Local Events & Activities

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December

A beloved Tucson tradition where the Winterhaven neighborhood is transformed into a glowing wonderland of holiday lights.

Learn more here:

https://winterhavenfestival.org/

December 13-15, 2024

Similar to the Spring Street Fair, this event features holiday-themed shopping and entertainment.

Learn more here:

https://fourthavenue.org/fourth-avenue-winter-street-fair/

Late January to early February

One of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world, attracting collectors, designers, and enthusiasts.

Learn more here:

https://www.tgms.org/show

January

A celebration of the infamous gangster John Dillinger's capture in Tucson, featuring 1930s-themed entertainment and history tours.

Learn more here:

https://www.visittucson.org/articles/post/2024-dillinger-days-celebrate-dillingers-famous-capture-all-things-1930s-at-hotel-congress/

March

The Tucson Festival of Books is a free, annual book fair held at the University of Arizona in midtown Tucson in March with author panels, signings, and activities for all ages.

Learn more here:

https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

March

A three-day festival showcasing local artisans, live music, and food vendors along Historic Fourth Avenue.

Learn more here:

https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

April

A celebration of the agave plant’s role in the culture and history of the Southwest, featuring tastings, dinners, and educational talks.

Learn more here:

https://www.agaveheritagefestival.com/

Escape the heat with craft fairs, live music, and small-town charm in the cool mountain air of Summerhaven. Nestled at an elevation of 8,200 feet, just 1,000 feet below the summit of Mt. Lemmon, it’s located about 29 miles north of Tucson.

The mountain is a haven for outdoor recreation, with activities like hiking, camping, fishing, birding, skiing, sledding, and rock climbing. For stargazing enthusiasts, the University of Arizona’s Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter provides one-of-a-kind astronomy camps for kids and adults alike.

Learn more here:

https://mtlemmon.com/summerhaven/

June – August

Evening events at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum with wildlife demonstrations, live music, and star-gazing.

Learn more here:

https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/events_saturday_csn.php

July

The Monsoon Arts Festival in Tucson, Arizona is a celebration of monsoon season through art, poetry, and workshops reflecting the beauty and renewal of the desert, taking place at the Tucson Museum of Art.

Learn more here:

https://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/

October

A three-day festival celebrating the cultural diversity of Tucson with food, music, and dance from around the globe.

Learn more here:

https://tucsonmeetyourself.org/

November

One of the largest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the U.S., featuring a beautiful and emotional procession to honor loved ones.

Learn more here:

https://allsoulsprocession.org/

This mural was created by traveling artists’ Victor Ving Lisa Beggs as part of a cross-country mural project called the "Greetings Tour." 

Location: 406 N. Sixth Ave. 

Joe Pagac, with the help of Katherine Joyce Lester, Arielle Pagac-Alelunas and Brady Fellows, created this El Tour de Tucson mural, sponsored by Tucson Medical Center. "It’s so wonderful to have people and companies that value putting art into the community," Pagac said on Instagram.

Location: West side of the Transamerica parking structure, 177 N. Church Ave.

Location: Near the University of Arizona

A tribute to the video game "EarthBound." Artist Ignacio Garcia's video game-inspired mural is out of this world.

Location: 5055 E. Speedway

A mural in typical Tucson style, by muralist and tattoo artist Jonny Bubonik. 

Location: Tucson Dental Studio, 1331 N. Swan Road

This tall mural by Ignacio Garcia is called "La Mujer Empoderada" or "The Empowered Woman." Garcia says the piece represents “strength, leadership, and the beauty of boldness.”

Location: 1 N. Fifth Ave.