We were driving back recently from a sunny visit to Saguaro National Park as the sky clouded over. We thought we heard thunder in the distance and hoped we could get home before the storm. We didn’t. The rain wasn’t so much falling as it was being slammed against our car by big gusts of wind.
While it may not be the first image that comes to mind when you think of the desert, that’s the Arizona monsoon season, when Tucson receives around half its annual rainfall.
That storm as we were leaving the Park was the first one of this year’s more humid “second summer.”
So while we watch for rainclouds and listen for thunder, here’s what else is going on around Arizona – as well as events you can access from anywhere!
The Happenings List
These are my handpicked upcoming events for art, culture, food, and nature lovers with *Goodies starred throughout the List! I’ve also included some Etsy affiliate links, so you can support local makers and this site at the same time!
Mushroom: Hand Embroidery Kit and Thread Painting Tutorial by Emillie Ferris.
Introductory workshop that will show you how to start stitching and create your own miniature work of textile art (an artist trading card or ATC). You will learn free-form embroidery and mixed media techniques centered around a simple shape, like a heart symbol.
Workshop format is a PDF file, plus four videos demonstrating all the techniques needed to complete your project.
No previous knowledge of sewing required.
*Includes two pages of customizable ATC-backgrounds!
“Defiance House dwelling in Forgotten Canyon, 1964” via NAU archives.
Exhibit of historical photos of Glen Canyon before it was flooded.
“Glen Canyon died in 1963. However, it lives on … in the magnificent collection of photographs preserved in the Special Collections Department of the Cline Library.”
The Smithsonian Institution offers a ton of courses inspired by its research, collections, and exhibitions, both in-person and via Zoom! This is just a minuscule sampling of upcoming classes that caught my attention…
7/16, 7pm ET: The Jazzmen. Talk by Larry Tye, author of The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America. “Each defied and ultimately overcame racial boundaries… [and] wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights movement.” $30 fee
7/27, 1pm ET: Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout. “…an afternoon of artistic experimentation designed to strengthen creative muscles and deepen skills in visual expression.” $95 fee
August—
8/19, 9/16 + 10/21, 6:45pm ET: Feasting with Royalty: Food historian Francine Segan talks about the distinctive foods on the tables of Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and Caesar. *$75 fee for the 3-class series or $30/class *Recipes you can make on your own are included with each class!
8/26, 6:45pm ET:Understanding Cephalopod Behavior. Discussion separating truth from tall tales about octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish and how their “extraordinary cognitive capacity” may cause us to question our definition of intelligence. $25 fee
8/28, 9/4 + 9/11, 6pm ET: Alternate Pens for Mark Making and Calligraphy. Create writing instruments from common household objects and items foraged from nature to engage your spirit of play and push your creativity. $140 fee
Six-week online series to practice specialized yoga poses that support your lymphatic system and immune system health, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Online counterpart to the in-person film festival, which presents independent cinema from local, national, and international filmmakers in a wide range of themes, including avant-garde dramas, comedies, animations, and science-fiction. Films will be available for 8 days as video-on-demand.
now — September 2 / Arizona Science Center, Phoenix / Included with admission / All ages
Interactive exhibition that gives visitors access to a replica of the OceanXplorer research vessel and the experience of what it’s like to conduct experiments and explore the ocean.
Tickets to OceanXperience + Giant Screen theater shows are included with Arizona Science Center admission!
*Discounted parking at the Heritage and Science Park Garage (5th Street and Monroe Street) with validation from the Arizona Science Center.
Exhibition of experimental art made by almost 100 artists from six Central-Eastern European nations (East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Yugoslavia) from 1960-1980.
Multiple Realities focuses on largely unknown women artists, artist collectives, and LGBTQIA+ artists.
Exhibit is included with paid museum admission. During free admission times, a special exhibition ticket ($10) is required.
*PhxArt AfterHours: Sep. 6, 5-9pm. Free admission, extended hours, live music, art-making workshops, and specialty food and drink.
*Arizona libraries offer Culture Passes for free admission to Phoenix Art Museum.
I don’t know what the actual project will look like, but I really like this paper tropical wreath by Lia Griffith! I also featured it in the Teal Color Story.
July 21, 2pm / Tempe Public Library, Tempe / Free (includes supplies)
Learn how to make a floral wreath out of paper! There is no fee, but registration is required.
In the library’s Ironwood Classroom.
*Part of the library’s Adult Summer Reading Program. Earn points and prizes by signing up, logging your time reading, and participating in events (like this class)!
“VSQ’s atmospheric hits have made classical versions of pop music cool.”
November 14, 7pm / Mesa Arts Center, Mesa / $52 per ticket (includes fees)
Performance of the Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ), who create beautiful classical covers of pop music. You may have heard them on Bridgerton, as the string section slyly sneaking a current hit into the period drama.
VSQ is currently touring with fresh arrangements of music from Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, BTS, Bridgerton, The Weeknd, and Daft Punk.
now — October 16, 6pm – 8pm / Dark Sky Brewing Co. Beer Garden, Flagstaff / Free (donations accepted) / 21+
Science pub fundraiser for the Arboretum at Flagstaff, where you can enjoy a pint, hear about the latest research in the biological sciences, and support the Arboretum at the same time!
“The map presents a wealth of detailed information about Grand Canyon’s geology on a single page with such beauty that it became the bestselling geology map of all time.”
—Museum of Northern Arizona
The Grand Canyon “Dragon” Map I saw hanging on the wall at Flagstaff City — Coconino County Public Library.
now — January 19, 2025 / Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff / Included with admission
Exhibition centered around an iconic map of the Grand Canyon and the geology it depicts. Now the most famous map of the Grand Canyon, it was first published by the Museum of Northern Arizona in 1976.
Seeing the shape of the Colorado River’s path through the Canyon reminded many people of the shape of a Chinese dragon, which is why it’s known as the “Blue Dragon Map.”
*Arizona libraries offer Culture Passes for free admission to the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Grand Canyon map bracelet.
Via Flagstaff Dance. Photography by Jimmy Cho Carrauthers.
Dancing on the Square: It doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there.
now — August 28, 7pm – 10pm / Heritage Square, Flagstaff / Free / All ages and family friendly.
Free social dancing lessons in Heritage Square! Local volunteer instructors teach a mixture of Swing, Latin, and Ballroom dancing on summer nights. This is a community-oriented event designed to be welcoming to learners. You don’t even need to bring a partner!
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.
6/28, 5-7pm: Visit the NHI Gallery during the Fourth Friday Art Walk to peruse the exhibition after hours and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
*ANYWHERE:Watch videos from past speaker series talks.
Four Directions Plaque by Annette Nasfotie via Museum of Northern Arizona Shops.
July 1, 11:30am – 1:30pm / Taawaki Inn (441 S Broadway, Clarkdale), Clarkdale / Free
Celebration of the opening of the first Hopi Tribe owned and operated hotel outside of the reservation, Taawaki Inn. The new build is located in Clarkdale, Arizona at the entrance to Tuzigoot National Monument and overlooking the Verde River. The Inn is committed to being a testament to the Hopi people’s rich culture and history, including respect for nature.
11:30am – 12pm: Welcome and guest speakers.
12 – 1:30pm: Ribbon cutting ceremony followed by hotel tours.
July 4, 3pm / Fort Tuthill Park, Flagstaff / Free / All ages.
Annual Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra patriotic pops concert on the lawn at Pepsi Amphitheater. The event is free of charge, open to the public, and non-ticketed.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Bondhi Bowls and Flyin’ K BBQ food trucks will be there.
July 4th + Labor Day weekends / Orchard at Charlie Clark’s, Pinetop-Lakeside / Free to shop
Arts festivals with live music, food and drink in a park-like setting. Both events are put on by the all-volunteer High Country Art Association, a non-profit dedicated to showcasing creative, original visual arts and fine crafts in the White Mountains.
July 4 – 6: July 4th Fine Arts + Crafts Festival
Aug. 30 – Sept. 1: Labor Day Arts + Craft Festival
Locally owned arts and crafts festival that features tightly juried one-of-a-kind fine art and fine crafts designed and shown by the artists. It takes place over the Fourth of July weekend in a grassy park in Downtown Flagstaff.
Entertainment: Nonstop live music throughout the three days of the event!
Vendors: Juried selection of 80 artists from across the Southwest.
Food + beverage: Food trucks and booths, including Square Root Foods, Hot Bamboo, Cody Coyote Kettle Corn, and Lulu’s Italian Waterice, and a beer garden.
July 13 + 20, 9am – 4:30pm / College of Arts + Letters, NAU FLG Mountain Campus, Flagstaff / $249 fee (each class)
Single-day hands-on classes on bookbinding and relief printmaking, which are presented by Northern Arizona University’s Continuing Education Department. Both classes are taught by professor of printmaking David Williams.
Bring a pencil, a large Sharpie, and a 10×14″ sketchbook. Other supplies will be provided.
7/13: Relief Printmaking. Learn the basics of relief printmaking methods, how to create your own designs, and then make small relief prints with a variety of products. H/T Flagstaff 365
7/20: Creative Bookbinding. Learn both both traditional and innovative methods for making your own handcrafted books, journals, notebooks, and sketchbooks. H/T Flagstaff 365
*Anyone can use the MakerLab in NAU’s Cline Library! The multidisciplinary collaborative workspace provides a wide selection of tools, equipment, supplies, and services including 3D printing (fee for material), project consultations, and open workshops.
Quartermaster map of steamboat and overland supply routes between military forts (including Fort Verde) throughout the Southwest in the 1800s. It’s displayed at the Colorado River State Historic Park in Yuma.
*The 7/22 “Archaeology” talk is part of the library’s Summer Reading Challenge. Attending this event will give you a secret code to get points toward reaching your goal.
August 3 — 4 / Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff / $45 for a Weekend Pass, plus ticketing fees.
Film Festival presenting independent cinema from local, national, and international filmmakers in a wide range of themes, including avant-garde dramas, comedies, animations, and science-fiction. Beyond film screenings, FIFF also hosts Q+A sessions, workshops, and networking events to provide insights into the filmmaking process, and opportunities to interact with filmmakers and fellow film enthusiasts.
A Weekend Pass provides entry to all in-person screenings on the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.
Festival that brings Hopi arts, crafts, and culture to the public. The event is a bridge that allows Flagstaff and surrounding communities to come together and learn from one another.
Vendors: Over 30 artists selling jewelry, traditional pottery and basketry, contemporary clothing, Kachina Dolls, photography, and mixed media artwork.
7/20 at 7pm:Desert Haze Vintage Market with L.A. artists The McCharmlys + The Charities. $5 entry. All ages.
“A year in which a group of audacious filmmakers, daring performers and adventurous studio execs pushed cinema to new limits, blurring the boundaries between mainstream and art films …”
now — July 31 / The Loft Cinema, Tucson / $8 per ticket
The Loft will re-release a selection of influential movies that premiered in 1999.
Copies of the book, Best. Movie. Year. Ever. How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen by Brian Raftery, will be available for sale at the box-office during this series.
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.
August 7 – 11 / Reid Park, Tucson / $30 registration
5-day festival for recreational birders, featuring a Nature Expo / vendor fair, field trips, photography events, and presentations. It’s organized by Tucson Audubon Society, a nonprofit for engaging people in the conservation of birds and their habitats.
The Festival Headquarters is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park.
The Opening Party and the Nature Expo are free and do not require registration.
Scholarships available: Tucson Audubon Society is committed to connecting all people to nature regardless of income. Anyone with a financial need is encouraged to apply. Scholarships are given based on availability of funds.
*Discounted room rate for festival-goers: $112/night at La Quinta Inn + Suites.
The 11th Annual Salsa, Tequila + Taco Challenge is bound to elevate cocktail craft and culinary creativity once again.
August 24, 6pm / El Conquistador Tucson, Tucson / $100 general admission
Culinary competition where attendees sample and vote for the best salsa, tequila, and tacos in the region from well-regarded mixologists and chefs. It’s a blend of culinary arts, live music, entertainment, and local culture.
General admission tickets include food and beverage samplings from 30 local restaurants and chefs. Plus, access to live entertainment all night.
Food + beverage: A variety of custom salsa and tequila cocktails in over 15 categories. Creations from previous events included salsa infused with chicharrones, a dulce de leche dessert taco, and even a watermelon Sour Patch Kids margarita!
Entertainment: Lucha Libre matches. Performance by 10-piece band Mariachi Herradura de Tucson. Live painting by Phoenix artist Jesse Perry.
August 30 — September 2 / Tucson Convention Center, Tucson / $69 at the door plus parking / All ages
Community-based pop culture event that seeks to be America’s friendliest convention! The 3-day con features Q+A panels, workshops, costume contests, photo ops, and a large exhibitor hall. There will be actors, authors, comic book artists, and cosplayers appearing as special guests.
15th anniversary of the event!
Parking: Convention Center lots are at least $10/day, but there are less expensive alternatives in the area.
*Early Bird Special: Adult (Age 14+) Full Weekend Memberships are $50 until July 11! Save $19 versus buying this membership at the door.
November 13, 7:30pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / $25-65 per ticket (includes fees)
Performance of the Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ), who create beautiful classical covers of pop music. You may have heard them on Bridgerton, as the string section slyly sneaking a current hit into the period drama.
They are currently touring with fresh arrangements of music from Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, BTS, Bridgerton, The Weeknd, and Daft Punk.
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