White tents will line Fourth Avenue this weekend when the biannual street fair brings hundreds of artists and food vendors to Tucson.
What else is on the agenda for this weekend? A wine fest at the Desert Museum, a Janet Jackson listening party, a vintage market, the return of Tucson Japanese Festival, an art mart hosted by BICAS and spring festivities at the Marana Pumpkin Patch.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission, plus food, drinks and KXCI DJs spinning tunes.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, March 21
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event site for more information.
Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson
Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Parks and Recreation to host Eggstravaganza March 23
Tucson Parks and Recreation and Raising Canes invite you to the 25th annual EGGstravaganza at Mansfield Park, 2000 N. Fourth Ave., on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families can enjoy music, games, prizes, egg hunts (bring your own basket), an adaptive egg hunt area and a visit from the Easter Bunny. A variety of foods will be available for purchase through local vendors. Special thanks to sponsors Raising Canes, Imago Dei Middle School, Bear Essentials, WeReconcile, Renewal By Anderson and United Health.
Art Corner with BICAS
Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When: 3-6 p.m. Thursdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair
See hundreds of artists from around the world, plus enjoy bites from food vendors and hear the sounds of local musicians.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 22-23; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where: Historic Fourth Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Dive into Tucson Botanical Gardens’ newest exhibit, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea!
Now through June 30 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, see larger than life sea creatures constructed entirely from marine debris. Each sculpture illustrates the tragedy of plastic pollution and aims to encourage conversations about conservation and how individuals can reduce the amount of single-use plastics in their lives to help improve water quality. After visiting the exhibit, help the Washed Ashore Project name their jellyfish sculpture!
Janet Listening Party
Roux Events is hosting a listening party at Revel Wine Bar, featuring Janet Jackson's greatest hits.
When: 8-10:30 p.m. Friday, March 22
Where: Revel Wine Bar, 416 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $15 for reserved seating
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Swing Festival
Join the Arizona Swing Cats for their annual Tucson Swing Festival! Enjoy live music, dancing and workshops.
When: Friday-Sunday, March 22-24
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.; and Armory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: $55-$120
Visit the event page for more information.
Self-care Classes for Couples and Individuals with Relationship Renovation
Local therapists at R-Place are hosting self-care classes for couples and individuals. Classes include Couples Yoga, Breathwork, Mindfulness and a Playdate. These experienced therapists are bringing Tucson an affordable and convenient way to start putting your relationship first. Flexible dates and times available. Visit the website to enroll.
Ballet Tucson's Spring Concert
You have four chances to see Ballet Tucson's spring concert, which will close their 2023-2024 season.
When: Friday-Sunday, March 22-24
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $30 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This weekend, test your knowledge in all things D&D monsters.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 22
Where: Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.
Visit the event page for more information.
Jazz under the Stars at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Garden Bistro on Friday and Saturday nights through May 11 for cocktails, brews and bites, all while listening to local jazz.
When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through May 11
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Spring Bonanza at Trail Dust Town
Every Friday in March, Trail Dust Town will host Spring Bonanza, complete with discounted amusement rides, a kids' play area, a scavenger hunt and stunt shows.
When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays in March
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides, food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 22-23
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Navajo Textiles Trunk Show
Not only will you see Navajo weavings at this trunk show, but art expert Terry DeWald will present a discussion on the history, methods and materials behind Navajo textiles.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 22-23. Discussion is at noon each day.
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Included with admission, which is $15 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Watch now: El Jefe Cat Lounge is home to around 30 cats. Find the lounge at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! This weekend's events include sound bath meditation and cat bingo.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, March 22 for sound bath; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, March 24 for bingo.
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25 for sound bath; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
WineDown with Wildlife
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is hosting its fourth annual WineDown with Wildlife festival, where attendees can sip on regional wines, enjoy live music and stargaze — all while supporting wildlife.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $35 designated driver tickets, $55 general admission tickets. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Japanese Festival 2024
After a three-year hiatus, the Tucson Japanese Festival is back this month with taiko drumming, traditional folk dancing, mochi pounding, games, origami and food.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road
Cost: $5; free for kids ages 5 years and under
Visit the event page for more information.
Springtime at the Pumpkin Patch
You know and love the Marana Pumpkin Patch for its October festivities, but now it'll be open for three days this spring! Enjoy family-friendly activities from train rides to jumping pillows. Easter egg hunts and local vendors are part of the fun.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24 and Saturday, March 30
Where: Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road
Cost: Admission is $15 per person; $2.50 per person for egg hunts
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Haze Market
Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress. Expect about 15 vendors and live music!
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $19.06. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Spring Clothing Swap
Bring clothes to donate and swap 'em for new-to-you finds. Drop off your clothing donations before the event!
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Tucson Village Farm, 2201 E. Roger Road
Cost: $12
Visit the event page for more information.
World Water Day
Indigenous Alliance Without Borders is hosting World Water Day at Flowers & Bullets' midtown farm to discuss water conservation and reclamation. Expect several speakers, music, dance and a raffle.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Flowers & Bullets, 3835 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Flow for the Soul
In-Rave is hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors, food trucks and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Colliope Co Backyard Sale
Local shop and craft space Colliope Co is hosting a backyard sale featuring vendors selling project pieces and overstock items.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23
Where: Colliope Co, 2706 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Funbox has 10 play zones, including the Tumble Temple, Marshmallow Mountain and Gumball’s Gallop. There is also a large obstacle course.
Funbox
Dubbed the world's biggest bounce park, Funbox is currently in town with its 25,000 square feet of jumping zones and 10 play areas.
When: Weekends through April 7
Where: Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $19-$28
Visit the event page for more information.
Blooms and Brews
Bloom Maven and 1912 Brewing Co. are teaming up for a blooms and brews event. Create your own bouquet with the help of Bloom Maven, all while enjoying a 1912 brew or two.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: 1912 Brewing Co., 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Cost: $75, includes supplies, flowers and one glass of 1912 beer, mead or wine
Visit the event page for more information.
Plushies n' Stuffies Tea Party
This party at This n' That Creative Studio is all about plushies! Kids will get to stuff a bunny plush with the studio's stuffing machine, then decorate a shirt for it. Afterwards, kids can sip tea all while decorating cupcakes and playing Easter-themed games.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: This n' That Creative Studio, 1066 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $45
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Food Share's Birthday
Mutual-aid group Tucson Food Share is turning 4! Bring a dish to share for a pot luck alongside music, dancing and games.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Mansfield Park, 2000 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring a dish to share
Visit the event page for more information.
University of Arizona Museum Day
Nine museums on the University of Arizona campus are offering free or discounted admission this Saturday. See the full list of participating museums here!
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free or discounted admission, depending on the museum
Visit the event page for more information.
One of the kids programs at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is the Paws and Pages program, where kids read to shelter dogs.
Paws & Pages Literacy Program
Kids can read to the shelter pets at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. "The APSCA has observed that shy and fearful dogs warm up to humans quicker when a kind human reads them a great book," the Humane Society says.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 635 W. Roger Road
Cost: $10. This event is for kids ages 5-17. Participants must have a liability waiver on file.
Visit the event page for more information.
Fling into Spring Festival
Head to Tucson Cactus and Koi for its second annual Fling into Spring Festival, where you'll find discounts on plants, free hot dogs and vendors selling items like candles, watercolor paintings and jewelry.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Tucson Cactus and Koi, 7810 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Local Love Presents
Enjoy a lineup of local music at The Rialto during the venue's Local Love series.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $5-$8
Visit the event page for more information.
Amy Hartmann-Gordon, executive director of the Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation, stands in one of the new exhibits inside the Fort Lowell Museum.
Family Funday at Fort Lowell
This Family Funday at the Fort Lowell Museum will feature hands-on activities that will show how archaeologists and historians use science to understand history.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Fort Lowell Museum, 2900 N. Craycroft Road
Cost: $3
Visit the event page for more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 23
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Archaeology Day at Mission Garden
Kids can learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Secrets of Citrus at Harlow Gardens
Harlow Gardens will teach you tips and recommendations for growing citrus trees in Tucson.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Nuestro Tianguis Tucson
Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Flowers & Bullets' Midtown Farm for a swap meet featuring vendors, food and music.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Foothills Community Markets
Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This Saturday's tour will show you public art and murals in the downtown area.
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 23
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $30. Pre-registration is required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Monique Laraway, left, and Colin Holmes of Revolta Art talk with Ashley Chatz and her son about their favorite lizards while Chatz buys an art piece for her son at the BICAS second annual Art Mart, in Tucson, Ariz., on April 24, 2022.
BICAS Art Mart
Local nonprofit BICAS started an art market in 2021 after art events were canceled during the pandemic, taking away important revenue generators for Tucson artists. Shop from local vendors and participate in raffles and art activities.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Park Fest at Palo Verde Park
Inspired by Porch Fest in the Garden District neighborhood, the Palo Verde Park neighborhood is hosting a family-friendly community event featuring two stages for live music and food trucks. Bring a chair or blankets for seating!
When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where: Palo Verde Park, 425 S. Mann Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Fine Wines for Felines
Enjoy three tastings of Arizona wines, plus hors’ d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the cats at Pawsitively Cats No-Kill Shelter.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where: Arizona Wine Collective, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Hike in Pima Canyon
Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading an art hike in Pima Canyon with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and go hiking, stopping to draw surrounding scenery.
When: 8:45 a.m. Sunday, March 24
Where: Pima Canyon, 1610 E. Magee Road
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Two-Steppin' for TRAK
Enjoy live music and dancing in support of local nonprofit Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids (TRAK). The cover fee goes directly to TRAK.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Aldi is opening its first Tucson grocery store
