Early Summer (May/June) 2024 Happenings

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blooming cactus

May Days

There are some great Happenings over the next couple months! Quite a few festivals, some maker markets, craft classes, experimental art exhibits, nature hikes, and city strolls. A couple festivals are (Something) and Wine festivals. And did you know that May 18 is International Museum Day?

Of course there are Juneteenth celebrations throughout the month of June – including one that kicks off with a ballet collaboration!

There are also outdoor performances of ballet, flamenco, and folklorico. Wanna dance around a maypole? That’s on this List. Go to a space rave? That too.

I mean, really, what you should do now is start skimming through these upcoming Happenings, and see where you end up!

Agave at DBG

The Happenings List

Events for art, culture, food, and nature lovers with Goodies* starred throughout the List! If you’re not in Arizona, then the Anywhere section is for you, and so are the aspects of Arizona events labeled “ANYWHERE.”

Finally, there may be an Etsy affiliate link or two. Support local makers and this site at the same time!

 

wildflowers

• Anywhere •

“…the analog activity of observation, drawing, and writing (by hand!) about the natural world is the key to connecting more people to science and nature conservation, as well as a path to personal well-being.”

—Roseann Hanson

painting in nature
Photo by Roseann Hanson via Natural History Institute
Mark Your Calendar

The Art of Exploration: How Field Sketching and Journaling Bridge Science, Conservation, and Well-being

May 2, 7pm MST (UTC/GMT -7 hours) / Livestream on Natural History Institute’s YouTube / Free

Roseann Hanson has been keeping science-based nature journals for 40 years! She’s a naturalist, artist, author, and explorer. In this talk, she’ll share the history of field sketching as a way humans have recorded exploration – starting as far back as the stone age – and explain why it’s still an essential activity.

 

pond
The Verde River runs through Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood.

Protecting One of Arizona’s Last, Best, and Wildest Rivers: The Upper Verde

May 9, 7pm MST / Livestream on Natural History Institute’s YouTube / Free

Rachel Ellis, an expert on rivers in the Southwestern U.S., gives a talk about what makes the Upper Verde River area special and why it should be protected with a federal Wild + Scenic River designation.

“The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects more than 13,400 miles of rivers and streams in the U.S. … Designation as a wild and scenic river is our nation’s strongest form of protection for free-flowing rivers and streams.”

—U.S. Forest Service

 

spools of ribbon
Spools of ribbon at the Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival in Phoenix.

Sew-Along with Allyn

May 17 — December 20, 9am MST / Camp Verde Community Library Facebook / Free

Sewing beginners can take classes at their own pace with new projects posted monthly to the Camp Verde Community Library’s website and Facebook.

  • Classes are posted on the third Friday of each month at 9am.
  • A list of supplies needed for each project will be posted the week before the class.
  • Recommended for ages 9 to adult.

 

“Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”

—International Council of Museums

Smithsonian visitor center castle
Smithsonian Museum Visitor Center

International Museum Day (IMD)

May 18 / worldwide at participating museums

Every year, on International Museum Day (IMD), museums around the world plan creative events and activities related to that year’s International Museum Day theme, engage with their public, and highlight the importance of the role of museums as institutions that serve society and its development.

 

Clarion Alley San Francisco street art: abstract black and white lines on a wall

Meditative Line Drawing

May 18, 10:30am MST / Zoom / Free

Class on using meditative line drawing to create intuitive abstract art. It’s an hour of free-flow drawing dots, lines, and shapes taught live online.

  • Supplies: Paper for line drawing, Pen (preferably fine liner pen) in your thickness and color choice
  • Pre-registration is required.
  • Presented by Prescott Valley Public Library + Silverkite Community Art Classes
Anytime

Watch / tour

Read

Shop

 

composite image representing multiple realities
Zbigniew Rybczyński, Take Five, 1972. 35mm short film transferred to digital. Courtesy of the artist, Vail, Arizona.

• Central Arizona •

Multiple Realities: Experimental Art in the Eastern Bloc, 1960s–1980s

now — September 15 / Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix / included with paid admission ($10 during free admission times)

The Cold War didn’t stop art. Even behind the Iron Curtain, artists were still creating and experimenting. Multiple Realities showcases the work of almost 100 artists from six Central-Eastern European nations (East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Yugoslavia). Although a number of well-known artists from the region are on display, the focus is on largely unknown women artists, artist collectives, and LGBTQIA+ artists.

“The exhibition traces how a generation of artists … embraced experimentation and interdisciplinary practices to confront at times harsh conditions of everyday life, while circumventing and eluding the very systems that sought to surveil and silence them.”

— PhxArt’s introduction to the exhibit

  • Exhibit is included with paid museum admission. During free admission times, like PhxArt AfterHours or Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays, a $10 special exhibition ticket is required.
  • *PhxArt AfterHours: June 7 + Sep. 6, 5-9pm. Free admission, extended hours live music, art-making workshops, and specialty food and drink.

Entrance to DBG
Entrance pathway at Desert Botanical Gardens.

Dog Days at the Garden: Yes, dogs allowed!

May 4 + 11, 8-11am / Desert Botanical Gardens (DBG), Phoenix / Included with admission

Walk your dog through DBG’s trails on Saturday mornings this spring. There are always plenty of interesting new things to see – and to sniff – especially this time of year when the Garden is in bloom!

 

Pink Coat Dress and Belt, with Hat made with Silk, velvet, pearls and rhinestones.
Coat Dress and Belt by Gianfranco Ferré. Hat by Hubert de Givenchy. Photo: Airi Katsuta from the Phoenix Art Museum installation The Power of Pink.

Barbie®: A Cultural Icon + The Power of Pink

now — July 7 / Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix / included with paid admission ($10 during free admission times)

Exhibition about Barbie’s identities and influence through the last six decades. It includes over 250 vintage dolls, life-size fashion designs, and exclusive interviews.

“The exhibition is complemented by original PhxArt exhibition The Power of Pink, which explores the history, science, and associations of the color synonymous with the iconic Barbie brand.”

—PhxArt

 

portraits at Phoenix Art Museum (phxart)
Chuck Close self-portrait at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Guarding the Art: A Frontline Perspective

now — December 1 / Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix / included with admission

Exhibition of works from the Phoenix Art Museum Collection curated by members of the Museum’s security, event rentals, and retail-services teams.

 

Phoenix
View of the west side of Phoenix, near Maryvale.

Maryvale Mercado

May 5, 12pm – 4pm / 55th Avenue between W. Campbell + W. Glenrosa Avenue, Maryvale

Family-friendly event with live entertainment and unique goods for sale from small businesses. It is part of the same nonprofit that’s behind the Mujeres Mercado, E.L.L.A. (Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona).

  • Vendors: Local vendors of accessories, apparel/fashion, art, beauty and wellness products, candles, crafts, as well as produce and desserts/drinks.
  • Food + beverage: Food trucks and other food businesses will be there.

 

Downtown Phoenix
View of Downtown Phoenix near Washington Street + 3rd Avenue.

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival

May 5, 12pm – 10pm / Washington Street + 3rd Avenue in Downtown Phoenix / General admission tickets start at $10, plus ticketing fees / All ages

Phoenix’s longest running annual event. Celebration of culture, family-friendly fun, and Mexico’s 1862 victory over France in the Battle of Puebla.

  • Free admission for kids ages 10 and under (with paid adult admission).
  • Entertainment: Baile Folklorico, lucha libre, and live music from Big Mountain, War, and other artists. Kids Zone with interactive rides.
  • Food + beverage: Traditional food and drinks from a collection of Phoenix’s top food trucks and underground kitchens.
  • *$5 off general admission if you arrive before 5pm!

 

Storefront for Kaya Holistic.
Kaya Holistic in Phoenix.

The Cycles of Life Interpreted Through the Medicine Wheel

May 5, 10am / Kaya Holistic, Phoenix / *$20 advance, $30 at the door

Local curandera Patricia Federico shares what we can learn from the Medicine Wheel, an ancient symbol that, in some North American Indigenous cultures, symbolizes balance and connection between humans and the natural world.

 

Wildflowers
Wildflowers in the Pollinator Garden at DBG.

The Four Seasons 2024

May 15 — June 1, 8pm / Desert Botanical Gardens (DBG), Phoenix / $60-100 per ticket

Ballet Arizona dances to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the Desert Botanical Gardens. The performance will feature costumes designed and hand-painted by Artistic Director Ib Andersen, who also choreographed the work!

 

copper symbol
An old symbol for copper outside Arizona Heritage Center.

Museum Day at Arizona Historical Society Museums

May 18, 10am – 3pm / Arizona Heritage Center, Tempe / Free

In honor of International Museum Day, free admission to the Arizona History Museum (Tucson) and Arizona Heritage Center (Tempe), plus crafts and activities!

  • No registration is required.

 

Buffalo Soldiers historical group drive a horse-pulled wagon during the Tucson Rodeo Parade.
Greater Southern Arizona Area Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry National Association at the Tucson Rodeo Parade.

Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration

June 15, 5pm / Eastlake Park, Phoenix

Black history and culture appreciation event with live entertainment, information about Juneteenth history, and scholarship awards.

 

Arizona historical museum
Arizona Heritage Center, formerly known as Arizona Historical Society Museum.

Juneteenth Celebration 2024

June 16, 10am / Arizona Heritage Center, Tempe / Free (donations accepted)

Day of recognizing the impact of Black communities in Arizona and the Juneteenth Holiday. Community members can connect with each other and with organizations representing historical societies, action groups, state resources, and the community at large. Guests are welcome to wander, discuss, and enjoy performances, activities, and food!

  • Register online to get your e-Ticket.
  • You can choose a Free Admission Pass or make a $10 donation by choosing the Supporter Admission Pass.

 

Verde River
Via Verde Canyon Railroad.

• Northern Arizona •

“Immerse yourself in the details of life on the riverbanks, feel the rhythm of the flowing waters, and experience the rich cultural heritage tied to this vital waterway.”

—Natural History Institute

Green Guardians: Artists Standing Strong for the Verde River

now — July 12 / Natural History Institute Art Museum, Prescott / Free

Exhibition showcasing a diverse array of artworks – paintings, sculptures, and other installations – calling for responsible conservation of the Upper Verde River. In conjunction with the exhibition, there will be a series of related workshops, talks, and excursions.

  • 5/4, 8am: Hands-on wild pigments workshop! $75 fee
  • 5/9, 7pm: Talk on why the Upper Verde River area is being proposed for a Federal Wild + Scenic River designation. Registration required for in-person attendees. Free
  • 5/11, 8am: Excursion to an archaeological site in the Upper Verde. $75 fee

 

field sketching notebook
Photo by Roseann Hanson via Natural History Institute

The Art of Exploration: How Field Sketching and Journaling Bridge Science, Conservation, and Well-being

May 2, 7pm / Natural History Institute, Prescott / Free

Roseann Hanson has been keeping science-based nature journals for 40 years! She’s a naturalist, artist, author, and explorer. In this talk, she’ll share the history of field sketching as a way humans have recorded exploration – starting as far back as the stone age – and explain why it’s still an essential activity.

  • ANYWHERE: The presentation will also be livestreamed on Natural History Institute’s YouTube channel.

 

Star Wars cover art on a Capacitance Electronic Disc (CED)
Cover art for the Star Wars soundtrack on the very retro CED format. But also seems perfect for this event.

May the Fourth Be With You Space Rave and Dance Party

May 4, 8:30pm / Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff / $24 per ticket (includes ticketing fee) / 18+ only

Dance party in the historic Orpheum Theater! This Flagstaff Pride event will feature DJ Bear Cole and BG NFTY with pop up performances from Dillon Duvet, Brandy Alexander as Han Solo, Miasma and Planet Cree.

  • Costumes encouraged!
  • Parking info.
  • Full bar will be available.

 

geronimo
Jerry Martin gives a living history talk on his ancestor, Geronimo. Photo via Sedona Heritage Museum.

Life of Geronimo

May 4, 11:30am / Black Canyon City Community Library, Black Canyon City / Free (includes snacks) / All ages

Jerry “Geronimo” Martin tells the story of his great-great grandfather, the famous Apache leader known as Geronimo!

 

comic
An attendee-brainstormed, artist collaborated comic book in process during Phoenix Fan Fest.

ARTX: Art + Ideas Experience Arizona

May 17 – 26 / various Flagstaff venues / Free

10-day interactive festival of free events, presentations, and art-centered experiences from artists, thinkers, and organizations.

Some of the wide-ranging grant funded experiences include

  • Community Comix: A Group Comic Making Experience
  • Food Foraging Flagstaff
  • The Little Free Art Box Project
  • The Flagstaff Tintype Experiment
  • The Physicist and the Shaman: Lecture, Meditation + Film
  • Read the Room: Art Installation Inspired by Natalie Diaz’s Postcolonial Love Poem

…plus, other expressions of cross-disciplinary learning and discovery in arts and culture.

 

Sharlot’s Cellar
Outside the Sharlot Hall Museum.

Sharlot’s Cellar

May 18, 4pm / Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott / $90 per ticket

Live music, gourmet bites, wine tasting, mead, and mocktails in support of the Sharlot Hall Museum.

“An evening of enchantment and culinary delights … Embark on a sensory adventure where music and the finest libations intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.”

—Sharlot Hall Museum

 

view of verde valley from Jerome
View from Jerome overlooking Clarkdale and the Verde Valley.

Smelter Town Brewery’s Clarkdale Beer Fest

May 18, 12pm – 6pm / On 10th Street (westside of Brewery, east of Clarkdale Park), Clarkdale / All ages

A celebration of Arizona craft beers that puts the ale in Clarkdale! Beer vendors will be providing 16-ounce beers for 1 ticket. Purchase 4 tickets for $25 or 2 Tickets for $15. Sister + the Sun and What’s the Big Idea will be performing.

Food + beverage:

    • Breweries: Smelter Town, THAT, Simple Machine, Lake Pleasant, Belfry, Dark Sky.
    • Wine can be purchased inside the Brewery.
    • Non-alcoholic beverages will be available as cash purchases at food trucks: Sidewalk Grill (Burgers, chicken sandwiches), Mad Honey (BBQ) Nana’s Tacos, Dog Town (hot dogs), Kettle Korn, BREWHA

sedona

¡Qué Hermoso! Pop-Up Exhibition

June 5 – 28 / Sedona Arts Center (SAC), Sedona / Free

Beautiful Latinx cultural identity and traditions are the subject of this vibrant exhibition. Seen through several different artists and diverse art forms, it highlights histories, familism, forgotten stories, and rich personal and collective experiences.

 

Lavender Field
Via Red Rock Lavender.

2024 Lavender Bloom + Wine Festival

June 13 — July 13 / Red Rock Ranch and Farms, Concho / Free

Five-week fête in lush fields of lavender. Visit this farm in the mountains of Northeastern Arizona when lavender is in bloom, and you can cut your own bouquet! You can also learn how to cook with lavender, visit their gift shop, and purchase your own plants to take home!

  • Festival happensThursdays through Saturdays.
  • Red Rock Ranch’s wine tasting room will be open during the festival for tastings, as well as for purchasing wine and cheese plates.
  • Pets are not allowed at the farm during the festival.
  • ANYWHERE: Lavender gift sets available online!

 

Flagstaff Heritage Square
Heritage Square in Downtown Flagstaff.

Heritage Festival

June 22 – 23, 10am – 4pm / Museum of Northern Arizona (outside), Flagstaff / general adult, one-day access $20 / All ages

Celebration of artists and traditions of the people of the Colorado Plateau – Acoma, Apache, Diné (Navajo), Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Pai, Ute, Yavapai, and Zuni.

  • Online ticket sales begin May 8.
  • Entertainment: Dancers, demonstrators, cultural experts, and musicians playing indigenous music from the region. Plus, hands-on activities and experiences for all ages.
  • Vendors: Buy authentic pieces directly from Native American artists. Artists take home 100% of their earnings from Festival purchases!
  • *Full weekend passes are just $5 more! ($25/adult, $14/youth, free for kids age 9 and under)
  • *Free entrance to the Museum with your festival ticket.

Getting there…

  • Car: Free shuttle from parking areas.
  • Bike: Accessible via Flagstaff Urban Trail System. 2 locations for free, secure bike parking.
  • Bus: The Mountain Line Route 5 stops directly in front of the museum.

 

Haiku Hike sign: "My finger traces the edge of a feathery leaf. Yep, that's a thorn." by Melanie Madden
My finger traces / the edge of a feathery / leaf. Yep, that’s a thorn.

• Southern Arizona •

Haiku Hike: Poetry Sprouts in Tucson’s Springtime

now — June 1 / throughout Downtown Tucson / Free

Walk along Congress Street and Stone Avenue to find poems in planters! The 20 that have sprouted up are winners of an annual literary competition that anyone can participate in. Winners are chosen by Tucson’s poet Laureate, TC Tolbert.

 

Tucson Museum of Art

Time Travelers: Foundations, Transformations, and Expansions at the Centennial

now — October 6 / Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson / included with admission

Because Tucson Museum of Art turned 100 years old this year, it’s featuring an exhibition of significant artworks the Museum has collected over the past century. The aim is to consider the works’ complex relationships to the past, present, and future.

 

popol vuh poster

Popol Vuh and the Maya Art of Storytelling

now — October 20 / Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson / Included with admission

Mayan mythology is the starting point for this exhibition that mixes ancient art with modern, looking at Mayan image-making and storytelling through the years.

  • *First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.

 

Clouds

‘Amai Mo ‘Am Ṣo:ṣon G Cewagĭ / El lugar donde se forman las nubes / The Place Where Clouds Are Formed

now — August 31 / University of Arizona Poetry Center, Tucson / Free

Multilingual exhibit (O’odham / Spanish / English) examining the intersection of spirituality, migration, and policies that have impacted the borderlands of the Sonoran Desert through the work of collaborating poets, photographers, and artists.

 

Ramada and pathway at Tohono Chul gardens
Ramada built in traditional style at Tohono Chul.

Curiosity Talks: Caretakers of the Land – A Story of Farming + Community in San Xavier

May 2, 5:30pm / Tohono Chul, Tucson / Free

After the Tohono O’odham community in San Xavier lost access to much of their main water source, they came together to find ways to revitalize their land while honoring their traditions. Dr. Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan tells the story of how they did it.

  • Open to the public, but registration is required.
  • After the presentation, there will be drinks and opportunity for conversation with fellow attendees.
  • *ANYWHERE: Tohono Chul’s featured videos on “hot topics” like monsoons and the Queen of the Night plant.

 

The Meading Room, Sonoita
Lawn and outdoor tables at The Meading Room.

May Day: Dust off those flower crowns!

May 4, 1pm – 6pm / The Meading Room, Sonoita / All ages

  • As always, The Meading Room is family friendly and dog friendly!
  • Entertainment: Live music and maypole dancing.
  • Vendors: Outdoor market with local food vendors selling fresh bread, local goat cheese, unique jams and jellies, homemade ice cream, and baked goods.
  • Food + beverage: Mead, cider, and May Wine Punch (maibowle), plus food trucks.

 

Handmade Hardcover Accordion Book
Handmade Hardcover Accordion Book by CATALYST Artist-in-Residence Emiland Kray.

Handmade Book Workshops at CATALYST: Levels Easy to Hardcover

May 4 – 19, 3pm / CATALYST Creative Collective, Tucson / $10-25 fee (includes supplies)

CATALYST Artist-in-Residence Emiland Kray will be teaching a series of book-making classes!

  • 5/4, 3pm: Hardcover Accordion Book. Beginner-friendly bookbinding workshop where each participant will walk away with a handmade book and the skills to make more! $10 materials fee.
  • 5/5, 3pm: Softcover Pamphlet Stitch. Learn a brief history of the Pamphlet Stitch, a simple binding structure often used in zines, brochures, music, and other printed ephemera. Then make two blank journals using the technique! $15 materials fee.
  • 5/19, 3pm: Hardcover Pamphlet Stitch. Learn how to use this simple binding structure and make a hardcover book. Covers will be wrapped with fabric. Each attendee will walk away with a blank notebook made by hand. $25 materials fee.

 

Flamenco musicians
Some of the performers are also part of the group Flamenco For La Vida, seen here onstage at the Phoenix Chile Festival.

Flamenco in the Garden

May 5, 6:30pm / Tohono Chul, Tucson / $40 / ticket

Half a dozen flamenco virtuosos come together to create an evening of music and dance in Tohono Chul’s Performance Garden.

“Blending tradition with modern flair, this special Flamenco performance will transport you to the streets of Spain with its stunning costumes, expressive movements, energetic footwork, captivating guitar rhythms, and moving vocals.”

–Tohono Chul

 

Vendor booth at outdoor market
Creative Kind’s booth at the Made in Tucson market.

Art + Awareness: Watercolors and the Art of Noticing

May 8, 10:30am / Creative Kind at La Encantada, Tucson / $60 fee

Marlies of Flow! Art + Awareness will talk about each person’s unique perception of the world. She will then guide everyone through the process of creating a watercolor painting, while letting go of visual reality and expectations and instead embracing your own essence and creativity.

 

Steam train on display at Southern Arizona Transportation Museum.

Train Day: It’s already off the rails!

May 11, 10am – 2pm / the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum (Next to the Amtrak Depot), Tucson / Free / All ages

The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum’s annual celebration of trains! You can climb inside a steam train (Locomotive 1673) and ring the bell.

  • The Museum and gift shop will be open.
  • Shop model trains and railroad paintings.
  • Children’s art activities.
  • The flyer also promises “Fun Farm Choo Choo rides” with no further explanation. Maybe the “choo choo” is a kid-sized train. Did it come from the Fun Farm? Is that where it’s going? Where is the Fun Farm? What is the Fun Farm?

 

amphitheater in Reid Park, Tucson

​Music Under the Stars

May 12 – 26, 7pm / Reid Park, Tucson / Free (pet food donations accepted) / All ages

Live music for all ages Sunday nights at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park.

  • May 12: Guest artist Gabriel Ayala
  • May 19: Music for the Planet Concert. Live music inspired by nature. Before the concert, there will be booths from environmental non-profits in the park.
  • May 26: Memorial Day Concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra, featuring members of the Honor Guard performing Taps

There is no cost to attend. However, if you’re able, you can bring a donation of pet food for the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank!

The Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank…

  • coordinates the food trucks for the concert series.
  • is a nonprofit with a mission to ensure no one has to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets.
  • has provided free animal food to over 800 families throughout Southern Arizona!

 

Ceramic message board
Ceramic message board via Creative Kind.

Ceramic Message Board Workshop

May 12, 1pm / Creative Kind at La Encantada, Tucson / $55 fee

Learn how to create a personalized white board from clay! Claire from Marigold Fontana Ceramics will lead the workshop and provide botanical and letter stamps attendees can use to customize their boards. She will then apply a white satin glaze that will make them usable with dry erase markers. Finished boards will be returned in about 3-5 weeks.

 

Sour orange tree
Sour orange trees were originally brought from Seville, Spain to Tucson and now grow in Mission Garden.

San Ysidro Festival

May 18, 8am – 12pm / Mission Garden, Tucson / Free (donations accepted)

“Since wheat was adopted as a valued crop here in the 18th century, it has been harvested on Saint Isidore’s Day. This day was an opportunity to remember San Ysidro [St. Isidore] — the patron of laborers and farmers — and to harvest the wheat.”

—Mission Garden

Mission Garden brings to life traditions of an 18th-century wheat harvest. It begins with a procession, lead by a costumed “San Ysidro,” and blessings at the threshing ground.

Then volunteers will demonstrate how the harvesting, threshing, winnowing, and milling wheat into flour (with the help of a horse!) would have been done in that era. Finally, a lunch of pozole de trigo, the traditional food for this festival, will be served with fresh flour tortillas.

 

Arizona Historical Musuem

Museum Day at Arizona Historical Society Museums

May 18, 10am – 3pm / Arizona History Museum, Tucson / Free

In honor of International Museum Day, free admission to the Arizona History Museum (Tucson) and Arizona Heritage Center (Tempe), plus crafts and activities!

  • No registration is required.

 

Path leading to festival tents.
A festival in Patagonia, Arizona.

Mariachi Festival and Wine Tasting

May 18, 9am – 6pm / Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia / Included with Park entrance fee.  / All ages

A day of international mariachi dancing and bands!

  • Park entrance fee is $20 per vehicle (up to 4 adults). Kids 13 and under are free.
  • Entertainment: Mariachi and folklorico performances throughout the day, plus mariachi musical chairs, an amateur singing competition, a piñata and other kids’ activities.
  • Food + beverage: Local food vendors will be selling tacos, sushi, churros, fry bread, shaved ice, and fruit in a cup. Essential Coffee and Cook’s Kettle Corn will also be there.

 

La Encantada Shopping Center
La Encantada Shopping Center

Peony Crepe Paper Flower Workshop

May 18, 10:30am / Creative Kind at La Encantada, Tucson / $60 fee (includes supplies)

Sandy of Luna’s Paper Designs will demonstrate how to assemble large crepe paper flowers (with petals, stem and leaves) using pre-cut crepe paper with wire and glue. She will share step-by-step instructions to help attendees create with confidence!

 

BYND Books at MSA Night Market

Mercado District Summer Night Market

May 24 — September 27, 6pm – 10pm / MSA Annex, Tucson / Free to shop

Local artisan vendors, plus music, food vendors, and extended hours for MSA Annex shops.

  • The last Friday evening of the month, May through September: May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug 3, September 27.

 

tables in an open event space
CATALYST inside of the Tucson Mall.

Desert Artisans Market

May 25, 12pm – 5pm / Catalyst Creative Collective, Tucson

Indoor summer market of local artisans with handmade baked goods, paintings, crochet plushies, candles, and more!

  • The market will be at Catalyst Creative Collective, which is located inside the Tucson Mall.

 

Scene from Cinderella ballet
2017 performance of Cinderella by Dancing in the Streets AZ

54th Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival

June 15 / Kino Sports Complex, Tucson

Celebration of the moment when the US “finally and truly became the land of the free.” Festivities include a kick-off concert, ballet performance, and festival.

  • 6/8, 2pm: Cinderella ballet performance, a collaboration between Dancing In the Streets AZ collaboration and Tucson Juneteenth Committee.
  • 6/9, 3pm: Juneteenth Jubilee Mass Choir.
  • Tucson Juneteenth Committee is planning a series of events and activities throughout the month of June.

 

Charcuterie Board with foods in shades of red, white, and blue
4th of July Charcuterie Board by Antsy Nancy.

How to Make a 4th of July Charcuterie Board

June 28, 6pm / Antsy Nancy, Tucson / $75 fee (includes supplies)

Workshop on building a sweet and savory charcuterie board that looks and tastes fabulous! Learn how to choose meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and chocolate dipped treats that complement each other – in an Independence Day inspired color palette!

  • Attendees aged 21 and over can also take part in a red, white, and blue cocktail demonstration and tasting.
  • I gathered some really nice serving boards and other dishes into this Etsy collection.

 

Booth at Tucson Comic-Con
Rick Strieck’s artist booth at Tucson Comic-Con.

Tucson Comic-Con

August 30 — September 2 / Tucson Convention Center, Tucson / $69 at the door plus parking / All ages

Is this America’s friendliest convention? That’s the goal of this 3-day community-based pop culture event! It features Q+A panels, workshops, costume contests, photo ops, and a large exhibitor hall. You can also count on special guest appearances by actors, authors, comic book artists, and cosplayers!

  • 15th anniversary of the event.
  • This is where we met Paul Blake, one of the actors who played Greedo.
  • Parking Map: Convention Center lots are at least $10/day, but there are less expensive alternatives on the map.
  • *Super Early Bird Special: Adult (Age 14+) Full Weekend Memberships are $40 until May 2! Save $29 versus buying this membership at the door.
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