While we haven’t seen any big storms yet, it’s technically Arizona monsoon season. One of these days, the clouds will move in overhead to deliver much-appreciated rain to this desert town.

In the meantime, our schedules shift to avoid the midday heat. Events move to nighttime, indoors, or up in elevation. This season’s Happenings List focuses on events in cooler parts of Arizona and at cooler times of day.

If you’re new to the Happenings List, here’s what to know:

1. The Happenings List is my seasonal selection of goings-on for lovers of art, craft, culture(s), and nature.
2. *Goodies: The List is peppered with extras, freebies, and discounts! Just look for the asterisks (*).
3. Not in Arizona? In the last section are Happenings and Goodies you can enjoy from virtually ANYWHERE!
4. World Embroidery Day is July 30! So this time, the ANYWHERE section also includes worldwide embroidery classes and bonus embroidery Goodies!
5. Full disclosure: There’s not much to disclose. I’m not paid to list particular events. I don’t work for any of these companies. As an Etsy affiliate, I may earn a small commission from links I share, but I choose which artists and products to highlight.
6. Did you go to one of the events on the List? I’d love to hear how it went! Send me an email or hashtag social media posts about your experience with #TCJreco.

That’s enough things, right?! Let’s get to the List…

 

The Happenings List

• Central Arizona

 

Try Taiko Classes: Intro to Japanese Drums

July 8, 4-5:30pm / Fushicho Daiko Dojo, Phoenix / Trial class fee $20

Single-class sessions on Taiko, Japanese ensemble drumming, so you can try it out before deciding whether to commit to ongoing classes. Learn the background and significance of Taiko and learn your first song! Try Taiko classes for adults are on Saturday evenings at the beginning of each month. Classes for kids happen less frequently, so watch the registration page.

• Secure facemasks required inside the dojo.
• *On Phoenix First Fridays, the dojo is open to visitors and you can watch classes practice taiko (free).

 

Page Possibilities: Papercraft Peacocking

July 9, 2-4pm / Tempe Public Library, Tempe / Free.

Step-by-step paper craft class on turning a “retired” book into a colorful, decorative peacock! There is no fee, but registration is required.

• *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)!
• Read more about Why I look for Art in Libraries.

 

Cine Cubano: Cuba-Centric Film Series

July 12 – October 11, 6pm / Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix / Tickets $8.

Four-film series celebrating Cuba’s complex history, which provides deeper context for the museum’s current special-engagement exhibition Juan Francisco Elso: Por América (which runs until 9/17). The films will screen monthly, starting this summer and continuing through Hispanic Heritage Month. Each screening will be on a Wednesday at 6pm in Whiteman Hall on the first floor of the Phoenix Art Museum.

• The related Juan Francisco Elso exhibition is in the Steele Gallery, (between the museum entrance and the room where the films are showing). This special exhibition requires a $6 ticket for adults (youth 17 and under are free)!
• *Enjoy free general admission to the museum before the films (starting at 3pm), because all 4 screenings take place during Pay-What-You-Wish-Admission evenings!
• Read about a film costume exhibit we saw at Phoenix Art Museum.

 

• Northern Arizona

Music on the Square: Flagstaff Summer Concerts

now – September 29 / Heritage Square, Flagstaff / Free.

Free concerts in Heritage Square all summer long! Follow Downtown Flagstaff on Instagram and Facebook for details and updates.

• Thursdays 5-7pm: Jazz, blues and funk.
• Fridays 6-8pm: Local bands in the evening.
• Sundays 12-2pm: Local bands at lunchtime.

 

2023 Lavender Bloom + Wine Festival: A Feast for the Nose

now – July 22 (Thursdays through Saturdays) / Red Rock Ranch and Farms, Concho / Free.

Six-week festival of lavender grown in the mountains of northeastern Arizona. See the fields in bloom, learn about growing and cooking with lavender, visit the lavender shop to purchase plants and gift items, or cut your own lavender bouquet (clippers provided).

• Red Rock Ranch’s wine tasting room will be open during the festival for tastings, as well as for purchasing wine and cheese plates.
• Pets are not allowed at the farm during the festival.
• Post-festival hours: Starting July 29, the Wine Tasting Room and Shop will be open Saturdays 1-6pm.

 

July 4th Fine Arts + Crafts Festival: Celebration of High Country Craftsmanship

July 1-3 / Charlie Clark’s Orchard, Pinetop / Free.

Arts festival with live music, food and drink under tall pines. Attended by thousands of seasonal and year-round residents and visitors, it takes place in the Orchard, a park-like setting adjacent to Charlie Clark’s restaurant.

• The Festival is organized by the High Country Art Association, a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to showcasing creative, original visual arts and fine crafts in the White Mountains.
• Read about a camping trip we took near Pinetop-Lakeside.

 

Flagstaff Art in the Park: Handcrafts at High Altitude

July 1-3 / Wheeler Park, Flagstaff / Free.

Fine arts and crafts festival that takes place over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends in a grassy park in Downtown Flagstaff.

• Vendors: Juried selection of 70 artists from across the Southwest.
• Food + beverage: Square Root Foods, Hot Bamboo, Safari Samosas, Cody Coyote Kettle Corn, Lulu’s Italian Waterice, Single Speed Coffee Roasters, and the Shady Beer Garden, which features local and regional breweries and benefits Special Olympics Arizona.
• Entertainment: Nonstop live music, including Craig Yarbrough, Flag5, Matt Bingham, Matthew Henry Hall, Rideshare, Sister and the Sun, Two Hand Union, Stan Clark and Tim Hogan, Paul and Friends, and TheatriKids.

 

Music in the Pines: Country Club Concert Series

July 1 + 10, August 2 + 16 / Pinetop Lakes Golf and Country Club, Pinetop / Free.

Live music and dancing on several summer Wednesdays and Saturdays. The event is free and open to the public! Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

• Food + beverage: Hamburgers, hot dogs, adult beverages, and soft drinks available for purchase. (Cash only.)
• Entertainment: Free line dance lessons at 3:30pm. Live music 4:30-7:30pm.

 

Japanese Boro Stitch and Scrap Scarf: Sew Sustainable!

August 3, 10am-3pm / Prescott Quilt Works, Prescott / $45 class fee

5-hour course on the art of Boro stitching, a traditional Japanese textile technique renowned for its beauty, history and sustainability. Instructor Socorro “CoCo” Alaniz will explain how Boro originated in Japan during the Edo Period (1609-1868) as a means of mending and repurposing textiles in rural farming communities. Learn about its profound cultural significance and walk away with a beautiful handmade scarf!

• A limited number of kits will be available for purchase at Prescott Quilt Works
  a week before the class. These will include linen or muslin fabric for the scarf,
  lace findings, and other cute accessories to add to your project.
• Fabric scraps not included.

 

Flagstaff Fadeaway: Music Fest at a Mod Mountainside Motel

September 30, 5pm. / High Country Motor Lodge, Flagstaff / General Admission Ticket $75

All-ages festival outside a refurbished mid-century motel off Route 66. Featured performers include Color Green, Sylvie, The Senators, Spencer Cullum + Rich Ruth, and Kacy + Clayton. Proceeds benefit the Glen Canyon Institute, which is working to restore the ecosystem of Glen Canyon and Colorado River.

• Doors open at 4pm. Bands start at 5pm.
• Food trucks and a full bar will be on-site. All attendees will be carded.
• The show will go on rain or shine!
• *Complimentary valet parking for all attendees presenting a valid Flagstaff Fadeaway ticket.

 

• Southern Arizona

Summer Safari Nights: Evening Event for Party Animals

Now – August 12, Saturdays 6pm – 8pm / Reid Park Zoo, Tucson / Admission $6-11.

The zoo opens up on summer Saturday nights for live music and entertainment, keeper chats, animal encounters, crafts and games. Each week is themed around a different kind of animal from the zoo.

• Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase.
• Ticket details: $10.50 for adults (ages 15-61), $8.50 for seniors (ages 62+), $6.50 for youth (ages 2-14), and free for children under 2.
• *ANYWHERE: Zoo web cams. 

Highlights:

• July 15: Shopping Night showcasing the creative, one-of-a-kind artwork and products of Tucson’s local makers.
• July 29: Entertainment by The Circus Academy.
• August 12 (World Elephant Day): Focus on African Elephants.

 

Sonoran Quipu: Immersive Installation of Knotty Art

Now – August / Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Incorporating locally-found materials, Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña arranged hundreds of hanging knotted fibers and into what she calls a “poem in space,” which speaks to the way we are interconnected with each other and our environment. This is an exhibition created specifically for the Great Hall of MOCA Tucson, shaped by contributions from the community!

Goodies:

• *Outside the museum is Mini MOCA, a small artworks exchange in the style of a little free library.
• *Discounts for Downtown Clifton Hotel guests: 2 for 1 admission at MOCA, as well as 10% off any purchase in the MOCA Shop.

 

Arizona Biennial 2023: Arizona Artist Showcase

Now – September 17 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Every-other-year exhibition of innovative and diverse new works by Arizona artists. It provides an opportunity for emerging artists to exhibit their art in a museum setting and to introduce it to the public. A new juror from outside the state is selected to curate each Arizona Biennial, reviewing the works of hundreds of artists to create a cohesive exhibition that becomes an overview of artistic creativity in Arizona.

• This year’s juror, Taína Caragol, is the Curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history at the National Portrait Gallery, who led the portrait commission of former President Obama by Kehinde Wiley.
• *First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art and gallery activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.
• *Second SundAZe. Focused on intergenerational learning, the Second Sunday of the month features activities and art-making for kids, as well as docent talks, free performances, and pay-what-you-wish admission.

 

Independence Day Celebration Concert: July 4th Pops!

July 1, 7:30pm / St. Augustine’s Cathedral, Tucson

Independence Day concert by the Tucson Pops orchestra, bringing back the tradition of this performance in the historic church.

 

Moonlight Market: Night Shopping among Nightshades

July 1, 7-10pm / Rozet Nursery and Landscape Design, Tucson / Free.

Music, food, drinks, local artists, and plant folks in a plant nursery on a cool(er) summer evening! All ages.

 

Paint Nights in the Park: Stable-side Painting Class

July 14 + Aug 11, 6-8pm / Marana Heritage River Park, Marana / Fee $38

Evening painting class inside a barn on July and August evenings! An experienced instructor will guide you stroke-by-stroke to create your very own take-home masterpiece! The cost of registration includes a 16×20″ canvas and painting supplies. No experience necessary.

• Participants who are over 21 may bring beer or wine to enjoy responsibly (with ID). Although not provided, you can also bring your own food to the event.
• Each month’s paint subject will be on the Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
• Advance registration is required on the event website.
• H/T Discover Marana 

 

Old Pueblo Market: Makers You Might’ve Missed

July 15, August 12, September 16, 10am-5pm / The Annabelle Studio, Tucson / Free.

Indoor market meant to reflect Tucson’s unique, diverse maker community, especially BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists. Every Old Pueblo Market has new vendors, because they give priority to creators who are just starting out and may have not have market experience.

 

Summer Night Market: After Hours at the Annex

July 28, August 25, September 29, 6- 10pm / MSA Annex, Tucson / Free.

Over 60 local vendors, plus music, food trucks, and extended hours for MSA Annex shops the last Friday evening of the month, May through September.

 

Tohono Chul Plant Sale: A Plant-Lover’s Paradise

July 29-30 / Tohono Chul Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro, Tucson / Free.

Annual plant sale where Tohono Chul hosts dozens of nursery growers, who showcase their botanicals under the shade of ramadas. You can pre-order plants from Borderlands Restoration Network to pick up there.

• *Free admission to Tohono Chul during the sale!
• More about Tohono Chul.

 

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival: Birder is the Word(er…)

August 9-13 / Headquarters: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park, Tucson / $30 registration + activity fees.

4-day festival for recreational birders, featuring a Nature Expo / vendor fair, field trips, workshops, photography events, and social hours. It’s organized by Tucson Audubon Society, a nonprofit for engaging people in the conservation of birds and their habitats.

• The Opening Celebration 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.
• *ANYWHERE: Online guide to the birds of Southeast Arizona.

 

Celebration of All Things Tucson: The Old Pueblo turns 248!

August 19, 6:15pm – 9:30pm / Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, Tucson / Free.

Modern-day Tucson’s official founding day fiesta to “Celebrate All Things S cuk-sǫn/Tucson.” Food, drinks, family activities, and cultural performances, including folklorico dancing and Waila Music!

• H/T Visit Tucson
• *ANYWHERE: Visit virtually 
• ANYWHERE: Online Auction benefitting The Presidio Museum August 7-30.

 

Colors of the Stone: Gem Show Warm-Up

August 31 – September 3 / Casino Del Sol, Tucson / Free.

Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue and Artisan Workshops is a show that includes established and emerging glass artists, gem cutters, ceramists, bead makers, jewelry artists, mineral hunters, lapidaries, and gold smiths.

Shop from a collection of artisan handcrafted products made from sustainable materials in natural colors and buy directly from the source.

• Hands-on workshops offered daily, 8am-9pm.
• During the Tucson Fall Gem Show.
• *The hotel at the casino offers special room rates for Fall Gem Show attendees. (Book in advance.)
• *Casino Del Sol RV Park is offering discounts up to 10% off.

 

Tucson Comic-Con: Pop Culture Con

September 1-3 / Tucson Convention Center, Tucson / Adult Full Weekend Membership Pass $64

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.

• Artist Alley: Meet writers, pencillers, inkers, and colorists from all over the world. Some offer one-of-a-kind sketches and commissions at their tables (usually grouped together in one aisle or section of the exhibitor hall).
• Game Area: Play video games – including vintage arcade games – board games, card games, and role-playing games!
• Inclusive Quiet Zone: A welcoming place to take a break from the hectic convention floor.
• *Early Bird Pricing: Adult (age 14+) Full Weekend Pass $50 through 7/7. Kids (age 9-13) $20.

• Anywhere

Anytime:

• Virtually Visit Tucson Presidio Museum
• Online guide to the birds of Southeast Arizona

Watch:

• • Water Harvester – short documentary about rainwater collection that’s perfect for monsoon season!
  • Reid Park Zoo web cams– see what the animals are up to! August 12 is World Elephant Day.
  • The Thief Collector documentary looks at the painting Woman-Ochre’s theft and the secret lives of the crime’s main suspects. It is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime. You can also pre-order the Blu Ray/DVD before its August 15 release date.

Events:

Coffee, Tea, and Books

July 18 + August 15, 6-8pm / Free.

Tempe Library volunteer-lead discussion of recent novels or the occasional nonfiction title on the third Tuesday of the month.

• 7/18: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
• 8/15: The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
• Socialize with the group 6-6:30pm
• Book discussion 6:30-7:45pm
• You will receive the URL after you register.

Art Talk: Juan Francisco Elso and Mexico: Curator Cuauhtémoc Medina in dialogue with artist Magali

July 19, 12pm – 1pm / Free.

Learn about Juan Francisco Elso’s deep cultural and aesthetic ties to Mexico and Mesoamerican cultural traditions from Mexico City-based artist Magali Lara and Cuauhtémoc Medina, Chief Curator at MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art, Mexico City).

• Presented on Zoom (in Spanish with live English translation).
• Juan Francisco Elso exhibition

 

Online Auction Benefitting The Presidio Museum

August 7-30

The Presidio Museum is auctioning off fun and unique items to raise money for operations and programming.

 

July 30 is World Embroidery Day!

“Make 30th July a day filled with creativity for the sake of Peace, Freedom and Equality.”

–from the World Embroidery Day Manifesto (English translation)

Embroidery goodies:

• Fern Stitch Embroidery Tutorial + Free Pattern via Wandering Threads Embroidery
• Special pricing on kits and patterns (at least 30% off!) from Bird Brain Designs
• 18 Modern Embroidery art pieces for inspiration

 

Online Courses

Upcoming embroidery classes from around the world that you can take without leaving home…

Traditional Ukrainian Embroidery Workshop

July 12, 10-11:30am / Class fee $12

San Francisco School of Needlework and Design (SFSNAD) exhibiting artist Lesia Pona demonstrates traditional embroidery techniques from across Ukraine. She will highlight embroidered shirts from regions such as Merezshka (drawn thread), Vyrizuvania (cutwork), and Nyzynka (vertical weaving stitch).

• There are over 250 stitches used in Ukrainian folk embroidery with techniques unique to each region.
• A portion of ticket sales will go towards Razom for Ukraine, a 501(c)3 based in the Bay Area helping provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by the war in Ukraine.

Related in-person San Francisco School of Needlework and Design events:

• July 22 – September 16: Lesia Pona’s exhibition, “Life is One Fragile Thread: Traditional Embroidery of Ukraine” in SFSNAD’s Hanging Thread Gallery. Free admission.
• July 22, 10am-1 pm: donation-based Merezshka (drawn thread) embroidery workshop with Lesia Pona at SFSNAD. Followed by an artist reception (2-4pm).

 

Embroider Your Own Tote with Claribel

July 22, 10:30am – noon (Central) / 9:30-11:am Pacific / Class fee $60

Class with a master embroideress from Sumpango, Guatemala, a town known for its beautiful embroidery tradition. Fee includes live Zoom instruction, background cultural information on the patterns, step-by-step stitching PDF guide, a canvas tote stenciled will the embroidery pattern, and a variety of naturally-dyed cotton threads.

• Materials will be shipped to you.
• Class recording will be available for participatants to re-watch.

 

 

The Jubilee Series with Lucy Barter: Ireland’s Shamrock

August 9 (part 1) + August 16 (part 2), 10 am-3 pm / Class fee $360 + materials

Two-session Zoom course using embroidery to explore the history of the shamrock of Northern Ireland. It is part of a series on the symbolic flora of the UK’s four countries taught by Lucy Barter, SFSNAD Creative Director. Each classic design will consist of cross filling, blackwork patterns, gold couching, pearl purl, and padded satin stitching.

Upcoming courses will be centered around the thistle of Scotland and the daffodil of Wales. (The course on Englands’s Tudor rose was in June.)

• Materials: The kit for these classes will be sold separately. Your instructor will email you with further instructions.
• September 6 + 13: Scotland’s Thistle
• October 11 + 18: Wales’s Daffodil

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PS Photos I didn’t take link to their respective sources.

The Happenings List

The Happenings List is my seasonal selection of goings-on for lovers of art, craft, culture(s), and nature.

• *Goodies: There are bonus items, freebies, and discounts sprinkled throughout the list and asterisked to make them easier to find.
• Events you can enjoy anywhere: Happenings and Goodies you can participate in without having to physically be in Arizona are marked as “ANYWHERE” and all listed in the last section.
• Tell me about it! I can’t make it to as many Happenings as I’d like, so I’d love to hear about any you go to! Send me an email or hashtag social media posts about your experience with #TCJreco.

 

 

• Central Arizona

Masterworks by Nicolai Medvedev: Gem Art

now – June 2023 / Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Scottsdale / Included with admission.

Collection of boxes covered in elaborate patterns made of gem materials. This complex form of lapidary art is known as “gem intarsia.” Artist Nicolai Medvedev uses deep green malachite and dark blue azurite from Bisbee, turquoise from Globe, as well as other minerals sourced worldwide.

• *ANYWHERE: See the West from Home! Listen, read, or watch videos about subjects featured in the museum.

 

The Metro Phoenix Saguaro Census 2023: Counting Cactus

May 1 – May 31 / throughout Metro Phoenix / Free.

Project for Valley residents to document saguaros you see. Each observation can include photos, a location, and notes about the general health of the saguaro and can be recorded using iNaturalist, a free smartphone app and website.

• This is a project lead by the Desert Botanical Garden.
• Data will help to learn about the biology and distribution of saguaros, as well as to understand how extreme urban heat and drought affects them.

 

Nepali New Year: Party Like It’s 2079!

May 6, 3pm – 7pm / Chandler Community Center, Chandler / Registration fees: adults $30, kids (age 4-9) $15, ages 3 and under are free

Welcome in the year 2080 B.S. (according to the traditional Nepali lunar calendar) with the Nepalis and Friends Association! The celebration will include dinner, performances of Nepali songs, and a cultural fashion show.

The Nepali New Year festival is just one of the events the Nepalis and Friends Association (NAFA) organizes in Arizona and celebrates with the Nepalese community and American friends. The non-profit organization promotes Nepali culture and strives to educate the next generation on their heritage.

• 3-5pm: registration and dinner
• 5-7pm: performances
• Pre-registration is required.

 

Try Taiko Classes: Intro to Japanese Drums

May 6, June 3, July 8, 4-5:30pm / Fushicho Daiko Dojo, Phoenix / $20

Single-class sessions on Taiko, Japanese ensemble drumming, so you can try it out before deciding whether to commit to ongoing classes. Learn the background and significance of Taiko and learn your first song! Try Taiko classes for adults are on Saturday evenings at the beginning of each month. Classes for kids happen less frequently, so watch the registration page.

• Secure facemasks required inside the dojo.
• *On Phoenix First Fridays, the dojo is open to visitors and you can watch classes practice taiko (free).

 

Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration: Black History is Happening Every Day

June 17, 5pm – 10pm / Eastlake Park, Phoenix / Free.

Black history and culture appreciation event with musical and arts performers, community groups and schools, free health screenings, educational workshops, a youth essay contest, childrenʼs activities, arts and crafts, vendors, games, and soul food.

• Reserve a free ticket.
• Vendor and sponsor application deadline June 8.
• H/T Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration on Facebook.

 

Summer Solstice Celebration: Library Light Show

June 21, 11am-1pm / Burton Barr Central Library, Phoenix / Free.

Event centered around the once-a-year moment when sunlight lines up perfectly to illuminate the tops of columns across the library’s Great Reading Room, designed by architect Will Bruder. It only happens at solar noon on the summer solstice!

• Music begins at 11:30am
• Solstice presentation at 12pm

 

• Northern Arizona

¡Qué Hermoso!: Latinx Life in Art

May 3 – May 26 / Sedona Arts Center (SAC), Sedona / Free.

Exhibition featuring painting, drawing, mixed-media, photography, and art installation that celebrates Latino/a cultural identity, histories, traditions, and contemporary social justice issues. Diverse Arizona artists – both established and emerging – have created imaginative works to spark conversation, cultural connections, and community.

• May 3, 4pm: Celebrate Sedona! Bi-monthly celebration of the community’s music, food, drink, and artistry. This special edition of the event will take place in the upper parking lot of Sedona Arts Center. There will be music by Guitarras Latinas, a ceramics sale and demos by SAC, plus additional local art and eats.
• *ANYWHERE: Sedona Arts Center virtual exhibition of work by featured artists and gallery tour.

 

2023 Lavender Bloom + Wine Festival: A Feast for the Nose

June 15 – July 22 (Thursdays through Saturdays) / Red Rock Ranch and Farms, Concho / Free.

Six-week festival of lavender grown in the mountains of northeastern Arizona. See the fields in bloom, learn about growing and cooking with lavender, visit the lavender shop to purchase lavender plants and gift items, or cut your own lavender bouquet (clippers provided).

• Red Rock Ranch’s wine tasting room will be open during the festival for tastings, as well as for purchasing wine and cheese plates.
• Pets are not allowed at the farm during the festival.
• Post-festival hours: Starting July 29, the Wine Tasting Room and Shop will be open Saturdays 1-6pm.

 

Pride in the Pines: LGBTQ2S Festival + Parade

June 17, 11am – 9pm / Thorpe Park ball fields, Flagstaff / Day-of tickets: ages 11+: $25, free for children 10 and under.

Flagstaff’s family-friendly Pride Festival works to support cultural diversity and human rights by fighting discrimination of any kind. It has been held annually for the past 26 years at the Thorpe Park ball fields. This year, however, will be the 1st Annual Flagstaff Pride Parade! Also on the agenda: vendors and exhibitors, food, a beer garden, and entertainment, including music, performers, a dance tent, and drag shows.

• Parade entry applications are open through June 1.
• Tickets include admission to the festival grounds and a wrist-band for re-entry.
• *Save $5 by purchasing tickets in advance (instead of at the door).
• *Mention Flagstaff Pride for special rates/discounts offered at Sponsor Hotels.
• H/T Flagstaff Pride

 

Heritage Festival: Multi-Tribal Artists’ Market

June 24-25 / Museum of Northern Arizona (outside), Flagstaff / Admission: adults $20, youth (ages 10-17) $10, free for children 9 and under

Showcase for the diverse Indigenous cultures of the Colorado Plateau region, which include the Acoma, Apache, Diné (Navajo), Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Pai, Ute, Yavapai, and Zuni. The expanded 2023 market and mainstage will be located on the forested grounds outside of the museum, so there will be plenty of space and fresh air.

• Entertainment: traditional dances, music, talks by cultural experts.
• Purchases at the festival benefit the artists, who are all enrolled members of recognized Indian tribes.
• *Get full weekend access to the festival for only $5 more than a single-day ticket!

 

• Southern Arizona

Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre

now – May 20 / University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Thirty-seven years after being stolen from the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Willem de Kooning’s painting, Woman-Ochre, has returned to the UAMA galleries! This exhibition features the work and its unusual history, including the extensive restoration it underwent after being recovered.

• After the Restored exhibition ends, the Woman-Ochre painting itself will remain on display at UAMA – returning to museum’s second floor.
• ANYWHERE: The Thief Collector documentary looks at Woman-Ochre’s theft and the secret lives of the crime’s main suspects. You can pre-order the Blu Ray/DVD via Amazon now. Starting in May, it will be screening in select North American theaters and available on Amazon Prime in the UK.

 

JOY: Rotating Sculpture Collection

now – May 27 / Sculpture Park (in Brandi Fenton Memorial Park), Tucson / Free.

16 large-scale sculptures all about awakening joy!

 

Haiku Hike: Poetry in Planters

Now – June 1 / Downtown Tucson, Tucson / Free.

Self-guided walking tour of haiku poetry printed on signs in planters along Congress Street and Stone Avenue. The 20 poems are winners of an annual literary competition, submitted by the public and chosen by Tucson’s poet Laureate, TC Tolbert. This year’s theme is “Planting Seeds.”

 

Tucson Botanical Gardens Art Exhibits: Flower Power on Display

Now – June / Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson / Included with admission.

Cultivating Colors by Colored Pencil Society of America, Phoenix

• • Now – June 4
  • Exhibit featuring the amazing plant life of Arizona through the colored pencil medium.
  • The Phoenix Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) is a part of a national nonprofit organization. Members of the Society exhibit their work throughout the country and conduct workshops and lectures.

Flower Mounds by Lex Gjurasic.

• • Now – June 11
  • Exhibition of cohesive, vibrant artwork by Lex Gjurasic.
  • Her work aesthetically alludes to the folkloric floral motifs of her Slavic heritage and expresses her exuberance for life.

 

Sonoran Quipu: Immersive Installation of Knotty Art

Now – August / Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Incorporating locally-found materials, Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña arranged hundreds of hanging knotted fibers and into what she calls a “poem in space,” which speaks to the way we are interconnected with each other and our environment.

Goodies:

• *Outside the museum is Mini MOCA, a small artworks exchange in the style of a little free library.
• *Discounts for Downtown Clifton Hotel guests: 2 for 1 admission at MOCA, as well as 10% off any purchase in the MOCA Shop.

 

Arizona Biennial 2023: Arizona Artist Showcase

Now – September 17 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Every-other-year exhibition of innovative and diverse new works by Arizona artists. It provides an opportunity for emerging artists to exhibit their art in a museum setting and to introduce it to the public. A different juror from outside the state is selected to curate each Arizona Biennial, reviewing the works of hundreds of artists to create a cohesive exhibition that becomes an overview of artistic creativity in Arizona.

• This year’s juror, Taína Caragol, is the Curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history at the National Portrait Gallery, who led the portrait commission of former President Obama by Kehinde Wiley.
• *First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art and gallery activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.
• *Second SundAZe. Focused on intergenerational learning, the Second Sunday of the month features activities and art-making for kids, as well as docent talks, free performances, and pay-what-you-wish admission.

 

Pueblos del Maíz: Corn Heritage

May 4-7 / Downtown Tucson

Part of a month-long cross-border culinary celebration of maíz (corn), co-hosted with 4 other UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy: Puebla, Mexico; Mérida, Mexico; and San Antonio, Texas.

• *ANYWHERE: BorderLore monthly online journal special Pueblos del Maíz edition.
• *Receive a 20% discount at Lodging Partner Hotels during Pueblos del Maíz.
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Event highlights for Pueblos de Maíz Tucson:

May 4, 5pm: Opening Celebration of Popol Vuh and the Maya Art of Storytelling / Tucson Museum of Art / Free.

• Artist talk with Justin Favela, who will offer insights into his creative practice and his relationships with the Popol Vuh creation story and the series of images it inspired artist Carlos Mérida to make.
• Family Fiesta: A public celebration and performance work featuring the artist’s family’s traditions, live music, and art-making activities!
• *First Thursday: This takes place on the first Thursday of May, when Tucson Museum of Art offers extended hours (5-8pm) and pay-what-you-wish admission. Reserve your free ticket online.

May 4, 7pm: Noche de Maíz Dinner / The Carriage House / $200 (+$25 fee) / 21+

• 6 paired courses + hors d’oeuvres to highlight the wide range of uses for maíz.
• Tucson Chefs Janos Wilder and Gary Hickey will welcome three visiting chefs from the UNESCO Pueblos del Maíz co-host cities, and each chef will prepare a corn-focused course.

May 5, 6:30pm: Maíz Showcase / Tucson Museum of Art / $75

• A bocadito dinner experience that includes TEN small plates, ONE Pueblos del Maíz signature beer by Borderlands Brewery, and some special surprises!
• Featuring a group of Tucson’s finest chefs, restaurateurs, and food artisans.

May 6, 3pm: Maíz Fiesta / Kennedy Park / Free.

• Live music from Los Apson, Gertie + TO Boyz, Los Hermanos Cuatro, + Las Trillizas y Dulce, DJ Gary Chavez + MC Raul Aguirre.
• Chef demonstrations.
• Art installations by Galeria Mitotera.
• Family-friendly activities hosted by Pima Public Library and Pima Reach.

 

Borderlands Nursery Spring Plant Sale: Sow Local

May 6, 8am – 3pm / Borderlands Nursery + Seed, Patagonia / Free.

Shop native plants and seeds with music and retail booths from local farmers and artisans, including artist/designer Jenna Tomasello, and Shooting Star Pottery.

 

Latino Pride Festival Tucson: ¡Qué gay!

May 6, 12pm / Armory Park, Tucson / $15 general admission

Festival promoting liberty, equality, and justice for the Latino LGBTQ community! The event will include national and local performing artists, mariachis, baile folklorico, vendor booths, and food trucks.

• Mobile tickets available on Eventbrite.
• Presented by Latino Pride Alliance (LPA). which addresses issues faced by the Latina/o lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, such as family acceptance, homophobia, xenophobia, family separation, and homelessness.

 

Nature Photography in the Gardens: Capturing Cacti

May 10, 10:30am / Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson / $75

Class about getting outside and taking pictures! Includes targeted instruction on basic composition, nature and landscape photography, close up / macro photography, and the use of props.

• Taught and guided by William Walther and Peggy Steffens.
• Bring a camera or smart phone that you know how to operate.
• Arrive 10 minutes early, and meet in the Education Building Classroom.
• Register soon: class limited to 12 students.

 

Observatory Public Viewing Times: See Stars

Patterson Observatory, Sierra Vista / Free.

The Patterson Observatory has a 20” aperture telescope, capable of observing objects one million times fainter than the human eye can detect! Huachuca Astronomy Club (HAC) volunteers operate the observatory, located on University of Arizona Sierra Vista Campus.

• Events are weather dependent and will be canceled in case of inclement weather. If the sky is even partly cloudy, visitors should check the recording at (520) 626-6649 for a cancellation notice.
• No public viewing events are scheduled during the monsoon months of July and August.
• ANYWHERE: Virtual tour of the Patterson Observatory.

Free Observation Times:

May 13 + June 10, 9-11am: Solar Saturdays. Every second Saturday of the month (weather permitting), HAC Members will show you sunspots, solar prominences and other solar features through safe solar telescopes.

May 25 + June 22, 7:30pm: Public Viewing Nights. Monthly (Sept. – June) on the Thursday nearest the first quarter moon.

• View the night skies! HAC volunteers will be on site to answer questions and share images of stars, planets, and nebulas.
• Observing starts half an hour after sunset.
• Family-friendly event.
• Space is limited, so (free) registration is required. You must present your emailed receipt for entrance.

 

Music Under the Stars: Orchestra Outdoors

May 14, 21, 28 at 7pm / DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)

Tucson Pops Orchestra’s May outdoor concert series, includes these themes…

• May 14: Mother’s Day
• May 21: Nothing But Love
• May 28: Memorial Day

Tips for all DeMeester performances:

• Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
• Parking tends to fill up at Reid Park. Plan to arrive early or use alternate transportation. (#17 bus line’s Country Club/Eastland stop is near the stage.)

 

Mariachi Festival and Wine Tasting: Violins + Vino

May 20, 9am – 7pm / Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia / Park entrance fee of $20 per vehicle (up to 4 adults). Kids 13 and under are free.

A day of international mariachi dancing and bands with local wineries, food vendors, and activities for kids.

• Food + Beverage: Roasted corn, fry bread, Mexican fruit cups, tacos, smoked BBQ, kettle corn, snow cones, local wine.
• Entertainment: Five bands and two dance performances.

 

Summer Night Market: Shopping after Sundown

May 26 + June 30, 6- 10pm / Mercado San Agustin Annex, Tucson / Free.

Over 60 local vendors, plus music, food trucks, and extended hours for MSA Annex shops the last Friday evening of the month, May through September.

 

Tucson Juneteenth: Freedom Festival

June 10 – June 17 / multiple venues, Tucson

A week of celebrating the moment when the US “finally and truly became the land of the free.” Festivities include a kick-off concert, jubilee, legacy night, and festival.

• June 10, 8pm:Evelyn “Champagne” King concert at the Dunbar Pavilion. / Tickets $48 + fees. Proceeds will assist Tucson Juneteenth and Community partners.
• June 11, 1pm:Tucson Juneteenth Gospel Jubilee and Luncheon at Pima College West. Annual community event, featuring the first-ever Tucson Juneteenth Mass Choir, a collective of Pima County musicians and singers bringing together praise and celebration, including performances from Ada Austin, and Nancy Jones. / Lunch: 1- 2:30pm, Concert: 3-6pm / Free (donations accepted)
• June 15, 4pm: Legacy Night at The Loft Cinema. A night of learning history with Tucson trailblazers. Details TBA.
• June 17, 1-9 pm:Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom at the Kino Sports Park Field. The event will feature live entertainment, vendors, educational and job booths, a car show, food trucks, and a kid zone with free toys.

 

• Anywhere

LGBTQ Virtual Film Discussions

May 18 + June 15, 12pm – 1pm / Free.

Online discussion series about watching films, sharing stories, and having an honest conversation about the tough issues faced by the LGBTQ community. Registration required. Participants will receive an email with instructions on how to join the WebEx meeting.

Upcoming monthly film selections (all will be available through the library’s Kanopy collection)…

• May 18: Expanding Gender: Youth Out Front. Three short documentaries explore the varied identities of trans and gender expansive youth and young adults.
• June 15: Sordid Lives. Cult classic comedy about a gay actor returning home to his small town for his grandmother’s funeral. As generations of his dysfunctional family come together, the truth of their “sordid lives” is revealed.

 

Heat Proof Your Desert Garden: Plant Survival Seminar

May 26, 10am / $30

Learn strategies to help your garden become more resilient to hot temperatures, including heat-proof plants and ways to minimize the effects of the long desert summers within the garden itself.

• Taught by Noelle Johnson (a.k.a. AZ Plant Lady).
• Online class participants will receive a Zoom link for the live class two hours before the class begins.
• All online classes are recorded and participants receive a video replay that is available for two weeks after the date of the class.
• *Native Seeds SEARCH recipes featuring southwestern crops + curated list of warm season seed varieties you can order via their online store.

 

Anywhere Goodies

Extras you can enjoy anywhere there’s internet!

Virtually Visit:

• Experience Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West from home! Listen, read, or watch videos about subjects featured in the museum.
• Sedona Arts Center virtual exhibition of work by featured artists and gallery tour.
• Virtual tour of the Patterson Observatory.

Watch + Read:

• BorderLore monthly online journal special Pueblos del Maíz edition
• Arizona Commission on the Arts virtual mini lessons.
• The documentary The Thief Collector looks at the theft of the Woman-Ochre painting and the secret lives of the crime’s main suspects. Starting in May, it will be available on Amazon Prime in the UK. North American streaming release details are TBD. However, you can pre-order the Blu-ray/DVD now.

“If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.”

Or so the saying goes. But if March begins with snow in the desert… then what?!

We did indeed get snow here  in Tucson late Wednesday night. Also on Valentine’s Day. It’s a strange start to the spring season!

There wasn’t enough snow to cancel any events, of course, and it turned warm and sunny a day later. So the spring calendar continues to be full throughout the state!

The Happenings List

The Happenings List is my seasonal selection of goings-on for lovers of art, craft, culture(s), and nature.

• *Goodies: There are bonus items, freebies, and discounts sprinkled throughout the list and asterisked to make them easier to find.
• Events you can enjoy anywhere: Some of the Happenings and Goodies you can participate in from anywhere are listed throughout this List. There will be more in our upcoming newsletter, so make sure you’re subscribed!
• Disclosure: I’m not paid to list any of these events. If there is an artist with an Etsy page, I’ll link to it and, as an Etsy affiliate, I may earn commission when someone makes a purchase after following one of my links.
• Tell me about it! I can’t make it to as many Happenings as I’d like, so I’d love to hear about any you go to! Send me an email or hashtag social media posts about your experience with #TCJreco.

 

• Central Arizona

The Grand Canyon State Group Exhibit: the Canyon According to Artists

now – April 2 / Bob’s Spot Gallery at Herberger Theater, Phoenix / Free.

Group exhibit featuring artists’ interpretation – realistic, impressionistic, or abstract – of the Grand Canyon.

• Exhibit open Monday through Friday, 12:00-4:30pm and during theater performances.
• Enter through the box office.
• *Happy Hour specials at Carcara lounge + bar (across the street at Sheraton Downtown Phoenix): $4 draft beers + $6 house wines Tuesday through Saturday, from 3-6pm. Their bar snacks menu looks pretty good too!

 

The Melrose Street Fair: 7th Ave. Takeover

March 4, 11am-5pm / Melrose District, Phoenix / Free.

20th annual neighborhood street fair along 7th Avenue from Indian School to Camelback Road.

• Vendors: over 200 local and independent artisans
• Food + beverage: food trucks, farmers market, and craft beer garden
• Entertainment: live music, kids’ activities, and Chester’s Classic Car Show (antique and vintage cars, trucks and hot-rods)
• H/T Good Food Finder

 

Mask Alive Festival: Multicultural Masked Performances

March 5 / Pioneer Park, Mesa / Free.

Festival focused on live performances of dance and music that celebrates the global artistic tradition of storytelling through masks.

• Vendors: local artists selling their work
• Food + beverage: food trucks and treats like paletas, conchas, and aguas frescas
• Entertainment: Desert Sounds Mariachi, World Martial Arts Academy Lion Dance Team, Step Junk Funk / Desert Dance Theater, Tatiana Crespo + Chispas, Astarte Egyptian Belly Dancing, Enparoxismo Music, Primavera Ballet Folklórico, Japanese Taiko Drummers, Parade of Puppets, plus free kids’ craft activities
• *Mask coloring sheets and templates
• See also: Dia de los Muertos in Mesa

 

IMPRINT Festival: West Side Storytelling

March 11, 11am – 5pm / Civic Center Plaza, Surprise

Celebration of the richness and beauty of the diverse cultures existing in and around the West Valley. The one-day event features music, live demonstrations, storytelling, visual arts, and an outdoor market. It will take place next to the new Xeriscape Demonstration Garden in the City of Surprise’s Civic Center Plaza.

• Vendors: only Arizona artisans selling their own work
• Food + beverage: local food trucks Puerto Rican Pete’s, Carnivore Creations, and Frios Gourmet Pops
• Entertainment: live performances by Teri Tobin + Friends, Aaron White + Anthony Wakeman, Ballet Folklorico de Santa Maria, Pretty Precise Step Team, Mariachi Pasion, Chi’Chino Spirit O’Odham Dance Group
• H/T Phoenix Urban Guide

 

Ceili Dancing: Learn Irish Dance

March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) + April 21 / Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, Phoenix / Ages 13+: $8, 6-12: $5, children 5 and under are free

Monthly Irish social dance, known as ceili. No prior experience is necessary. This is a family-oriented activity with a focus on fun! You can attend an Orientation/Beginners session, and then the instructors will call the dances as you dance.

• Ceilis are the third Friday of each month in the Great Hall of the Irish Culture Center.
• Orientation at 6:45pm. Ceili begins at 7:30pm.
• Entertainment: live music
• Food + beverage: cash bar

Book of Kells related Goodies:

• *The Book of Kells exhibit. The McClelland Library is home to one of the rare full-color facsimiles of the Book of Kells created in order to increase education and access to the historic work. See it anytime the McClelland Library is open. Free.
• *ANYWHERE: Trinity College Dublin has a free digital exhibit on the Book of Kells.
• *The Secret of Kells, a delightful animated film that weaves a story from the mythology of the Book’s creation is available on Kanopy.

 

Quilt Arizona! 2023: Quilt Show

March 23 – March 25 / Mesa Convention Center, Building B + C, Mesa / $5-10 entry fee

Arizona Quilters Guild (ACQ) annual quilt show with many types of quilts on display, including pieced, applique, hand quilted, kit, art, pictorial, and modern. The 2023 theme is “Canyon of Colors.” It features lectures for quilters and about 35 craft-related vendors.

• Free parking.
• *Membership Special: Sign up at the Quilt Show as a new AQG Member ($30) and receive 3 months free membership, then pay Member Admission Rates to enter the show.
• See also: The Quilt, Craft + Sewing Festival

Admission details –

• Mar. 23 (open 5-8pm): $5
• Mar. 24 (9am-5pm) or Mar. 25 (9am-4pm): $10 for Full Day Pass / $5 for AQC Members
• Mar. 24 or Mar. 25 after 1pm: $5
• Children under 12 are free.

 

• Northern Arizona

Sedona Arts Center’s Juried Members’ Show: Art at the Red Rocks

March 6 – March 31 / Sedona Arts Center State Route 89A + Art Barn Road, Sedona / Free.

The largest and longest-running group exhibition of visual art in Uptown Sedona with painting, mixed media, photography, metal, wood, jewelry, and fiber art!

• H/T Visit Sedona

 

Victory in Times of Struggle: Hopeful Classical Concert

April 14, 7:30pm / Ardrey Memorial Auditorium, Flagstaff / Regular tickets $46-76 + fees

Haydn and Beethoven: Victory in Times of Struggle is a joint performance by NAU’s Shrine of the Ages Choir and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. They will play Franz Joseph Haydn’s hopeful Missa in Angustiis (Mass in Troubled Times) and Beethoven’s Eroica symphony, which is described as “a twisting journey of tension, beauty and uncertainty that arrives at one of the great victorious resolutions in the classical repertoire.”

Why it made the list: We could use some victorious sounds in these troubled times!

• 6:30pm: Pre-concert conversation
• *ANYWHERE: NAU online art galleries of student and faculty work.

 

Verde Valley BioBlitz: Riparian Roll Call

April 22 – May 7 / Verde Valley Watershed / Free.

Community science effort to document native and invasive species in the sensitive Verde River habitat systems. To participate, use the iNaturalist app to take photos of plants, animals, birds, and insects along the Verde River, Oak Creek, or West Clear Creek.

• Submitting observations through iNaturalist helps to gather important species data from the area.
• If you post photos throughout the event, use hashtag #PurdyVerde and tag @friendsoftheverderiver.

 

Verde Valley Birding + Nature Festival: Birders Flock Together

April 27 – April 30 / Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood / $35 registration fee

Annual celebration of nature that brings together experienced and amateur birders to enjoy workshops, expert-lead field trips, and inclusive events in the beautiful Verde Valley.

• The 2023 Festival Theme is “Riverside Residents,” and its featured bird is the Vermilion Flycatcher.
• *ANYWHERE: Collaborative online gallery: living gallery of photos, videos, written musings, and other original creations.
• *Apr. 29: Free Family Day in Dead Horse Ranch State Park, between the lagoons. A day of family-friendly activities and exhibits, presented alongside the Verde Valley Community BioBlitz.
• *ANYWHERE: Free animal coloring pages.

 

• Southern Arizona

More Than: New Old West Art Exhibition

Now – March 19 / Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Why it made the list: The western genre tends to narrow its narrative to a few archetypes, overlooking  the rest of the people who lived in the Old West and were a part of its history. More Than: Expanding Artist Identities from the American West explores a more inclusive interpretation of the genre, centering works of art created by women, people of color, and persons of intersectional backgrounds.

• Examples of historic works are creatively paired with contemporary art to make meaningful connections between the past and present.
• The exhibition includes poetry by former Tucson Poet Laureate TC Tolbert and texts by local community members.
• *Mar. 2: First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art and gallery activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.

 

JOY: Rotating Sculpture Collection

now – May / Sculpture Park (in Brandi Fenton Memorial Park), Tucson / Free.

Why it made the list: We enjoyed visiting the Sculpture Park during its inaugural season! Its current exhibit is all about awakening joy. Since it’s completely outdoors, this would be a really nice time of year to visit!

• 16 large-scale sculptures.
• Mar. 17-19: 2023 Sculpture Festival Show + Sale

 

Sonoran Quipu: Immersive Installation of Knotty Art

Now – August / Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Tucson, Tucson / Included with admission.

Incorporating locally-found materials, Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña arranged hundreds of hanging knotted fibers and into what she calls a “poem in space,” which speaks to the way we are interconnected with each other and our environment.

Why it made the list: This is an exhibition created specifically for the Great Hall of MOCA Tucson, shaped by contributions from the community!

• ANYWHERE: Live stream events in the UA Poetry Center’s Spring 2023 Reading + Lecture Series or find them afterwards on the Poetry Center’s YouTube page.

Goodies:

• *Outside the museum is Mini MOCA, a small artworks exchange in the style of a little free library.
• *Discounts for Downtown Clifton Hotel guests: 2 for 1 admission at MOCA, as well as 10% off any purchase in the MOCA Shop.

 

Tucson Festival of Books: A Reading Revelry

March 4-5 / University of Arizona, Tucson / Free.

Community-wide celebration of literature and literacy, featuring author talks and panels, poetry readings, workshops for writers, and Science City.

• Vendors/exhibitors: authors, museums, independent booksellers, local media outlets, non-profit organizations, publishers, educational institutions, and other literature-related products and services
• Food + beverage: food court with over a dozen local restaurants and food trucks represented
• Parking: Free parking TFOB weekend in U of A’s Park Avenue Garage, Highland Garage, and several surface lots. $5 parking in the Cherry Avenue, 6th Street, Tyndall, Stadium and Main Gate Garages.
• Transit: Sun Link street car 2nd St/Highland Ave stop.

Entertainment…

• For kids: storybook character parade, book nook activity tent, the Bumble Bee singers (Tucson Girls Chorus Kindergarteners and First Graders), Pawdemonium interactive children’s theater, magic show
• For teens: young author + young artist competition, author interviews by teens, YA workshops
• For all ages: accordion duet, Ballet Folklorico (Mexican folkdance), Literary Circus (The Circus Academy of Tucson’s show inspired by literary works throughout the ages), local musicians, Lion Dance, Scandinavian dance, Klezmer music, Hula group

 

Water Is Life Music + Resistance Festival: Indigenous-led Benefit Concert

March 11, 1pm – 10pm / MSA Annex, Tucson / Tickets: $30 + fees

Inaugural Honor the Earth: Water Is Life Music + Resistance Festival, an Indigenous-led benefit concert. Proceeds will go to funding Indigenous land back, sovereignty, and food and water initiatives by Indigenous People in Arizona. The event will feature local and international Native speakers, art, food, and music.

• Vendors/exhibitors: regional artist village, environmental organizations, Southwest Folklife Alliance
• Food + beverage: local + indigenous food vendors
• Entertainment:  performances by Keith Secola, Papago Warrior, Rebel Diaz, XIXA (acoustic), David Huckfelt, Giant Sand, Gary Farmer, Djentrification, One Way Sky, Cihuatl Ce, Humblelianess, DJ Q, Lady Gugu

 

Oro Valley Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series: Concertos at the Catalinas

March 12, 4pm / Riverfront Park Outdoor Grass Amphitheater, Oro Valley / Free.

The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra concludes the Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series with a special performance showcasing their 2022-2023 season.

Why it made the list: These free outdoor concerts give classically trained musicians a monthly opportunity to perform on Tucson’s North Side.

• Final concert of the season.
• Concerts are 60-90 minutes in length.
• Limited seating is provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs.
• Food + beverage: food trucks onsite

 

Made in Tucson Market: Meet Your Makers

March 19, 10am – 6pm / Fourth Avenue District, Tucson / Free.

Market of goods handmade by Tucson artists, many of whom will be there demonstrating their work.

• Vendors: 300 local makers and creatives
• Food + beverage: food trucks + 4th Avenue restaurants
• H/T Made in Tucson Market on Facebook

 

Haiku Hike: Poetry in Planters

March 20 – June 1 / Downtown Tucson, Tucson / Free.

Self-guided walking tour of haiku poetry printed on acrylic signage and placed in planters along Congress Street and Stone Avenue. The 20 poems are winners of an annual literary competition, submitted by the public and chosen by Tucson’s poet Laureate, TC Tolbert.

• Submissions accepted through the online form until March 9, 2023!
• This year’s theme is “Planting Seeds.”
• See also: Poetry in Planters

 

Arizona Biennial 2023: Arizona Artist Showcase

April 1 – September 17 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Juried exhibition that showcases innovative and diverse new works being created in the state. For emerging artists, this exhibition provides an opportunity to exhibit their art in a museum setting and to introduce it to the public. It will be on view in the James and Louise Glasser Gallery and Chann Gallery at Tucson Museum of Art.

• For each biennial, a new juror from outside the state is selected to review the works of hundreds of artists and create a cohesive exhibition that becomes an overview of artistic creativity in Arizona.
• This year’s juror is Taína Caragol, Curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history at the National Portrait Gallery. (She led the portrait commission of former President Obama by Kehinde Wiley.)
• April 6, 5:30 -7pm at TMA: Arizona Artist Spotlight. Join Arizona Biennial 2023 artists as they discuss their process, share insights on their works in the biennial and discuss how they relate to their larger body of works. / $5
• *March 12 + April 9, 10am-5pm: Second SundAZe Family Day. The second Sunday of every month TMA features art-making, performances, and Pay-What-You-Wish Admission.

 

DIY Macrame Wall Plant Hanger Workshop

April 2, 12pm / Hotel McCoy, Tucson / $45 fee

Workshop on how to make your own macrame plant hanger by expert maker Jessica Melrose. All materials are provided, including different yarn color options. You can take home written instructions and a video, so you can try making another one on your own.

• Registration fee also includes a mimosa and a tamale!
• See also: An Artisan Market on Tucson Summer Nights

 

Arizona International Film Festival (AZIFF): Indie film fest

April 19 – April 30 / Downtown Tucson area / Tickets TBD. (Last year: $8/individual film admission.)

The Arizona International Film Festival is a venue for independent filmmakers in search of an independent audience. Screening locations this year include The Screening Room, MSA Annex, Hotel Congress, and UA Main Gate.

• The Selection Committee will be announcing the finalists for the 2023 Festival by March 16.
• See also: Independent Filmmaker Insights from AZIFF

 

Desert Air Market (DAM): Maker-Made Market

April 22, 10am-4pm / 6th Street + 6th Avenue (in front of the Firestone Building), Tucson / Free.

Created and run by local artisans, DAM is a popular popup market that aspires to be a day of joy and connection! This spring’s market will be held on Earth Day and a portion of vendor fees will be donated to a local conservation non-profit.

• Vendors: craftspeople selling items they’ve made
• Food + beverage: Banhdicted food truck (+ they are looking for more)
• Entertainment: live DJ

Goodies from the market’s “neighbors” in the Firestone building:

• *ANYWHERE: Bhava Wellness is offering free shipping for online orders over $100. Use code GETINTHEBHAV at checkout.
• *LET’S SWEAT: First-timers can get a pack of 3 spin/strength classes for $33 (instead of $54 if purchased separately).

 

TPF XL: Poetry Festival

April 22 – April 23 / UA Poetry Center, Tucson

Tucson Poetry Festival (TPF) is celebrating 40 years of poetry in Tucson! The schedule for TPF XL: Poetry and Presence includes workshops at the UA Poetry Center, a featured reading at the Temple of Music and Art, and a Sunday morning open mic brunch.

 

Agave Heritage Festival

April 27 – April 30 / Tucson / Includes both paid and free events.

Sustainability-focused celebration of the agave plant, the culture surrounding it, and the spirits made from it. Events include workshops, traditional agave pit roasting demonstration, spirit tastings, heritage dinners, a Mezcrawl, and an agave fiesta.

See also:

• Agave Expo 2022
• My Cactus + Succulent favorites on Etsy.

As unreal as it may seem, the holiday season is right around the corner!

Here is my handpicked List of November and December markets, festivals, exhibitions, and other art/craft/cultural activities. All of them are based in Arizona, but many allow you to participate remotely — just look for the word “anywhere!”

Also, keep an eye out for *asterisked goodies, which are free or discounted extras inspired by items on the List.

The Happenings List

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art (CoA): Exhibition and Sale

Artwork painted en plein air at the Grand Canyon this past September is now available to view and purchase online at shop.grandcanyon.org and in-person at Kolb Studio! Proceeds will go towards establishing a dedicated art venue on the South Rim.

• Kolb Studio is located in Grand Canyon Village, near the Bright Angel Trailhead. It’s open to the public daily from 9am-5pm.
• 2022 CoA Catalog: guide to participating artists
• *Vintage Grand Canyon postcards by artist Gunnar Widforss, originally published in 1932, are now in the public domain, online, and available for download anywhere.

Now – January 16, 2023 / Grand Canyon National Park (Northern Arizona) at South Rim of Grand Canyon + online anywhere / Included with park admission.

Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre

Thirty-seven years after being stolen from the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Willem de Kooning’s Woman-Ochre returns to the UAMA galleries! A new exhibition features the work and its unusual history.

• *Anywhere: Self-guided Restored exhibition tour.

Now – May 20, 2023 / Tucson at University of Arizona Museum of Art / exhibition included with museum admission

The Mural Marigold Project

Community art project where you can paint a tribute to your loved ones on a 26 foot long remembrance wall on the Calle Independence.

• Paints and brushes will be provided on site.
• Murals from previous years will be on display.
• *Discover Tlaquepaque magazine (Spring/Summer 2022 PDF)
• Read more about Día de los Muertos traditions.

October 29 – Nov 2, 11am-5pm daily / Sedona (Northern Arizona) at Tlaquepaque Arts + Shopping Village / Free.

TENWEST Street Fest

Hyper-local block party on the final day of the TENWEST Impact Festival. The event will highlight Toole Ave. Arts District’s artist spaces, galleries, and restaurants. Free and open to the public.

• 100+ food and retail vendors selling art, vintage items, and handmade crafts.
• Entertainment: live music, luchador wrestling, skate exhibitions, and performances by Kinetic Arts Tucson.
• *The TENWEST Kickoff party is also free with RSVP. November 1, 5-8pm at Tucson Museum of Art.
• *New Student 3-Class Pack: Kinetic Arts Tucson (who is performing at the event) offers a new student discount of 3 classes for $38.

November 5, 10AM – 5PM (Impact Festival is Nov. 1-5) / Tucson at Toole Avenue (Between 6th Ave. + Stone Ave.) / Free.

Canal Convergence

Large-scale, light-based public art created by artists locally and from around the world will provide an immersive art experience in and around the Arizona Canal.

• Nov. 4-5: One Water Brewing Showcase. A drought-friendly beer festival, featuring only craft beers brewed with recycled water.
• Drop-in art workshops for all ages include silk screen printing, Victorian flower language collage, geometric ornaments, seed bombs and botanical drawing, and scenic river postcards.

November 4-13, 6pm / Scottsdale (Phoenix area) at The Scottsdale Waterfront / Free.

All Souls Procession Weekend

A weekend of free workshops, community altars, performances, and installation art to honor the lives of our loved ones and ancestors, leading up to a two-mile long procession and ceremonial burning of The Urn.

• Nov. 4-6: Dance Of the Dead Concert Series at MSA Annex. MarchFourth with KULULULU, Arts Caravan and more perform to benefit All Souls Procession. Tickets start at $20.
• Nov. 5: Procession of Little Angels at Armory Park.
• Nov. 6: All Souls Procession and Ceremony, along the Santa Cruz River to the Mercado District.
• Anywhere: Watch the Finale Ceremony livestream November 6 at 6pm.

November 4-6 / Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)

Arizona Fall Festival

Celebration of all things Arizona in a family-friendly and dog-friendly atmosphere that is free to attend. More than 200 community vendors, live music, and dozens of food trucks.

• Drink in AZ Beverage Garden featuring Arizona wineries, breweries, and spirit makers (ages 21+ only)
• Silent auction with over 100 local gifts, staycations, and Arizona experiences
• Kid Zone with crafts, games, and activities
• *The first 300 attendees will receive a free goodie bag filled with local surprises!

November 5, 10am-4pm / Phoenix at Hance Park / Free.

Good Stuff Pop-up

A micro art market with just six select vendors, organized by Tawney Weir (Little Toro Designs) and Lex Gjurasic.

• New location.
• *Free mimosas while you shop!

November 6, 10am-2pm / Tucson at 2131 East Monte Vista Dr. / Free entry.

DUSK Music Festival

Two-day, music, art and culinary festival, featuring EDM and indie artists on 3 stages. Area artists and art students create sculptures, digital artwork, and lighting exhibits that explore the intersection of art and music. There will also be a curated lineup of restaurants, food trucks, and chefs that highlight Tucson’s thriving food traditions, as well as its cutting edge cuisine.

• All-ages area for backyard games.
• Cobra Arcade tent of classic arcade games!
• Quality goods from local, regional and national artisans, makers and retailers.
• Read about Jácome Plaza.

November 11-12 / Tucson at Jácome Plaza / 2-day general admission tickets start at $99.

Desert Air Market (DAM)

Created and run by local makers + artists, DAM is a recurring pop-up market that aspires to be a day of joy and connection! The fall market will include over 40 local artisans, music from vinyl DJs, Natural Mente food truck, tattoo artists, and floral installations by Bloom Maven.

• Tanline Printing will be printing DAM tees (available for purchase) at the market out of their vintage firetruck!
• *Anywhere: Bhava Wellness (who is hosting the market) is offering free shipping for online orders over $100. Use code GETINTHEBHAV at checkout.

November 12, 10-4pm / Tucson at 6th Ave. + 6th St., in front of Bhava Wellness / Free entry.

Creative Saturday

Hands-on experiences in traditional and contemporary Japanese culture for visitors of all ages and abilities. Activities include trying shodo brush painting and origami with instructors from the Japanese Friendship Garden, playing mini matsuri games with the Japanese Outreach Initiative, and designing an anime or manga character with Scottsdale Artists’ School Teen Academy.

• *PhxArt Virtual Mindfulness Sessions on Thursdays. Free with RSVP.
• Read about the Phoenix Art Museum.

November 12, Noon – 3pm / Phoenix at Phoenix Art Museum / Included with admission.

Phoenix Pizza Festival

Festival of pizza makers selling $2-4 slices. Plus, live bands, lawn games, local vendors, and a kids’ zone.

November 12-13 / Phoenix at Margaret T. Hance Park / Tickets $18 general admission (advance online purchase required), free for kids under 5.

Downtown Geology Tours

45-minute guided walking tours covering the ancient history of stones used to build downtown’s iconic buildings, the progression of architectural styles, and an overview of more recent historic events. Participants will search for fossils on the Ice House walls, visit the layers of the “Grand Canyon” at Heritage Square, and view beautiful stone etchings.

• Offered once a month April-December by non-profit Willow Bend Environmental Education Center.
• 12:45pm sign in + 1pm start time
• Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• Sign-up in advance online. Tours are limited to 20 participants.
• *The tour meets in front of local outdoor retailer Mountain Sports. Check out their current up to 30% off sale on apparel.

November 16 + December 7 / Flagstaff, outside Mountain Sports Flagstaff (24 N. San Francisco) / Free. / All ages.

Early Bird Makers Market

Fourth annual market, featuring over 100 local makers with one-of-a-kind wares, including art, clothing and accessories, furniture, food, and health and beauty products.

• Live music.
• Raffle prizes to benefit Phoenix Children’s Foundation.
• *Free photo with Santa with any donation to Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

November 19, 9am-3pm / Phoenix at Shops @ Town + Country / Free.

Tucson Tamal + Heritage Festival

Festival celebrating the rich variation of tamales from the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. It features a tamale contest, live local entertainment, food trucks, artisan booths, and farmers market vendors.

• *The Del Sol Marketplace offers city and state tax-free snacks, drinks, ice, tobacco products, gas, and an automatic car wash.

December 3, 10am to 5pm / Tucson at AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol / Free.

Oro Valley Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting

Large, two-day celebration of the arts for all ages, which creates positive opportunities for artists to educate the public about their work and opportunities for the public to support artists financially. There will be food vendors, free Children’s Activities, and entertainment.

• Dec. 3, 6pm: Tree lighting
• Live music: Jazz, student performances, and Tubachristmas (an ensemble holiday concert of tuba and euphonium players).
• Dogs on leashes are allowed.

December 3-4 / Oro Valley (Tucson area) at Oro Valley Marketplace / Free.

Marana Holiday Festival

Holiday festival in Downtown Marana that includes the largest Christmas tree light show in southern Arizona, live holiday music performances, activities for kids, a holiday market, and more than 40 food trucks and a coffee and sweets zone. Take a free picture with Santa, enjoy live performances and music, ride the train, or jump around in the foam snow dance party. The big light show begins once the sun is down.

• Dec. 3: Holiday Festival + Christmas Tree Lighting. Lighting of a 25-foot Christmas tree with synchronized music and dancing lights.
• Dec. 4-28: Christmas Tree + Light Show (nightly on the hour from 5-8pm).
• *The Discover Marana site has tips on how to make your own margarita with fresh citrus (anywhere) or find one locally.

December 3-28 / Marana (Tucson area) at Marana Municipal Complex / Free.

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair

Street Fair that hosts artists from around the world, local entertainment, and food! Funds are used to support Fourth Avenue’s infrastructure and events.

• *Free shuttle service from the Pennington Street Garage.
• You can also park along the streetcar line + take Sun Link in.
• No pets.

December 9-11, 10am to dusk each day / Tucson / Free.

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Finally, I’m not the one running any of these events, and details are, of course, subject to change. The purpose of the List is to support independent creators and point you towards festivals, performances, workshops, markets, exhibitions, and other goings-on you might be into. I can’t make it to everything, so if you participate in any of these Happenings, I’d love to hear about it! 

Enjoy the holidays!

–Stephanie