There are lots of great things coming up over the next couple months! The in-person holiday Happenings I’ve listed this time are in Arizona. However, I’ve also highlighted ways you can join in from ANYWHERE!
I’m especially excited about upcoming holiday markets, so I gave them their own section. If you’re looking for craft fairs and artist pop-ups, scroll on down to the “Holiday Market” section. It’s an excellent year to shop early and shop local!
Goodies
Throughout the List, I’ve asterisked (*) goodies. These are free or discounted extras inspired by the places and events on the List, like shop sales or a map of nearby trails. (Unintentional rhyme!)
Although some goodies are specific to a particular activity (like free parking for the Arizona History Museum), there are others you can enjoy without being there in person (like free digital puzzles with images from Arizona History Museum collections).
In fact, here are a couple seasonal goodies to kick things off!
Happenings List
Ready to Launch: Arizona’s Place in Space
now – Nov 30 / Arizona History Museum, Tucson / Admission $10, Youth (ages 7-13) $5
Exhibition investigating the impact that the people, landscape, and universities in Arizona have had in space exploration.
- *Free validated parking at the Main Gate Garage (815 E. 2nd Street).
- *ANYWHERE: Digital jigsaw puzzles of postcards and other images from the Arizona Historical Society archives.
All Souls Procession Weekend
Nov 5-7 / Tucson
A weekend of events to deepen your connection to the community, leading up to a two-mile long procession to both celebrate and mourn of the lives of our loved ones and ancestors.
- Luz de Vida II Benefit Concert / Nov 6 / Tickets start at $25 + proceeds support Homicide Survivors, Inc.
- Procession and Ceremony / Nov 7, 6-9pm / Free. (Donations accepted.)
- Casa De Los Muertos After Party / Nov 7, 9:30-11pm / $10
- ANYWHERE: Join the Livestream November 7 at 6pm
Art in Unexpected Places Festival
Nov 5-7 / Kierland Commons and The Westin Kierland Resort + Spa, Scottsdale
3 days of immersive experiences, including a community art festival, 5K run/walk, and arts + crafts marketplace.
Beginner Embroidery: Pay-What-You-Can Community Class
Nov 6, 12pm / Good Things Tucson Studio, Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)
Learn 8 basic stitches and other embroidery fundamentals. Then use what you’ve learned to embroider a simple desert-themed pattern onto a baseball cap.
- Bring your own canvas baseball cap to embroider or purchase one supplied by a local shop, Mi Reina Boutique, for $10.
- Donations to cover the cost of supplies are welcome but not required.
- Reserve your spot by emailing info@goodthingstucson.com
Music in the Mountains Concert Series
Nov 6 – Dec 18 / Catalina State Park, Tucson / Included with Park admission ($7/vehicle).
Outdoor performances by local musicians on stage in a Catalina State Park picnic area.
- Way Out West / Nov 6, 4pm
- Dan Levinson + The Cat Mountain Rounders / Dec 4, 3pm
- Rick Volante + Vicky Smith / Dec 18, 3pm
- *Save on admission to Arizona State Parks with a standard ($75) or premium ($200) annual pass.
Lunchtime Virtual Lecture: On the Front Lines of Arizona Weather: Blizzards, Fires, and Floods
Nov 8, 12:15pm / ANYWHERE (via Zoom) / Free.
From Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Dr. Brian Klimowski, Meteorologist in Charge for the Flagstaff National Weather Service office, will talk about wild weather in Northern Arizona, including some of the incredible storms of the past couple years, the current “megadrought,” climate change, and what the NWS is doing to help us all prepare for high-impact weather events.
Loft Film Fest
Nov 10 – Nov 18 / The Loft Cinema, Tucson
Eight-day showcase of independent, foreign and classic cinema. Film fans can experience hand-selected festival favorites from Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, etc. and meet internationally-renowned artists from the world of independent cinema.
- Full festival badges ($180) have sold out. You can get on the waiting list, in case more are added, or purchase tickets for individual screenings.
- The 2021 festival will be 100% in person, with all screenings and special events taking place in The Loft Cinema’s Screen 1 and in the Open Air Cinema.
- Select screenings will also feature live or pre-recorded virtual interviews with filmmakers.
- *ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.: Loft Cinema masks are on sale, and so are some of their t-shirts and hoodies.
Phoenix Pizza Festival
Nov 13-14 / Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix / Tickets $12 (advance purchase only), free for kids under 5.
Festival of pizza makers selling $2-4 slices. Plus live bands, lawn games, local vendors, and a kids’ zone.
- Arizona Wilderness Brewery will offer local craft brews. Wine, soda, water, lemonade, and other beverages will be available, too. (Cash only.)
- The event benefits Downtown Phoenix, Inc.
- We went to the Phoenix Pizza Festival a few years ago. Something about pizza seems to put people in celebratory – sometimes silly – mood!
Whiskey Del Bac Ten-Year Anniversary Celebration
Nov 13, 4:30 pm / Westbound, Tucson / Free
Tucson-based Whisky Del Bac is celebrating 10 years of crafting their mesquite-smoked whisky. The party will be open to the public with cocktails, special Private Barrel releases, a Del Bac farmer’s market, limited edition merchandise, music and food.
- *ANYWHERE IN ARIZONA: Free shipping when you purchase two or more bottles from Whiskey Del Bac directly.
- Outside of Arizona, check their site for other retailers.
Sahuarita Chalk Art Festival
Nov 13, 10am-3pm / Sahuarita Lake Park / Free.
In one day, a collection of chalk artists will transform park pavement into colorful works of art. Attendees can watch professional artists create stunning murals or create their own masterpiece.
Slider Throwdown
Nov 14 / High Street, Phoenix / $40 admission
Food truck battle to see who makes the best slider! There will also be music by Josh West Trio and a silent auction. The event raises money for the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF). Admission includes samples of all sliders, one (non-alcoholic) drink coupon, one lemonade coupon, one frozen yogurt coupon, and one People’s Choice vote.
Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec 4, 3-8pm / Town of Marana
This year’s festivities in Downtown Marana include the lighting of a 25-foot Christmas tree with synchronized music and dancing lights, live holiday music performances, activities for kids, a holiday market, and more than 40 food trucks.
- 3pm: Beginning of performances (local musicians, youth choirs and dance troupes)
- 6pm: Christmas tree lighting and show.
- Kids’ activities include a make-and-take ornament station, foam snow dance party, bounce zone, kiddie train, and visits with Santa.
- *Marana has a free hiking and biking map you can download or pick up in person!
Slow Art
Dec 23 / ANYWHERE (Zoom) / Pay what you wish.
Spend some extra time with Phoenix Art Museum pieces during meditation sessions lead by museum educators and mindfulness guides.
- RSVP required.
- SN: I participated in one of these a couple months ago. It was a refreshing way to calm my mind and reset, while also learning about an artist and his process!
- H/T Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Holiday Markets around Arizona!
Good Stuff Pop-up
Nov 7, 10am-2pm / 2734 E. Exeter St., Tucson / Free admission.
A micro art market in a Broodmoor neighborhood backyard with just seven select vendors, organized by Tawney Weir (Little Toro Designs) and Lex Gjurasic.
- *Free mimosas!
La Encantada Fine Art Market
Nov 20-21 / La Encantada Shopping Center, Tucson, AZ / Free admission.
The open-air La Encantada Fine Art Market is an opportunity to support local artisans and fine art crafters creating metalwork, locally-designed fashion, sculptural pieces made from fallen old-growth trees, art glass, and paintings on canvas.
- *Free parking is available at La Encantada Shopping Center. When the lot is full, attendees can park at the Plaza Colonial Shopping Center (Campbell Ave and Skyline).
- Dogs on leashes are allowed.
- Their next market will be Jan. 29-30, 2022.
Early Bird Makers Market
Nov 20, 9am-3pm / The Shops at Town + Country, Phoenix / Free admission.
Pop-up market by Local Trade AZ, featuring over 120 local makers with one-of-kind art, jewelry, furniture, decor, clothing, food, and health and beauty products.
- Live music and raffles.
- Proceeds benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
- *Special offers from The Shops at Town + Country.
Crafeteria
Nov 27, Dec 4, Dec 11, Dec 18 / behind Frances Boutique, Phoenix
Award-winning independent craft fair with local handmade original work, as well as live music and food vendors. This year, instead of a single evening event, Crafeteria will be held on 4 Saturdays.
- *ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.: You can shop online yearround at Frances, the boutique that hosts Crafeteria. They offer free gift wrapping and free shipping on orders of $50 or more!
Made in Tucson Market
Nov 28, 10am-5pm / Historic Fourth Avenue District, Tucson
Outdoor market of local + handmade goods on 4th Ave. in Downtown Tucson.
Desert Air Market
Dec 4, 10-4pm / 6th Ave. + 6th St., Tucson
Reoccurring popup market created and run by local makers + artists.
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
Dec 10-12 / 5 blocks of Fourth Avenue
51-year-old fair that hosts artists from around the world, local entertainment, and food! Funds are used to support the Avenue’s infrastructure and events.
- *Free shuttle service from the Pennington Street Garage and the Tyndal Avenue Garage.
- You can also park along the streetcar line + take Sun Link in.
- No pets.
Winter Art Market
Dec 11-12 / Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Flagstaff / Free admission.
Come admire, browse, and bring home some of the diverse arts created on the Colorado Plateau, from traditional weavings to contemporary paintings, as well as unique cards and gifts.
- *ANYWHERE: Fine art on sale at the MNA Shop.
- *ANYWHERE: Visit the American Southwest Virtual Museum.
Annual Holiday Bazaar
Dec 17-19 / Mercado San Agustin, MSA Annex and on Avenida del Convento, Tucson
Local artists, artisans, and makers will be selling their wares at Mercado San Agustin, MSA Annex, and down Avenida del Convento.
- Vendor applications are due by December 1.
Happenings on this list are handpicked by me. List items are not ads – just stuff that sounded neat!
