This year, it feels like one minute we still had long summer days and the next it was suddenly dark by dinnertime.
Which means it’s the time of year to light candles, line your walk with luminarias, drink hot beverages around a bonfire – celebrate bringing light to the darkness.
There’s plenty of light in this season’s Happenings List. And hot beverages. And maker-focused holiday markets. Oh yeah, and goodies! (Look for the *s.) Plus, other fun stuff I happened to find and thought you’d want to check out.
Not in Arizona? The ANYWHERE section is for you!
I’ve included links to shops and items I’ve found on Etsy, because I like them and because I can earn a little affiliate commission if you buy something. And that helps support this site and keep the Happenings List… happening.
Anyway, read on and let me know where you go!
The Happenings List
– Central Arizona –
Early Days: Indigenous Art from the McMichael
Now – January 2, 2024 / Heard Museum, Phoenix / Included with admission.
The Early Days exhibition is a survey of Canadian Indigenous art from coast-to-coast-to-coast and from historical to contemporary pieces. Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in collaboration with Indigenous scholars, artists, and traditional knowledge keepers.
- *During regular admission times at the Heard, you can save 10% by purchasing online tickets in advance.
- *ANYWHERE: See artist James Johnson‘s Tlingit carving demonstration and learn about the ways he is continuing his ancestral traditions (on Vimeo).
- *Free shipping on all US orders when you purchase James Johnson’s art via his online gallery.
- Some Tlingit artists on Etsy: Nick Alan, RobMartin (engraved jewelry) + NorthwestNativeGifts (prints + housewares).
Shemer Honors Ed Mell: Painter of Iconic Southwestern Landscapes
Now – January 4, 2024 / Shemer Art Center, Phoenix / Free (suggested donation $7 per person).
Exhibition honoring the career of Arizona artist Ed Mell, including some never-seen-before works of art!
- Check out: Ed Mell artwork from a Phoenix Library.
Canal Convergence: Public Art Lights Up the Waterfront
November 3 – November 12 / Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale / Free.
Internationally-recognized public art exhibition that illuminates the Scottsdale Waterfront for 10 evenings in November. The immersive event features large-scale, light-based artworks created by local, national, and international artists. There are also educational workshops and activities, art tours, live music and dance performances, a beer and wine garden, and food trucks!
Grand Ave Festival PHX: Celebration of Running Against the Grid
November 4, 11am – 7pm / Historic Grand Avenue, Phoenix / Free.
Quirky, artsy community party on Phoenix’s unparalleled Grand Avenue. Everyone is invited to join the festivities, which will include an artisan market, live music, and interactive art experiences, other events showcasing the neighborhood’s artists and businesses.
- H/T Grand Avenue Arts + Preservation
- Read about the completion of the Colibrí mural in the heart of the Grand Avenue arts district.
Arizona Fall Festival: Shop, Eat, Drink + Play Local
November 4, 10am-4pm / Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix / Free.
Local First’s festival of Arizona businesses!
- Vendors: 200 local businesses/organizations, includingArizona State Parks, Ben’s Bells, Bookmans, Juju + Moxie, and Verde Canyon Railroad, as well as a Mujeres Mercado pop-up of local Latina businesses and a Buy Black Marketplace curated by Archwood Exchange.
- Food + beverage: Local restaurant food court. Drink in AZ Beverage Garden, serving locally-made wine, beer, and spirits. You’ll find Barrio Brewing, Burgers Amore, Danzeisen Dairy, Four Peaks Brewery, San Tan Brewery, and many more!
- Entertainment: Live music all day, aerial yoga sessions hourly, silent auction and raffle. Kid Zone with crafts, kite flying, face painting, and a playground.
- Dogs are allowed!
- *Free Goodie Bag filled with local surprises to the first 300 attendees.
- ANYWHERE: Online silent auction, with over 100 local gifts, staycations, and Arizona experience packages.
Holiday Greeting Cards with Sandy Gatlin: Create Cards on Canvas
November 5, 4pm – 7pm / Fountain Hills Artists’ Gallery, Fountain Hills / $50 class fee
Workshop on creating greeting cards and bookmarks from your own painting on a canvas sheet.
- No experience necessary.
- All supplies included.
- Class is limited to 6 students.
Early Bird Makers Market
November 18, 10am – 4pm / Shops @ Town + Country, Phoenix / Free.
Annual market, featuring 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.
Sneak preview these Phoenix-based vendors’ work on Etsy:
- Lan Art+Design – desert-inspired paper collage art
- Winifred Street – mixed media collage art journals and cards
- RedheartWoodwork – wooden jewelry and home decor
- StellasBalcony – gemstone jewelry and pre-Columbian design
Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza
November 25 – December 31 / Old Town Scottsdale / Price varies by event.
Month-long holiday extravaganza featuring more than 45 events!
- Vendors: Merry “Merchantile” Market, Gold Palette ArtWalk galleries, Old Town Farmers Market.
- Food + beverage: Chef’s Table, whisky tastings, Sugar Plum tea party, cookie decorating, wine charcuterie class.
- Entertainment: Sing-along and tree lighting, dueling piano shows, holiday movie nights, painting party, centerpiece making and cork crafting classes.
- Find free public parking using Scottsdale’s Old Town Parking Map.
- *Some Scottsdale shops and restaurants will be offering special Scottsdazzle deals!
Tempe Festival of the Arts
December 1 – December 3, 10am – 5:30pm / Downtown Tempe / Free.
Well-loved urban fine art festival and community event that showcases over 350 artists from around the country, plus local music, a Kids Block, and many great food options – all located on the streets of historic Mill Avenue!
Discovery Days: Wander Taliesin West
December 9, 10am – 4pm / Taliesin West, Scottsdale / Adults $5, youth free with registration
Opportunity to explore a part of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West, at your own pace. There will also be performances and participatory activities like ask-me stations and crafts for all ages!
- Advance registration is recommended. Tickets are limited.
- Food and drink will be available for purchase.
- This is not a formal tour of Taliesin West. You can purchase a tour if you would like to see more of the property.
Heritage Holidays: Historic Phoenix Plaza Gets Festive
December 9, 10am – 3pm / Heritage Square, Phoenix / Free.
First-annual holiday celebration in Phoenix’s Heritage Square!
- Vendors: Shop the Square museum store.
- Food + beverage: There are 5 restaurants in the Square, including the renowned Pizzeria Bianco.
- Entertainment: The Victorian Rosson House Museum will be decorated for the holidays and open for self-guided tours. There will also be a children’s area with lawn games and crafts.
- ANYWHERE: Select Museum Store merchandise is available online.
- *ANYWHERE: Sci-Fi Squared! Resources about science fiction history, Heritage Square’s theme this year – like links to online books, exhibits, kids’ activity pages, and the first science fiction film ever made.
Phoestivus: Holiday Shopping for the Rest of Us
December 14 – December 16 / Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market space (720 North 5th Street), Phoenix / Free.
Holiday market with its own Phoenician traditions! It’s also fundraiser for Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market and Community Food Connections, which supports local growers and businesses. This year, the event will extend to two back-to-back nights and a Saturday morning!
- December 14 + 15, 5-10pm: 2 nights of Phoestivus
- December 16, 8am – 1pm: The The Phoestivus Hangover + Farmers Market.
- Vendors: More than 200 small businesses selling locally grown and produced gifts.
- Food + beverage: Eating Area with food trucks and tables. Pour the Rest of Us bar area with local beer, wine, spirits and Phoestivus ale.
- Entertainment: Live music and DJs, hipster Santa, “pheats” of strength, airing of grievances.
- Dog friendly event that will even have a fur-family photo booth!
– Northern Arizona –
Rachmaninoff: A Two-Piano Performance to Rach Your Socks Off!
November 5, 3pm / Sedona Performing Arts Center, Sedona / General admission $45, reserved seats $65
Concert celebrating the 150th birthday of romantic composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Pianists Orion Weiss and Roman Rabinovich perform his two monumental two-piano suites, alongside other works by composers in his orbit.
- Sedona Performing Arts Center is located on the Red Rock High School campus.
Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon
November 13, 12:15pm / Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Flagstaff / Included with admission.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture by Science journalist Melissa L. Sevigny on the riveting tale of two pioneering botanists and their historic boat trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1938.
- Space is limited.
- Reserve your spot online or call 928-779-4395.
Jerry “Geronimo” Martin Presentation: How much do you know about Geronimo?
November 18, 2pm / Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood / Included with admission.
Presentation by Jerry “Geronimo” Martin. Not only is he the great-great-grandson of the legendary Geronimo, he is also a historian of Geronimo’s birth, life, struggle between the U.S. and Mexican armies, and life as a prisoner of war.
- Program located at Quail Loop Amphitheater.
- Celebrating Native American Heritage Month!
35th Annual Acker Night: Musicians for Music Ed
December 8, 5-8:30pm / Downtown Prescott / Free. (Donations accepted.)
A night of live music down the festively-lit streets of Downtown Prescott that raises money for music education. It begins with an Opening Ceremony and school choir performance. Over 100 Prescott businesses open their doors to give Acker Night musicians a place to play. Tips go to provide music lessons and instruments to local youth and support school music programs.
- *Sale and clearance items at one of Acker Night’s sponsors, Wade’s Cabin + Ranch Furniture.
Christmas Village + ChristkindlMarket
December 15-17 / W. Goodwin Street, Downtown Prescott / Free entry.
Traditionally-inspired German Christmas Market with Prescott flavor. West Goodwin Street will be filled with holiday vendors and live music.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides around the Courthouse.
- German-style food, Bier Garten, and hot mulled wine.
- *Prescott Public Library outdoor art: A few blocks from the market, on East Goodwin Street, you’ll find the library’s exterior art collection. It includes several bronze sculptures, a history of words mural, and a nearly 300-foot long timeline of the world (according to artist Fran Wildman in 1975) on the sidewalk!
Riordan Mansion Christmastime Evening Walks
December 20-23, 4:30pm / Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Flagstaff / Free entry.
In the days leading up to Christmas, the Riordan Mansion grounds will be open until 6pm. Get a cup of hot apple cider, and enjoy walking along the luminaria-lined pathways.
To see the inside of the mansion, decorated for the holidays and illuminated by Edison bulbs, reserve a special Christmas Twilight Tour. This guided tour begins at 5pm and focuses on historical Christmas traditions.
- Entry to the grounds and hot cider are included with admission.
- Twilight Tour tickets are an additional $16/person. Recommended for ages 12+.
- Tour tickets go on sale 11/15! Space is limited.
– Southern Arizona –
Pulse: Weavings and Paintings by Marlowe Katoney: Diné Today
Now – March 23, 2024 / University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA), Tucson / Included with admission.
Exhibition of approximately thirty weavings and paintings created by Marlowe Katoney. The multidisciplinary artist combines elements from painting with traditional Navajo iconography and designs to create pieces that take inspiration from popular culture, street art, nature, Navajo culture, and his own life.
- *Get free admission for two when you check out a Culture Pass from an Arizona Library.
- Related: The stolen painting we had to see at UAMA!
Tucson Film Festival (f.k.a. TFMF or Tucson Film + Music Festival)
November 2 – November 5 / The Screening Room, Tucson / Tickets start at $10.
Festival focused on music-related content, with an emphasis on films and filmmakers with a connection to Arizona and the desert Southwest. It includes both narrative and documentary features, and shorts of all genres including animation, experimental, comedy, drama and world.
All Souls Procession: “Remembering Together”
November 3 – November 5 / Mercado District and Tucson’s west side, Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)
A uniquely Tucson celebration, which draws on the many cultural traditions of the community, to honor the lives of our loved ones and ancestors. The focal point of the event is a two-mile long procession on blocked-off streets in west Tucson, where all are invited to walk and remember. It ends on the Mercado District Festival Grounds, where there will be performances, art installations, and food vendors. The culmination is the ceremonial burning of collected remembrances in a large metal urn.
The main events are free. Ticket sales for the 3 Dance of the Dead Concerts ($12-30) help to support this huge, volunteer-lead undertaking.
- Nov. 3: Dance of the Dead Concert. Flow 4 the Soul with In Rave.
- Nov. 4: Procession of Little Angels with Stories That Soar and Red Herring Puppets.
- Nov. 4: Dance of the Dead Concert. Session yoga workshop, ancestral cacao Ceremony w/ Ricky Abud and an immersive, sonic, concert experience with Steve Roach with visuals by Noctivision.
- Nov. 5: Main Procession + Ceremony (Gather at 4pm / depart at 6pm).
- Grand Finale with Flam Chen and Soriah.
- ANYWHERE: Watch the Procession livestream November 5 at 6pm MST.
Cameron Carpenter: Metropolis (1927): Silent Movie Score Live
November 3, 7:30 pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / Tickets $20-55
Concert of world-renowned organist, Cameron Carpenter, playing the Fox’s Wurlitzer organ to accompany the 1927 film, Metropolis.
Tanque Verde Market: Artisan Market on Tucson’s East Side
November 4, 10am – 2pm / Forty Niner Country Club, Tucson / Free.
Eastside artisan market in a covered pavilion with golf course views.
- Sneak preview vendor Points Jewelry‘s work on Etsy.
Parsons Dance: Homecoming Performance
November 5, 2pm / Centennial Hall (at UArizona), Tucson / Tickets $39-69.
University of Arizona dancers, Megan Garcia and Christian Blue, take the stage with internationally renowned dance company Parsons Dance. The company is known for their athleticism, stunning ensemble work, and the passion they bring to every performance.
Into the Spider-Verse World Tour: Live in Concert: The Amazing Spider-Music!
November 5, 7pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / Tickets $20-68
Screening of the animated film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse with live musicians and a DJ on stage playing the film’s soundtrack, which blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop. Into The Spider-Verse’s score is composed of of boundary-pushing original music that supports its themes of resilience and universal heroism.
Karaoke Night Market: Sing + Shop
November 11, 5pm – 8pm / Proper Shops Courtyard, Tucson / Free.
Sing karaoke and shop local artisans on the Proper Shops patio. Meet the makers behind Beautiful Little Things, ENB Jewelry, Tucson Handmade and Unsilenced Pride while you sing under the stars!
- Restaurant pairings – including where to eat after you go to Proper Shops!
Fall 2023 Desert Air Market: DAM Good Time!
November 11, 10am – 4pm / on the corner of 6th Street + 6th Avenue in front of the Firestone Building, Tucson / Free.
Outdoor pop-up market created and run by Tucson artisans. Desert Air Market (DAM) aspires to be a day of joy and connection, where you can shop handcrafted items and meet the people who made them!
- DJ Rob Moonlite will be spinning vinyl.
- Part of the proceeds of this market will go to Youth on Their Own, a nonprofit helping teens experiencing homeless to graduate high school.
Sneak preview these vendors’ work on Etsy:
- Marcy Ellis – Beautiful illustrations weaving together flora and plant goddesses.
- SonoranRainDesigns – Hand-painted terra cotta pots and macrame plant hangers.
Fall Artisans Market: Makers at the Museum
November 17-20 / Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, Tucson / Free.
Street fair with over 100 unique and local artists and artisans with crafts, original artwork, pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles and gift items. Café a la C’Art, the museum’s restaurant, will be open throughout the weekend with outdoor seating on the expanded patio (and some indoor seating, too). The market is organized by TMA’s Museum Store to fundraise for the museum.
- Enter from 150 N. Main Avenue or the museum parking lot.
- *Museum is pay-what-you-wish admission during the market.
Oro Valley Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series
November 19, 4pm / Riverfront Park Grass Amphitheater, Oro Valley (Tucson area) / Free.
Performances by classically-trained musicians at the base of Pusch Ridge on select Sundays. Concerts take place outdoors, on the grass at the community’s largest amphitheater.
- Concerts are 60-90 minutes in length.
- Limited seating is provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs.
- Food will be available for purchase from food trucks onsite.
The Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival: Support Black Excellence
November 25, 10am-5pm / 55 N. 5th Avenue, Tucson / Free.
Small business Saturday celebration of Black business resilience with interactive activities, live music, art, dance, vendors, food trucks and information about the thriving Black community in Arizona. All people and ages are invited to come together to share in the family-friendly festivities!
- Vendors will be in front of the MLK Apartments.
- Food trucks on 5th Avenue.
- Entertainment and beer garden on the Hotel Congress patio.
Made in Tucson Market (MinT): Mint Locally-Made Gifts
November 26 / 4th 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
Old World Holiday Market: Mead + Makers
December 2, 4pm – 8pm / The Meading Room, Sonoita / Free.
Evening in Arizona wine country with lights, bonfires, food trucks, live music by Juniper Djinn, and over 20 unique local artisans and makers! Enjoy hot chocolate, hard cider, or mead, while doing some holiday shopping.
- Kids and pets are welcome!
- *Tastings are $12.50 for a flight of five. Choose samples from their current offerings of meads, ciders, and fruit wines.
- ANYWHERE: The Meading Room now ships to select states (2 bottle minimum order). *Full Case Discount (12 bottles or more) offered at checkout!
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
December 8 – December 10 / along 4th Ave. from University Blvd. to 8th St., Tucson / Free.
Holiday season edition of historic downtown Tucson’s semiannual street fair! Shop original, handmade art from 350+ artists from around the world, while enjoying live entertainment and more than 40 food vendors. Plus, Fourth Avenue merchants are open during the event.
- *Free shuttle service from the Pennington Street Garage.
- You can also park along the streetcar line + take Sun Link in.
- Proceeds are used to support Fourth Avenue’s events and infrastructure.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights: Walk in a Winter(haven) Wonderland!
December 9 – December 25, 6-10pm / Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)
Neighborhood with elaborate holiday light displays. While the Festival is free to attend, organizers request that everyone bring a donation of food or money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
- You can see the lights on foot, on a hayride wagon, a bus trolley, or a pedal-powered group bike! Ride reservations are recommended.
- No drive-thru dates for 2023.
- This event is one the most important for the Food Bank!
– Anywhere –
Arizona Fall Festival Online Silent Auction
Now – November 5, 5pm MST / Free to browse.
Over 100 local gifts, staycations, and Arizona experience packages up for auction to support Local First’s mission of creating a sustainable and inclusive economy for Arizonans.
- Note: You can bid from anywhere, but there are some items (especially experiences, memberships, gift cards, etc.) that you can only enjoy in Arizona.
Amerind Free Online Artist Talk: The Art of Ryan Singer
November 4, 11am MST / Free.
Artist talk with Ryan Singer, a Diné (Navajo) artist-painter, who is known for creating artwork based on his Navajo heritage and incorporating pop culture elements, including science fiction imagery. He weaves stories of his childhood memories with nostalgic iconography and has been drawing Star Wars characters since 1977.
All Souls Procession Livestream: Be there in spirit.
November 5, 6pm MST / Free.
Community members walk to honor the lives of loved ones and ancestors. (More about this tradition under “Southern Arizona.”) Portions of the procession and finale will be livestreamed for those who can’t be there in person.
Being Human Festival Online Events
November 9 – November 18 / Free.
The Being Human festival of the humanities has several virtual events on its program, in addition to the in-person ones held in cities across the UK.
- Nov. 12, 11am or Nov. 15, 1:30pm GMT: Encounters with Sound. Online film screening and Q+A looking at the relationship between touch, movement, and how we experience the world through sound. This event will be held on Zoom. Registration (booking) required.
- Nov. 15, 7pm GMT: Diasporic Snapshot. Online discussion about stories of the diasporic experience that can be seen through photographs, hosted by poet and spoken word performer Shaniece Martin. To be a part of the conversation, find a photo that represents diaspora to you and share why you chose it. For ages 16+. Registration (booking) required.
- Nov. 18, 7:30pm GMT: Writing Under Fire: Poetry and Prose from Ukraine and the Black Country. Transcultural panel discussion led by the University of Wolverhampton on the importance of arts and literature in times of crisis, helping us to work through war trauma while creating a sense of hope for a brighter future. It will include readings from Ukrainian poets and writers, and reflections by writers from the Black Country (a region in England’s Midlands – where Wolverhampton is located – which is known for its historical production of coal and iron.) Hybrid event, available online via Zoom. Registration (booking) required.
Wright Virtual Visits: The Wright Stuff
November 9 + December 7, 1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific time / Free.
Behind-the-scenes looks at Frank Lloyd Wright-designed public sites with insider tips for visitors. Those who are streaming live on Facebook will be able to ask questions, and recordings of each event will be available to watch afterward.
Goodies to enjoy anywhere:
- Sale items from Zinnia Folk Arts.
- Sci-Fi Squared! online books, exhibits, kids’ activity pages, and other resources about science fiction history, which is Heritage Square’s theme this year. Plus, you can watch the first science fiction film ever made!
- Select merchandise from the Heritage Square Museum Store is available online.
- Video: Artist James Johnson talks about traditional Tlingit carvings and his work continuing the centuries-old art form.
All the Etsy links from above…
- Tlingit artists: Nick Alan, RobMartin (engraved jewelry) + NorthwestNativeGifts (prints + housewares).
- Tanque Verde Market vendor Points Jewelry.
Early Bird Makers Market vendors:
- Lan Art+Design – desert-inspired paper collage art
- Winifred Street – mixed media collage art journals and cards
- RedheartWoodwork – wooden jewelry and home decor
- StellasBalcony – gemstone jewelry and pre-Columbian design
Desert Air Market vendors:
- Marcy Ellis – Beautiful illustrations weaving together flora and plant goddesses.
- SonoranRainDesigns – Hand-painted terra cotta pots and macrame plant hangers.
P.S. Photos are by me unless the caption says otherwise.
