“An artery of transportation, an agent of social transformation, and a remnant of America’s past, [Route 66] stretches 2,400 miles across two-thirds of the continent.”
Route 66 Centennial – Route 66 turns 100 this year, and there are celebrations all along the iconic highway – some of which are on this List! We’ll also have more for you coming up on the art and local flavor along the so-called “Mother Road!”
U.S. Semiquincentennial – a.k.a. the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence or America250. Branching off of that are initiatives like Vote250, which encourages voter registration, as well as Trails250 and Birding250, which promote spending time outside.
Small group, no-pressure workshop where you’ll learn about embroidery materials, how to get set up, working with patterns or designing your own pieces, and how to backstitch.
Interactive workshops over Zoom that will include both guided exercises within your own space and opportunities to share with the community. Specifically designed for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, these workshops will offer ways to connect to elements of the natural world and feel more grounded when life seems overwhelming.
Free. Registration required.
Tea kettles on exhibit at National Museum of Women in the Arts
March 13 + 27, April 10 + 24, May 8 at 5pm ET online via NMWA
On select Fridays, join National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) educators online for informal 45-minute art chats about a different sampling of artworks from the museum’s collection each time.
A time to honor and celebrate volunteers worldwide, while encouraging volunteerism everywhere. During April, consider what you can do to make a difference in your corner of the world – you never know how far the effects of an act of kindness may ripple out.
Celebration of independently-owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world and the unique culture they create. Many stores will host celebrations and offer exclusive releases.
Images of over 100 panels embroidered by Palestinian women that chronicle the history and culture of Palestine from Neolithic times to the present. Clicking on a panel will give you additional historical context, as well as information about the artist who embroidered it.
“…learn the personal stories of courage, entrepreneurial spirit, and compassion that helped make Southern Arizona what it is today.”
–Exhibition introduction from Tucson Jewish Museum + Holocaust Center
Group photo with Clara and David W. Bloom (third and fourth from left) via Tucson Jewish Museum + Holocaust Center. / Photo credit: Bloom Southwest Jewish Archives
A day designated for painting outdoors in Arizona! Artists of all levels are encouraged to participate in this celebration of art, nature, and community – whether you paint solo or join a planned paint-out.
Share your artwork online, hashtagged #PaintArizonaDay #PAD2026
ANYWHERE: Even though this is an Arizona-focused event, let it inspire you on to try some plein-air painting wherever you are!
Free. There are no registration fees for participating. However, some of the paint-out locations are in State Parks or other locations that charge entry fees.
now – June
S’edav Va’aki Museum (formerly the Pueblo Grande Museum), Phoenix
This expanded presentation offers visitors a renewed opportunity to explore the profound relationships between water, place, and culture in the Southwest.
Multi-faceted exploration of local arts and culture open to the community at hundreds of artist studios, galleries, pop-up spaces and other venues. Meet artists, see and shop for art, and enjoy live performances. While it began and is focused in Phoenix, there are now participating locations around the state.
Free
Pressed Flower Black Glass Frame by Merchantile Market vendor Rue and Willow
March 13 – 15, 9am–5pm Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix
Experience the Emerald Isle through its rich musical traditions. Listen to different genres of Irish music – and try some of the instruments yourself! There will also be crafts, storytelling, dance workshops, and a photo booth.
Included with admission
Quilt by Pat Goss, which was exhibited at Quilt Arizona! 2023
March 20-21 Martin Auto Museum and Event Center, Glendale
Arizona Quilters Guild (ACQ) annual quilt show with many types of quilts on display, including pieced, applique, hand quilted, kit, art, pictorial, and modern. The 2026 theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” because of the semiquincentennial.
$
*Membership Special: Sign up at the Quilt Show as a new AQG Member for $15, and your membership will be covered until June 30!
*Voucher for free under-18 youth admission + accompanying adult admission to the show!
March 28 – 29, 10am-6pm
Heritage Square Park, Phoenix
Annual celebration of the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, which draws a crowd of over 25,000 friends, families, and allies. Enjoy 2 stages filled with entertainment throughout the weekend, and 150 exhibitors and sponsors.
local food trucks / vendors, craft cocktails, live music / performance
Dress for outdoor conditions
Leashed dogs are allowed
event open to the public
Free entry
Mixed Media Gratitude Cards by Kristen Fagan via Kaya Holistic
Learn how to make fun, easy, artsy greeting cards using a variety of techniques such as collaging, composition, and mark making. These little works of art are a great way to express your gratitude and show appreciation! The simple process ensures you will have fun while receiving stress relieving creativity benefits.
Outdoor festival with 40 hours of live performances by local talent in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. There will also be vendors and food trucks.
Lots of nearby free parking.
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but no glass containers or coolers larger than 20 quarts.
Alcohol- and smoke-free event.
Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
No pets.
Bring cash, since not all food trucks and vendors may accept credit cards.
Large gathering of Hopi Katsina carvers, bringing together renowned artists, collectors, and enthusiasts. It’s a unique opportunity to meet talented Hopi carvers, witness carving demonstrations, and enjoy live music.
Katsina dolls hold profound meaning in Hopi culture, representing spiritual messengers and embodying teachings, prayers, and blessings.
in the Steele Auditorium
make-and-takes, demos / workshops, arts and crafts market, artists / artisans will be at their booths
live music / performance, fashion show
food and beverages available for purchase
11 am-4pm: Community Art Gathering. Stamp your own bandana and enjoy fry bread from local vendors.
Explore the Heard Museum’s newest exhibition with Olivia Barney, one of the curators who helped bring it to life. She will give a 30-minute talk to introduce the Wisdom from the Future exhibition, which invited today’s leading Indigenous artists to reflect on the advice, hope, and guidance they would share with their younger selves. The exhibition pairs artworks with deeply personal reflections, revealing stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation.
Tour meets at the Info Desk.
Lead by Olivia Barney (Diné), Heard Museum Collections Coordinator and Curator
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 7pm-9pm
Community Park Amphitheater, Anthem
Held every Friday night in May in the Community Park (41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway), this family-friendly event invites concert-goers to enjoy the diverse sounds of local Arizona bands underneath the Anthem sky.
March 14, 7pm-9pm
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park, Camp Verde
Join the AstroVerde Club at Rockin’ River Ranch for the state park’s first Star Party. Camp Verde is a certified Dark Sky Community, perfect for connecting with the beauty of the night sky!
Meet at Ranch House parking lot
Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and a red light or headlamp if you have one.
The event is weather permitting. Dress for outdoor conditions.
March 17, 7:30pm
Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff
Concert of masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What sets Alash apart is the subtle infusion of certain modern influences into their music. While the overall sound and spirit remain decidedly Tuvan, they have added complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms that that mesh well with their tradition.
Learn about organizations leading efforts to manage and protect natural resources, engage in hands-on activities related to water systems, and survey the macroinvertebrates living in Oak Creek. There will also be food and raffle prizes.
Included with admission.
Up & Coming Boutique + Lounge is just across from Flagstaff’s Heritage Square
March 22, 2pm-5pm
Up & Coming Boutique + Lounge (7 E. Aspen Ave. #6, upstairs), Flagstaff
Sustainable way to acquire new clothing and offload what you no longer need. All the swap items will be laid out on the carpets for people to leave what they no longer want and take what they do want – no limit! Besides what people bring the day of the swap, there will be 4-5 big bins of clothing that will be available from the very beginning of the event.
refreshments provided
Accessibility note: Upstairs in a historic building that may not have an elevator.
March 28, 11am-5pm
Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu City
Beach cleanup, followed by a concert and beer tasting.
11am-2pm: Clean Up. Pick up litter and remove invasive plants. Tools and trash pickers will be supplied by the park, but bring your own gloves, along with plenty of water and sun protection.
2-5pm: Celebrate. Free tastings of a beer specially brewed to celebrate Lake Havasu State Park! The Windsor Beach Blonde ale is the fourth specialty brew in a partnership between Flagstaff brewer Historic Brewing Company and Arizona State Parks. There will also be musical entertainment and a raffle for prizes.
food and beverages available for purchase, beer tastings available
Registration required – volunteer signup form.
All ages event. People under 21 may enjoy soda instead of beer tastings.
Tasting event proceeds benefit the Kids on the Colorado River. 10% of Windsor Beach Blonde beer sales will be donated to Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Free entry. Park fees are waived for all registered cleanup volunteers.
“The majesty of the San Francisco Peaks, the ecological diversity of the Colorado Plateau, and the proximity of the Hopi and Navajo Nations provides an ideal setting to celebrate documentary film.”
April 8 – 12
The Orpheum Theatre, Snow Mountain River, Flagstaff Climbing, and Beaver Street Theatre in Flagstaff
The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival highlights a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking social, environmental, outdoor-adventure, and indigenous films from around the world.
$
“One of bluegrass and Americana’s most dynamic voices.”
April 12 — June 7
Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff
Handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items made from natural fibers such as wool and cotton, including unique textiles, sculptures, and functional pieces. The exhibit invites reflection on the cultural and ecological significance of natural fibers, while celebrating their enduring beauty in the hands of skilled makers.
Annual Earth Day Celebration in Sedona’s red rocks, featuring live wildlife presentations, nature hikes, booths, games, prizes, and kids’ crafts. Community partners share ways to take action to protect our planet!
activities for kids, talks by experts, wildlife presentations, nature hikes
April 24 – 26, 10am-5pm
Sedona and across the Verde Valley
Over 50 Sedona Visual Arts Coalition (SVAC) artists open their studios to the public in this Sedona Chamber of Commerce signature event with attendees from throughout the state and country.
April 30, 9am-5pm Seligman Centennial Park and Old Route 66, Seligman
Celebration of Route 66 Centennial, including time capsule viewing, DJ, vendors, and book signings in the park. In the afternoon, there will be a party on the original Route 66 with a swing band, dancing, food trucks, and Mother Road Brewery beer garden!
May 16, 10am-3pm
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel , Flagstaff, 224 S Kendrick Street
Event honoring 100 years of faith, heritage, and community at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, which was built along historic Route 66 in 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The day will begin with a special Centennial Mass, followed by opening ceremonies led by Indigenous dancers. Guests can enjoy the vibrant sounds of a live Mariachi orchestra, explore cultural exhibits that showcase rich traditions, and take part in guided chapel tours led by a local historian.
Day of festivities in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, which goes right through Flagstaff. There will be live music, hands-on activities, reenactments, a classic car show, interactive streetscape art installations, and a photo booth.
Live performances by Ukulele Club, Rapture in Blue Swing Band, Kyle Benedict Band, and Flagstaff Community Band.
Craft stations for making a Historic Route 66 Association keychain and Lowell Observatory planetary button
Kids activities including balloon animals, face painting, bookmobile with storytelling area, and a Discover Flagstaff coloring station
Axe throwing trailer provided by FlagTag AZ (ages 12+)
now – December La Casa Cordova at Tucson Museum of Art
Chinese grocery store pop-up by the Chinese Chorizo Project. It is inspired by the 100 or more Chinese grocery stores that existed in the Barrios of downtown Tucson and functioned as centers for community from the 1870s to 1970s. Shelves are stocked with goods with custom labels that feature stories and historic photos, courtesy of Arizona Historical Society.
March 3 + April 7, 6pm
Archaeology Southwest headquarters, Tucson, 300 N. Ash Alley
Monthly talks around a theme in archaeology. This season’s “Tread” follows the routes people have taken across time — ancient migrations, trade paths, historical expeditions, and everyday travel. Trails connect people to place, carry meaning, and leave lasting marks on the land and in our stories.
March 3: Benjamin A. Bellorado on Road Signs and Walking Shoes: Sandals as Part and Parcel of the Road System in Chaco Canyon, NM
Parking: nearby public lots off Franklin Street and Stone Avenue/Council Street. Limited parking is also available in the Archaeology Southwest lot.
For accessible parking or extra assistance, please use the the Archaeology Southwest lot. If you need help getting from your vehicle to the event, call (520) 849-6474.
Learn how to take long exposure photos in an International Dark Sky Park, starting with the fundamentals of night photography. There will be time to ask questions about your specific camera and then practice what was covered. It will be a hands-on way to connect with the dark skies out there at the park, including the full moon rising over the horizon!
Dress for outdoor conditions
Please RSVP.
Bring: A camera that allows manual control of settings (shutter speed, aperture, etc.), your smartphone, and a tripod to stabilize your camera for long exposures.
March 7, 10am
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac
Learn how to create wildlife habitat in your yard! TBA’s Habitat at Home program will guide attendees through the basic components of residential habitat, including best practices, choosing the right plants, constructing DIY water features, exploring rainwater harvesting options, and nestbox selection.
Presentation / Talk
Instructor: Kari Hackney, Director of Habitat Stewardship for the Tucson Bird Alliance
Interpretive hike along the Nature Trail at Oracle State Park, one of the most unique landscapes in Southern Arizona. The easy-to-moderate 1.2-mile loop winds through the oak grassland and offers a glimpse into a fragile Sky Island ecosystem.
Wear shoes suitable for rough terrain. Expect uneven surfaces and mild elevation change, plus some minor steps.
Dress for outdoor conditions: put on sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water!
Allow approximately 90 minutes for full hike experience
By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.
Included with admission
“This engaging talk examines the battalion’s complex motivations, moral convictions, and enduring legacy as a symbol of cross-cultural solidarity and resistance in the shared history of the borderlands.”
March 7, 2pm
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac
In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, public historian Alex La Pierre presents the dramatic story of the Batallón de San Patricio – a group of mostly Irish immigrants who fought alongside Mexico during the U.S.-Mexican War of 1846-1848.
March 8, 10am-4pm
Catalina State Park, Tucson (at the Trailhead Picnic Area)
Sale of desert southwest-themed art to benefit Catalina State Park. There will also be a raffle for a hand-cut clay mosaic by local Tucson artist Robin Chlad.
Included with admission
“The Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival continues to be recognized as one of the finest chamber music festivals in the world, celebrated for both its exceptional artistry and thoughtfully curated repertoire.”
March 8 – 15
Leo Rich Theater at Tucson Convention Center, Tucson
Festival that includes five concerts by distinguished musicians – plus a youth concert – open rehearsals, and a silent auction. This year’s program not only features both classics by Brahms, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Dvořák, but also contemporary compositions, including the premiere of a new horn trio by composer Michi Wiancko, who will be in attendance.
live music by instrumentalists, demos / workshops
3/14, 5pm: Festival Celebration at Leo Rich Theater. Private concert, followed by hors d’oeuvres and mingling with festival musicians. Requires a separate ticket: $$$$
Individual Festival Concerts: $$ / 5-day package: $$$$
Save by purchasing package
ANYWHERE: You can purchase streaming access to any of the Festival concerts.
March 14, 10am – 3pm Tucson Country Day School
Community-focused market of “high quality goods by locally-owned small businesses and makers,” as well as live music and food.
Books, authors, and literacy take center stage at this beloved Tucson festival. You’ll find both well-known and indie authors, hundreds of local and national exhibitors with literacy-focused booths and activities, panels and workshops on various book-centered topics, and plenty of chances to purchase books and book-themed merch.
March 14, 11:30am
Poppin’ Off Pop Culture Gifts + More (4570 E. Broadway), Tucson
Cozy, low-pressure creative hang to decorate journals, embrace beautiful mistakes, and begin The Book of Oops: 90 Days of Glorious Fumbling. Poppin’ Off will provide collage supplies, stickers, quotes, washi tape, and “chaos-friendly art bits” for designing a journal cover that feels like you.
Workshop
All experience levels welcome.
$
This is not embroidery from the class. But I thought it was cute.
Exploration of Black joy and creative possibilities for the future, featuring various dance genres of the African Diaspora. Camille A. Brown’s work is known for blending powerful storytelling with dynamic movement, tapping into deeply personal experiences and cultural narratives of African American identity.
Accessibility notes: There is no elevator. Stairs only to the Mezzanine level. Accessible, hearing and sight impaired seating is available in the Orchestra section.
March 19 – 22
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, Tucson
Convention for steampunk enthusiasts, which has expanded to four days of workshops, panels, fan groups, performers, and vendors. This year’s theme is “The Clockwork Kingdom vs. The Rust Rebels: Where Steampunk fairy tales collide with post-apocalyptic dystopia!”
demos / workshops, vendors, live music / performance, hands-on activities
March 20, 7:30pm
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall at TCC, Tucson
Guest violinist Tessa Lark and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra perform a program of Lili Boulanger, Barber’s Violin Concerto, and music from Bizet’s classic opera Carmen, conducted by Joseph Young.
World Water Day celebration full of speakers, vendors, food, and kids’ activities. The afternoon will wrap up with live waila music by Vavages Family Band!
Bring chairs or a blanket and a reusable water bottle – refill stations on site
March 21, 10am
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac
Join ecologist Caleb Weaver of Ecotone Biodiversity LLC for an engaging presentation overviewing rainwater harvesting in Southern Arizona. Attendees will learn methods to collect, convey, and store this free resource to grow food for wildlife and people alike, protecting critical groundwater and natural water reserves to stay in the ground. We’ll then tour the rain garden that Ecotone Biodiversity designed and installed on the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park grounds so attendees can see multiple examples of rainwater being harvested.
Show for self-publishers, where you can meet zine makers, independent comic book creators, and small handmade book distributors from Tucson and the Southwest.
located in the Steinfeld Warehouse (101 W. 6th St.)
March 28, 5pm – 9pm Las Milpitas Community Farm, Tucson
Celebration of pollinators and their vital role in helping us grow our food!
Local vendors: Milpitas gardeners and friends will be selling hats, art, and jewelry that celebrate our Sonoran Desert wildlife and plant life.
Live music by “The Egg Thieves,” a Southwestern Americana street band out of Tucson.
Food trucks / vendors: Ensenada Street Food, Empanadas El Dominicano, Delicias de Michoacan Ice Cream Shop, and VaBo Bakes.
Beverages provided by Dragoon Brewing and Wild Tonic Sparkling Jun.
Pollinator activity stations by the Desert Museum, the U of A Entomology Department, the Tucson Bee Collaborative, Pima County Master Naturalists, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, and Desert Harvesters.
Pollinator Parade: Wear a costume or make one at one of the stations. Prizes awarded for best pollinator costumes!
All ages
Free entry
“[Lang Lang’s] performance of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto is not to be missed.”
March 29, 2pm
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall at TCC, Tucson
International piano phenomenon Lang Lang returns to perform with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. The afternoon’s program will include Johann Strauss II: The Gypsy Baron Overture, Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 5, Zoltán Kodály: Dances of Galánta, and Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4.
bar, no outside food/beverages
$$$
Clear Bags no larger than 14″ x 16″ or a clutch no larger than 8″ x 5″ only.
April 1, 7:30pm
La Rosa Arts Center (formerly Benedictine church), Tucson
New work weaving Indigenous stories of migration and resilience into music that will move you from San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet, which blends sounds across lines of culture and era, beyond typical string-quartet terrain.
“Long before our urban centers and city lights lit up the dark desert skies, the Tohono O’odham were cultivating and shaping the land with abundant agriculture—from squash and beans to corn and cotton. For generations they passed down their rich knowledge and culture grown from their connection to the desert.”
April 11, 10am
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac
Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan of the Tohono O’odham Nation presents on the rich agricultural traditions that allowed the Desert People to thrive, long before before modern cities.
Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan serves as the Education Liaison for the Kitt Peak National Observatory and as an instructor at the Tohono O’odham Community College.
April 17 – 26
The Screening Room and other venues around Tucson
Festival for independent filmmakers in search of an independent audience. This year, films from 5 continents will highlight the theme “Bridging Cultures.”
food and beverages available for purchase
$
*Bundled ticket savings: Saver pass $30/5 tickets (instead of $10/ticket) or All Access Festival Pass $100 for over 100 films
A stage full of ukuleles playing everything from Tchaikovsky to punk rock — with a wink and a grin. There are no drums, pianos, backing tracks, guitars, or banjos, no pitch shifters or electronic trickery just the orchestration of ukuleles and a menagerie of voices.
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Tubac
April 25, 10am
Learn about the surprising space legacy of Route 66 – just in time for the so-called “Mother Road’s” centennial celebration. Presented by Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler, whose work bridges astronomy, history, and pop culture.
Accessible and diverse celebration of poetry that brings regional and national Poets to the Old Pueblo for a weekend of verse, discussion, and creativity.
Open to everyone!
Free
Sculpture in Jácome Plaza, where the Festival will take place.
Tucson International Mariachi Conference’s Festival Finale
May 2, 10am-10pm
Jácome Plaza, Tucson
Fiesta de Garibaldi celebrates the music and dance of this year’s Tucson International Mariachi Conference in an atmosphere of joy, celebration, and cultural exchange!
food and beverages available for purchase – traditional and nontraditional Mexican cuisine
arts and crafts market
traditional music / dance, mariachi, baile folklórico
May 22 — September 27
Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson
Survey of contemporary art by emerging Arizona artists that investigates the intersections of art and place or heritage. The 2026 exhibition juror responsible for selecting the works and creating a cohesive exhibition offering a snapshot of artistic creativity in Arizona is Julie Rodrigues Widholm.
In the James J. and Louise R. Glasser and Earl Kai Chann Galleries
Handmade Ceramic Wildflower Mosaic Tiles by Robin Chlad
Double check event details with the organizer or venue. I’ve tried to make this as accurate as possible, but things can change!
I’ve linked to some Etsy shops and items that I felt were interesting and relevant. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after following one of my affiliate links. Thanks!
Updated February 2026. Originally posted March 2020.
While the Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival has great fabric and pattern vendors (some of which we featured in Part 1 of this post), that’s not all that’s there.
Quilt shop cuckoo clock from Cheryl Ann’s Design Walls booth
You can find booths for guilds and organizations devoted to keeping handmade traditions alive. There also are lots of vendors selling tools, embellishments, and materials that go along with quilting and other types of crafting. It’s impressive how many of them have invented, made, or designed the products they’re selling!
Although I haven’t been to the Phoenix Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival since I moved to Tucson, I wanted to update information about the last show I went to and the vendors I met. The 2026 show starts tomorrow (January 29). Not all of these vendors will be there, but plenty more will be participating!
Last year, I went to two days of the Festival – one with my Mom and one with sister-in-law Dinah and friend Kelli.
The first day, we ended up parking in a lot that was actually meant to be for a dog show, which we needed to walk through to get to our Festival.
The second day, I parked there on purpose. We walked past booths of dog stuff and people with impeccably groomed and well-mannered dogs. I really wanted to ask one of them if their dog was available to tutor our little rascal Quijote. But that’s not why we were there.
Walking into the Festival building meant being surrounded by a dazzling array of colors and patterns, handcrafted items, crafty inventions, and big ticket items like long arm sewing machines. It was fun to check in with favorite vendors from the past, meet new ones, and see things I hadn’t before. Continue reading “Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival: Patterns + Fabric”
It’s a new year, but don’t miss these books released by Tucson authors in 2025!
Mural by Jessica Gonzales on the side of Antigone Books, Tucson
Order, order!
I’ve included links to order via Bookshop.org, but you can also check your favorite local bookstore.
Fun fact: Most bookstores that sell new books can order just about anything in print, whether they carry it or not. If they don’t have an online shop, call or stop in.
If you prefer to browse in a brick-and-mortar shop, I’ve listed independent Tucson- and Phoenix-area bookstores that say they have a particular title in stock. (I didn’t bother which stores you can order these books from, because the answer is any of them.)
Barnes and Noble also had a few of these books available in certain stores, so you can check there if that’s the option closest to you.
Her Arizona Trail advocacy, as well as her photography and writing about hiking and the outdoors.
About the Book:
This book is part of the Urban Trails series, published by Mountaineers Books. It’s a look at nearly 50 trails in Tucson and the surrounding areas. Each trail has a several-page description, along with maps and photos. Even before you get to those, there is tons of information about desert wildlife, Tucson culture, hiking tips, and local pronunciation. There’s a handy map and chart that will allow you to quickly find a trail based on location and length, as well as kid- and/or dog-friendliness.
by Sonoran Rosie (Rosie Crocker), illustrations by Hannah Davies
You may know the author from…
Their desert plant-based skincare/self-care products and their artist spotlight in my all holiday market post. They are also the owner of Arizona Poppy Shop and founder of the seasonal Desert Air Market.
About the Book:
Divided into blooming seasons, this book helps you identify key plants and describes their place in the Sonoran desert ecosystem. It explains practical uses for each plant and how they can be responsibly foraged. goes beyond helping you simply identify desert plants, it describes their practical uses and even includes recipes for natural skincare, herbal remedies, and other goodies!
Serena is a prolific artist in a wide variety of media. You may have spotted her ceramics, stickers, or watercolors at a local market, seen her murals at Hotel McCoy, or watched videos about her process and – often surprising – projects. And I’ve heard her DIY eraser stamps made a big splash on TikTok.
Carving stamps from pink rubber erasers is more than just the latest maker trend. It’s about democratizing art, about the freedom that comes with creating using what you have on hand – instead of being limited by expensive supplies.
“…using the less expensive materials is freeing, healing, and I believe will help us gain that confidence in ourselves that we need to trust our creativity.” –Serena Rios McRae
“Drought affects all of us. Whether you’re in the deserts of Arizona, the plains of the Midwest, or urban centers like Los Angeles and Atlanta, water resilience starts at home.”
–Martha Retallick
About the Book:
A practical companion to City Nature, this book goes deeper into the how-tos of creating a lush landscape in the desert. If you’re familiar with Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster, then you’ll be aware of concepts like shaping your yard to capture rainwater and reusing gray water. In this case, however, you have the addition of Martha Retallick’s nature photography with text that is informational, but much less dense.
Image via Water Harvesting 101 Podcast / Martha Retallick.
A follow-up to her previous book, Tree Story: The History of the World Written in Rings, this time Valerie Trouet has collected stories of trees from all over the world. She introduces the book by explaining the science behind studying tree rings, and then presents 10 stories from other dendrochronologists, each about a tree species that has been important in their work.
It is illustrated by intricate woodcarvings by Blaze Cyan, a British landscape artist who feels especially connected to ancient trees and forests.
The monthly “Western Women” column she’s written for the Arizona Star for over a decade. This is her seventh book – and the fifth that focuses specifically on historical Arizona women and girls.
About the Book:
Each of the titular 100 western women gets a short, biographical chapter in the book. They are grouped into broad sections, such as Pioneers, Innkeepers, Educators, Military Wives, and “The Compassionate.” While it sometimes glosses over the more problematic aspects of the stories, there’s enough good information to make it worth the read.
Because each chapter is adapted from a self-contained article, you don’t have to read them in order. You can skip around or skim the table of contents for names that catch your attention.
by Jack Dash, Luke Takata, Native Plant Society Arizona
“Habitat fragmentation is the global challenge that the average gardener has the greatest ability to help solve… Almost anyone can grow native plants and help knit together the fabric of ecosystems that have been torn apart by human activity.”
–The Southwest Native Plant Primer
The book is part of a series of Native Plant Primers by Timber Press. There’s also one for the Southeast, the Pacific Northwest, one just for Texas, etc.
This particular volume describes the diverse bioregions within the Southwest. Besides descriptions of 235 plants that are native to the region and commonly available, it also includes hints on topics like mulching and choosing annuals vs. perennials.
As an affiliate for Etsy and Bookshop.org, I may earn commission on purchases you make after clicking one of my links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps support this site. Thanks!
Happy New Year! Here’s your Happenings List for the first part of 2026. It’s full of ways to support the arts and people making cool stuff, enjoy nature, and explore traditions and history.
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The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
