Welcome to our first list of 2025, Tucson! ✨
While this weekend is admittedly a bit slow in town, things will kick back up as we return to normalcy following the holidays. Expect the return of theZoppé Family Circus, the Tucson Jazz Festival, Dillinger Days and, by month's end, the massive gem show.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink is in town for one more weekend! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.
When:Now through Jan. 5
Where:Tucson Convention Center,
Cost:A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.
Visit thefor more information.
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2024
Enjoy the last weekend of ZooLights where you'll find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and a giant gingerbread house.
When:6-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 2-5
Where:Reid Park Zoo,
Cost:$12 for general admission; $7 for kids ages 2-14. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy, an unwrapped children's toy or non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off admission.
Visit thefor more information.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where there are luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When:6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 12
Where:Tucson Botanical Gardens,
Cost:$23 and up, depending on the day
Visit thefor more information.
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First Thursday at TMA
The Tucson Museum of Art offers pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Thursday of the month. Expect live music, gallery and art-making activities, tarot readings and a history social.
When:5-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2
Where:Tucson Museum of Art,
Cost:Pay what you wish
Visit thefor more information.
Safe Shift Store 3-Day Sale
The Safe Shift estate store, which helps raise funds for firefighters and first responders through the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, opens its doors for three days each month. Past items for sale have included furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books and more.
When:8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 2-4
Where:Safe Shift,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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.
Art Cart with Caroline Martin
Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!
When:Various dates for art cart
Where:Various locations
Cost:Crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15
Visit thefor more information.
Libra & Thorn Workshops
Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting a slew of workshops to kick off the new year. Among them: storytelling with tarot, sound bath ceremonies and a magical book club.
When:Several dates
Where:Libra & Thorn,
Dz:Prices vary based on workshop
Visit thefor more information.
Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo or enjoying a yoga session. A sound bath is also on the calendar for this weekend!
When:Various dates
Where:El Jefe Cat Cafe,
Cost:$18 for yoga;$14 for bingo, reservations required; $25 for sound bath
Visit thefor more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When:6:30 p.m. most Fridays and all Saturdays in January
Where:Dante's Fire,
Cost:$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit thefor more information.
The Unuzual Market
Shop all things strange and unusual from 30 vendors. You'll find apparel, jewelry and oddities.
When:11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
Where:Coalition Space,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
Free First Saturday
Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday. Expect a storybook picnic with fairytales and magical folk.
When:11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
Where:Valley of the Moon,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Clothing & Vintage Swap
Head to Monsoon Mystics for a swap of clothing, books and kitchenware. You don't have to bring anything to participate!
When:Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 4-5
Where:Monsoon Mystics,
Cost:Free to attend, bring something to swap
Visit thefor more information.
First Saturday ArtWalk
The Warehouse Arts Management Organizationis hosting its First Saturday ArtWalk this weekend, where you can walk through several local galleries and artist studios.
When:4-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
Where:See the map
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Transmutable Groundby Samirah Steinmeyer
Mudroom Gallery's latest exhibit is dubbed "Transmutable Ground" whereSamirah Steinmeyer focuses on the shared language between landscape and ceramics. A small selection of regional rocks and minerals are featured in each piece.
When:Exhibition runs Jan. 4 through Feb. 15; opening reception is 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
Where:Mudroom Gallery,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Beer + Bikes
This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a ride back to Button Brew House.
When:11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
Where:Button Brew House,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for brews
Visit thefor more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar for January, including Mainly Murals, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo and the Turquoise Trail.
When:Various dates, check out the calendar.
Where:Locations vary based on tour.
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.
Medella Vina Antique and Vintage Fair
Once a month, Medella Vina Ranch hosts an antique fair where you can shop vintage items from more than 100 vendors, plus take a break at an onsite food truck.
When:8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month
Where:Medella Vina Ranch,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit thefor more information.
Live storytelling with F*ST Female Storytellers
F*ST, Female* StoryTellers, is back with a night of live storytelling. This time, the night will be centered around the theme "burning at both ends."
When:7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7
Where:The Rock,
Cost:$10
Visit thefor more information.
Tucson J International Film Festival
From Jan. 8-19, 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:Jan. 8-19
Where:Several locations
Cost:$60 for six films, $120 for all films
Visit thefor more information.
"The Lord of the Rings" Trivia Night
Test your knowledge in all things "The Lord of the Rings" during this trivia night at Snakes & Lattes.
When:6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8
Where:Snakes & Lattes,
Cost:$8 for general admission, $32 for a 4-person table
Visit thefor more information.
Odyssey Live Storytelling
Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "safe space."
When:7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9
Where:The Screening Room,
Cost:$12
Visit thefor more information.
Tucson Fringe Festival
This 13th annual performing arts festival is back for another year, featuring more than two dozen shows. The festival is said to be unjuried and uncensored to ensure inclusivity.
When:Jan. 9-12
Where:In person at two venues (on the University of Arizona campus) and offered virtually
Cost:$25 for two shows, $55 for five shows
Visit thefor more information.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this market.
When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 9-11; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where:Gather A Vintage Market,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
Zoppé Family Circus
Zoppé Family Circus, featuring Nino the Clown and a cast of several generations ofZoppés, makes its way back to Tucson this winter. Expect acrobatic acts, a trapeze artist and more. The circus has been a January tradition in Tucson since 2011.
When:Jan. 10-26
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:Jan. 10-Feb. 28; April 1-19
Where:Several locations
Cost:Varies
Visit thefor more information.
Paint your Pet
Head to dog ice cream shop Cones For Bones for a workshop led by Tipsy Picassos where you'll have the chance to paint a watercolor portrait of your pet.
When:6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where:Cones For Bones,
Cost:$50
Visit thefor more information.
Broadway Rave
This traveling rave is basically a big musical theater dance party "celebrating the best of Broadway."
When:9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10
Where:The Rock,
Cost:$20
Visit thefor more information.
Tasting History: Olives
Learn about the origins behind olives and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Tastings are part of the fun.
When:9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 10-11
Where:Mission Garden,
Cost:Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit thefor more information.
Bark in the Barrio
Pima Animal Care Center is hosting its third annual Bark in the Barrio featuring adoptable dogs from several organizations and rescues. You'll also find pet vendors, food trucks and games.
When:11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:Armory Park,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival
Experience art in Sahuarita! You'll have the chance to shop local artwork and enjoy interactive art activities, such as a community chalk mural competition. There will also be live music, an art installation on the lake, a Chinese lion dance and food trucks.
When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:Sahuarita Lake Park,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit thefor more information.
Urgent Care Art: Still OK
Urgent Care Art is hosting its first of three art shows on Jan. 11, an initiative to bring work by underrepresented artists to unconventional spaces. You'll see paintings projected through small drill holes in a door, in addition to ethereal piñatas outside the century-old OK Market building.
When:5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:OK Market,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Second Saturdays Family Fest
The Play District is hosting a free family-friendly event at Trail Dust Town, slated to feature music from Mr. Nature, bilingual story time and more.
When:10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:Trail Dust Town,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!
When:5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:Children's Museum Tucson,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Country Fest
191 Toole is hosting Country Fest as part of its Local Love Presents series. The concert features a local lineup of musicians.
When:7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:191 Toole,
Cost:$5-$8, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit thefor more information.
Tucson Royal Princess Ball
Kids can attend this royal ball to meet with princesses, enjoy performances, stories and games, and learn some ballroom dance moves. The event is geared toward kids ages 3-7.
When:Noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:Four Points by Sheraton Hotel,
Cost:$20-$30
Visit thefor more information.
Creative Cafecito
Amiga Print.co, Chappopin Cafe and Comida del Barrio are collaborating for this custom cup workshop. You'll get to design your own cup all while munching on burritos and sipping coffee.
When:11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
Where:Comida del Barrio,
Cost:$35
Visit thefor more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with these classes!
When:10 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25; Sundays, Jan. 12 and Jan. 26
Where:Udall Park,, on Saturday dates; and Silverbell Park,, on Sunday dates
Cost:$25
Visit thefor more information.
Book Swap
The Fourth Avenue Coalition is partnering with the Pima County Library for a book swap. You don't have to bring anything to take home a book!
When:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12
Where:Coalition Space,
Cost:Free to attend, bring books to swap
Visit thefor more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 50 vendors selling antique and vintage items at the Mercado Flea.
When:8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May
Where:Mercado District,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making, a self-help zine workshop and a performance from School of Rock Tucson.
When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday, Jan. 12
Where:Tucson Museum of Art,
Cost:Pay what you wish
Visit thefor more information.
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:Varies. A free fiesta takes place Jan. 20.
Visit thefor more information.
Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Learn about the sky with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association! The group is hosting four stargazing events at four different parks in Tucson this January.
When:Jan. 17, Jan. 25, Jan. 31
Where:Various locations
Cost:Free to attend, though park entrance fees may apply. Registration is required for the Jan. 17 event in Agua Caliente Park.
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.
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:10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. There will also be aat 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17.
Where:Hotel Congress,
Cost:$5 donation on Saturday; the speakeasy on Friday is $15 and is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
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
Where:La Encantada Shopping Center,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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.
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:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Where:Watershed Management Group,
Cost:Free to attend
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.
Movie Night with Cats
Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting a movie night! Watch "Shrek" alongside adoptable cats. (Yoga, bingo and other activities are also on the calendar for January!)
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
Where:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,
Cost:$20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Modern Lux Design Class
Casas Adobes Flower Shop is hosting this class where you'll get to take home your own arrangement of flowers. Flowers will be supplied and you'll be guided step-by-step during the workshop.
When:6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22
Where:Casas Adobes Flower Shop,
Cost:$125
Visit thefor more information.
Mamma Coal's Dolly Hoot
Local musician Mamma Coal is hosting this tribute to Dolly Parton, sharing her favorite Dolly songs alongside other Tucson musicians.
When:7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24
Where:191 Toole,
Cost:$12-$20. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When:8:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24
Where:Sky Bar,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
SAVOR Southern Arizona Culinary Festival
SAACA hosts this annual festival in celebration of Southern Arizona's culinary arts. Walk the Tucson Botanical Gardens for tastings from more than 50 of our region's chefs, wineries, breweries and restaurants.
When:Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where:Tucson Botanical Gardens,
Cost:$125
Visit thefor more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy thatpays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.
When:7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where:Club Congress,
Cost:$19.06. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
Bread Baking Class
The Garden Kitchen is organizing this class where you'll learn how to make bread, including skills like mixing techniques and kneading.
When:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where:The Garden Kitchen,
Cost:$60, this class is for adults only
Visit thefor more information.
Bookish Workshop
Create your own nine-ounce bookish candle with the help of Di Luna Candles. You'll also get to make pressed-flower bookmarks while you're there!
When:Noon on Saturday, Jan. 25
Where:Di Luna Candles,
Cost:$35
Visit thefor more information.
Silent Adventures
Silent disco meets flash mob with Silent Adventures! Put on your headphones and dance your way to pop hits through downtown Tucson.
When:4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where:Main Library,
Cost:$25 for adults, $15 for kids
Visit thefor more information.
Archaeology Day at Mission Garden
Kids can learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.
When:8-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
Where:Mission Garden,
Cost:Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit thefor more information.
Blues and Vines
During this monthly celebration at Medella Vina Ranch, guests can expect live blues music, local wine, food trucks and art vendors.
When:Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26
Where:Medella Vina Ranch,
Cost:$6-$25, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit thefor more information.
Tucson, Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
The giant Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is back for yet another winter season, bringing people from allover the world to shop the dozens of shows spread out across the city. Find jewelry, rocks, fossils and more.
When:Jan. 27-Feb. 16
Where:Various locations across Tucson
Cost:Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
Znora Fest
Local band Znora's first full-length album will be released during a party at the Rialto, featuring a lineup of local musicians.
When:7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31
Where:Rialto Theatre,
Cost:$5-$8
Visit thefor more information.