It’s time for my seasonal Happenings List! This is my handpicked selection of intriguing goings-on throughout the state of Arizona, plus a handful of things you can join in ANYWHERE, like online workshops and worldwide observances.

As you peruse the list, watch for asterisks highlighting discounts, extras, and other goodies!

This time, it is a big list! It covers the Happenings for the rest of this year – running from Fall to fa-la-la-la!

And this isn’t even everything.

In a few weeks, I’ll be posting the Holiday Season Market List of every arts and craft pop-up market taking place in Southern Arizona this November and December. That will include markets that aren’t even on this list, so you’ll have to check back in to see it or subscribe!

 

The Happenings List

Unless otherwise noted, events are listed in year round MST, as the majority of Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Anywhere / Multi-Location

Traveling Textures online auction

Fundraiser

• now – November 1 at 11:30pm
• Online via Event.Gives
• Auction of small canvases that explore the rich, sensory world of texture
• All bidding starts at $25
• Proceeds from the online silent auction will support the Yavapai College Visual Arts Department
• Must register online to participate

 

Still Life in Watercolor + Pencil: Viva la Vida – Frida Kahlo Inspired

Workshop / Class

• October 15, 5:30pm
• Zoom
• Kahlo-inspired workshop in honor of the new Frida Kahlo Garden opening at the Tucson Botanical Gardens
• Learn about Frida’s still life paintings, along with the composition techniques to create your own with watercolor and colored pencils
• Instructor: Adela Antoinette
• $30 fee

 

RC3: The R Carlos Nakai Trio

Performance

• October 18, 7pm MST
• Streaming
• Concert of RC3: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio, which consists of Native American flute master R. Carlos Nakai, multi-instrumentalist AmoChip Dabney, and pan-global percussionist Will Clipman.
• ANYWHERE: Streaming tickets $15

 

Holiday Greeting Cards with Ink + Watercolor

Workshop

• November 5, 2pm MST
• Zoom
• Create custom-painted holiday greeting cards with botanically themed watercolor paintings.
• Learn watercolor techniques, including dry brush, layering, and washes, as well as some calligraphy tips and tricks.
• Class appropriate for all ages and skill levels
• Provide your own watercolor supplies
• Online class participants will receive a Zoom link for the class two hours before the class begins.
• $30 fee

 

Adult Nature Lovers Book Group

Discussion

• November 7 + December 5, 4pm-5:30pm PT
• online
• Lively monthly discussion on a book for nature lovers.
• Nov.: Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future by Elizabeth Kolbert.
• Dec.: The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
• Register to receive the link to join remotely.
• Ages 18+
• Free

 

 

“The coatimundis are an invaluable asset to their ecosystem, as they act as little landscapers throughout their habitat, dispersing seeds from the fruits and nuts they eat. They also control their habitats’ insect and pest populations while turning over and fertilising soils with their waste to promote new plant growth.”
–World Coati Day

 

World Coati Day (WCD)

Science / Nature Activity

• December 3
• worldwide
• Day to raise conservation awareness for all species of Coatimundi, unique animals who are invaluable assets to their ecosystems, but whose numbers are decreasing.
• H/T World Coati Day on Instagram
• Free (donations welcome)

Ways to participate:

• Learn about coatis. Read WCD’s coati news, watch cute videos, find coati facts and photos on iNaturalist.
• Avoid products that cause rainforest destruction. Habitat loss is a leading contributing factor endangering many species, including coatis.
• Raise funds for rainforest conservation organizations, like WCD partners Bioparque La Reserva, Rainforest Trust, and Reservaylt.
• Find out if your local zoo or wildlife park can use donations of enrichment items for coatimundis or funds for habitat upgrades.
• Use hashtag #worldcoatiday to learn facts about coatis or share your own photos and videos.

 

Anytime

Planting, Establishing, and Basic Care for Landscape Plants in Southern Arizona

Online Class

• 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
• $25 fee

 

Give

A couple good causes mentioned later in this List…

Globe flood relief:

• The towns of Globe and Miami, Arizona recently suffered severe flash flooding. 3 people lost their lives, and many more had their homes or businesses destroyed.
• To help, the Globe Downtown Association recommends donating to the United Fund of Globe-Miami, Inc. Funds will be matched up to $100,000

Make a donation to African American Museum of Southern Arizona’s mission of “gathering and sharing stories, images, and artifacts as we document, digitize, and preserve African American and Black life, culture, and history in Southern Arizona to benefit the community.”

 

Goodies Anywhere*

Read/Watch/Listen

• Short nature videos by Mike Foster, interpretive host at Carr House Visitor Information Center in the Huachuca Mountains
• Globe-Miami guide
• 30 Films for Palestine and Where to Stream Them
• The Eyes of Gaza audiobook by Plestia Alaqad

 

Shop

• Loom Market for heritage artists’ work
• Tohono Chul online

Seasonal Etsy picks…

My Curated Collections

• Autumn Home
• Día de los Muertos
• Holiday Ornaments + Decor
• Fall and Winter Holiday Cards

Etsy Shops

• CF Monogram
• Umma Ceramics
• Canoa Naturals
• Pollen Arts

Gift Guides

• Gifts for travelers
• Gifts for dogs and their humans

ARIZONA

• Central Arizona •

Storyteller: The Photography of Jerry Jacka

Exhibition

• now – October 12
• Phoenix at Heard Museum
• in Kitchell Gallery
• Exhibition that features Arizona Highways photographer Jerry Jacka’s portraits of iconic American Indian artists paired with examples of their artwork from the museum’s collection.
• Included with admission

 

Adorned with Memory: Jewelry from the Basha Family Collection of American Indian Art

Exhibition

• now – March 8
• Phoenix at Heard Museum
• Showcase of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings by some of the most talented Native artists and a look at how jewelry is more than just adornment—it’s a story, a memory, and a reflection of cultural connections.
• The artists use a variety of metals, precious gemstones, and innovative techniques to tell their stories.
• This exhibition features the artistry of renowned Native jewelers, including Duane Maktima (Laguna Pueblo/Hopi), Terry and Joe B. Reano (Santo Domingo Pueblo), Carl and Irene Clark (Diné), Verma Nequatewa (Sonwai) (Hopi
• Second exhibition in a series celebrating the Basha collection.
• Included with admission

 

Phoenix Trolley Museum: Visiting Hours

• October 1 – May 30
• Phoenix at Phoenix Trolley Museum (on Grand Avenue)
• Open House hours at the museum’s temporary location, which is housing some of its artifacts while the new museum is under construction.
• First + Third Fridays 5pm-9pm
• Saturdays 11am-3pm

 

Seisiún: Informal Irish jam session

• October 3, November 7, December 5 from 6pm-8pm
• Phoenix at Irish Cultural Center
• First Friday gathering to play traditional Irish music with others
• Bring your own instrument
• 6pm: Slow Session. Play at a learner’s pace.
• 7pm: Regular Session / Seisiún. Full speed songs!
• Free

 

 

“We are now two full years into an ongoing genocide on Gaza, Palestine. As our community of Palestinian American families and allies continue their work to foster justice for Palestine and achieve liberation, we intend to mark this horrid milestone together in the best way we know how: learning from those whose voices matter the most and whose experiences deserve to be known.”

–Palabras Bookstore

Eyes of Gaza Reading

Book event

• October 8, 6:30pm – 8:30pm (doors at 6pm)
• Phoenix at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore
• Book release event and discussion with Plestia Alaqad and Amanda Nasser
• Plestia Alaqad documented her escape from the bombardment of Gaza in the weeks following October 7, 2023. Her newly-published book about the experience is The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience.
• Amanda Nasser is a nurse practitioner who spent a month volunteering in a Gaza hospital.
• Event will be held outdoors
• ANYWHERE: Get the book! Palabras Bookstore can only ship within the U.S., but the audiobook is available internationally via Libro.fm
• *ANYWHERE: 30 Films for Palestine and Where to Stream Them
• Free event. If you’re able, please support Palabras with book purchase(s)!

 

Spooky Soap-Making Workshop with Naked Fig Soap

Workshop / Class

• October 18, 10am-12pm
• Phoenix at The Farm at South Mountain
• on the Botanica Patio
• Hands-on workshop to craft a set of soaps in Halloween-y shapes, like pumpkins, skulls, and bats.
• Choose your colors and a fall scent to add to the vegan, all-natural shea butter soap base (gentle on sensitive skin).
• Relaxed, beginner-friendly class is suited to both adults and kids – no prior experience required.
• You’ll leave with six ready-to-use mini soaps and a reusable soap mold to make more soaps at home!
• $54 fee (includes ticketing fees, supplies / materials)

 

Witches Brew: An Enchanting Tea Party

Holiday Celebration, Talk / Presentation

• October 18, 2pm-4pm
• Phoenix at The Farm at South Mountain
• Learn about and sample enchanting herbal tea blends
• Enjoy tea and locally-made small bites, amidst a woodsy tablescape.
• Witchy and whimsical attire encouraged!
• You’ll leave with a vintage tea cup and a selection of herbs to take home and use to conjure up your own witches brew!
• $82 per ticket (includes ticketing fees)

 

Diwali the Festival of Lights

Cultural Event

• October 18, 11am-1pm
• Tempe at Kyrene del Norte Elementary School
• 5th annual event to celebrate the Festival of Lights, known as Diwali.
• Family-friendly and open to all.
• DJ, magic show, traditional music, dance, henna
• Food and beverages available for purchase
• Free

 

Día de los Muertos

Cultural Event, Festival

• October 25 – October 26, 10am-5pm
• Mesa at Mesa Arts Center
• Annual event created in collaboration with the community to celebrate Latin American art and culture related to the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead.
• Live performances
• On Etsy: Día de los Muertos collection
• Free

 

Sip, Savor, Shop by A Taste of AZ

Festival

• November 1, 1:30pm-6pm
• Scottsdale at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
• Fall twist on the popular A Taste of AZ Food + Drink Festival – with even more opportunities to shop, sip, and support local.
• Over a dozen of Arizona’s top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and craft cocktail purveyors, plus a curated marketplace of local retailers and artisans.
• H/T Experience Scottsdale
• Age 21+
• All tickets include unlimited food samples and 15 drink tickets.
• $92 and up per ticket (includes ticketing fees, tax)

Kierland Fine Art + Wine Fall Festival

Festival

• November 1 – November 2, 10am-5pm
• Scottsdale at Kierland Commons
• Live music, artwork from around the world, and a beer + wine garden that features Arizona wines.
• To consume alcoholic beverages, you have to be over 21 and have the wristband to prove you’ve purchased a tasting package.
• Tasting packages for wine ($40-45) or beer ($25) include a commemorative glass + 10 tasting tickets.
• *Pre-sale discount: Purchasing online in advance will save you about $9 on wine tasting packages and $4 on beer tasting packages! (That’s after the convenience fee, which works out to around $1 per item.)
• All ages
• Free admission

 

Religion on the Rocks: Hohokam Petroglyphs and Ritualism at South Mountain

Talk / Presentation, Hike

• November 1, 9am-1pm
• Phoenix at South Mountain Visitor Center
• Special program featuring author and researcher Dr. Aaron Michael Wright of Archaeology Southwest, who is an expert on Hohokam rock art in South Mountain Park
• 9am: Talk on Hohokam petroglyphs and ritualism at South Mountain
• Presentation will be followed by a guided hike highlighting some of these culturally significant areas within the park.
• Free. Register online to hold your spot.

 

“Held each November, the Arizona Fall Festival is the ultimate gathering of locals and businesses from across the state, making it the largest certified local event around. This free, family-friendly and dog-friendly festival showcases everything we love about Arizona.” –Local First Arizona

 

Arizona Fall Festival

Festival

• November 8, 10am-4pm
• Phoenix at Margaret T. Hance Park
• Family-friendly and dog-friendly gathering of locals and businesses from across the state
• 200+ Local Vendors: Meet the makers and explore goods like handmade jewelry, wellness products, locally made apparel, art and home goods
• Silent Auction: Local experiences, getaways and gifts from Arizona-based brands and destinations.
• Local Restaurant Food Court and food truck lineup with 40+ local eateries
• 21+ Beverage Garden: $2 samples of Arizona’s craft beers, wines and spirits
• Leashed dogs welcome!
• Free entry

 

WestWorld Art + Wine Experience

Festival

• November 8 – November 9
• Scottsdale at WestWorld of Scottsdale
• Celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and culture
• 100 nationally juried artists and fine artisans
• 20 Arizona wineries
• Live music performances
• Interactive art demonstrations and gourmet food exhibits
• Tasting Packages: 10 tasting tickets + commemorative glass. $45-50 at the gate
• *Pre-sale discount: Save $10 (before fees) by purchasing tasting packages online in advance.
• $30 admission

 

“…a premier event celebrating the vibrant arts, culture, and businesses on the most colorful and creative street in town, Grand Avenue.”

–Grand Ave Fest

Grand Avenue Arts Festival

Festival

• November 8
• Phoenix at Grand Avenue
• Long-running festival featuring local artists, musicians, food, and interactive activities in an artistic neighborhood.
• Free

​The Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience

Cultural Event

• November 15, 6-9pm
• Scottsdale at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
• Immersive, one-of-a-kind culinary showcase highlighting both traditional and contemporary Native cuisine, arts, fashion, music, and cultural heritage
• Tasting stations, live cooking demonstrations, interactive conversations with Indigenous chefs from Arizona’s tribal nations, and Native arts and performances in an elegant setting.
• Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable food systems, agricultural practices, and the spiritual connections between people, environment, and traditional foods.
• Tickets $45, including fees

 

AZ Barrels, Bottles + Brews

Festival

• November 15, 2pm-5pm
• Scottsdale at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
• Small, community focused festival with craft beer, ciders, meads, spirits and hard seltzers from over 25 Arizona producers
• Live entertainment and activities
• Food trucks / vendors
• Age 21+
• General Admission includes a souvenir sample glass, 15 beverage samples (5 oz. beer, 2 oz. cocktail or 1/2 oz. spirit)
• $65 General Admission ticket (includes ticketing fees)

 

Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour

Tour

• November 21-23 + 28-30
• Cave Creek, Carefree, North Scottsdale
• Self-guided tour of artists’ workspaces throughout the Desert Foothills communities
• Opportunity to meet the artists, learn more about their work and process, and maybe even see a demonstration!
• All of the studios will have art on display and for sale.
• Free entry

 

Ornament Marketplace

Market

• November 28 – November 30, 10am-4pm
• Phoenix at Heard Museum Shop
• Annual sale of handmade American Indian ornaments in a variety of styles and mediums.
• Free entry

 

Merry Main Street

Holiday Celebration

• November 28 — January 10
• Downtown Mesa around Mesa Arts Center
• Six-week holiday celebration with Mesa’s official Christmas tree and Menorah, outdoor ice skating rink, holiday markets, and food trucks.
• Nov. 28, 5pm: Event kick-off!
• Nov. 30, 12-4pm: Santa Paws at The Plaza @ Mesa City Center. Take photos of your pets with Santa! (This is the only exception to the no-pets rule at Merry Main St.)
• Live music on Fridays, 6-9pm
• *Goodies: Free ride zone! Friday + Saturday evenings (5-10pm) during Merry Main Street, the light rail is free to ride between Country Club and Gilbert Rd. stations
• Free entry for most activities

 

Scottsdazzle

Holiday Celebration

• November 29 – December 31
• Scottsdale at Old Town Scottsdale
• 11/29: Sing-Along + Tree Lighting Ceremony!
• Monthlong holiday celebration with a variety of activities and events taking place at various locations around Old Town
• Food and beverages available for purchase
• Free entry. Some activities have additional fees.

 

Tempe Festival of the Arts

Market, Festival

• December 5 – December 7, 10am-5:30pm
• Tempe at Mill Avenue Shops
• Well-loved community event that showcases over 350 artists from around the country.
• One of the oldest festivals in the Southwest, it has grown to become a Tempe point of pride
• Local music, kids activities, and food and beverages for purchase on historic Mill Avenue
• Free entry

 

2025 Mesa Book Festival

Festival

• December 6, 10am-8pm
• Mesa at Downtown Mesa’s Christmas Tree (Macdonald/Main St.)
• A day of book-based fun!
• Book signings, readings, panels, quests and prizes, literary costume contests, entertainment stage, card games, vendors (including independent authors, small publishers, literary organizations, and local shops).
• Guest readers from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators reading books at the Christmas Tree.
• *Early Bird Discount: the first 100 attendees to visit the Information Booth will get a $3 Golden Ticket ($3 off coupon) to use at a participating vendor.
• Free admission

 

“Let your holiday spirits soar as the Symphony of the Southwest invites you to Wonderland: a magical journey filled with the joy and nostalgia of the holiday season!”

–Symphony of the Southwest

Wonderland

Performance

• December 13, 7-9:30pm
• Mesa at Mesa Arts Center
• in Ikeda Theater
• Festive Symphony of the Southwest concert and holiday sing-a-long
• features works by Mozart and Ravel, as well as familiar carols
• All ages
• Adult tickets $37 (including fees)

 

Christmas Light Parade

Parade, Holiday Celebration

• December 13, 4-8pm
• Downtown Globe on Broad Street
• 4pm: Music, food trucks, and festivities start
• 6pm / after dusk: parade begins
• Annual parade of Christmas-light-covered vehicles presented by the nonprofit Globe Downtown Association and the City of Globe

Flood Recovery

Downtown Globe recently suffered severe flash flooding. 3 people lost their lives, and many more had their homes or businesses devastated.

• If you would like to help, the Globe Downtown Association recommended donating to the United Fund of Globe-Miami, Inc.
• As Historic Globe’s mom-and-pop shops and cafes reopen, please support them directly as well. *Free Globe-Miami guide
• Before attending the parade and surrounding celebrations, check for any route or event changes.

 

• Northern AZ •

Traveling Textures

Exhibition, Fundraiser

• October 2 – October 30
• Prescott at Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus
• Art exhibition showcasing a collection of small canvases that explore the rich, sensory world of texture, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the everyday materials that shape our surroundings.
• Each piece combines different materials and techniques to evoke the tactile qualities of both natural and man-made surfaces.
• The exhibition will travel through Yavapai County and be on display at the Sedona Center, Verde Valley Campus, and Prescott Campus.
• Proceeds from the online silent auction will support the YC Visual Arts Department. All Bidding starts at $25.
• ANYWHERE: Online Auction ends November 1st at 11:30pm.
• Free entry

 

 

Sedona Arts Festival

Festival

• October 11 – October 12
• Sedona at Sedona Red Rock High School Sports Field
• Sedona’s oldest and largest arts event, featuring over 100 artists from across the country
• Gourmet Row, live music, food and libations
• Festival promotes awareness of the arts, supports artists, builds community in the greater Sedona area, and provides funding for youth art programs and scholarships.
• $15 full event pass (children 12 and under free with a paid adult)

 

Shop vintage, handmade, upcycled, natural, edible, etc.

Market: Flagstaff Urban Flea Market

• October 11 + 25 
• 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 9am – 2pm
• Flagstaff at Flagstaff City Hall
• Independent small businesses, artisans, and food producers selling an eclectic mix of “funky flea market type treasures.”
• On Etsy: Flagstaff Market vendor Pollen Arts (from Cornville)
• Free entry

 

Autumn Bookworm Retreat

Book Event

• November 7–10
• Pinetop
• 3-night stay in a cabin-style lodge with forest views, where you can connect with a small group of fellow readers, writers, and creatives in a peaceful setting.
• Guided book discussions and writing sessions, as well as times for independent reading or journaling
• Crafting activities, game night, and social hours
• Optional morning walks
• LGBTQ+ friendly safe space
• Hosted by Readers of the Valley
• All meals and snacks included
• $250 + tax per person for the entire stay

 

Mountain Spinners and Weavers Guild and the Prescott Area Woodturners Holiday Show and Sale

Market

• November 8, 9am-3:30pm
• Prescott at Grace Sparkes Activity Center
• Hundreds of handcrafted wearables and home decor items available for purchase
• All items are handmade by members of the Mountain Spinners + Weavers Guild or the Prescott Area Woodturners
• Free entry + free parking

 

Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup

Nature Activity, Volunteer Opportunity

• November 8, 8am-1pm
• Sedona at Slide Rock State Park
• Group volunteer activity with over 15 organizations coming together to care for Oak Creek
• The creek is a vital resource to people and wildlife, but it’s located in the middle of a popular tourist area, which sees about 4 million visitors each year.
• Following the clean-up, volunteers will reconvene at Slide Rock for celebration, thank yous, and a raffle
• No pets
• Register online before Nov. 7

 

Small Business Saturday Prescott

Holiday Celebration

• November 29
• Prescott
• Community event inspiring Prescott customers to shop small, eat local, and support the local economy
• Pick up a coupon booklet at the Prescott Chamber’s Visitor Information Center, starting 11/24
• Free entry

 

Carols from The Canyon Christmas Show: folky covers from a local band

Performance

• December 5, 6pm
• Prescott at Prescott Elks Theater
• Prescott-based MacDougal Street West – who are normally a Peter, Paul and Mary cover band – expand their American folk revival repertoire to include more Laurel Canyon artists, as well as Christmas songs
• Laurel Canyon was a hub for artists like Linda Ronstadt, The Beach Boys, Mamas and the Papas, and Joni Mitchell.
• Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. (Supports the Elks’ outreach and scholarship programs.)
• $25 and up per ticket

 

Acker Night Musical Showcase

Holiday Celebration

• December 12, 5pm-8:30pm
• Downtown Prescott
• 5pm: Opening Ceremony and school choir performance.
• A night of live music through the festively-lit streets of Downtown Prescott that raises money for music education.
• Over 100 Downtown businesses stay open late, hosting local musicians, who donate their tips to provide music lessons and instruments to local youth and support school music programs.
• Free (donations welcome)

 

• Southern AZ •

Picture Party: Celebrating the Collection at 50

Exhibition

• now – December 20
• Tucson at Center for Creative Photography (CCP)
• Exhibition celebrating five decades of CCP
• More than 100 photographs and archival objects from its collections on display, arranged to create visual “conversations” across time and place.
• Free

 

Artisans Mercado in the Plaza

Market

• October 1 – March 30, 2026
• Ajo at Ajo Plaza
• Saturdays 9am-12pm
• Weekly market season with artists, makers and creatives from all over the region selling everything from handmade javelina pillows to delicious baked goods!
• The Artisans Mercado is independently organized by a group of local creatives in collaboration with Art Under the Arches Gallery + Gifts.
• art + craft vendors, local artisans
• Free entry

 

 

Viewpoints in Fiber

Exhibition

• October 3 – November 9
• Tubac at Tubac Center of the Arts
• 10/3, 5-7pm: Reception
• 10/4, 1pm: Gallery Walk-Through + Artist Talk with Mary Vaneecke + Trish Hastings-Sargent
• Group exhibition by the Fiber Artists of Southern Arizona
• Free (donations welcome)

 

 

“I simply can’t get enough of Arizona—its sun on my face, its dirt under my feet, its colors on my palette.”

–botanical artist Dyana Hesson

 

Wild Arizona: Native Arizona Plants and Places

Exhibition

• October 4 – December 7
• Tucson at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
• in the Ironwood Gallery
• Retrospective of 35 years’ work by Dyana Hesson, whose vibrant oil paintings often focus on individual desert plants.
• Her compositions reflect the scientific eye of a naturalist, the heart of a conservationist, and the skill of a masterful artist
• This exhibition features new works alongside rarely seen paintings from private collections.

 

Bisbee Plein Air Festival and Competition

Festival, Participatory Art-making

• October 8 – October 12
• Bisbee at Central School Project
• Annual artist tradition of painting Old Bisbee and the surrounding area’s historic architecture, sprawling staircases, charming streets, industrial mining remnants, and colorful homes and compete for $800 in prizes.
• Supportive environment for artists at all levels of practice, from first timers to professionals.
• $35 registration fee per participating artist

 

The Drawing Studio: Selected workshops

Workshops

• October 9 – November 29
• Tucson at The Drawing Studio, Inc.
• 10/9, 1pm: Connecting Thought and Color. Create an image using specific abstract drawing techniques, and then follow a series of creating writing activities. The session will complete with art showcasing and an open mic. $35 (discounted price)
• 10/11-25 (3 Saturdays, 5-8pm): Secrets of Paper Collage. Explore this profound art form using vintage and hand-crafted paper, as well as other non-traditional paper materials. Learn about composition, deconstruction, and the ways in which paper can be adhered to a surface. $165
• 10/18, 1pm: Sumi-e Ink Brush Practice – Quail. Step by step demonstration in using a bamboo brush, black sumi ink, and rice paper to practice the meditative, ancient Japanese art of Sumi-e. With a minimal number of brushstrokes, capture the spirit of this month’s subject, a quail. No previous experience is necessary. $55
• 11/3-17 (3 Mondays, 6-8pm): Needlecraft and Narrative: Photo Embroidery. Learn basic embroidery techniques and how to transfer photos onto fabric, then embellish your image with creative stitching. $165
• 11/8-29 (4 Saturdays, 9am-12pm): Rendering Art Amidst Chaos. Explore the historical context behind the power of art that leads to social movements and cultural change. Discussions and exercises in drawing, collage, and a creative process will help translate chaos and abstract feeling into artistic expression with impact. $165

 

“I’m the messenger. That’s my job – it has been for my whole life – and I can’t just give up while the struggle’s still alive. We’ve got more work to do, so I’m going to keep on getting stronger and keep on delivering my message every single day.”

–Mavis Staples, on the eve of her 80th birthday

Mavis Staples

Performance

• October 9, 7:30pm
• Tucson at Fox Tucson Theatre
• Performance by a legendary musical artist and civil rights activist, backed by her longtime touring band
• Her most recent album We Get By is a call to love, faith, justice, and joy – and an assurance of better things to come.
• Stephanie Anne Johnson will open the show.
• $50-80 per ticket (includes ticketing fees)

 

Gather: A Vintage Market

Market

• October 9-12, November 6-9 December 11-14
• Tucson at Gather A Vintage Market
• 11/5, 5-8pm:  Holiday Kickoff
• A collection of always-changing antique and vintage finds with monthly themes.
• Free entry

 

 

“This year, we’re taking over the spell-soaked streets of Trail Dust Town, where old western charm meets mystical mayhem. Wander through a full village of witchy vendors, spirited readers, curious oddities, and live enchantment, all conjured up by Inked Goddess Creations.”

–Witches’ Bazaar

 

Witches’ Bazaar at Trail Dust Town

Market

• October 11, 12pm-4pm
• Tucson at Trail Dust Town
• Indoor + outdoor market: Shop goods from local vendors like handmade candles, herbal teas, crystals, spell kits, jewelry, soaps, taxidermy art, antler headdresses, art prints
• Live performances throughout the day from the Haggs of Tucson and the Lykiska Tribal Bellydance troupe, photo ops, and tarot readings.
• Kids’ activities include a petting zoo from the Tucson nonprofit TRAK and  rides on the Town’s carousel, mini train, or ferris wheel.
• Food and beverages available for purchase from Trail Dust Town’s Cowboy Cart food
• Free entry

 

The Basque Legacy in the Borderlands

Talk / Presentation

• October 11, 2pm
• Tubac at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
• Presentation on the legacy that Basque soldiers, ranchers, and miners left on the Arizona-Sonora borderlands.
• $15 per ticket

 

Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch: Makers Market

Market

• October 11 – December 13, 9am-1pm
• Oro Valley at Steam Pump Ranch
• Second Saturday of each month October through April.
• Monthly community event with a Makers Market (selling local arts and crafts), Oro Valley Farmers Market, food vendors, and lots of free activities, including historical tours, kids’ crafts, and live music.
• 10:30am – 12pm: Concerts. Dos Sueños 10/11, 12/13 + Pinch 11/8
• 11/8: Book + Puzzle Swap!
• Free entry

Carr House Visitor Information Center Talks

Talk / Presentation

• October 12 + 19, November 2 + 23 at 1:30pm
• Hereford at The Carr House Visitor Information Center (1011 East Carr Canyon Road)
• Program of presentations on a wide range of topics, centered around the natural and cultural history of the Huachuca Mountains and environs.
• Accessibility: The Carr House is fully accessible and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• 10/12: Pioneers of Carr Canyon with Rosemary Snapp, a Carr Canyon resident and one of the founding members of the Friends of the Huachuca Mountains.
• 10/19: Binational Conservation in the Sky Island Region with Zach Palma about Sky Island Alliance’s efforts to steward a landscape that is located within two different countries, why transboundary conservation is so important, and how to get involved!
• 11/2: Day of the Dead with Carr House Host Mike Foster showing how the Aztec/Catholic holiday is celebrated in cemeteries across the border in Sonora and further south in Mexico. Enjoy traditional foods and make your own altar!
• 11/23: “Alien Spacecraft” with Glen Minuth. The Remote Automatic Weather Stations system (RAWS) may look like a UFO but is actually a network of automated weather stations made to observe potential wildfire conditions. Following the talk, the group will walk outside to learn how the RAWS collects weather data in remote locations.
• Free

 

Artwork by Harrison P. Preston at Tucson Meet Yourself [/caption]

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Festival

• October 13, 2:30pm-10pm
• Tucson at Global Justice Center
• Day of cultural performances, blessings, and speakers honoring the Original Nations of Arizona and uplifting Indigenous culture, voices, and sovereignty.
• Local vendors, live music, kids activities
• Food and beverages available for purchase
• Free

 

“This beloved annual event is a celebration of folk arts and culture—and it’s also the perfect chance to discover one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts before the holiday rush. Come meet the artists, explore traditional crafts, and shop early for the season in a vibrant, community-centered setting.”

– Southwest Folklife Alliance

 

Tucson Meet Yourself with Old Pima County Courthouse

Tucson Meet Yourself

Festival

• October 17 – October 19
• Tucson at Jácome Plaza
• Annual three-day celebration of the folk arts of the diverse communities of the Sonoran region.
• Hundreds of artisans, home cooks, dancers, musicians, and special exhibits!
• Arts and craft demonstrations, workshops, and vendor booths
• Lots of food and beverage options – including some that aren’t available most of the time
• ANYWHERE: Shop many of TMY’s heritage artists’ work via Loom Market
• Free entry (donations welcome)

 

 

“The trio’s sound is spacious and soothing, yet groovy and danceable: high-energy music played with subtlety and finesse.”

–Mercado District

RC3: The R Carlos Nakai Trio

Performance

• October 18, 7pm
• Tucson at MSA Annex
• Concert of RC3: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio, which consists of Native American flute master R. Carlos Nakai, multi-instrumentalist AmoChip Dabney, and pan-global percussionist Will Clipman.
• ANYWHERE: Streaming Tickets $15
• $23 per ticket (includes ticketing fees)

 

“The Captain’s Quarters” by Ara Bentley via The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

Creating Miniatures with Worbla – Workshop with Artist Ara Bentley

Workshop / Class

• October 18, 10am
• Tucson at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
• Hands-on workshop on how to create miniatures with Worbla, a heat-activated plastic material
• This workshop is geared towards adults with some miniature making experience but open to older teens wanting to build their skills. (16+)
• Instructor artist Ara Bentley, whose work has been on display at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
• $65 fee

 

Unwind with the New Moon: A Workshop for Movement + Rest

Workshop / Class

• October 18 + December 13, 6:30pm-8:30pm
• Tucson at Yoga Oasis
• Slow, nourishing evening practice during the darkest phase in the lunar cycle – a time to pause, unwind, release what no longer serves, and set intentions for the next phases.
• Expect some gentle and alignment-based movement (asana), guided meditation and breathwork (pranayama), and a healing crystal bowl sound bath.
• Instructors: Hanna Naegle and Julie Vernon
• All levels are welcome, props and pose modifications will be offered and available.
• Advance registration is encouraged.
• $33 fee

 

Desert Haze Market

Market

• October 18 / November 15 / December 13, 11am-4pm
• Tucson at Hotel Congress
• on the Plaza
• All vintage clothing market made up of finds from independent local sellers
• Different DJ each month
• The Bloody Mary bar in the Lounge and Cup Cafe will be open
• Dog-friendly
• All ages
• *Goodies: Drink specials
• Free entry

 

Humans and dogs in costume – with one wearing a bomber jacket by Etsy seller CFMonogram. Photo by CFMonogram reviewer.

Bark in the Park

Festival

• October 18, 5pm-8pm
• Oro Valley at Steam Pump Ranch
• Community event hosted by Oro Valley Parks and Recreation for all ages – of humans and doggos! (Just make sure to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.)
• Dog Costume Contest with free, on-site registration the day of the event.
• Adoptable dogs you can meet, Bark in the Park themed photo booth with printable photo strips, puppy dog crafts for kids, and local pet-related business/organization tables.
• Food trucks / vendors
• Free

 

Perfume Literacy workshop

Workshop / Class

• October 18 / November 15 / December 13 at 1pm
• Tucson at 3075 N. Swan Road
• Three-hour workshop offered on three different dates.
• Comprehensive class on the history of perfumes, common ingredients, olfactory vocabulary, standard methods for evaluating a perfume’s performance, and how to understand scents we encounter in our daily lives.
• Participants will take home a “smell + study kit,” consisting of 24 key perfume ingredients and a perfume field guide that will allow them to improve their olfactory skills at their own pace after the workshop.
• Taught by Merve Colpan, who has a Master’s degree in European Fragrance and Cosmetics from French perfumery school ISIPCA, as well as experience working alongside skilled perfumers in the industry.
• Workshop suitable for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.
• $136 fee

 

Lila Downs in concert: Día De Muertos

Performance

• October 19, 6:30pm
• Tucson at Centennial Hall
• An evening of music, memory, and tradition with Lila Downs, whose music blends ranchera, folk, jazz, and blues.
• Her latest release, La Sánchez, honors the lives and memories of our lost loved ones in a moving tribute full of color and emotion
• Wear Día de Muertos-inspired clothing or calavera face paint and dance the night away in this joyful celebration!
• $29-68 per ticket + tax (includes ticketing fees)

 

 

Tucson Celtic Festival + Scottish Highland Games

Festival

• October 24 – October 26
• Tucson at Rillito Park Race Track
• Festival that celebrates Celtic arts, language, athletics, food, tradition, and culture through demonstrations, reenactments, performances, and competitions.
• Tucson Celtic Festival Association’s Charity of the Year for 2025 is Esperanza, “a fresh start for homeless vets.”
• Dance, traditional music, crafts, vendors, kids’ activities
• Tastings, food and beverages available for purchase
• Single-day adult tickets $25-$30 at the gate. Children (12 + younger) are free.
• +Add-on Whisky Tasting (21+) or Tea Tasting (with Paid Admission) $28
• *Save $3 by purchasing tickets in advance.
• *Save $3 at the gate by bringing 3 non-perishable food items to benefit the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

 

A Taste of African American History

Cultural Event

• October 25 + November 8
• Tucson + Bisbee
• Celebration of the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans through food, music, and storytelling!
• Complimentary meals from three spotlight food trucks while supplies last:  Mama Carey’s, On the Fly Kitchen, Ken’s Hardwood BBQ
• Hosted by the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ)
• Oct. 25, 10am in Tucson at GEICO Corporate Office (near Speedway/Kolb)
• Nov. 8, 10am in Bisbee at Warren Ballpark (Ruppe Ave/Arizona St)
• All are welcome!
• Donations (in any amount) to support AAMSAZ and its mission can be given in cash the day of the event or online anytime.
• Free (donations happily accepted)

 

“Think of Cyclovia as a really long block party; a miles-long activation of street space to elevate and celebrate community.”

–Cyclovia Tucson

 

Cyclovia

Festival

• October 26, 9am-3pm
• Tucson
• This fall’s event takes place just east of I-10, around the Pascua Yaqui Indian Village / Barrio Anita / Dunbar Spring neighborhoods
• Cyclovia Tucson is an Open Streets event which temporarily re-purposes public streets to be more accessible to people than motorized vehicles.
• Several miles of streets are closed to cars and open for people to walk, bike, hang out, participate in activities hosted by neighborhood groups and businesses.
• Food trucks / vendors, beer garden
• Free

 

Tubac Dia de los Muertos

Festival

• November 1, 9am-3pm
• Tubac at Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
• Tradition that brings the community together to celebrate life and honor those who have passed with a procession through the village, altars, offerings, Catrina Contest, and a bonfire finale.
• 40 pop-up vendors, face painting, jewelry show, and special events at Wisdom’s Café
• Live music, DJ
• Food trucks / vendors
• Free

 

Old City Hall, Yuma

YumaCon

Convention

• November 1-2
• Yuma at Yuma Civic Center
• 2-day pro-geek convention for fans of comics, anime, pop culture, and related art forms.
• Features cosplay, panels, tabletop and video games, e-sports, and a vendor gallery.
• All ages
• Admission cost TBD (children ages 6 and under are free.)

Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life

Concert

• November 1, 7:30pm
• Tucson in Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
• One-night-only collaboration between Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference to celebrate the beautiful musical traditions of Día de los Muertos
• The concert will feature conductor Juan Montoya, internationally-recognized Tlen Huicani, and special guests Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School and Grupo Folklórico Los Guerreros de Pueblo High School
• $26 and up per ticket (includes fees)

 

SAWG Gallery Holiday Show: Watercolor Works Show + Sell

Exhibition, Market

• November 4 – January 3
• Tucson at Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild Art Gallery
• A total of 200 pieces of original art available for sale at reasonable prices.
• Free entry

 

Loft Film Fest

Festival

• November 5 – November 13
• Tucson at The Loft Cinema
• Festival dedicated to showcasing the best independent, foreign and classic films, as well as celebrating the work of established and emerging directors, writers, producers and actors.
• 40+ film screenings
• Celebrating its fifteenth year
• Loft Film Fest Badge $200, includes all 40 screenings

 

Quilt, Craft + Sewing Festival (Tucson)

Festival

• November 6 – November 8
• Tucson at Tucson Expo Center
• Festival with a wide variety of sewing, quilting, needle-art and craft supply exhibits from many companies.
• Make’n’takes, free demos, daily door prize drawings, art + craft vendors
• Free entry

 

All Souls Procession

Hike / Walk, Cultural Event

• November 7 – November 9
• Tucson at MSA Annex
• A uniquely Tucson celebration, which draws on the many cultural traditions of the community to honor the lives of our loved ones and ancestors.
• Nov. 9: Two-mile long procession open to anyone who wants to walk and remember.
• The procession ends on the Mercado District Festival Grounds, where there will be performances, art installations, food vendors, and, finally, the ceremonial burning of collected remembrances in a large metal urn.
• Art installations, art activities, locally made goods
• Live entertainment
• Food trucks / vendors
• Free (donations welcome)

 

Sidepony Express Music Festival

Festival

• November 7-9
• Bisbee
• Free three-day showcase of emerging independent musical artists who create original, art-forward music from across genres – including underground bands from all over the US and international
• Exact performance schedule will be announced online very close to the event.
• H/T Discover Bisbee
• Free (donations welcome)

 

 

Tubac Art Walk

Market

• November 7 – November 9, 10am-5pm
• Tubac
• Longstanding annual tradition that allows you to meet the artists of Tubac and watch their work in progress.
• Enjoy the hospitality of Tubac’s many art galleries, specialty shops, and restaurants. Many businesses will provide treats and refreshments visitors.
• meet the artists / makers, art for sale on display
• Live music
• Refreshments / snacks, regular eateries will be open
• H/T Tubac, Arizona
• Free entry

 

Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum booth at Tucson Festival of Books

Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum Show + Swap Meet

Festival, Market

• November 9, 10am-2pm
• Tucson at Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum (parking lot)
• Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum hosts a toy train and collectible show / swap meet each year with model and toy trains, prototype railroad memorabilia, collectible toys, cars, figures, etc.
• Open to the public (no pets)
• *Goodies: Free admission to the museum the day of the show (open 10am-3pm)
• Free

 

Concert on the Hotel Congress Plaza.

Valgur

Performance

• November 12, 7pm
• Tucson at Club Congress
• Theatrical weird-pop duo of siblings Elizabeth and Hugo Valdivieso from Oaxaca, Mexico
• 55 Castles will open the show
• Ages 16+
• Tickets $16

 

Wreaths + Wine

Workshop

• November 12, 7pm
• Tucson at La Esquina
• Make your own fresh holiday wreath with Bloom Maven, while tasting an assortment of wines, curated by La Esquina
• All materials, tools and florals are included
• $110 fee

 

Papel picado at Pasqual’s in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Art Speaks-Taos to Tucson: From Darkness to Light in the Art of the American West

Talk / Presentation

• November 13, 5pm
• Tubac at Tubac Center of the Arts
• History of Southwestern Art as seen through through colorful paintings and interesting stories
• From the Taos Pueblo in 1893 to Tucson’s Barrio in 2022, learn about the colors, landscapes, people, and cultures portrayed by three distinct groups of artists: The Taos Society of Artists, The Tucson 7, Tucson Barrio Painters.
• Presented by: Tucson Museum of Art Docent Susie Heinz
• $10 fee

 

Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

Performance

• November 14, 7:30 pm + November 16, 2pm
• Tucson at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
• Classical Music concert with Tucson Symphony Orchestra that will contrast the Walton Viola Concerto and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending
• Yura Lee will solo on both viola and violin
• Pre-concert talk one hour before each performance
• Tickets $17 and up

 

Colorado River Crossing Hot Air Balloon Festival

Festival

• November 14-16
• Yuma at Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex
• Three-day event featuring mass hot air balloon ascensions and tethered balloon rides.
• Each day of the festival, gates open at 6am for watching sunrise launches.
• Nov. 15, 5:30pm: Balloon Glow (gates at 3pm). Festival finale, where tethered balloons illuminate the night sky, synchronized to the rhythm of music.
• Morning launch admission: a non-perishable canned food item. / Evening Glow admission is $5 per person, plus a non-perishable canned food item to benefit Crossroads Mission, a shelter for unhoused people.

 

YEBO! AFRO:BAILE Fest

Performance

• November 14, 8pm
• Tucson at La Rosa Arts Center (formerly Benedictine church)
• Night of Afrobeat, Latin, and global rhythms, led by live bands, DJs and visual artists with Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, Pijama Piyama, Djents, and DJ Herm.
• 6:30pm: Veranda Bar opens
• 7:15pm: Venue doors open
• Standing room only
• Ages 21+
• Tickets $22 / On-site parking $10 (advance purchase online only)

 

Handmade Aromatherapy Gifts

Workshop

• November 15, 10am 
• Tucson in Tucson Botanical Garden
• in Person Porter Hall
• Make an aromatherapy gift to take with you
• Workshop will cover project instructions and recipes for bath salts, body oils, and aromatic room sprays
• Presented by certified aromatherapist Kerry Cummins.
• $36 fee

 

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Indigenous Arts Fair

Cultural Event, Market

• November 15, 10am-4pm
• Tucson at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
• Meet talented artists, watch live demonstrations, and shop authentic handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more.
• Experience tradition, creativity, and connection in a vibrant outdoor setting.
• meet the artists / makers, art + craft vendors
• Included with admission

 

Dusk Music Festival

Festival

• November 15 – November 16, 2:30pm-11pm
• Tucson at Jácome Plaza
• Music, art and culinary festival, featuring 40 artists on 3 stages
• Food: Lineup of restaurants, food trucks and chefs to highlight Tucson’s thriving food traditions and cutting edge cuisine
• Art installations: Sculptures, digital artwork, and lighting exhibits that explore the intersection of art and music by University of Arizona’s School of Art, 3D + Extended Media students and faculty members, as well as other area artists
• Games: Backyard games for all ages and a tent of classic arcade games by Cobra Arcade Tucson
• $133 per weekend pass (includes ticketing fees). Children ages 10 and younger free with a paid adult ticket holder.

 

Desert Air Market

Market

• November 15, 11am-5pm
• Tucson at Tucson Hop Shop
• Recurring outdoor pop-up market created and run by Tucson artisans for Tucson artisans
• New location
• Locally made goods
• Food trucks / vendors
• Free entry

 

Mushroom Cultivation Workshop

Workshop

• November 16, 10am
• Tucson at Tucson Botanical Garden
• Easy, approachable guide to growing edible mushrooms at home – without having to spend a lot of money on equipment.
• Learn about the role fungi plays in our ecology, benefits to gardens and gardeners, and cultivation and propagation techniques.
• Participants will be able to create and take home a grow bag of oyster mushrooms, along with the knowledge of how to keep them going all season long.
• $40 fee

 

JPride Poster Lab

Participatory art activity

• November 20, 5:30-8pm (Drop in anytime!)
• Tucson at the Tucson Jewish Community Center
• Express yourself by creating bold, colorful posters that celebrate your identity, message, and creativity in preparation for Tucson’s Pride Weekend
• Casual, drop-in event where you can connect with community, get crafty, and/or find folks to walk with!
• Materials, drinks, and snacks provided
• Open to everyone. No artistic experience needed.
• $6 fee

 

Tucson Pride in the Desert Weekend

Festival

• November 21 – November 23
• Tucson
• 11/21: Pride Parade and the Pageant for the People
• 11/22: Pride in the Park Festival at Reid Park. Live entertainment by performers of all types on the Main Stage and Community Stage/Dance Tent, food trucks, vendors and non-profit exhibitors, games area, and youth activities area
• 11/22: Club Pride after-party
• 11/23: More community events

 

TMA Fall Artisans Market

Market

• November 21 – November 23
• Tucson at Tucson Museum Of Art
•  100 unique and local artists and artisans in an outdoor street fair setting
• Crafts, original artwork, pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles, and gift items
• Annual fundraiser for TMA, organized by the Museum Store,
• Art + craft vendors, locally made goods, local artisans
• *Goodies: museum admission is pay-what-you-wish during the market
• Free entry

 

“This music is love and light in sound.”

–True Concord

 

Give Me Your Tired

Performance

• November 21-23
• Green Valley + Tucson
• True Concord Choir + Orchestra will perform pieces from Caroline Shaw’s To the Hands and Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna.
• Concerts will be held in three different Southern Arizona Venues on successive days
• Nov. 21, 4pm at Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Valley

 

Fall Ikebana Festival

Festival

• November 28 – December 7
• Tucson at Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson
• Skilled ikebana artists will fill the garden’s paths with sculptural arrangements in the striking tradition of Japanese floral artistry
• $10 per admission

 

Sculpture by Joe Benedict via Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination: Holiday light show

Holiday Celebration

• November 28 – January 11, 6pm-9:30pm
• Tucson at Tucson Botanical Gardens
• Holiday light show with thousands of LED lights illuminating trees and custom-built structures and art installations
• Edna’s Eatery will be serving holiday cookies, hot cocoa, and grab + go bites.
• Closed Mondays
• Regular adult admission $23 and up, depending on date and time

 

Tubachristmas holiday parade during the Oro Valley Holiday Festival via SAACA

Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts + Tree Lighting Celebration

Holiday Celebration

• December 6 – December 7
• Oro Valley at Oro Valley Marketplace
• 12/6, 10am-5pm: Artisan market and holiday activities
• 12/6 at 6pm: Holiday Tree Lighting
• 12/7, 10am-4pm: Artisan market and holiday activities
• Hub of Oro Valley holiday festivities that supports surrounding businesses and offers a platform for local artists.
• Over 150 artists and exhibitors
• 500+ student and community performers, TUBACHRISTMAS, caroling, Santa parade.
• Food and beverages available for purchase
• All ages
• On Etsy: vendor Canoa Naturals
• Free entry

 

Vegan Night Market

Festival

• December 6, 6pm
• Tucson at Rillito Park Food Pavilions
• Quarterly food festival that celebrates sustainable and cruelty-free deliciousness
• Produced by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie for Tucson’s vegan and vegan-curious community
• Local artisan market, DJs, tattoos
• Food and beverages available for purchase
• Free entry

 

Holiday Festival + Tree Lighting

Holiday Celebration

• December 6, 2pm-6pm
• Marana at Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex
• 6pm + 8:30pm: Tree Lighting ceremony. 13-minute show with 100,000 RBG lights on a 45-foot tall Christmas Tree and landscape trees synchronized to music.
• Mistletoe Market: 35 local artisan and craft vendors
• Food Donation Stations for the Marana Food Bank
• Creation Station presented by Lucky Cat Social Art (mobile painting and craft parties)
• Kids’ activities (free rides on the Holiday Train, Bouncy Castles)
• Live entertainment, dance, community / student performances on 2 stages, photo booth
• 30+ Food trucks / vendors
• Free entry

 

Frontier Holidays at the Presidio Museum

Holiday Celebration

• December 6, 10 am – 2 pm
• Tucson at the Presidio Museum
• Celebration of several holiday traditions, including Las Posadas (a singing procession from Mexico) performed by the students of Carrillo K-5 Magnet School and Hanukkah with activities from The Tucson Jewish Museum + Holocaust Center.
• Shop at the author’s book fair
• Included with admission

 

The Old World Holiday Market

Market

• December 6, December 13, December 20 from 1pm-7pm
• Sonoita at The Meading Room
• Christmas lights, campfires, and a rotating lineup of over 20 local art + craft vendors at each market!
• Hot apple cider, s’mores, mulled wine, plus other food and beverages available for purchase
• Live music all day
• All ages
• Pets welcome
• Free entry

 

20th Tucson Tamal + Heritage Festival

Festival

• December 6, 10am-5pm
• Tucson at Casino Del Sol
• in the AVA Amphitheater
• Festival celebrating the delicious variations of tamales from the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
• Tamale contest, live music, food and beverages available for purchase
• Art + craft market, locally made goods, farmers market vendors
• Free entry

 

Citrus and other farmers market goodies

Holidays at the Markets

Market

• December 11 – December 22, 9am-1pm
• Green Valley, Oro Valley, Tucson at Heirloom Farmers Markets in the greater Tucson area
• Two weeks of holiday shopping and festivities at the farmers markets!
• Shop local vendors, enter a free holiday raffle, and enjoy live music
• Food and beverages available for purchase plus Taste of the Market tastings and recipes at the Rillito Park Farmers Market
• Free entry

 

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair

Market, Festival

• December 12 – December 14, 10am-5pm
• Tucson at Historic Fourth Avenue
• Holiday season edition of historic Downtown Tucson’s twice-yearly street fair!
• Shop original, handmade art from 350+ artists from around the world
• Fourth Avenue merchants are open during the event
• Live entertainment
• Food and beverages available for purchase (over 40 food vendors)
• Free entry

 

Sonoita Small Town Christmas

Market, Holiday Celebration

• December 14, 10am-4pm
• Sonoita at Santa Cruz County Fair + Rodeo Association
• Over 40 vendors, yard games, barrel racing (with Christmas trees instead of barrels), and team roping.
• Food trucks and local artisans
• Free entry

 

Chuparosa Brass Holiday Concert

Performance

• December 19, 7pm
• Tubac at Tubac Center of the Arts
• Festive music from a small but spirited brass quintet
• Made up of an eclectic group of Tucson-area musicians, who are music educators, freelancers, and musicians from ensembles such as the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Tucson Pops Orchestra, and Sierra Vista Symphony.
• $40 per ticket

 

Mercado Holiday Bazaar

Market

• December 19 – December 21
• Tucson in the Mercado District
• at Mercado San Agustin, MSA Annex, and the Monier Building
• Local artisans, makers, and small businesses offer a festive shopping experience with a wide range of handcrafted goods, jewelry, clothing, artwork, and other unique holiday gifts
• Holiday music, photo booth from Bloom Maven
• Food and beverages from local vendors available for purchase
• Free entry

 

The Full Messiah: Hallelujah!

Concert

• December 20 + 21, 2pm
• Tucson at Catalina Foothills High School
• Performance of Handel’s complete Messiah by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas McGegan.
• Tickets $47 and up

 

New Year’s Eve 2026 Swing Dance Party

Holiday Celebration

• December 31, 8pm
• Bisbee at the Legion Bar and Grill
• 1940s dance party in Old Bisbee
• $55 entry

 

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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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