N. Tangerine Farms Road

Cost: Free to attend on Friday; $25 each day Saturday-Sunday or $40 for a two-day pass. 

Visit the event page for more information.

Tasting History: Cardoon

Learn about the origins behind cardoon plants and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations are part of the fun.

When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, March 8-9

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

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-Saturday, March 8-9

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

Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

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 "Kung Fu Panda."

When: 7 p.m. Fridays

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.

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.

Plant Swap

Head to the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space for a plant swap, plus enter a raffle to benefit the Pima Animal Care Center. 

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring plants to swap

Visit the event page for more information.

Egg Hop Hunt

Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting an egg hunt with crafts, games, face painting and other activities. 

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Monopoly: Tucson Edition

A licensed Tucson version of the popular Monopoly board game will be unveiled this Saturday. Hotel Congress is hosting the launch party with contests, prizes, music and food, plus they'll be painting temporary life-size Monopoly squares on the plaza. 

When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Hotel Congres, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson

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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, March 9

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, March 9

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, March 9

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, a bike swap, 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, March 9

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Spirit Birds Exhibition

Multimedia artist Julia Hechtman's exhibit dubbed "Spirit Birds" features a growing collection of hand-built ceramic birds. The exhibit will be on display through April 19, but an artist reception takes place this Saturday.

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Mudroom Gallery, 102 W. Washington St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Living History Day: Tucson's Irish Connection

Learn about Tucson's Irish connection during this event at the Presidio Museum. Expect live music, lectures, demonstrations on things like blacksmithing and soldier drills, and an early St. Patrick's Day celebration with green horchata and displays.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9

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.

Growing Fresh Herbs at Harlow Gardens

Harlow Gardens will teach you the basics of herb gardening in Tucson.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.

Cost: Free to attend 

Visit the event page for more information.

Funbox

Dubbed the world's biggest bounce park, Funbox is currently in town with its 25,000 square feet of jumping zones and 10 play areas.

When: Weekends through April 7

Where: Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $19-$28

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.

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.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend's tours include Pioneer Women of Main Avenue and the Turquoise Trail. 

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 9 for Pioneer Women; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 for Turquoise Trail

Where: Café a la C’art, 150 N. Main Ave., for Pioneer Women; Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave., for Turquoise Trail.

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!

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, March 9

Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $25

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.

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, March 9

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

Cost: $15, cash or Venmo

Visit the event page for more information.

Fruit Cocktail Lounge

Head downtown for an LGBTQ+ cocktail party and social at The Century Room at Hotel Congress! Enjoy cocktails, small plates and entertainment. 

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.

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.

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 Ballet Rincon's Youth Ensemble. 

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10

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

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information. 

Garden Habitats and Bee House Workshop

Build a habitat in your garden with the help of Pima County Master Gardeners! You'll learn about pollinator plants, techniques to create habitats and build a bee house. 

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Pima County Master Gardeners, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information. 

Sunday Vibe & Sip

This event happens every second Sunday at Hotel McCoy, featuring local vendors, music, games and giveaways.

When: 3-8 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

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

Visit the event page for more information. 

Tote Bag Painting Day

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company has new desert-themed tote bags that you get to color! The brewery will have all the supplies, including fabric paint and markers.

When: 1-6 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: Pueblo Vida Brewing Co., 115 E. Broadway

Cost: $15

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 cat yoga and cat bingo.

When: 10-11 a.m. Sunday, March 10 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, March 10 for bingo.

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

Cost: $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required.

Visit the event page for more information.