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.
Speaking of history, one thing that has popped up several times is the fact that 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – the semiquincentennial, also known (and much easier to spell) as America250.
And, while I haven’t been feeling so patriotic lately, there are some positive initiatives that go along with America250, like encouraging volunteering. Arizona State Parks are promoting spending more time outside with Trails250 and Birding250. Arizona is also supporting voter registration drives and opening a new exhibition where Arizona artists explore the state’s 5 Cs.
So, check your voter registration status, volunteer for causes close to your heart, and take time to get outside and watch some birds.
The Happenings List
This is my handpicked list of intriguing things going-on throughout Arizona – as well as some you can join in anywhere! *Stars highlight discounts, extras, and other goodies!
To simplify the pricing part of these event listings, I’m going to start approximating ticket and other price information using dollar symbols:
$ = under $25
$$ = $25-74
$$$ = $75-149
$$$$ = $150-299
$$$$$ = 300 and up
As always, contact me if you have thoughts on the list or events you go to.
ANYWHERE
Class: Woodpeckers of the World
January 20, 10am (MST)
Online via Zoom
The Feathered Family Portrait series looks at the often colorful and conspicuous bird family Picidae, which includes woodpeckers, flickers, sapsuckers, and wrynecks.
- Online class participants will receive a Zoom link for the class two hours before the class begins.
- $$
2026 Sundance Film Festival Online
January 29 — February 1
Online via Sundance
Each January, the Sundance Film Festival introduces a global audience to groundbreaking work and emerging talent in independent film. Those of us who can’t be there in person have the option to purchase an online festival pass, and screen films from your browser, TV, or with the Sundance Film Festival Player TV app.
- $$
Colorado Environmental Film Festival Online Encore
February 23 — March 1
Colorado Environmental Film Festival
Enjoy over 70 films in-person or virtually during the annual festival. Tickets go on sale in January.
- *Watch past short films. Available free or for a small rental fee.
- 2026 Ticket price: TBA
Anytime
Class: Planting, Establishing, and Basic Care for Landscape Plants in Southern Arizona
- Self-paced course by Tucson’s Spadefoot Nursery
- Learn the steps for establishing a landscape in Arizona, where the environment requires very different cultivation techniques than most places.
- Aimed toward newcomers to the region, people who are new to planting, and desert gardening novices
- $
*Goodies Anywhere
- Embroidery and stitch basics by AJ Velde, who we met at Tucson Comic-Con.
- Watercolor Valentines Anyone Can Make
- Watch In the Americas episodes online
- Arizona State Parks Wildflower Guide
Getting Organized in the New Year?
- Free Google Docs Checklist Templates
- Free Printable Pantry Labels by Gather + Flourish. They also have an Etsy shop with additional label options you can purchase.
Shop Small, Shop Sustainably
- *Year-End Tea Sale from Seven Cups Tea
- VNSA online bookstore (eBay) sales benefit human service charities in Maricopa County, Arizona.
- *Discounts on last year’s Rodeo Parade 100-year anniversary merch
Rainwater Harvesting Resources
Author Brad Lancaster is currently offering discounts on signed copies of his in-depth, illustrated, and very practical Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond books when you buy directly from his shop.
*His site also features several songs celebrating rain and water harvesting, which are (like rain itself) available for streaming.
Seasonal Etsy picks…
Etsy shops of makers we met at Tucson Comic-Con:
ARIZONA
• Central Arizona •
Installation: Substance of Stars
Ongoing
Heard Museum, Phoenix
Immersive exhibition that puts visitors into the traditional lands of four Indigenous communities: the O’odham (whose ancestral territory includes the Heard Museum site), the Diné (Navajo Nation), the Central Yup’ik of Alaska and other Arctic regions, and the Seneca, part of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy).
- in the Jacobson + Jack Steele Parker Galleries
- Indigenous photographers and videographers chose the natural landmarks, animals, and skyscapes from their communities to capture and represent traditional knowledge, spiritual values, and origin stories from their respective cultures.
- Included with admission
Exhibitions: Adorned with Memory + Heart of the Community
Jewelry and baskets from the Basha Family Collection of American Indian Art
now – March 8
Heard Museum, Phoenix
- Adorned with Memory (alcove) showcases necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings by renowned Native artists to examine the way jewelry is more than just adornment.
- Heart of the Community (Lovena Ohl Gallery) features basketry by Western Apache, Yavapai, and Akimel O’odham weavers, along with contemporary photos of working basket weavers today.
- Both exhibits included with admission
Phoenix Trolley Museum
Visiting hours
now – May 30
Phoenix Trolley Museum, Phoenix
Open House hours at the museum’s temporary location on Grand Avenue, which is housing some of its artifacts while the new museum is under construction.
- Saturdays 11am-3pm
- First + Third Fridays 5pm-9pm
“Rugged mountains, colorful rock formations, and desert flora make this an inspiring plein air location in the cooler winter months.”
–APAA
Plein Air Paint-Out with APAA at Lost Dutchman State Park
January 18, 9-11am
Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction
- Arizona Pastel Artist Association (APAA) painting meetup at Lost Dutchman State Park in the Superstition Mountains
- Meet at Siphon Draw Parking Lot (or overflow lot) – Google Maps “Goldfield Road + Lost Dutchman Blvd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119”
- Restrooms: Limited – none at Siphon Draw lot
- Bring plenty of water.
- Dress for outdoor conditions
- Bring your own painting supplies
- Admission: $10 per vehicle or State Park Pass
Phoenix-area MLK Day events
Check out PhxSoul’s excellent event list, which I found super helpful!
“Preserving the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by promoting his nonviolent philosophies of love, peace and equality for all.”
–Mesa-East Valley MLK Committee
10th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration and Service
January 17, 8am-12pm
Willow Canyon High School, Surprise
Motivational program, followed by hands-on service projects directly benefitting the local community.
- 8-9am: Breakfast and volunteer check-in
- 8-11:15am: Mobile blood drive
- 9-10am: MLK Celebration Program with performances by local artists and multimedia presentations highlighting the impactful work of non-profit organizations, clubs, and individuals of all ages!
- 10am-12pm: Service project participation – open to all ages, registration required
- *Resource guide (PDF) for the cities of Peoria, Surprise, and El Mirage
- Free
Chandler Multicultural Festival
January 17, 11am-6pm
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, Chandler
Part of the Celebration of Unity events each January, this festival honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the ideals of the civil rights movement by bringing people together to embrace world cultures.
- in the Stage Plaza
- food and beverages available for purchase
- activities for kids, vendors, community and non-profit info tables, live music / performance, custom cruiser car show, youth Creative Expression Competition
- international market
- Debut of the “27 Flags: Our History Through the Stars and Stripes” exhibition, curated by the Chandler Museum team in honor of America 250.
- Donation bins for non-perishable food items and QR codes for monetary donations.
- Free entry
“A vibrant celebration of our community’s rich heritage and diversity… Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of live music, delicious food and engaging experiences.”
–Chandler Multicultural Festival
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March + Festival
January 19, 9am-4pm
Eastlake Park to Hance Park, Phoenix
Long-standing Phoenix tradition paying homage to Dr. King’s life and legacy.
- 9am: March from Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to Hance Park.
- 10am-4pm: Festival at Hance Park.
- MLK March: Gather at Eastlake Park at 8:45am for 9am start. March to Margaret T. Hance Park.
- MLK Festival: 10am-4pm at Hance Park
- Dress for outdoor conditions
- Free
Anthem MLK Day Celebration
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration + Unity Walk 2026
January 19, 10am
Anthem Civic Building, Anthem
Annual celebration of the lessons of Dr. King and the power of community to make a positive difference.
- 9am: Free continental breakfast
- activities for kids, community and non-profit info tables, talks on the meaning of community service and the significance of the Community Unity Walk
- Coffee available for purchase from Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck
- Collecting donations: Non-perishable food items, toys, clothing, hygiene items, school supplies
- Dress for outdoor conditions
- Accessibility: Unity Walk is on a paved, one-mile path
- Free
Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade + Celebration
January 19, 11am-4pm
Downtown Mesa
Parade followed by a community celebration. The 2026 theme is “Mission Possible: Building Bridges…Building Community,” which emphasizes that Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community is an achievable reality that requires collective action.
- Parade: begins at 11am at MLK Way + Center Street
- Festival: 12-4pm in the Plaza at Mesa City Center
- food trucks and local vendors
- Free entry
Quilt, Craft + Sewing Festival
January 29 – 31
Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix
Expo with sewing, quilting, needlework, and craft supply vendors (both local and national), as well as workshops and presentations.
- make-and-takes, demos / workshops, vendors
- food and beverages available for purchase
- Accessibility: Mobility Scooters + Wheelchair Rentals available with advance reservations via Copper Star Home Medical Supplies – $75-225 for the full 3-day event
- Read more about what you might see at this festival!
- *$3 off admission coupon (PDF)
- $
Market: Arts + Crafts Fair
January 30 — February 8, 9am-5pm
Tyson Wells, Quartzsite
25-acre outdoor show in the desert with arts and crafts market, plus hobby supplies, gems and minerals, antiques, coins, and lapidary supplies, as well as indoor spaces for some artists and jewelers.
- food and beverages available for purchase
- Free entry
Convention: Tempe FanCon
January 31, 10am-3pm
Tempe Public Library, Tempe
Celebration of cosplay, comics and pop culture with local artists + authors, costume contests, games, activities, and prizes!
- activities for kids, over 80 vendors
- local food trucks
- No pets
- Free
Pre-programming:
- Jan. 3: Max Fleischer Superman Cartoons Screening
- Jan. 11: Cosplay Duckies
- Jan. 14: Becoming a Fallout Ghoul
- Jan. 30: Last-Minute Costume DIY Drop-In
Performance: Guys and Dolls
Musical Comedy
February 12 — March 28
Hale Centre Theatre, Gilbert
Broadway musical set in 1940s New York with memorable songs like “Luck Be a Lady” and “A Bushel and a Peck.”
- $$
Performance: ALICE (in Wonderland)
February 12 – 15
Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story that blends ballet and contemporary dance into a whimsical journey with vibrant music and striking sets.
- Jan. 30, 7 pm: ALICE (in Wonderland) Studio Spotlight at Dorrance Theatre. Behind-the-scenes, intimate rehearsal featuring Ballet Arizona artistic staff and dancers. Each one-hour gathering includes time for a Q&A discussion. Tickets $$
- Accessibility: ADA seating available at various price zones. Infrared Assistive Listening System.
- Clutch bags no larger than 8.5” x 5.5” and clear bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are permitted.
- Everyone, regardless of age, needs a ticket.
- $$-$$$$
Performance: World Championship Hoop Dance Contest
February 14 – 15, 9am-5pm
Heard Museum, Phoenix
100 contestants from across North America compete and showcase the intricate art of the Hoop Dance.
- Read more: Behind the scenes of the Heard Museum’s Hoop Dance Championships
- food and beverages available for purchase, no outside food/beverages (except for water bottles)
- Dress for outdoor conditions
- No pets
- Transit: Valley Metro Light Rail Encanto/Central stop
- Accessibility: Designated ADA parking in the north parking lot. Inside the event, there are areas for Elder and ADA seating. CART services provide real-time transcription of all spoken content into text, displayed on a screen or personal device.
- $-$$
Market: VNSA Used Book Sale
February 14 – 15
Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix
Annual sale of hundreds of deeply discounted used books, media, and other items, which raises money for nonprofit organizations in Maricopa County.
- in the Ag Building
- No outside food/beverages. (Closed water bottles only.)
- No pets
- Parking: 2025 Arizona State Fairgrounds parking fee was $12 per day (subject to change).
- ANYWHERE: VNSA online bookstore (eBay) sales benefit human service charities in Maricopa County, Arizona.
- *Lodging discount for attendees: The Red Roof Inn Plus Phoenix West offers a 15% discount with code VP# 629860.
- Free entry
Performance: Fuego
A vibrant celebration of Latin orchestral music.
February 21, 7pm
Mesa Arts Center, Mesa
Electrifying concert that will make you want to dance! In the second half, the Youth Symphony of the Southwest will join the ensemble.
- in the Ikeda Theater
- $$
Exhibition: Art of Quilting show
February 24 — May 25, 10am-4pm
HD SOUTH – Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, Gilbert
Community-made quilts on display. This year’s theme is Red, White + Blue, honoring the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
- Also on display: a special traveling exhibit from the American Quilt Study Group: “Makers and Designers: 1945–1979.”
- Museum closed Sundays and Mondays
- Included with admission
Festival: Furry Friends Fine Arts Festival
February 28, 9am-3pm
Shemer Art Center, Phoenix
Animal-themed arts festival for the entire family!
- food and beverages available for purchase
- activities for kids, vendors, live music / performance
- Free entry
• Northern AZ •
First Day Guided Hikes: Northern Arizona State Parks
January 1
Diverse and exciting hikes at parks around the state will be offered on January 1, 2026 in honor of America’s semiquincentennial (250th) year! Park rangers, naturalists, and volunteers will guide along specific routes in 18 Arizona State Parks.
-
- Dress for outdoor conditions and bring plenty of water.
- Free entry for participants
- Red Rock State Park, Sedona at 10am: Guided nature walk with a volunteer naturalist, who will discuss geology, wildlife, history, archaeology, and the different life zones of Red Rock State Park.
- Slide Rock State Park, Sedona at 1pm (weather dependent): Trail through the historic Pendley Homestead, including original apple orchards and packing barn, tourist cabins, and spectacular views of the canyon walls of Oak Creek Canyon. Paved, level trail suitable for all visitors.
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood at 10am: A guided hike along the west lagoon, Arroyo Trail, and Verde River Trail.
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Payson at 10am: One-hour tour leading from the top to an observation deck looking into the natural bridge at the creek bottom. The trail is steep and rough.
- Lyman Lake State Park, St. Johns at 10am (weather dependent): Meet at trailhead to hike Petroglyph Trail and see a number of petroglyphs (pictures carved on stone). The trail requires a mild climb. No drinking water available at the park.
- Buckskin Mountain State Park, Parker at 9:30am (weather dependent): One-mile winding trail into ruggedly beautiful mountainous terrain. Challenging in some areas, yet doable for most hikers.
- Rockin’ River Ranch State Park, Camp Verde at 10am: White Cliffs Trail, a 1.7 mile loop that takes you along the through the riparian area of the park, to view the beautiful white cliffs of the Verde River, and then up into a mesquite bosque and through highland desert landscape.
- Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu City at 10am: Meet at Lot 2 right inside the park to join a guided hike of the Sunset Trail. Moderate .75 mile hike with sand and gravel trails, featuring scenic overlooks of the lake and ending in the cactus garden. Water and snacks provided, along with shuttle rides back to the parking lot.
- Cattail Cove State Park, Lake Havasu City at 9am: Meet at the launch ramp/trailhead area for an easy 1.5 mile round-trip along the shoreline with a stop at Whyte’s Retreat.
- Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Flagstaff at 2pm: One hour guided walk exploring explore wintertime nature in Flagstaff. Be prepared to go off the paved path. Families welcome!
- Homolovi State Park, Winslow at 9am: Join a park ranger for hike to Diné Point via the Tsu’vö trail, passing by petroglyphs from 620-890AD. The hike is on moderate, sandy trails and is approximately two miles total.
Workshop: Wild Food in the Modern Diet
Seeds and Skills: Hands-On Community Food Workshops Series
January 17, 9:30am
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Flagstaff
Workshop exploring the realities of incorporating wild edibles into our daily diets, including how to safely and sustainably forage for wild foods.
- The first of the Seeds and Skills: Hands-On Community Food Workshops Series
- Instructor: Mike Masek
- Free (registration required)
Workshop: Off-loom Weaving Workshop
January 24, 1pm
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Flagstaff
In this two-hour workshop, instructor Jessica Holton will offer a brief history of weaving both on and off-loom, and then show attendees how to begin weaving on a square piece of wood (without pegs or grooves), using a tapestry needle for the shuttle. Participants will all make the same pattern, while also learning about the mental health benefits of weaving.
- All materials provided.
- Registration required.
- $$
Festival: Sedona International Film Festival
February 21 — March 1
theaters in Sedona
Over 150 films, including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, foreign films, and student films.
- Taking place over 9 days at Mary D. Fisher Theatre, Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre, Harkins Sedona Six Theatres, and Sedona Performing Arts Center at Sedona Red Rock High School.
- *Car rental discounts for attendees via Enterprise Rental Car. Use Corporate Number: 50Z1436 Account Name: SED for 10% off regular retail prices
- Individual tickets: $
• Southern AZ •
Market: Artisans Mercado in the Plaza
now – March 30, 9am-12pm
Historic Ajo Plaza, Ajo
Weekly market with artists, makers and creatives from all over the region!
- The Artisans Mercado is independently organized by a group of local creatives in collaboration with Art Under the Arches Gallery + Gifts.
- Free entry
Hot Cocoa 5K/10K 2026
January 1, 9am-2pm
Steam Pump Ranch, Oro Valley
Annual race for runners, walkers, and strollers along the multi-use path, beginning at Steam Pump Ranch.
- snacks, water, and hot cocoa provided
- Enter the Marana Egg Nog Jog AND the Oro Valley Hot Cocoa 5K/10K to receive an exclusive Cheers Challenge finisher medal!
- $$
Guided hike: First Day Hikes: Southern Arizona State Parks
January 1
Guided hikes will be offered at parks around the state on January 1, 2026 in honor of America’s semiquincentennial (250th) year! Park rangers, naturalists, and volunteers will guide along specific routes in 18 Arizona State Parks.
- Dress for outdoor conditions and bring plenty of water.
- Free entry for participants
- Picacho Peak State Park, Eloy at 8am (Hunter Trail) or 10am (Calloway): Choose your hike! (a) Challenging hike up the peak via the Hunter Trail with trail guide Charles. Meet at the trailhead in Barrett Loop. Total distance is 3.2 miles round-trip and takes 4-5 hours. This challenging hike involves steep switchbacks, rock scrambles, climbing up several cableways, and an elevation gain of 1,600ft. Sorry, no children under the age of 10 are permitted on this guided hike and no dogs. (b) Calloway Trail hike of 1-2 hours. Meet at the Calloway Trailhead in Harrington Loop.
- Oracle State Park, Oracle at 10am: Ranger-led hike along the beautiful Nature Trail Loop, starting at the Historical Kannally Ranch House patio. Approximately 1.5 mile long trail ranging from easy to moderate with some elevation changes. We will make some stops along the way to take in the scenic views, listen and look for wildlife, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Catalina State Park, Tucson at 9am: Explore the Cañada del Oro Ridge Trail featuring beautiful views of the mountains and Oro Valley with a Ranger. The whole hike will be around 3.2 miles long and moderately difficult. Meet at the Equestrian Center near the horse corrals. Registration is required; no limit on attendance.
- Boat Rides at Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia at 9am: Pontoon boat tours will be offered at 9am. Call (520) 287-2791 or sign up at the park for a reservation. Meet at the visitors center 15 minutes prior to tour.
- Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson at 10am (weather dependent): Join rangers on a moderate 2.5 mile guided hike on the Foothills Loop Trail and explore the geology and history of the San Pedro River Valley. The trail does encounter elevation changes, loose gravel, rocky and steep terrain, and stairs along the way. Meet at the Discovery Center.
- Roper Lake State Park, Safford at 9am: Hike along the .75 mile Mariah Mesa Trail to explore plants, wildlife, and geology of the area.
- *Arizona State Parks Wildflower Guide
Film Screening: Charlie Chaplin’s A Dog’s Life & The Kid with Tucson Symphony Orchestra
January 4, 2pm
Fox Theatre, Tucson
The Fox Tucson Theatre in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra present Charlie Chaplin movies A Dog’s Life and The Kid, accompanied by a live orchestra.
- $$
Film Screening: Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour 2025
January 8, 7:30pm
The Loft Cinema, Tucson
Showcase of seven short films from last year at Sundance, including two Festival Award–winning titles. The 100-minute program highlights a mix of storytelling styles and perspectives.
- This January, there will also be screenings in Orlando, Seattle, Dallas, Boston, and Ridgway, CO.
- food and beverages available for purchase
- $
Festival: Art in the Park
An alfresco fine arts festival.
January 10 – 11
Gateway Park, Yuma
Open-air fine arts festival presented by the Yuma Art Center in Gateway Park. Inspired by Georges Seurat’s iconic painting Sunday on La Grande Jatte, the event brings dozens of local and regional artists together along the banks of the Colorado River.
- art, live performances, lawn games
- food and beverages available for purchase
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- $
Wings Over Willcox Birding + Nature Festival
January 15 – 18
Willcox Community Center, Willcox
Scheduled annually at the perfect time for observing sandhill cranes and other bird species in the Sulphur Springs Valley, festival activities include field trips, tours, seminars, and a Nature Expo.
- Tours, seminars and events meet at the Willcox Community Center
- Banquet is held at the Elks Lodge (247 East Stewart St.)
- Dress for outdoor conditions
- Nature / science appreciation activity
- Advance registration recommended.
- Cost varies depending on activities, from free –$$$
2026 Tucson Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March + Celebration
January 19, 10am-3pm
Reid Park, Tucson
Inclusive community procession around the perimeter of Reid Park, followed by a festival to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- local artisan, vendor, and non-profit info tables
- food trucks / vendors
- Free entry
Film Screening: In the Americas with David Yetman
Season 12 Presentation / Community Rental
January 22, 7pm
The Loft Cinema, Tucson
David Yetman, writer, researcher and host of the PBS travel series In the Americas, and director/producer Dan Duncan share stories from creating season 12 of the show in locations as varied as Alaska, Brazil, the Redwoods, and Oaxaca. The discussion will following the screening two episodes from the upcoming season.
- food and beverages available for purchase
- followed by Q+A
- *Watch In the Americas episodes online!
- $5 suggested donation. RSVP required.
Yuma AG Fest
January 24, 12-9pm
Downtown Yuma
Celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage and title of the “Winter Vegetable Capital of the World.”
- Interactive, family-friendly farming experiences
- Fresh food from local growers
- Live music
- Free
SAVOR Culinary Festival
January 24, 10:30am-3pm
Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson
SAVOR is a culinary festival that celebrates Arizona’s cultural identity, local economies, and connection to place. It’s an immersive event that champions creative expression, supporting homegrown businesses, and cultivating deep-rooted community well-being.
- 60 of the region’s most innovative chefs, vintners, brewers, and food artisans offer tastings that spotlight heritage ingredients, local sourcing, and culinary creativity.
- Admission includes a SAVOR wine glass and specially designed tote bag.
- *Discounted post-event LYFT rides for attendees.
- $$$
“Set amidst the lush living museum of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, this experience nourishes both body and soul—an invitation to gather, connect, and taste the future of Arizona’s thriving creative and culinary economy.”
–SAVOR
Film Screening: Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light
January 25, 2pm
The Loft Cinema, Tucson
Encore presentation of 2024 documentary Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light.
- Film footage and photographs of Georgia O’Keeffe shot by Tucson artist Dan Budnik appear in the documentary.
- You can see more of his work at the Etherton Gallery’s upcoming photography exhibit “Bailey Doogan, Dan Budnik: Close to the Bone,” January 20 – March 21.
- food and beverages available for purchase
- $
Festival: Tubac Festival of the Arts
February 4 – 8
Tubac
Over 250 fine artists and craftspeople exhibit throughout Tubac’s roadways, plazas, art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants.
- Live entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides, and a large assortment of festival eateries.
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- Parking: $10 per car, proceeds benefit local charities. Free shuttles run from designated lots to the main festival area throughout the day.
- Accessibility: Most of the festival is held on flat, wheelchair accessible terrain, but some older pathways may have uneven surfaces.
- Free entry
Festival: Tucson Gem, Mineral + Fossil Showcase
January 28 — February 15
Tucson, various locations
The dozens of shows that spring up around Tucson leading up to the original Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® are known collectively as the “Tucson Gem, Mineral + Fossil Showcase.” Some of the shows specialize in a specific type of gem or minerals imported from a certain part of the world. Most of them are free and open to the public. Learn more about Tucson’s Gem Show season.
Notable shows:
- Jan. 28-Feb. 15: 1801 Oracle — Mineral Village Show at 1801 N. Oracle Rd. (and the surrounding neighborhood). Free admission + parking.
- Jan. 29-Feb. 15: 22nd Street Mineral, Fossil + Gem Show at 993 S. Freeway in the large tents. Free admission, parking $10.
- Jan. 29-Feb. 16: Mineral + Fossil Marketplace at 1333 N. Oracle Rd. If you’re looking for fossilized sea creatures, dinosaur sculptures, meteorites, and/or moon rocks, this would be the place to start. And there are food trucks! Free admission + parking.
- Jan. 30-Feb. 15: African Art Village at 221 S. Avenida del Convento (in the Mercado District). Marketplace of artisan products imported from Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Morocco, and across the African continent. In addition to gems and minerals, you can find beautifully carved wooden furniture and figurines, jars of shea butter and black soap, baskets, bags, traditional masks, textiles, oversized necklaces, djembe drums, and even contemporary art! Near food and shopping at MSA Annex. Free admission, metered parking and paid event lots.
- Feb. 12-15: Tucson Gem & Mineral Show® at Tucson Convention Center. The big, original show with new museum-quality displays every year, educational lectures, and lots of exhibitors. Single day tickets: $15 (convention center parking will cost almost as much, but the streetcar is free and stops right there) / *$2 off admission coupon
Market: Tucson Valentine’s Craft + Vendor Market
February 6 – 8
Tucson Mall and Park Place Mall, Tucson
Two indoor markets with all local artisans and small business vendors.
- Feb. 6-8 at Tucson Mall
- Feb. 7-8 at Park Place Mall
- Free entry
Convention: Yuma Art Symposium
February 19 – 21
Yuma Arts Center, Yuma
Series of presentations by both internationally recognized and emerging artists across a variety of disciplines. There’s also an exhibition, small art auction, and social events for catching up, camaraderie, and forming new friendships with fellow artists.
- Feb. 19, 3:30-6:30pm: Registration + Pin Swap at Lute’s Casino.
- Feb. 20: Small works silent auction and presenter exhibition opening night reception at the Yuma Art Center Galleries.
- Presenter exhibition is open to the public and runs concurrently with the symposium.
- $$$$
Tucson Rodeo Parade
February 26, 9am
Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Tucson
Completely non-motorized 2.5-mile long procession of horses, carriages, bands, folk dancers, and decorated wagons that takes place the Thursday of Tucson’s Rodeo Week.
- bands, community performances, baile folklórico
- *Free parking in neighborhoods and businesses along the route. (There are also paid lots near the Grandstands and at Rudy Garcia Park, in case you don’t want to hunt for a spot.)
- *Free to watch from the sidewalk. BYOFolding chairs.
- Grandstand tickets: $
Spring Artisans Market
February 27 — March 1
Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson
More than 100 unique vendors selling crafts, original artwork, pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles, and gift items outside the museum. The event is a fundraiser for TMA, organized by its museum store.
- artists / artisans will be at their booths
- Parking: While the TMA’s parking lot will be full of vendor booths, there are other lots, garages, and street parking nearby. *The Paseo Redondo lot will have some free parking for visitors during the event.
- *TMA is pay-what-you-wish admission during the market.
- Free entry
Double check event details with the organizer or venue. I’ve tried to make this as accurate as possible, but things can change!
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