It’s National Poetry Month, Jazz Appreciation Month, and Global Volunteer Month… and that’s just April!
So help you sort through it all, here’s my handpicked list of intriguing goings-on around Arizona – as well as some you can enjoy virtually anywhere!
The Happenings List
Anywhere / Multi-Location
Make an impact through volunteering
- April 1 – April 30
- Worldwide
- Find ways to help in your community. Even small changes can make a big difference!
- Peruse this list of opportunities around the world and online for ideas of where to start
Arizona International Film Festival (AZIFF) Livestream Panels
- April 4, 3pm: “What’s Up Docs!” with documentary directors Mikaela Shwer, Mimi Chakarova, and Mabel Valdiviezo.
- April 5, 3pm: “Making Films in Arizona” with William Shockley, director of Long Shadows, a new Western feature filmed at Old Tucson
- Streamed live on Facebook and Zoom.
- Watch the AZIFF site and Facebook page for panel additions and updates. (In-person festival is 4/3-13 in Tucson.)
- Free
Day dedicated to spending extra time with works of art
Art Appreciation: Slow Art Day
- April 5
- Worldwide at participating museums + other venues
- Annual event that encourages people to spend unhurried time looking closely at art.
A few of museums with events planned…
- In Arizona: Studio 917, Douglas + Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff
- DC: National Museum of Women in the Arts
- Las Vegas: UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
Paint outside in AZ
Participatory Art-making: Paint Arizona Day
- April 5, 8am-5pm
- Across Arizona
- A day designated for painting somewhere outdoors in Arizona!
- Collaborative initiative between the Sonoran Plein Air Painters, Arizona Pastel Artists Association, and the Arizona Plein Air Painters.
- Paint solo or join a planned paint-out, then share your artwork online, hashtagged #PaintArizonaDay #PAD2025
- ANYWHERE: Even though this is an Arizona-focused event, let it inspire you on to try some plein-air painting wherever you are!
- Free
Party at your local record store
- April 12
- Worldwide
- Record stores all over the world hold events and offer special releases
Week encouraging everyone to sketch from nature
Participatory Art-making: International Nature Journaling Week
- June 1 – June 7
- Daily prompts for nature journaling to inspire you to try something new.
- Free
- *Free nature journaling tutorials + resources
Goodies Anywhere
*Goodies to enjoy wherever you are…
Watch + Listen:
- Black Belt Eagle Scout – stream music + videos
- Silkroad’s American Railroad project – stream the album and listen to the podcast
- Archaeology Southwest’s video archive and YouTube channel – past Archaeology Café presentations
- Arizona beer podcast
Make:
- Floral Chandelier
- Fig + Thyme Cocktail
- TCA Art @ Home: virtual art experiences for all ages
Arizona Dreamin’:
- AZ Wildflower Guide (more info)
- Discover Tlaquepaque online magazine
Shop seasonal Etsy picks:
Central Arizona
Art connectioning Native cultures + Star Wars.
Exhibition: The Return of the Force
- now – May 8
- Tempe at Tempe Center For The Arts
- Artist and guest curator, Duane Koyawena (Hopi/Tewa)
- 5/4, 10am – 2pm: May the 4th Be with You family art workshop
- H/T Dinah
- Phillip’s reaction to seeing Star Wars in the Diné (Navajo) language
- Free
- *ANYWHERE: TCA Art @ Home
Community quilts on display.
Exhibition: Art of Quilting show
- now – May 26
- Gilbert at HD South
- 20th annual show theme: “Old and New”
- Some quilts will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to support HD South, home of the Gilbert Historical Museum.
- Included with museum admission
- *HD SOUTH offers a range of low cost and free programs for all ages.
- *4/5, 10am: Drawing and mixed media workshop at HD SOUTH. $5 fee, includes all supplies. Registration is required.
Keith Haring x Phoenix Art Museum
Exhibition: The Collection: Keith Haring
- Now – July 20
- Phoenix at Phoenix Art Museum
- Selection of work from artist and activist Keith Haring’s collaboration with Phoenix Art Museum for the 1986 exhibition “American Art of the 1980s.”
- Included with admission
- *ANYWHERE: Keith Haring products and sale items at the Museum’s online store.
Chandler Jazz Festival
- April 3 – April 6
- Chandler at Chandler Park
- 40 hours of live performances for Jazz Appreciation Month!
- Food and beverages for purchase, vendors and non-profit exhibitors
- Bring blankets or lawn chairs
- Alcohol + smoke-free event
- Free
Ernest Talks Series: Cochise, Geronimo, and the Apache Wars
Talk / Presentation
- April 4, 10am
- Florence at McFarland State Historic Park
- Speaker Gregory McNamee delves into the tangled history that surrounds the so-called “Apache Wars.”
- Free
Free, family-friendly LGBTQ+ festival!
Festival: Rainbows Festival + Street Fair
- April 5 – April 6, 10am-6pm
- Phoenix at Historic Heritage Square Park
- Entertainment on 2 stages throughout the weekend, over 150 exhibitors and sponsors
- Food trucks / vendors, craft cocktails
- Leashed dogs allowed
- Free
Outdoor market with activities for all ages.
Market: Merchantile Market’s Spring Soiree
- April 5, 10am-4pm
- Scottsdale at Scottsdale Civic Center
- 150+ small business vendors, drop-in interactive workshops, make-and-takes, and live music
- Food and beverages available for purchase, full bar
- Kids’ crafts and activities
- Leashed dogs allowed
- Free entry
- *Vendor Creative Kind is offering spring market-only specials, like BOGO art prints and $10 mystery bags!
Arizona-made food and craft market.
Market: Flavor of Arizona
- April 6, 10am-3pm
- Superior at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- Vendors from all across the state will be onsite selling food, beverages, and unique locally crafted items.
- Included with admission
“Taste, sip, and shop all things AZ while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Arboretum.”
–Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The Land, The Water, The Sky album tour.
Performance: Black Belt Eagle Scout concert (Mesa)
- April 8, 6pm
- Mesa at The Nile Coffee Shop
- Black Belt Eagle Scout’s Katherine Paul debuts solo songs from her journey from Portland back to the Skagit River.
- Followed by Q+A
- Concert in Tucson 4/9
- $18 per ticket
- *Advance tickets (prior to day of show): $15
- *Stream BBES music + video
Architectural documentary.
Film Screening: Hollywood’s Architect: The Paul R. Williams story
- April 9, 7pm
- Phoenix at Walter Studios
- Film about the life of influential African American architect Paul R. Williams, known for his impact on modern architecture and striking structures in Beverly Hills.
- $18 per ticket, including ticketing fees
Celebration of South Vietnam
Cultural Event: Freedom, Hope, Future
- April 26, 9am-12pm
- Chandler at Chandler City Hall
- 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon
- Learn about South Vietnamese culture, honor Vietnam Veterans, and hear stories from community members impacted by the war.
- Live music, crafts and activities for all ages
- Vietnamese cuisine
- Free
- *Vision Gallery (also on Chandler City Hall campus) offers free admission and free monthly make-and-takes
Arbor Day Celebration
Science / Nature Activity
- April 26, 10am-1pm
- Superior at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- Demonstrations and activities, like tree slice necklace making, scavenger hunt, seed dispersal experiment, and learning to count tree rings.
- Included with admission
Carver’s Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival!
- June 14, 11am-3pm
- Phoenix at George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
- DJ, live music, dancing, art activities
- Small business vendors
Northern AZ
Slow Art Day (Flagstaff)
- April 5
- Flagstaff at Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA)
- MNA’s version of this annual event about spending unhurried time looking at and thinking about artwork
- 2pm: The MNA Fine Arts Curator leads a discussion about slow art.
- 3pm: Writers co-lead a poetry workshop using slow art as inspiration.
- ANYWHERE: Slow Art Day is a worldwide event!
Sedona artists show their work.
Self-guided Tour: Sedona Spring 2025 Open Studios
- April 25 – April 27
- Sedona and across the Verde Valley
- 40-50 Sedona Visual Arts Coalition (SVAC) artists open their studios to the public
- Sedona Chamber of Commerce signature event with attendees from throughout the state and country
- Free
“The tour has been designated a signature event by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and is attended by people from throughout the state and country.”
–SVAC
Year-round series of acclaimed films.
Film Series: Northern Arizona Film Society
- May 6, July 1, October 7
- Flagstaff at Theatrikos Theatre Company (Doris Harper-White Community Playhouse)
- Flagstaff International Film Festival’s year-round screening initiative featuring acclaimed films from major film festivals.
- 5/6, 7pm: A River Reborn: The Restoration of Fossil Creek. GA tickets $8
- 7/1 + 10/7 films TBD
- In partnership with Los Angeles CineFest, Queer Here Cinema, Worldwide Women’s Film Festival, Show Low Film Festival, Prescott Film Festival, and Sedona International Film Festival
- H/T FIFF
Arizona craft brews, food, and music.
Festival: Smelter Town’s ClarkdALE Beer Fest
- May 17, 1pm-6pm
- Clarkdale at Smelter Town Brewery
- Craft brews from 10 Arizona breweries, local food trucks, and live music from local acts in historic downtown Clarkdale. (PDF list)
- Wine and non-alcoholic options will also be available
- Free entry
Clarkdale community concert series.
Concert Series: Concerts in the Park
- May 31 to September 6 at 7pm
- 5/31, 6/14, 6/28, 7/19, 8/9, 8/23, 9/6
- Clarkdale at Clarkdale Park
- Performances will take place at the 110-year-old Clarkdale Town Park Gazebo, which has recently reopened after extensive repairs!
- Wide variety of musical genres, including rock, country, reggae, and oldies.
- Small business vendors
- BYO picnic
- Leashed dogs are welcome
- Free
Arboretum concert series.
Concert Series: Mountain Melodies: Concerts at The Arb
- June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7 at 5pm
- Flagstaff at The Arboretum at Flagstaff
- Live music under pine trees at the Arboretum.
- Bring chairs or blankets and a picnic
- $26 per ticket
Flagstaff community celebration!
Festival: Flagstaff Hullabaloo
- June 7 – June 8
- Flagstaff at Wheeler Park
- Community festival featuring giant puppets, a bike parade, costume contests, performance stages, a kids area, local vendors, and craft beverages and food!
- $20 per General Admission ticket
- *Save $3 when you buy tickets before event day.
- Bring non-perishable food items for Flagstaff Family Food Center
- *Free admission for the first 250 attendees who donate three or more non-perishable food items
Shop vintage, handmade, upcycled, natural, edible, etc.
Market: Flagstaff Urban Flea Market
- June 14 to October 25
- 6/14 + 28, 7/12 + 26, 8/9 + 23, 9/13 + 27, 10/11 + 25 (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
- Flagstaff at Flagstaff City Hall
- Independent small businesses, artisans, and food producers selling an eclectic mix of “funky flea market type treasures.”
- Free entry
“This is an awesome, eclectic mix of artisans and peddlers who make and sell a unique variety of goods.”
–Dre, Anthony + David of Flagstaff Urban Flea
For the birds, the bees, and other plant-pollinating creatures.
Science / Nature Activity: Pollinator Festival
- June 15, 10am-2pm
- Flagstaff at The Arboretum at Flagstaff
- Past events have included a pollinator-friendly plant sale, educational talks, activities for kids, and pollinator-inspired art by local artists.
- Included with admission
Immersive experience for pianists of all levels.
Festival: Flagstaff Piano Festival
- June 21 – June 28
- Flagstaff at Northern Arizona University
- Daily concerts, academy and masterclasses, competition and winnners’ recital, and a piano immersion day open to the public.
- Cost varies
Southern AZ
Giant animal sculptures made with tiny beads
Exhibition: Wild Wonders: The Art of Beauty, Culture and Conservation
- now – April 30
- Tucson at Reid Park Zoo
- Animal sculptures covered in tiny seed beads that glisten in the light throughout the zoo
- Handcrafted with intricate patterns in the Huichol beaded tradition
- Created by artisans from Mexico’s Menchaca Studios
- Each animal represents a different conservation focus
- Included with admission
- H/T Phillip
“There are about 50,000,000 beads between these nine sculptures, placed one by one.”
–Cesar Menchaca on the Reid Park Zoo exhibition
Folk-art fauna from cultures across Mexico grace the gardens.
Exhibition: Fiesta de los Animales
- now – April 30
- Tucson at Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Vibrant animal sculptures that display the imagery and symbolism of indigenous Mexican cultures.
- Included with admission
Immigrant artists reflect on migration
Exhibition: The Twisted Road: Finding Home in America
- now – June
- Tucson at Tucson Desert Art Museum and Four Corners Gallery
- Over 200 years of U.S. immigration history through the lens of art and artifacts
- Featuring contemporary, personal works by Arizona-based immigrant artists: Anh-Thuy Nguyen, Safwat Saleem, and Perla Segovia
- Included with admission
Find short poems in planters along downtown sidewalks
Hike / Walk: Haiku Hike
- Now – June 1
- Downtown Tucson
- Self-guided walking tour of haiku poetry on signs along Congress Street + Stone Avenue
- Theme of this year’s competition was “Belonging”
- ANYWHERE: Read the Winning 2025 Haiku
- Free
Re-examining the art of the West
Exhibition: Divergence of Legacy: Art of the American West in the 21st Century
- now – June 22
- Tucson at Tucson Museum of Art
- Community-curated exhibition reimagining the canon of art of the American West.
- Artwork from the 1870s to 2024 from TMA’s collection and on loan from the Tia Collection in Santa Fe
- Included with admission
Detailed botanical illustrations of plants, fungi, and parasites.
Exhibition: Curious Allies: Mutualism in Fungi, Parasites, and Carnivores
- now – June 30
- Tucson at Tucson Botanical Gardens in Porter Hall + Legacy Galleries
- 48 beautiful paintings by different artists explore the (often surprising) mutualistic relationships between fungi, lichens, mycotrophic, parasitic, and carnivorous plants.
- The Legacy Gallery is just across from the gift shop exit. (When we were there, most volunteers/staff we spoke to weren’t familiar the exhibition.)
- Included with admission
Artistic explorations of human interactions with nature.
Upcoming Exhibitions at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Now – August 17
- Tucson in Ironwood Gallery + Baldwin Gallery at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Depth and Horizons: now – April 20. Focused on the Gulf of California.
- Desert Textures: May 24 – August 17. New Work by Dan Weisz and Ana Laura Gonzalez.
- All included with admission.
Books in unconventional formats.
Exhibition: Book Objects Live!
- now – August 29
- Tucson at University of Arizona: Poetry Center
- Expanding on an online exhibition, this three-dimensional, IRL iteration showcases items from the University of Arizona Poetry Center’s rare book collection that stretch the meaning of what a book can be!
- Running concurrently: Personal Paperback, Bisbee photographer John Charley’s larger-than-life photos of individual books that reveal connections with their owners.
- Free
Monthly indoor artisan market
Market: Desert Artisans
- Now to December 13, 12pm-5pm
- 4/5, 5/3, 6/14, 7/12, 8/9, 9/13, 10/11, 11/8, 12/13
- Tucson at Catalyst
- Monthly market inside CATALYST Creative Collective.
- Shop a variety of Tucson’s finest artisans and small businesses
- Free entry
What we learn about dogs from archaeological sites
Talk / Presentation: Old Dogs, New Tricks: An Overview of Canine Zooarchaeology
- April 1, 5:30pm-7:30pm
- Tucson at CATALYST Creative Collective in the Tucson Mall
- Final event in Archaeology Southwest’s Archaeology Café series of discussions on dogs.
- ANYWHERE: Presentations will be posted to Archaeology Southwest’s video archive and YouTube channel.
- Free
Arizona International Film Festival (AZIFF)
- April 3 – April 13
- Tucson in multiple venues
- Festival for independent filmmakers in search of an independent audience.
- Films at The Screening Room every night + additional events at MSA Annex, Hotel Congress, and other venues throughout Tucson.
- Individual tickets $10/show
- *Saver pass: 5 tickets for $30
- *Lodging discounts for Festival attendees!
- ANYWHERE: Some panels will be streamed live on Zoom and Facebook.
A few highlights…
- 4/3, 8pm: Opening Night Film at The Screening Room: Where There is Love, There is No Darkness. The filmmaker will be at this screening!
- 4/4, 3pm: “What’s Up Docs!” panel / 6pm: The Light of Truth, documentary about Ida B. Wells
- 4/8, 5-7pm: Arizona Film Mixer at Corbett’s (before Arizona Shorts at 8pm at The Screening Room) (or leave the mixer early and see The American Southwest at 6pm)
- 4/13,7:30pm: Closing Night Film at MSA Festival Grounds: Ali Eats America
Free festival of worldwide Folk Music traditions
Festival: Tucson Folk Festival
- April 4 – April 6
- Tucson at Jácome Plaza
- 40th Annual Festival
- Six stages with over 150 live performances including national headliners, local and regional acts, songwriting competition winners, family show entertainment, and young artist showcases!
- Art + craft vendors
- Food trucks / vendors, Beer garden
- Free
Local artisan market and plant sale.
Market: Fling into Spring
- April 5, 9am-3pm
- Oro Valley at Tucson Cactus + Koi
- Handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and other unique finds by local creators.
- Plant sale, plein-air painters, free hot dogs and refreshments
- Free entry
- *Online shop deal (they ship anywhere in the continental U.S.): Get $5 off your first order with Promo Code: BUYCACTUS
Arizona’s brewers strut their stuff.
Festival: Baja Beer Festival
- April 5, 1pm-4:30pm
- Tucson at Armory Park
- Beer samples, lawn games, and food trucks
- $55 General Admission, $15/designated driver
- 21+
Garden-focused festival and fundraiser.
Festival + Market: Pollinator Festival Spring Fundraiser
- April 6, 3pm-5pm
- Tucson at New Spirit Garden
- Spring celebration of gardens and pollinators
- Live music, interactive demonstrations, talks by experts
- Farmers market, small business vendors, food trucks
Concert connecting the music of Indigenous North America to the World.
Tour: Silkroad Ensemble: Uplifted Voices
- April 6, 6:30pm
- Tucson at Centennial Hall UA
- Tour shining a light on the collaborative ensemble’s women and non-binary members.
- Special guest Tuscarora/Taíno musician Pura Fé.
- $39 and up, plus ticketing fees
- *ANYWHERE: Check out Silkroad’s American Railroad project –stream the album and listen to the podcast free!
The Land, The Water, The Sky album tour.
Performance: Black Belt Eagle Scout concert (Tucson)
- April 9, 8pm
- Tucson at Pidgin Palace Arts
- Black Belt Eagle Scout’s Katherine Paul debuts solo songs from her journey from Portland back to the Skagit River.
- Followed by Q+A
- Concert in Mesa 4/8
- *Stream BBES music + video
Agave Heritage Festival
- April 10 – April 13
- Tucson at Mission Garden and other venues
- Cost varies
- *Discounted hotel rates at The Tuxon and Ramada Tucson.
April 10, 8-11am: Agave Planting
-
- Tucson at Mission Garden
- Plant agave in the traditional Hohokam style.
- No experience needed – open to all ages!
- Free
April 10, 5–11pm: Noche de Mezcal
-
- Downtown Tucson
- Start at The Playground with mezcal toasts at 6pm + 7pm
- Explore a curated collection of mezcal tastings and pairings at 12 participating bars/restaurants, including The Monica, RBar, The Century Room, and La Chingada
- 21+
- Tickets $70, a veladora mezcal glass is included
April 11, 6-9pm: Agave Heritage Dinner: A Culinary Tribute to the Sonoran Desert
-
- Tucson on the Maynards Patio
- Five-course dining experience that brings together the region’s traditional ingredients with modern, innovative techniques.
- Each course will be paired by Maynards’ chef with a tequila from La Gritona Reposado, a woman-owned distillery.
- 21+
- $196 inclusive
April 13: Conservation Tour and Plant Sale
-
- Patagonia at Borderlands Restoration Network
- 10-11:30am: Guided tour of restoration sites and nectar-feeding bat conservation projects.
- 11:30am-2pm: Native plant sale to support regional agave conservation efforts.
- All ages
- Free
April 13, 8am: Guided Tumamoc Hill Hiking Tour
-
- Tucson at Tumamoc Hill
- Guided hike that offers insight into how agave has played a vital role in the region’s past and present.
- All ages
- Free
Concert series with local musicians from a variety of genres.
Performance: Oro Valley Concert Series
- April 12 + May 3
- Tucson at rotating venues
- 4/12, 1-3pm: Mariachi Innovacion + Las Azaleas at Tohono Chul (40th Anniversary Concert!)
- 5/3, 7-9pm: Santa Pachita (Latin Rock) at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort + Spa
- Free
Paper art self-publishers’ show
Festival: Tucson Zine Fest
- April 19
- Tucson at Steinfeld Warehouse
- Festival for zinesters, comic book makers, and unconventional artists.
- Free
Poetry workshops and readings open to the community.
Festival: Tucson Poetry Festival
- April 19 + April 27
- Tucson at Cabaret Theater (2nd floor of Temple of Music and Art) + Temple Lounge
- Free (donations welcome)
4/19:
-
- 11am-4:30pm Workshops in the Cabaret Theater
- 6-7pm Happy Hour in the Lounge
- 7-9pm Featured poet reading in the Cabaret Theater
4/27: 11am-1pm Community open mic
Guided group birding activity.
Science / Nature Walk: Birding at the Zoo
- April 22, 9am
- Tucson at Reid Park Zoo
- Guided bird walk through Reid Park Zoo with Tucson Bird Alliance (formerly Tucson Audubon Society)
- Binoculars and field guides are recommended but not required.
- Tour may last up to 2 hours.
- Included with admission
Mariachi music + Baile Folklórico educational event
Cultural Event, Convention, Performance: Tucson International Mariachi Conference
- April 23 – April 27
- Tucson at multiple venues
- Conference, workshops for ages 7+, student showcases, Mariachi music
- 4/25, 7pm: Espectacular Concert featuring Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán + Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlán. Tickets $50-200
- 4/27, 11pm: Mariachi Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral. Free
- Cost varies for other events
Latin/cosmic/classical guitar duo.
Performance: Hermanos Gutiérrez
- May 15, 8pm
- Tucson at Rialto Theatre
- Dreamy instrumental music by Ecudorian-Swiss brothers
- With Adrian Quesadas Trio Asesino
- $45 and up General Admission ticket + ticketing fees
- *Animated Scooby Doo-style video for “It’s All in Your Mind”
- *Ticket giveaway contest from Zia Records
Stargazing at Tumacácori
Science / Nature Activity
- May 16, 8pm
- Tumacácori at Tumacácori National Historical Park
- After-dark park opening to observe planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.
- Led by Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
- Free
- *Video: Searching for the Southwest Spring Firefly
Willcox Wine Country Spring Wine Festival
Festival
- May 17 – May 18
- Willcox at Willcox Wine Country (157 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox)
- 17 wineries, local artists, craft vendors, live music
- Food trucks / vendors, beer garden
- $20-45 per ticket
- *Save $5 by purchasing your ticket in advance!
- *Guide to “What to Pair with Willcox Wines”
Dance and mariachi music performances
Festival: Mariachi Festival
- May 17, 9am-6pm
- Patagonia at Patagonia Lake State Park
- Mariachi music and dancing, wine tastings, kids’ activities
- Local food and beverages available for purchase
- Included with admission
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