Gloria Knott
There are a lot of reasons to love spring. Wildflowers are blooming, it's the perfect weather to dine on your favorite restaurant patio and events are in full swing.
From annual favorites like the Fourth Avenue Street Fair and Agave Heritage Festival to newcomers like the Tanque Verde Market and Springtime at the Pumpkin Patch, we are so excited for all the markets and festivals in the coming months.
Mark your calendars, y'all. Spring festival season has arrived.
Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair
See hundreds ofartists from around the world, plus enjoy bites from food vendorsand hear the sounds of local musicians.
When:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 22-23; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24
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Where:Historic Fourth Avenue
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Swing Festival
Join the Arizona Swing Cats for their annual Tucson Swing Festival! Enjoy live music, dancing and workshops.
When:Friday-Sunday, March 22-24
Where:Hotel Congress,311 E. Congress St.; and Armory Park,220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost:$55-$120
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
WineDown with Wildlife
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is hosting its fourth annual WineDown with Wildlife festival, where attendees can sip on regional wines, enjoy live music and stargaze — all while supporting wildlife.
When:6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where:Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost:$35 designated driver tickets, $55 general admission tickets. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Springtime at the Pumpkin Patch
You know and love the Marana Pumpkin Patch for its October festivities, but now it'll be open for three days this spring! Enjoy family-friendly activities from train rides to jumping pillows. Easter egg hunts and local vendors are part of the fun.
When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24 and Saturday, March 30
Where:Marana Pumpkin Patch,14950 N. Trico Road
Cost:Admission is $15 per person; $2.50 per person for egg hunts
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Desert Haze Market
Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress. Expect about 15 vendors and live music!
When:11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where:Hotel Congress,311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Japanese Festival 2024
After a three-year hiatus, the Tucson Japanese Festival is back this month with taiko drumming, traditional folk dancing, mochi pounding, games, origami and food.
When:11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where:Tucson Chinese Cultural Center,1288 W. River Road
Cost:$5; free for kids ages 5 years and under
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
World Water Day
Indigenous Alliance Without Borders is hosting World Water Day at Flowers & Bullets' midtown farm to discuss water conservation and reclamation. Expect several speakers, music and dance, vendors and a raffle.
When:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where:Flowers & Bullets, 3835 E. Ellington Place
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Flow for the Soul
In-Rave is hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors, food trucks and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.
When:6-10 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Where:MSA Annex,267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:$10
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Colliope Co Backyard Sale
Local shop and craft space Colliope Co is hosting a backyard sale featuring vendors selling project pieces and overstock items.
When:8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23
Where:Colliope Co, 2706 N. Silverbell Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers.
When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where:St. Philip's Plaza,4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Nuestro Tianguis Tucson
Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Flowers & Bullets' Midtown Farm for a swap meet featuring vendors, food and music.
When:9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where:Midtown Farm,3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor 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
Where:Foothills Mall,7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
BICAS Art Mart
Local nonprofit BICAS started an art market in 2021 after art events were canceled during the pandemic, taking away important revenue generators for Tucson artists. Shop from local vendors and participate in raffles and art activities.
When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where:BICAS,2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Park Fest at Palo Verde Park
Inspired by Porch Fest in the Garden District neighborhood, the Palo Verde Park neighborhood is hosting a family-friendly community event featuring two stages for live music and food trucks. Bring a chair or blankets for seating!
When:1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where:Palo Verde Park,425 S. Mann Ave.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Soul Food Wednesday
Visit Blax Friday's Soul Food Wednesday to support local Black-owned businesses and food vendors.
When:7-10 p.m. Wednesdays, March 27 and April 24
Where:Playground Bar and Lounge,278 E. Congress St.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Astronomy Festival
It’s almost time for Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association’s annual Tucson Astronomy Festival! Head to Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in the afternoon for solar observing, followed by stargazing after dark. There will be astronomy-themed family-friendly activities and prizes!
When:3-9 p.m. Saturday, March 30
Where:Brandi Fenton Memorial Park,3482 E. River Road
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Las Mujeres VerdesMercado
Las Mujeres Verdes is back! The group is hosting their first market of 2024 on March 30. The markets usually feature 30-40 local makers selling items that include food, apparel, jewelry and more.
When:5-9 p.m. Saturdays, March 30, April 27, May 18
Where:Coalition Space,311 E. Seventh St.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Children's Entrepreneur Market
The Children's Entrepreneur Market is a farmers market run entirely by kids, hosting events in several states to teach youth about the power of innovation and leadership. You'll shop from kids who decide what to sell, create their own booth, handle money and talk with customers.
When:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30
Where:Vail Coffee Stop, 13109 E. Colossal Cave Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Native Nations Craft Market & Demonstrations
The Presidio Museum is hosting a day of presentations and demonstrations from community partners that include the importance of storytelling to Indigenous communities and the connection between food and culture. Shop from Indigenous vendors and munch on sweet and savory popovers.
When:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30
Where:Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum,196 N. Court Ave.
Cost:$9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-13
Visit theevent pagefor 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. Thursdays-Saturdays, April 4-6 and May 2-4
Where:Safe Shift,2801 E. Grant Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Folk Festival
The annual Tucson Folk Festival features more than 150 live performances across six stages. Headliners include Lisa Morales Band, Steve Poltz, Leslie Mendelson, Baba Marimba and more.
When:Friday-Sunday, April 5-7
Where:Downtown Tucson
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Family Fun Fair
SAYF Pima County is hosting a family-friendly festival at Reid Park! You'll find jumping castles, face painting, games, crafts, food, music, raffles and free booster seats.
When:9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6
Where:Reid Park,900 S. Randolph Way
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Baja Beer Festival
Head to the eighth annual Baja Beer Festival to sample beers from Arizona breweries, plus food from area chefs.
When:Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Armory Park,220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost:$45-$65, or $15 for designated drivers. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Wine Gone Wild
Enjoy tastings from regional wineries and distilleries while supporting animals at Reid Park Zoo. Admission to the event includes 10 tasting tickets, food samplings, live music, wine glass painting, a spa zone and animal encounters.
When:6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Reid Park Zoo,3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost:$65; $30 for designated drivers
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tanque Verde Market
This market brings local creatives to the east side! Find more than 60 vendors offering pottery, home decor, skin-care products, plants, clothing and more.
When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Forty Niner Country Club,12000 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Touch-A-Truck
Junior League of Tucson is hosting a family-friendly event where kids will be able to touch, climb and explore vehicles. Last year's lineup included firetrucks, police cars, a school bus, a USPS truck and construction equipment. There will also be crafts and food trucks.
When:9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6. 9:30-10:30 a.m. is dubbed a quiet hour, without horns and bright lights.
Where:Kino Sports Complex,2500 E. Ajo Way
Cost:$5
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Native Seeds/SEARCH 40th Anniversary Celebration
Help local nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH celebrate 40 years of seed conservation with a bash that includes tours of the center, seed-saving activities, live music, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and items for sale.
When:9 a.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Native Seeds/SEARCH,3584 E. River Road
Cost:Free to attend, RSVP required
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Fiesta Sahuarita
Celebrate 30 years of Sahuarita with more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, a kids' area, giveaways and more.
When:2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 6
Where:Anamax Park,17501 S. Camino de las Quintas, Sahuarita
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Made In Tucson Market
The biannual Made In Tucson Market will feature upwards of 300 local makers selling items like soaps, baked goods, glasswork, stickers, jewelry and other artwork. Food trucks are also part of the fun.
When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7
Where:Seventh Street west of Fourth Avenue
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Woofstock
The Tucson Dog Magazine is hosting a doggie celebration dubbed Woofstock, set to feature adoptable pets, dog costume contests, games for the pups, and vaccination and microchipping clinics. For the humans, enjoy live music, food trucks and a kids' zone.
When:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7
Where:Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theevent pagefor 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 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month
Where:Medella Vina Ranch,4450 S. Houghton Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Pueblos del Maíz
This festival celebrates the cultural and agricultural significance of maíz. Events include a chef's dinner, live music, a tour of Native Seeds/SEARCH and a free fiesta.
When:April 11-14
Where:Various locations
Cost:Various prices
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Oro Valley 50th Anniversary Community Celebration
Celebrate Oro Valley's birthday! Enjoy all-day festivities that include live entertainment, crafts, games, inflatables and food trucks. A fireworks show ends the night at 9:30 p.m. (P.S. — On April 6, Oro Valley will host a parade in celebration of its 50th anniversary.)
When:Noon on Saturday, April 13
Where:James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
2nd Saturdays
Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When:5-10 p.m. Saturdays, April 13 and May 11
Where:Downtown Tucson alongEast Congress Street
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 45 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,100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Sunday Vibe & Sip
This event happens every second Sunday at Hotel McCoy, featuring local vendors, music, games and giveaways.
When:3-8 p.m. every second Sunday of the month
Where:Hotel McCoy,720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Arizona International Film Festival
The 32nd Arizona International Film Festival will feature independent and innovative films from around the world. Throughout its years, this festival has exhibited more than 3,300 films representing 100 countries.
When:April 17-28
Where:Various locations
Cost:TBA
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Pima County Fair
Enjoy funky fair food, hop on the rides, play carnival games and more at the Pima County Fair. Concerts this year include Wiz Khalifa, Chevelle, Tesla, Sublime with Rome and more.
When:April 18-28
Where:Pima County Fairgrounds,11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost:General admission is $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-10. Parking is $8. Visit thewebsitefor info on wristbands, bundles and other promotions.
Visittheevent pagefor more information.
Agave Heritage Festival
Celebrate agave at this festival that's "rooted in the historical and cultural significance of the agave plant," organizers say. The festival features dinners, lectures, concerts, a mezcal crawl and a free fiesta.
When:April 18-21
Where:Various locations
Cost:Various prices
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Earth Day Festival
Celebrate Earth Day by learning about recycling, composting, gardening and nature at this festival hosted by Children's Museum Tucson. See exhibits from wildlife groups and enjoy kid-friendly activities.
When:9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Children's Museum Tucson,200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
Head over to this art festival to see metalwork, clothing, paintings and more fine art. The festival will also feature live art demonstrations and music.
When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21
Where:La Encantada Shopping Center,2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Pima County Master Gardeners plant sale
Mark your calendars! Previous Pima County Master Gardeners plant sales have included potted plants, fruit and veggie starts, native grasses, desert plants, cacti and succulents.
When:8-11 a.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Pima County Cooperative Extension Gardens,4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson Zine Fest
Tucson Zine Fest is a celebration of self publishers creating zines, comics and other printed art.
When:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Subspace,101 W. Sixth St.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Sonoran Cannabis Expo
This cannabis celebration is set to feature local vendors, samplings, live music, food and networking opportunities.
When:2-8 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:$30. This event is for ages 21 and up
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Four Twenty Mercado and Taco Competition
Button Brew House is hosting its inaugural taco competition. Meanwhile, The Happy Hive Market will host a mercado featuring Southwest-focused or 4/20-friendly vendors and a doggie costume contest.
When:Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost:Free to attend the mercado, bring money for shopping, drinks and food
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Dirty T Market
Every third Saturday of the month (not including March), local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo hosts a monthly market featuring vendors, food trucks and games.
When:4-9 p.m. Saturday, April 20
Where:Dirty T Tamarindo,1211 W. St Marys Road
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Children's Day Festival
This festival presented by Arizona Bilingual Newspaper includes free admission to Children’s Museum Tucson, live entertainment and food.
When:12 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where:Children's Museum Tucson,200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
The Happy Hive Market
Head to Button Brew House for The Happy Hive Market, complete with local makers, beer and food. Stay tuned for the vendor list!
When:Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where:Button Brew House,6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
Tucson International Mariachi Conference
The Tucson International Mariachi Conference is back for another year of workshops, competitions and concerts. The goal of the conference is to "promote awareness and foster traditional values of mariachi music and baile folklórico."
When:May 1-5
Where:Various locations
Cost:Various prices
Visit theevent pagefor more information.
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 ✨
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