Annual Events in Tucson

The following is a list of the major annual events in Tucson.  Though last-minute changes to dates, times, and locations rarely occur, it is wise to confirm details in advance using the contact information listed with each event.

February 2007

American Indian Exposition Feb.   (Tucson) A collection of American Indian art, craftworks, and food exhibited directly by Native American artists. See artisans at work, enjoy live entertainment on weekends. An official event of the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase; located at Irvington & Palo Verde Roads. North American Indian Information & Trade Center, (520) 622-4900. http://www.usaindianinfo.org Cowboy Traditions Festival Feb.   (Tucson) Landmark Old Western town, with restaurants and shops, hosts Tucson Rodeo-week celebration, with entertainment, artisans displaying Western gear, crafts, and jewelry, and Wild West stunt shows. Trail Dust Town, (520) 296-5442. http://www.traildusttown.com Southwest Indian Art Fair Feb.   (Tucson) High quality Indian art fair, featuring 200 artists from around the Southwest, with musical entertainment. Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, (520) 626-8381. http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering Feb. 2-4  (Sierra Vista) For the 14th year, this family-oriented celebration of Western culture, history, and folklore, presented through the song and verse of real cowboys, is an event Gov. Janet Napolitano declared as the state’s first official “Arizona Treasure.” Buena Performing Arts Center, (800) 288-3861. http://www.cowboypoets.com Tubac Festival of the Arts Feb. 7-11  (Tubac) Historic village offers more than 90 galleries, boutiques, and working artists' studios, with art, history, and native crafts. More fun to shop than 5th Avenue or Rodeo Drive. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tubac Chamber of Commerce, (520) 398-2704. http://www.tubacaz.com La Fiesta de los Vaqueros: Tucson Rodeo Feb. 17-25  (Tucson) The first La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Celebration of the Cowboys) in 1925 touted four days of events and competition. Today, the event is an eight-day celebration centered on the Tucson Rodeo, one of the top 20 professional rodeos in North America. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, (520) 741-2233. http://www.tucsonrodeo.com Accenture Match Play Championship Feb. 21-25  (Marana) This cornerstone of the World Golf Championship series is staged for the first time, this year, in the lush, Sonoran Desert foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, approximately 20 miles north of Tucson at The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain, a John Fought-designed golf course, rated No. 1 by Golf Digest magazine. Featuring five days of competition between the best 64 available golfers from the Official World Golf Ranking, and a purse of $7.5 million, this popular match-play event benefits the local chapter of The First Tee as well as other local and regional charities. International Federation of PGA Tours. http://www.visittucson.org/static/index.cfm?contentID=724&Reset=0&Reset=1 Chili Cook-Off & Western Heritage Day Feb. 21-27  (Tucson) Kick off Rodeo Week at La Posta Quemada Ranch, with a chili tasting, and foot-stomping music and cowboy poets for entertainment. Colossal Cave Mountain Park, (520) 647-7121. http://www.colossalcave.com La Fiesta de los Vaqueros: Tucson Rodeo Parade Feb. 22  (Tucson) This colorful mostly-horse-drawn parade has been presented since 1925 and is considered the largest non-motorized parade in the United States. The route begins at 9 a.m. at Ajo Rd. and Park Ave., and goes south on Park to Irvington Rd., and continues west on Irvington Rd. to South Sixth Ave., and north on Sixth to the Tucson Rodeo Grounds Tucson Rodeo Grounds, (520) 294-1280. http://www.tucsonrodeoparade.org Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase Jan. 27-Feb. 11  (Tucson) The world's largest marketplace of its kind, with more than 30 locations throughout town (at fine hotels and resorts, in shops and attractions, and under tents) featuring international dealers of precious gems, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry, and jewelry-making materials. Browse or purchase original, handmade artworks by American Indian artisans; take the children to the hands-on educational exhibits at Tucson Convention Center; hunt for bargain prices on all kinds of treasures. Metro Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 638-8350. http://www.visitTucson.org/Gemshow

March 2007

24th Annual Celebration of Women in Jazz March   (Tucson) The Tucson Jazz Society presents its annual Primavera All Stars, an all-girl musical house party, featuring the creme de la crème of local, female artists, performing all genres of jazz, rhythm and blues, Latin, caberet, and gospel. Berger Performing Arts Center, 520-903-1265. http://www.tucsonjazz.org Aviation Day at Ryan Airfield March   (Tucson) Dime-a-pound airplane rides, tenant displays and hangar open house, with aircraft displays and airfield tours; refreshments. Ryan Airfield (Ajo Way & Valencia Blvd.), (520) 883-9800. http://www.tucsonairport.org Civil War in the Southwest March   (Picacho Peak) History re-enacted by soldiers in period costume, with staged battles, encampments, and demonstrations, at the site of the only Civil War battle in Arizona—The Battle of Picacho Pass, April 15, 1862. Picacho Peak State Park, (520) 466-3183. http://www.azstateparks.com Ironwood Festival March   (Tucson) A celebration of the ancient ironwood tree and the Sonoran Desert, with fun, educational activities for the entire family. Mason Audubon Center, (520) 744-0004. http://www.tucsonaudubon.org Major League Baseball Spring Training All Month   (Tucson) Major League Baseball warms up for the regular season as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, and other pro teams play ball practically every day in March. Two sites: Tucson Electric Park (520-434-1111)and Hi Corbett Field (327-9467, http://www.cactus-league.com/fields/rockies.html) Metro Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 638-8350. http://www.visittucson.org/springtraining Presidio Street Festival March   (Tucson) Celebrating Tucson’s history from the Presidio era to the Territorial period. Native American culture, living history, drama, music, food, tours, dance, and other historical/cultural activities. Free event in the El Presidio neighborhood of Downtown Tucson. Tucson Downtown Alliance, (520) 547-3338. http://www.downtowntucson.org Ryan Airfield Aviation Day March   (Tucson) Take a dime-a-ride in a small aircraft, see aviation artwork and memorabilia, fly-bys and Tucson Barnstormers Remote Controlled Formation Flying demo, historic aircraft displays, and entertainment. Ticket sales start at 8 a.m. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ryan Airfield, (520) 883-9800. www.tucsonairport.org Spring Artisans Market March   (Tucson) More than 120 of the Southwest’s finest artists and crafters gather at the Tucson Museum of Art’s courtyards to sell their wares at this annual event. Unique items from jewelry, textiles, photography, pottery, and more are available. , Tucson Museum of Art, (520) 624-2333. http://www.TucsonMuseumofArt.org St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival March   (Tucson) Gather at Jacome Plaza (Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave. There is plenty of parking at the Pennington St. garage). Festival opens at 10:00 a.m.; parade starts at 11:00 a.m. Tucson St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. http://www.tucsonstpatrick.com/ Sundown at the Pass March   (Tucson) A 5-mile run/walk and a 1-mile fun run/walk along with dinner, dancing and entertainment at Old Tucson Studios-perfect for the entire family. Proceeds will benefit the Roy P. Drachman Prevention Fund for Children at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman Arizona College of Public Health. The Running Shop, (520) 325-5097. http://www.publichealth.arizona.edu/sundown/ Territorial Days March   (Tombstone) Stagecoach rides, street performers, log sawing and spike driving contests, duck racing, and pet parade. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce, (888) 457-3929. http://www.tombstone.org Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival March   (Tucson) Nationally and internationally renowned chamber music groups perform at Leo Rich Theater, Tucson Convention Center for "one of the best and most adventurous festivals in the US." Arizona Friends of Chamber Music, (520) 577-3769. http://www.ArizonaChamberMusic.org Unsanctioned, Anything Goes Chili Cook-off March   (Tucson) Great chili for tasting, Western fashion show and music, roping demonstrations, and a new Ranch Rodeo featuring teams from various ranches and stables. La Posta Quemada Ranch, Colossal Cave, (520) 647-7121. http://www.colossalcave.com Wa:k Powwow March   (Tucson) Annual gathering of local Tohono O'odham Indian people, along with other Native tribes, with dancing, drumming, craftworks, and food. Mission San Xavier del Bac, (520) 294-5727. Arizona Distance Classic March 18  (Oro Valley) Runners and walkers of all ages, shapes and sizes celebrate active lifestyles in this Half Marathon, 5K, and Senior Stroll. All races start at Ventana Medical Systems. John Bingham Racing, (877) 474-0449. http://www.arizonadistanceclassic.com Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair March 23-24, 25  (Tucson) Hundreds of arts and crafts booths, food vendors, street musicians and performers, and kids' entertainment. Between Ninth St. & University Blvd. on Fourth Ave. Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, (520) 624-5004. http://www.fourthavenue.org ArtWalk in Tubac March 24-25  (Tubac) Explore the local working artists' studios and fine art galleries for which Tubac is renowned during this annual walking tour. Free. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tubac Chamber of Commerce, (520) 398-2794. http://www.tubacaz.com Tubac Jazz & Blues Festival March 31  (Tubac) "Feel the heat" at this second annual festival of Arizona's finest musical talents 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tubac Chamber of Commerce, (520) 398-2704. http://www.tubacaz.com

April 2007

Arizona International Film Festival April   (Tucson) A celebration of the spirit of independent films being shown in local theatres around town. Arizona Media Arts Center, (520) 628-1737. http://www.azmac.org/azmac/azmac1.html Arizona International Film Festival April   (Tucson) Citywide festival features worldwide contemporary cinematic diversity, with opportunities to meet the filmmakers at workshops, seminars and presentations at various venues around Tucson. The Screening Room, (520) 628-1737. http://www.azmac.org/festival/index2.html ASUA Spring Fling April   (Tucson) The nation's largest student-run carnival features fun rides, midway games, food, and amateur and professional entertainment, at Rillito Raceway Park. Associated Students of the University of Arizona, (520) 621-5610. http://uaspringfling.com Blessing of the Vines April   (Elgin) Ministers and priests bless the grape vines to foster a bountiful crop at harvest time, in a ceremony followed by food, wine-tasting, and live entertainment at the winery. Sonoita Vineyards, (520) 455-5893. http://www.sonoitavineyards.com Earth Day April   (Tucson) Craft projects and face-painting for the kids, exhibits and activities, such as interpretation of animals and artifacts. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, (520) 883-2702. http://www.desertmuseum.org Oro Valley Festival of the Arts April   (Oro Valley) Outdoor fun, with more than 75+ juried art booths, art demonstrations, live music and dance performances, children’s activities, food and free admission, at Canada Del Oro Riverfront Park. The Greater Oro Valley Arts Council. http://www.govac.org Pima County Fair April   (Tucson) Old-fashioned fair with exhibits, food, stage concerts, and other live entertainment, carnival rides, educational exhibits, including new Gem and Mineral Show section. Pima County Fair Grounds, (520) 762-9100. http://www.swfair.com Spring Artisans Market April   (Tucson) More than 120 of the Southwest’s finest artists and crafters gather at the Tucson Museum of Art’s courtyards to sell their wares at this annual event. Unique items from jewelry, textiles, photography, pottery, and more are available. Tucson Museum of Art, (520) 624-2333. http://www.TucsonMuseumofArt.org Spring Fling April   (Tucson) The largest student-run carnival in the nation, with rides, midway games, food, and both amateur and professional entertainment. Rillito Park, (520) 621-5610. http://uaspringfling.com Spring Home & Patio Show April   (Tucson) Building, landscaping, and home decorating ideas at Tucson Convention Center. Southern Arizona Home Builders Association, (520) 795-3025. http://www.sahba.org Tombstone Rose Festival April   (Tombstone) Tribute to world-famous 118-year-old rose tree; picnic-basket auction, cake contest, Rose Parade. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce, (888) 457-3929. http://www.tombstone.org Tucson Artists' Open Studios Tour April   (Tucson) Visit artists at work in their studios, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and see works in progress. Maps and artist listings at 549 N. 7th Ave. and online. Free. http://www.tucsonopenstudios.com Tucson Sidewinders Baseball Opening Day April   (Tucson) Opening day for Tucson's Minor League Baseball season featuring the Tucson Sidewinders, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, with 72 home games, April through August. Tucson Electric Park, 520-325-6026. http://www.tucsonsidewinders.com Wildflower Festival April   (Tucson) Enjoy springtime desert wildflowers, with benefit fundraiser and silent auction featuring entertainment and food, shopping for unique gifts, and guest speakers at in-town desert oasis. Tohono Chul Park, 520-742-6455. www.tohonochulpark.org Tucson International Mariachi Conference April 23-26  (Tucson) 25th anniversary of award-winning conference, Tucson's largest cultural event and a model for other conferences nationwide, with mariachi music, folklorico dancing, student workshops, a concert at Tucson Convention Center, and a community fiesta at Reid Park., (520) 838-3908. http://www.tucsonmariachi.org

May 2007

Cinco de Mayo Celebration May   (Tucson) Fiesta with dancing, music, crafts, and food celebrates a national holiday in Mexico. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. Kennedy Park Fiesta Area, (520) 292-9326. Fiesta de la Primavera May   (St. David) Spring festival on Mother's Day weekend, with arts and crafts vendors, live music, food, and nature trails at Holy Trinity Monastery., (520) 720-4642. http://www.holytrinitymonastery.org Pops Concert May   (Tucson) The Tucson Boys Chorus presents the last concert of the season, featuring a Pops music program, at the Tucson Music Hall. Tucson Boys Chorus, (520) 296-6277. http://www.boyschorus.org Tucson Folk Music Festival May   (Tucson) National, regional, and more than 90 local musical acts on four stages, with workshops, food, and musical treasures. El Presidio Park, downtown Tucson. Free. Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association. http://www.tkma.org Waila Festival May   (Tucson) Traditional Tohono O’odham dance, food, and ‘chicken scratch’ music, beginning at 5 p.m. Bear Down Field, University of Arizona, Arizona Historical Society (520) 628-5774. http://www.tucsonfestival.org/WailaFestival1.html Wyatt Earp Days May   (Tombstone)Celebrate the life and times of the Old West's most famous lawman in "the town too tough to die," with costumed entertainers, a barbecue, stagecoach rides. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce, (888) 457-3929. http://www.tombstone.org Wyatt Earp Days May   (Tombstone) Celebrate the life and times of the Old West's most famous lawman in "the town too tough to die," with costumed entertainers, a barbecue, stagecoach rides. Tombstone Chamber of Commerce, (888) 457-3929. http://www.tombstone.org

June 2007

Dia de San Juan Fiesta June   (Tucson) Celebrate the "Season of Monsoon Rains" at a fiesta featuring a traditional procession and blessing, charros (cowboys) and escaramuzas (trick horseback riders), and food, games, and live entertainment, 5 - 10:30 p.m. West Congress Street at Santa Cruz River. http://www.tucsonfestival.org Downtown Saturdays June   (Tucson) Live music and other entertainment, with multi-media and arts and crafts, food and drinks. Tucson Downtown Alliance, (520) 547-3338. http://www.downtowntucson.org Juneteenth Festival June   (Tucson) Festival marks the day the last of the enslaved Americans were freed, June 19, 1865, following the Emancipation Proclamation. Kennedy Park Fiesta Area, (520) 225-2670. http://www.tucsonjuneteenth.com Marking the Solstice June   (Tucson) The beginning of summer is acknowledged with a multicultural festival for families, on the campus of University of Arizona. Arizona State Museum, (520) 626-2973. http://www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/public/index.shtml Summer Art Cruise June   (Tucson) Browse galleries in and around Downtown Arts District, all day and evening, with artist receptions and exhibit openings. Maps and schedules are free at Downtown galleries, or by calling CTGA. Central Tucson Gallery Association (CTGA), (520) 629-9759. Summer Saturday Evenings June -August  (Tucson) Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Sonoran Desert at night, Saturdays after 5 p.m. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, (520) 883-1380. http://www.desertmuseum.org Tucson Sidewinders Baseball All Month   (Tucson) Tucson's Minor League Baseball team, the Tucson Sidewinders, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, plays dozens of home games, April through August. Tucson Electric Park, 520-325-6026. http://www.tucsonsidewinders.com

November 2007

Charter Funding EL TOUR DE TUCSON presented by Diamond Ventures Nov. 17  (Tucson) Thousands of cyclists from around the world compete in annual, major event featuring prestigious 109-mile perimeter race and including varied rides for all ages and abilities, from seasoned competitors to fitness buffs, and a kids fun ride. Most begin at Tucson Convention Center. Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, (520) 745-2033. http://www.pbaa.com

December 2007

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair Dec. 7-8, 9  (Tucson) Hundreds of arts and crafts booths, food vendors, street musicians and performers, and kids' entertainment. Between Ninth St. & University Blvd. on Fourth Ave. Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, (520) 624-5004. http://www.fourthavenue.org