City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
17. Country Thunder Usa
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 868-9711
Address: 20585 E. Price Station Rd.
Description: Over 150,000 fans head to this 4-day event, one of the biggest events in country music, taking place in early April. Headliners have included Leann Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, and Martina McBride. At Canyon Moon Ranch off Highway 79 in Florence, get ready for lots of music and food. You can camp nearby or stay at one of the limited number of local hotels. Admission is daily, or you can purchase a pass for the whole shebang.
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 260 S. Church St.
19. Tour Of The Tucson Mountains
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 745-2033
Description: More than 1,000 bicycle riders tour the Tucson Mountains west of the city in 27- and 73-mile races that start at Town Hall in Marana. This race usually takes place on a Saturday in mid-April and includes a kids’ and family fun ride. Fees vary depending on which course you choose.
20. Tucson Glass Festival
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 884-7814
Description: Sponsored by the Sonoran Glass Art Academy, this festival takes you all over town to view the work of some of the most interesting and creative artists in town—glass artists. A 3-day pass ($10, kids under 5 free) includes entry to exhibits, artist studios, galleries, and glass-blowing demonstrations. An extra fee gets you into the exclusive party at the Glass Academy where you can rub shoulders with the artists and enjoy live music and finger foods. Funds raised support the academy’s Youth Development Program. The festival takes place in the beginning of April.
21. University Of Arizona Spring Fling
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 621-5610
Description: Although the Spring Fling, the country’s largest student-run carnival, attracts thousands of students, it’s a great family-fun activity. You’ll find carnival rides, live music, food booths, and games. Wildcat athletes can often be found shaking hands and signing autographs.This 4-day event in early April is manned by some 3,000 student volunteers and helps raise money for the 120 clubs and organizations on campus. (Spring Fling is also the name of the nonprofit organization that puts the whole thing together.)Thurs through Sat the event is open to midnight. On Sat gates open at noon. Sun hours are from noon to 8 p.m.
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
23. Pima County Fair
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 762-3247
Address: 11300 S. Houghton Rd.
Description: Annually in late April, the Pima County Fair is the biggest draw in attendance in Tucson. Each year over 400,000 people attend the fair to enjoy the farm exhibits, the food, and the nightly entertainment.Throughout the 10-day run, you’ll find the usual contests, exhibitions, games, and carnival rides—and plenty of extra touches, such as the interactive children’s exhibits and a fine art exhibit, that go beyond the standard offering of a county fair.Entertainment includes nationally known bands as well as local favorites. Local students show and sell their carefully tended livestock, poultry, and even rabbits. Ribbons are awarded for every kind of homemade goodie (or craft project) you can think of. There is an entrance fee; kids 5 and under are free.
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 260 S. Church St.
25. Tucson Poetry Festival
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Started in 1981, this festival celebrates the beauty of language. The 4-day festival takes place in early April and includes open-mic readings and special performances featuring regional talent. Readings, workshops, and presentations by acclaimed poets also are scheduled. Call or check the website for exact times, locations, and admission prices.
26. Cinco De Mayo
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 791-4873
Description: This holiday—which translates as “5th of May”—celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French at Puebla, Mexico, in 1862. Festivities can be found citywide, especially at the many Mexican restaurants in town. You’ll find music, dancing, crafts, and food at this lively fiesta.
27. Tucson Folk Festival
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 319-8599
Address: 115 S. Church St.
Description: This music festival, sponsored by the Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, includes major national acts as well as continuous music featuring contemporary folk, blues, bluegrass, folk rock, ragtime, and gospel groups. Local and regional acoustical musicians play on multiple stages. Booths sell crafts and food. The free event is held the first weekend of the month.
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 3835 W. Hardy Rd.
29. Juneteenth Festival
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 908-4544
Description: In celebration of the day Texas slaves heard about their emancipation (2 months after the Civil War ended), Juneteenth festivities include athletic events, gospel music at churches around the city, and a 1-day festival at Kennedy Park (see the Parks & Recreation chapter). You can listen to gospel music and a wide variety of musical entertainment throughout the day on Saturday, plus visit an assortment of food booths, all in celebration of Afro-American culture. Take Ajo Road west to La Cholla Boulevard and watch for signs. This event is free.
30. Ha:San Bak: Saguaro Harvest Celebration
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (520) 647-7121
Description: Saguaro cactus fruit (bahidaj) has been harvested by the Tohono O’odham people for centuries. Learn the details of how the harvesting is done and what the fruit is used for in workshops and demonstrations by tribal members. The event includes an all-day workshop (reservations strongly suggested), beginning at 6:30 a.m., where you get to pick saguaro fruit and prepare it for syrup making. Public activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. include music, traditional dancers, craft making, and food. Workshop costs vary, and there is an entry fee per car to enter the park. Dates can change depending on the weather, so be sure to call first.