Ferris wheels, a mezcal crawl, outdoor movies and more are taking over Tucson this weekend.
This week marks the return of annual favorites including the Pima County Fair, Children's Museum Earth Day Festival, Agave Heritage Festival, Tucson Zine Fest and Arizona International Film Festival. What else? A cannabis expo on 4/20, a giant car show, an anime con and a Taylor Swift-themed silent disco-meets-flash mob.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Arizona International Film Festival
The 32nd Arizona International Film Festival will feature more than 125 independent and innovative films from around the world. Throughout its years, this festival has exhibited more than 3,300 films representing 100 countries.
When:April 17-28
Where:The Screening Room,127 E. Congress St., The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway, Main Gate, 814 E. University Blvd., and the MSA Annex,267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:$10-$15, some screenings are free
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Pima County Fair
Enjoy funky fair food, hop on the rides, play carnival games and more at the Pima County Fair. Concerts this year include Wiz Khalifa, Chevelle, Tesla, Sublime with Rome and more.
When:April 18-28
Where:Pima County Fairgrounds,11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost:General admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-10. Parking is $8. Visit thewebsitefor info on wristbands, bundles and other promotions.
Visittheevent pagefor more information.
Register for Girl Scout Camp — Camp Together, Grow Forever!
A lifetime of memories and friendships await when you spend your summer atGirl Scout Camp! At the Hacienda Day Camp and Camp Whispering Pines properties, discover a close-knit communitybuilt upon strong relationships and confidence-building activities.
Agave Heritage Festival
Celebrate agave at this festival that's "rooted in the historical and cultural significance of the agave plant," organizers say. The festival features dinners, lectures, concerts, a mezcal crawl and a fiesta.
When:April 18-21
Where:Various locations
Cost:Various prices, some events are free!
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Night at the Alfie
The gem and mineral museum’s exhibits will be intertwined with music this Thursday. The concert happens in three rounds, beginning at the Historic Pima County Courthouse and going through museum exhibits.
When: 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Three separate start times, though each performance will feature the same songs. Performances last an hour.
Where: Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
A fight is a brewin' at mom's house as Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer finalist and Tony-nominated play “True West” unfolds.
This hysterically twisted taleis a Cain and Abel story of brotherly love and sibling rivalry set against the Dreams of the American West. Estranged brothers Austin and Lee find themselves in a situation where they are forced to collaborate on a screenplay with the promise of a huge Hollywood payday. Tormenting each other along the way,they discover that this town ain't big enough for the both of them...
A Western Experience at Old Tucson
Old Tucson has returned to its roots with "A Western Experience." There will be live stunt shows, old-fashioned games, historical tours, rides and a petting zoo.
When:10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May 5, plus other select dates through May 12
Where:Old Tucson,201 Kinney Road
Cost:$39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12.
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring Bad News Blues Band. Food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When:5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 18
Where:Marana MunicipalComplex,11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Arizona Opera presentsDon GiovanniApril 27-28 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Mozart’sDon Giovanni, regarded by many as one of the greatest operas of all time, tells the centuries-old story of the libertine Don Juan, performed in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles.Get your tickets here!
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 theevent pagefor more information.
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 theevent pagefor more information.
From STEM to theater, find more than 100 summer camps in our database
From coding to circus camps,#ThisIsTucson's 2024 Summer Camp Guideis filled with more than 100 camps — and more being added every day. You'll find camps about upcycled crafts, sewing projects, sports, musical theater, capoeira and more.Our guidelists prices, times, dates and all the nitty-gritty details you need to know like whether or not lunch is offered.Click here!
Sonoran Cinema at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Sonoran Cinema for an indoor screening of "Mary Poppins." Get cotton candy and popcorn from the concession stands!
When:7 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where:Tohono Chul,7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost:$4
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Noche en Blanco
Support Pueblo High School’s Mariachi Aztlan during this gala that features music, a silent auction, beer, wine, charcuterie and dessert. Dress in white!
When:7-10 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where:Historic Pima County Courthouse,115 N. Church Ave.
Cost:$52
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Monsoon Mystics Anniversary Weekend
Witchy shop Monsoon Mystics is celebrating its first birthday! To celebrate, the store is hosting a weekend of events that includes tarot readings, guest speakers, demonstrations, a 4/20-friendly sound bath, a coffee bar, a high tea and more.
When:Friday-Sunday, April 19-21
Where:Monsoon Mystics,657 W. St Marys Road
Cost:$15 for high tea, $20 for sound bath
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Latte Art Throwdown
Calling all baristas! Yellow Brick Coffee is kicking off its anniversary with a Latte Art Throwdown. Tacos and DJ music are part of the fun.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Yellow Brick Coffee, 800 N. Country Club Road
Cost: Free to watch, $5 to compete
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Speed Dating
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When:7-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where:Bawker Bawker Cider House,400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
"The Monty Tale of King Arthur" at Valley of the Moon
Tucson fantasy park Valley of the Moon is bringing King Arthur's story to life. The park says to expect "zany humor, social satire and cartoonish violence."
When:Shows begin every 30 minutes from 6-8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, April 5-28
Where:Valley of the Moon,2544 E. Allen Road
Cost:$10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7-17
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Jazz under the Stars at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Garden Bistro on Friday and Saturday nights through May 11 for co*cktails, 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 theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Earth Day Festival
Celebrate Earth Day by learning about recycling, composting, gardening and nature at this festival hosted by Children's Museum Tucson. See exhibits from wildlife groups and enjoy kid-friendly activities.
When:9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Children's Museum Tucson,200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
Head over to this art festival to see metalwork, clothing, paintings and more fine art. The festival will also feature live art demonstrations and music.
When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where:La Encantada Shopping Center,2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Pima County Master Gardeners plant sale
Mark your calendars! Previous Pima County Master Gardeners plant sales have included potted plants, fruit and veggie starts, native grasses, desert plants, cacti and succulents.
When:8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Pima County Cooperative Extension Gardens,4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Zine Fest
Tucson Zine Fest is a celebration of self publishers creating zines, comics and other printed art.
When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Subspace,101 W. Sixth St.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Sonoran Cannabis Expo
This cannabis celebration is set to feature local vendors, samplings, live music, food and networking opportunities.
When:2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:MSA Annex,267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:$40. This event is for ages 21 and up
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Native American Pop-up Shop
Casa Santa Rosa is hosting their first Native American Pop-up Shop this Saturday, slated to feature all kinds of art including stickers, apparel and jewelry, plus live music and snacks like pickle slushies.
When:1-6 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Cafe Santa Rosa, 2615 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
49th Annual Rodders Days Car Show
The Tucson Street Rod Association is back with its Rodders Days Car Show for the 49th year! Expect to see pre-1994 cars and classic trucks, custom restored vehicles, electric vehicles and vintage campers alongside food vendors.
When: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where: Pima Community College Downtown Campus, 1255 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Back to homepage
Keep reading with a digital access subscription.
