New year, new Happenings! Here’s my list of upcoming goings-on and goodies.*
The Anywhere section is for anyone, wherever you are. There are also things you can enjoy ANYWHERE sprinkled throughout the rest of the List.
What Happenings are you looking forward to this year?
The Happenings List
– Central Arizona –
Asian Festival: Sape + Flow
Jan 12-13 / Mesa Community College, Mesa / Free
Community-building festival celebrating Asian cuisine, arts, and traditions in Mesa’s Asian District.
From the organizers: “The Asian Festival mission is to promote a peaceful world by increasing international awareness and cultural understanding.”
- Entertainment: Mathew Ngau Jau, an indigenous cultural guardian from Borneo, will play a traditional stringed instrument called “sape,” as well as giving workshops on how it is crafted. Master Ong will perform Flow Arts, which is a mix of meditation, movement, and juggling.
- Vendors: Over 20 vendor booths.
- Food + beverage: 45 food vendors.
- H/T Visit Phoenix
New Moon PJ Party + Jewelry Making Workshop: Soak in Slumber Party Vibes
Jan 12, 7pm – 10pm / Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, Phoenix
Jewelry-making workshop and lunar gathering with games, food, a place to work on creative projects/crafts, and space to reflect and set intentions.
- Wear PJs, bring pillows and blankets, and a notebook. Optional: bring games and snacks to share.
- Andria from Andria’s Tienda will be hosting a lunar bracelet make-and-take workshop ($10, materials included).
- Wasted Ink Zine Distro, Palabras Bookstore, and Cuentos Café will all be open until 10pm!
- *ANYWHERE: Palabras Bookstore has a $14.99/month Audiobook Membership, which gives you an audiobook credit each month, plus 30% off additional audiobook purchases!
Intro into Keum-Boo: Silver-Gilty Pleasure
Jan 14, 1pm / KP Studio, Phoenix / $160 fee
3-hour, beginner-level workshop on Keum-Boo, an ancient Korean technique used to apply thin sheets of gold to silver. Attendees will apply this silver-gilt technique to a pair of earrings.
- Supplies are included and so are 3 hours of studio time!
- 1/13 is Korean-American Day!
- *Unlimited monthly studio time for $95/month. (A deal if you’re planning to use 6.5 hours a month or more!)
- ANYWHERE: Online classes on metal smithing.
Ceasefire Postcard-Writing Campaign: Craft a Message
Jan 14 + on, 11am – 2pm / Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, Phoenix / Free
Weekly gathering to make, write, and mail postcards to Congressional reps to demand a ceasefire in Palestine. The postcard writing sessions will continue every Sunday until there is a permanent ceasefire.
- If you’re unable to make it on Sundays, postcards and materials will be available in the backroom seating area anytime Palabras is open.
- Contributions of stamps, postcards and cereal boxes (to be made into postcards) are needed!
- ANYWHERE: Viva Palestina: Liberation Movement Resources
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Going Beyond “I Have a Dream.”
Jan 23, 6pm / Tempe History Museum, Tempe / Free
While many MLK Day festivities focus on Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the most pivotal years of his life may have come afterward, from 1965-1968. This community chat will focus on Dr. King’s life during those years and his stand against the Vietnam War.
- *ANYWHERE: Free Tempe coloring pages + activity books
- *ANYWHERE: eMuseum online database
Phoenix Chinese Week Culture and Cuisine Festival: Dragon Dances + Dim Sum
Feb 3-4 / Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix / Free
Two-day festival with continuous live entertainment and hands-on activities.
- Entertainment: Dragon and Lion Dances, folk dances, musical and cultural performances, Tai Chi and martial arts demonstrations, koi pond and other exhibits. Play a game of Mahjong, compete in a chopstick challenge, try a Chinese yo-yo, and have your English name translated into Chinese characters! There’s also an arts and crafts area for kids.
- Vendors: Merchandise vendors with unique items.
- Food + beverage: A wide variety of Asian food available from food trucks and food vendors. Also a beer garden.
Local Hearts Club Makers Market: We Get by With a Little Help from Our Friends
Feb 10, 10am – 4pm / Shops @ Town + Country, Phoenix / Free to shop
Market with locally handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind art, treats, apparel and accessories, and health and beauty goods.
- Entertainment: Live local music all day and a raffle for prizes donated by vendors.
- Vendors: Local Phoenix makers.
- Raffle to benefit AZK9 Rescue.
- *Happy hour specials on drinks, snacks, and free kids’ meals at The Macintosh (also at Town + Country) 3-6pm, Monday to Saturday – so you could stop by after the Makers Market!
VNSA (Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association) Book Sale: Paperbacks for Penny Pinchers
Feb 10-11 / Arizona State Fairgrounds, Ag. Center Building, Phoenix / Free to shop
Annual sale of hundreds of deeply discounted used books, media, and other items. This is both a way to give the community access to books inexpensively, and a way to raise money for nonprofit organizations Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County!
- Arizona State Fairgrounds charges a $12 parking fee that supports the Fairgrounds. VNSA does not receive any money from parking fees.
- All unmarked standard-size paperback books are $2.
- *Everything is half-price on Sunday (except for the books in Rare + Unusual)!
- ANYWHERE: Shop their online bookstore.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest: You Make Me Wanna Hoop
Feb 17-18 / Heard Museum, Phoenix / All ages / Regular adult tickets are $25/day
The traditional art of hoop dancing takes a lot of skill, and it’s amazing what expert hoop dancers are able to do!
- Entertainment: 100 contestants from across North America, two award-winning drum groups, activities for kids.
- Food + beverage: Food trucks.
– Northern Arizona –
Chocolate Lovers’ Special: Romance on the Rails
Feb 10-14 / Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale / $145/ticket + tax
Valentine-themed excursion on a renovated vintage train! Couples can enjoy the scenery of a red rock canyon, as well as house made truffles, pralines, cupcakes, mousse cups, and other chocolate treats along the way. Passengers receive a Champagne toast upon boarding, service at their seats, and a variety of complimentary appetizers. There will also be full-service cash-bars with S’mores cocktails, strawberry Sangria, and premium liquors on the menu.
From the organizers: “…Since Arizona became the ‘Valentine State’ and the 48th star on the U.S. flag on February 14, 1912, this holiday is the perfect time to memorialize romance on the rails.”
- Available February 10, 11 and 14.
- All cars connect to open-air viewing platforms.
- A portion of all train ticket revenue is donated to Liberty Wildlife Raptor Rescue program.
- ANYWHERE: Train ride video gallery.
- *ANYWHERE: Oral Histories from Clarkdale residents.
Sedona International Film Festival: Sedona is for Cinephiles
Feb 24 – Mar 3 / Mary D. Fisher Theatre + Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre, Sedona / $660/Gold Priority Pass (free entry to all screenings).
30-year-old festival of independent films from around the world, including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, foreign films, and student films. Over 140 films total!
- Individual tickets will be available for purchase starting one week before the festival.
- *Discounts on rental cars and lodging for Film Festival attendees.
– Southern Arizona –
Popol Vuh and the Maya Art of Storytelling: Two Words — Piñata. Wall.
now – October 20 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.
Exhibition that looks at the traditions of Maya storytelling and image-making from ancient times up to the present. As a starting point, it uses Mayan mythology from the Popol Vuh. Artwork by Guatemalan modern artist Carlos Mérida, which it inspired, complement the ancient work.
- Fun fact: I thought this exhibition had ended, but when I looked at the date, I didn’t pay attention to the year. It actually runs until this October!
- *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.
Art in Oro Valley Gallery Exhibition: OV at 50!
Jan 11 – May 3 / Ventana Gallery at Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Tucson / Free
Exhibition of work by artists who live, work, and/or were inspired by Oro Valley, in honor of the town’s 50th anniversary. It will be housed in an unconventional space – a gallery located on the campus of Roche Tissue Diagnostics!
- 1/24, 5-7pm: Opening Night Celebration. Experience the exhibition with the artists who created each work. The event will also feature wine, light snacks, and live music. Free admission with registration.
- H/T SAACA newsletter
Wings Over Willcox: Cranes Convene
Jan 11-14 / Willcox Community Center, Willcox / $20 fee (+ activity fees)
Birding + nature festival that takes place annually during MLK weekend, which happens to be a great time to see sandhill cranes and other bird species in the Sulphur Springs Valley! Activities include field trips, tours, seminars, and a Nature Expo.
- *ANYWHERE: Sandhill crane cam!
Tucson Jazz Festival: All That Jazz
Jan 12-20 / Multiple venues in Downtown Tucson / Ticket prices vary by event.
Festival created to influence the discovery and celebration of live jazz performance and music education. It features world-class musicians, as well as up-and-comers.
- Jan 13: Jazz Jam at Hotel Congress. Festival artists are paired together in unique ensembles that perform throughout the day. Tickets $45
- Jan 15 (MLK Day): Downtown Jazz Fiesta at Corbett’s. Annual day of free performances.
- Jan 20, 2pm: Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Concert at Fox Theatre. Tickets $35-104 (including fees).
The Speakeasy: Prohibition Party
Jan 13, 6pm / AZ Hops and Vines, Sonoita / $40/ticket
Twenties-themed release party to celebrate the new Tempranillo from AZ Hops + Vines! Dress like it’s Prohibition times. The Speakeasy password will be shared right before the event!
- Entertainment: Big Band vibes and belly dancers! Live music from Bees Knees, a Pennsylvania band covering danceable hits from throughout the decades.
- Food + beverage: Admission Includes a souvenir glass, appetizers, and your choice of a glass of wine!
- ANYWHERE: Buy AZ Hops and Vines wines online!
National Day of Racial Healing: Come Together
Jan 13, 1pm / YWCA of Southern Arizona, Tucson / All ages / Free
An afternoon of discussions, cultural performances, and activities for the whole family. The event, hosted by League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson and the YWCA of Southern Arizona, is meant to bring people together and inspire action to create a more just and equitable world.
- The Day is part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing Transformation efforts.
- ANYWHERE: Find a National Day of Racial Healing event that’s near you or online.
Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival
Jan 13, 10am – 4pm / Sahuarita Lake Park, Sahuarita / Free
Second annual festival featuring immersive and experiential activities throughout the park. With REFLECTION as this year’s theme, the event will encourage attendees to explore personal and creative reflection, conscientious art-making, and multi-cultural and generational community performances. It will also feature floating art installations that will take the theme of reflection literally.
- Entertainment: Live music, community chalk art competition, live plein air painting, mural unveiling, and kids’ crafts. There will also be an eclectic variety of performances unfolding throughout the day, including Mexican Folk Dance, immersive avant-garde, Celtic Dance, mariachi, and the Chinese Lion Dance.
- Vendors: Up to 25 artisans exhibiting throughout the walkways of the Sahuarita Lake Park.
- Food + beverage: BlackJack Citrus Infusions (Lemonade), Greater Faith World Church Intl. (BBQ), Moreno’s Roasted Corn, Mr. Ice Guy (Italian Ice), Springtide Catering (American Fare).
Goodies from Festival vendors…
- *ANYWHERE: $3 off 2 bags of black garlic when you order online from Santa Cosecha with coupon code: SAVE$3.00
- *Ask Wear a Touch of Spirit if they’re offering their buy 2 bracelets get 1 free deal at this show.
- *ANYWHERE: Gluten-free Breakfast Cookie recipe by Untamed Confections.
Tucson’s Annual MLK Day Celebration: March + Learn
Jan 15, 8am – 2pm / Reid Park, Tucson / Free
Beginning with a march from U of A Tech Park (MLK Way and 36th St) to Reid Park, this day of commemorating Dr. King’s legacy will culminate in a celebration at Reid Park’s outdoor performance center. There will be live performances, food, vendors, and informational tables.
- 8am: March begins
- 10am – 2pm: Celebration in the park.
Wine and Craft Show: Sipping, Shopping, Charcuterie
Jan 20, 10am – 4:30pm / Old Pueblo Cellars, Tucson / Free to shop
Craft show, wine tasting, and charcuterie boards at a winery in the desert.
- Reservations are only required for tastings.
Dino-Light: A Lightwire Act
Jan 26, 6:30pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / $23-43/ticket (fees included)
Glow-in-the-dark performance that depicts an original story of a scientist who brings a friendly dinosaur to life. The dinosaur wanders away from home and finds a world full of creatures that light up the darkness.
From the organizers: “This glow-in-the-dark adventure is visually amazing and has been praised for its cutting edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance by audiences all over the world.”
- Throughout North America: Check out Lightwire Theater’s tour schedule for upcoming performances in other cities.
Cooking Class: Chinese New Year Nian Gao and Dumplings
Jan 27, 11am – 1pm / Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, Tucson / $65/class
Hands-on cooking class to make two Lunar New Year dishes! Instruction on preparing complete Chinese meals is part of the cultural center’s AANHPI-inspired health and wellness program. This series of classes continues through May.
- Sign up for the 1/27 class by January 17.
Tucson Gem, Mineral + Fossil Showcase: Treasures Unearthed
Jan 27-Feb 11 / sites around Tucson
Most of these shows are free and open to the public.
- Jan 27 – Feb 3: Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue and Artisan Workshops at Casino Del Sol. Free.
- Jan 27 – Feb 11: African Art Village on the Mercado District Festival Grounds. Outdoor marketplace with vendors from across the African continent selling artisan goods.
- Mineral District shows including the 1801 Oracle / Mineral Village Show, Rock Yard Show, and Mineral City Show.
- Gem Show tips: 10 Things to Know About Gem Shows in Tucson
Understanding Color: Know Your Hues
Feb 2-4 / Tubac School of Fine Art, Tubac / $420 fee
Workshop on the elements of color and how to mix oil paint to match what you see.
From the organizers: “Students will understand the strengths and limitations of every color on and off their palette. Students will then see how to choose their palette for each painting to support their specific color goal.”
- *Tubac Day Trip Itinerary
- H/T Tubac Center of the Arts (TCA)
Tubac Festival of the Arts: Artists Take Back Tubac
Feb 7-11 / Tubac / Free to shop
Over 200 fine artists and craftsmen exhibit throughout Tubac, along roadways and plazas, and woven among the more than 125 art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. There will also be live entertainment, horse-drawn trolley rides, and a large assortment of festival eateries.
- *50% off select bottles of wine Sunday nights at Tubac’s Stables Ranch Grille (found on TCA’s dining guide).
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®: The O.G. (Original Gemshow)
Feb 8-11 / Tucson Convention Center, Tucson / Single-day admission $12 (+$1 convention center fee)
The world’s oldest and largest gem and mineral show. The 2024 show theme is “Pegmatites – Crystals Big and Beautiful!” (I don’t know enough to ever really get what their themes are about. )
- Children 14 and under are free with a paying adult.
- There actually are dozen more shows under the umbrella of the Tucson Gem, Mineral + Fossil Showcase from January 27 to February 11!
Arizona Statehood Day Museum Open House: Celebrate State 48!
Feb 10, 10am – 3pm / Arizona History Museum, Tucson / Free
To commemorate Arizona Statehood Day, the Arizona History Museum will have free admission on February 10th, so you can explore the exhibits and learn about history.
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros: Tucson Rodeo
Feb 17-25 / Tucson Rodeo Grounds, Tucson / General admission tickets start at $18
A Tucson tradition since 1925, the Fiesta celebrates real-life ranch skills and cowpoke culture. Events include bull and bronco riding, barrel racing, roping competitions, junior rodeo events, and a big parade.
- Parking at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds is $10 per vehicle.
- 2/22: Rodeo Parade. Grandstand tickets are $12 (+ $2 fee). Or watch from the curbside for free (no tickets required).
Yuma Art Symposium: Year 45, a Reunion
Feb 22-24 / Yuma / Registration fee $220
Series of presentations by both internationally recognized and emerging artists across a variety of disciplines.
Quilt Fiesta: Quilters Get Crazy!
Feb 23-25 / Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson / $10 admission
Expo featuring hundreds of quilts in Old Pueblo Hall, along with product demos, vendors, raffles, and special exhibits.
- Small quilt sale to benefit Old Pueblo Community Services and Aviva Children’s Services
- Quilts of Valor sit + sew booth
- Food + coffee vendors
- Parking $7 (+ free shuttle)
- *$2 off admission 2-5pm on Saturday or anytime Sunday, if you show their online coupon at the door.
- *$20 for a 3-day Pass (save $10!)
- *ANYWHERE: Paper Piecing 101 Guide (free)
- *ANYWHERE: Dozens of free downloadable patterns (past patterns-of-the-month)
Tucson Together Market: Part Tu
Feb 24, 11am – 4pm / Depot Plaza (also known as the MLK lot), Tucson / Free to shop
The second artisan market hosted by #ThisIsTucson. These events are all about connecting artists with their community and showing the local love!
– Anywhere –
Stitch-In-Public Day: Embroider Out Loud!
Feb 3 / wherever you are / Free
A day when the EGA (Embroiderers’ Guild of America) encourages anyone who sews to practice their craft out in the open and share their passion for needle arts with others!
Met Live Opera: Carmen
Jan 27 / livestream in movie theaters / varies (around $25/ticket)
Gritty, present-day reimagining of the classic opera Carmen. The new production shines a light on the labor struggles, gendered violence, and other power imbalances we are still facing today.
The January 27th performance will stream live to participating movie theaters. If it won’t be showing at a theater near you, you may be able to get a ticket to watch from home.
- Encore screenings on 1/31.
- More information on ticketing, streaming, and Met Opera on Demand.
- *Sale items at the Met Opera Shop!
- H/T Sedona International Film Festival
