Dillinger Days

David Ramsower, left, talks with Vic Borg about Ramsower’s 1931 Model A 2dor at the car show during Dillinger Days in 2022.

It's a weekend packed with live music, courtesy the Tucson Jazz Festival and the Desert Song Festival.

Zoppé Family Circus also continues this weekend, along with the return of Dillinger Days at Hotel Congress. You can also shop vintage clothing and pick up new-to-you craft supplies at an art swap.

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

Alberto “Giovanni” Zoppé is the circus director and also Nino the Clown.

Zoppé Family Circus

Zoppé Family Circus, featuring Nino the Clown and a cast of several generations ofZoppés, is back in Tucson this winter. Expect acrobatic acts, a trapeze artist and more. The circus has been a January tradition in Tucson since 2011.

When:Now through Jan. 26

Where:Mercado District,

Cost:$25 for general admission, $40 for ringside

Visit thefor more information.

Tucson Desert Song Festival

Tucson Desert Song Festival returns with big names in the operatic and art song world. The festival has two parts, one that runs through the end of February and the second that picks up in April.

When:Now through Feb. 28; April 1-19

Where:Several locations

Cost:ղ

Visit thefor more information.


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Tucson J International Film Festival

Now through Jan. 19, dozens of films will be screened at locations in Tucson as part of the Tucson Jewish Community Center's film fest. Most films will also be available to screen virtually.

When:Now through Jan. 19

Where:Several locations

Cost:$60 for six films

Visit thefor more information.

Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson

Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.

When:5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where:Children's Museum Tucson,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.


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Songwriters Central

This monthly showcase features eight performers over two sets, all showing off their most recent compositions.

When:6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16

Where:Monterey Court,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit thefor more information.

Tucson Jazz Festival

January in Tucson means jazz. More than three dozen events will be part of this year's Tucson Jazz Festival, including late-night jams at The Century Room and a free fiesta downtown.

When:Jan. 17-25

Where:Several locations

Cost:ղ. A free fiesta takes place Jan. 20.

Visit thefor more information.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friends of the Pima County Library is hosting a book sale, this time with a feature table that includes Pulitzer Prize-winning books.

When:9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday-Monday, Jan. 17-20

Where:Friends of the Pima County Public Library,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for books

Visit thefor more information.

Glow in the Dark '80s Pickleball

Ace Pickleball Club is hosting its first glow-in-the-dark night with open play, a DJ and raffle prizes. Wear your best '80s-themed neon outfit! Ace will supply glow-in-the-dark pickleballs, necklaces and bracelets. Bring your own paddle!

When:8-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where:Ace Pickleball Club,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

La Peña del SurCo

The University of Arizona'sApplied Intercultural Arts Research is hosting a free gathering of Latin American folk music. Empanadas will be available for purchase!

When:6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where:Coalition Space,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit thefor more information.

Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Learn about the sky with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association!

When:6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where:Saguaro National Park West,

Cost:Free to attend, though park entrance fees may apply

Visit thefor more information.

Paint Story Time

Head to This n' That Creative Studio where kids will listen to a reading of "When Martin Luther King Jr. Wore Roller Skates," followed by 1-2 themed crafts.

When:Noon on Friday-Saturday, Jan. 17-18, plus Monday, Jan. 20

Where:This n' That Creative Studio,

Cost:Free to attend on Friday; $10 on Saturday and Monday

Visit thefor more information.

The January G3

G3 Tucson, the city's gay happy hour group, is hosting their monthly party at Playground. Expect music and specialty cocktails.

When:5-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where:Playground Bar & Lounge,

Cost:$9, your first drink is included. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Tucson Coin Show

Head to Casino del Sol for the Tucson Coin Show, where you'll see rare coins, currency, jewelry and antiques both on display and for purchase.

When:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 17-18

Where:Casino del Sol,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Light the Mic

Designed to give artists of all disciplines a platform to showcase their talents, Light the Mic offers a welcoming space for anyone — whether they’re rapping, reading poetry, singing or performing stand-up comedy.

When:6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where:Catalyst Creative Collective in Tucson Mall,

Cost:$10

Visit thefor more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.

When:6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where:Dante's Fire,

Cost:$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit thefor more information.

Dillinger Days

A fire that broke out at Hotel Congress in 1934 led to the capture of the infamous Dillinger gang. Each year, the hotel puts on Dillinger Days with reenactments of the capture, vintage cars and history lectures.

When:Reenactments are 10 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. There will also be aat 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17.

Where:Hotel Congress,

Cost:$5 suggested donation on Saturday; the speakeasy on Friday is $15 and is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Find Children’s Museum Tucson at 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Zoom Zoom at Children's Museum Tucson

Children's Museum Tucson's transportation-themed event is back! Expect to see large and specialty vehicles from classic cars to fire trucks.

When:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Children's Museum Tucson,

Cost:Pay what you wish

Visit thefor more information.

La Encantada Fine Art Festival

SAACA is hosting a fine art festival at La Encantada, featuring artists selling items that range from mixed media to paintings to sculptures. You'll also find live art demonstrations.

When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

³:La Encantada Shopping Center,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Art, Craft and Material Swap

Bring any unwanted craft supplies and swap them with something new to you. You can stay a while afterwards to craft with your new supplies!

When:3-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where: Konbini Event Space,

Cost:Free to attend, bring a craft to swap

Visit thefor more information.

Etcetera Vintage Market

Shop from about a dozen vendors who curate vintage clothing.

When:4-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Coalition Space,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Visitors walk a trail as the sun sets over the grounds at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum during Cool Summer Nights, Mad About Monsoons, Tucson, Ariz., July 16, 2022.

Rockin' Minerals

Shop minerals and fossils alongside hands-on activities for all ages at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 18-19

Where:Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,

Cost:Museum admission is $29.95 for ages 13 and up. Kids ages 3-12 get in for $19.95.

Visit thefor more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn about bees, birds and reptiles.

When:9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Watershed Management Group,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire!

When:9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Surly Wench Pub,

Cost:$5. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit thefor more information.

Flow for the Soul with Flam Chen

In-Rave is hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.

When:6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:MSA Annex,

Cost:$10

Visit thefor more information.

Salon & Saloon Lecture

Listen to a lecture about Chinese and Mexican markets of Barrio Viejo. The lecture will lead listeners through 70 years of history.

When:2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Monsoon Room at JoJo's Restaurant,

Cost:$5

Visit thefor more information.

National Day of Racial Healing

With a goal to foster healing in the community, the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson and the YWCA are hosting an afternoon with discussions, performances and family-friendly activities.

When:1-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:YWCA Southern Arizona,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Dirty T Market

Local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo is hosting a market featuring vendors and food.

When:5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Dirty T Tamarindo,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Ryan Madden uses a dangler wand to play with some of the cats during the grand opening of Hunter’s Kitten Lounge on July 6.

Movie Night with Cats

Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting a movie night! Watch "Shrek" alongside adoptable cats.

When:7-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Hunter's Kitten Lounge,

Cost:$25, includes a drink and candy

Visit thefor more information.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau is hosting laser shows paired to the music of Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.

When:Saturday, Jan. 18; 6:30 p.m. for Lady Gaga, 8 p.m. for Taylor Swift, 9:30 p.m. for Billie Eilish

Where:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,

Cost:$20.95, admission to science exhibits is included

Visit thefor more information.

Painted Roof Tiles & Passive Water Harvesting

This Saturday, Pima County Master Gardeners will lead a workshop all about transforming ordinary roof tiles into painted works of art. The event will also feature a short chat about passive rainwater harvesting.

When:9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:

Cost:$30

Visit thefor more information.

Traditional O'odham Agriculture

Learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.

When:9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Mission Garden,

Cost:Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit thefor more information.

Emo Night Brooklyn

This traveling emo party will bring all your favorite pop-punk and emo songs to The Rock.

When:9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:The Rock,

Cost:$20

Visit thefor more information.

A Saguaro cactus in the vineyard at Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. St. Patrick Road.

Winter Wine and Craft Fair

Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring local artists, live music, charcuterie boards and wine tastings.

When:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Old Pueblo Cellars,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks. Reservations are required for wine tastings, which are $18.

Visit thefor more information.

Rose Seminar and Pruning Workshop

Learn all about roses at this seminar and pruning workshop at Rillito Nursery.

When:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Rillito Nursery,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Rose Care and Pruning Class

Harlow Gardens will teach you the basics of rose care in the desert. Attendees will also get to watch a pruning demonstration.

When:2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where:Harlow Gardens,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend, learn more about Tucson history along the Turquoise Trail.

When:10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18; a shortened tour will be offered 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19; a shortened tour with a wine tasting will be offered 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

Where:Presidio Musuem,

Cost:$30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.

Visit thefor more information.

BICAS Crafternoons

Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.

When:1-4 p.m. Saturdays

Where:BICAS,

Cost:Free to attend, donation suggested

Visit thefor more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays

Where:Foothills Mall,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Filipino-Inspired High Tea

New venue Himaya Garden is organizing a Filipino-inspired tea party featuring sweet and savory bites.

When:11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

Where:Himaya Garden,

Cost:$59.99

Visit thefor more information.

TKMA Sunday Jam

The Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the Tucson Folk Festival each spring, are behind this jam session, where participants will get to sing or play songs among other performers.

When:1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

Where:Monterey Court,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Silent Reading Party

Join the Silent Book Club for a silent reading party. After 90 minutes of reading silently, you can stay to chat with others about what they're reading.

When:1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

Where:Coalition Space,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo.

When:6-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

Where:El Jefe Cat Cafe,

Cost:$14, reservations required

Visit thefor more information.


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Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨