City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (888) 457-3929

Description: Any visit to Tombstone, “The Town Too Tough to Die” (see the Day Trips & Weekend Getaways chapter), means strolling down the wooden sidewalks, touring the historic buildings, and soaking up some of that Old Wild West atmosphere. During this 3-day festival, the citizens of Tombstone go all out to celebrate the history of their hometown. Along with the usual gunfights and hangings (mock, of course), you can enjoy a chili cook-off and period fashions. And if you’re up to it, try the Vigilante 10K run. Take I-10 east to the Benson exit, Highway 80, and follow the signs to Tombstone.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (888) 457-3929

Description: Any visit to Tombstone, “The Town Too Tough to Die” (see the Day Trips & Weekend Getaways chapter), means strolling down the wooden sidewalks, touring the historic buildings, and soaking up some of that Old Wild West atmosphere. During this 3-day festival, the citizens of Tombstone go all out to celebrate the history of their hometown. Along with the usual gunfights and hangings (mock, of course), you can enjoy a chili cook-off and period fashions. And if you’re up to it, try the Vigilante 10K run. Take I-10 east to the Benson exit, Highway 80, and follow the signs to Tombstone.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 722-5853

Description: The Tucson Pops Orchestra began playing in 1955. Today the 50-piece group presents numerous concerts each year, and it continues a tradition of offering free concerts under the beauty of Tucson’s night sky each Sun at 7 p.m. during the month. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and sample the various refreshments sold by local vendors, or come early with the family and enjoy a picnic before the show.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 888-0505

Address: 1145 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

Description: Old-world charm meets modern-day fun at this popular event held in mid-September. (The festival has drawn upward of 20,000 people in past years.) It’s easy to do because admission is nominal, with kids under 12 free.Along with a dazzling array of Greek foods, you’ll be able to learn Greek dances; sip ouzo, metaxa (Greek brandy), or Greek beer; buy Greek handcrafted items; or ride an assortment of carnival rides.This is one of the area’s most popular events, so parking is at a premium. It might be best to park on one of the side streets nearby and walk a short way to the festival. The Hellenic Community Center is located just off the corner of Fort Lowell Road at Mountain Road. The festival runs from Thurs through Sun nights.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 384-2272, (800) 200-2272

Description: The last of the singing cowboys is a native of Willcox, a large farming community about an hour and a half east of Tucson. Featuring a carnival, a rodeo and a parade, arts and crafts, and Western music and dancing, this annual event in late September hearkens back to the good old days. Rex Allen Jr. performs 2 special shows on Saturday, late afternoon and evening. There is a charge for tickets to his show and the rodeo, but just about everything else is free. Take I-10 east to the Willcox exit and head south.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 299-2020

Address: 7000 N. Resort Dr.

Description: There is no better way to experience the amazing culinary variety in Tucson than to attend this annual event. Every major chef, food vendor, and food- and wine-related retailer in town are here. For a set admission fee, you’ll have access to wine tastings, food samples, seminars, and cooking demonstrations. Extras include a Sunday brunch hosted by a top chef.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Address: 349 W. 31st St.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 721-1621

Address: 4823 S. 6th St.

Description: Here’s a chance to see real rodeo cowboys at work. This qualifying event runs for 2 days in mid-October and features bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and the like. You’ll also enjoy team roping, steer wrestling, women’s drill team, and, for the younger set, mutton busting, junior bull riding, pony rides, and a jumping castle. Goodies are available—you might want to purchase a real cowboy hat to take home with you. Ticket prices vary. Kids are free with 1 paid general admission ticket.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 296-1231

Description: Held at the varous locations in late October, the festival features workshops in guitar, bass, banjo, and song construction. You’ll also find music and craft vendors and performers at the plaza stage. The action starts at 10 a.m. There is an admission fee; kids under 16 are free. If you’re into bluegrass, this is the place to be!

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 745-2033

Description: November brings ideal cycling weather and with it this world-famous perimeter bicycling race. Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the ride starts in the heart of downtown and then continues around the city, returning to downtown for the finish. The route covers dirt paths, traveling through washes, and plenty of riding up- and downhill. For the less hardy souls, or bodies, as the case may be, there are start-up points at 109, 79, 66, and 40 miles. And kiddies can join in for fun rides. This race is sanctioned by the Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, which is headquartered right here in Tucson.Spectators can watch El Tour for free anywhere along the route. All registered riders receive a poster and a medallion.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Address: 140 N. Main St.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 624-5004

Insider Pick:

Description: Along with the 4th Avenue Spring Street Fair in April, this is the area’s second-largest event in attendance, some 250,000 people a year. And it’s no wonder! Artisans and craftspersons offer some of the most unique items around in early December. The musicians and performing artists are abundant. And the food . . .The Winter Fair is a great place to find presents, whether it’s jewelry, clothing, or pottery, for those special someones on your list, and while you’re at it, buy something special for yourself. You can also have your face painted, take part in a political discourse, or have your fortune told—maybe you’ll find out that you’ll be returning to the Street Fair next year.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 326-9686

Address: 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Description: The stars of the show at this 2-day event near the beginning of the month are the more than 2,000 luminarias (candles nestled in sand inside a paper sack) that light the paths throughout the gardens. For years families have delighted in the glow of the night and the accompanying music by a variety of musical groups that perform at locations throughout the garden grounds. The candles are lit from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; admission prices vary. Come and enjoy complimentary snacks at this 5.5-acre oasis in the heart of Tucson.

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (520) 642-6455

Address: 7633 N. Paseo de Norte

Description: The lovely Tohono Chul park lights up with over a half million lights for its popular holiday event, held for 4 days in December. Walk the paths that meander through miles of beautifully landscaped gardens and get a whole new view of the park at night. Stop to listen to the fountains and music while you enjoy the soft night air and lack of snow. The Tea Room offers drinks of all kinds and delectable menu items to fortify you. There’s also hot cider and wine. The gift shops are open if you haven’t finished your holiday shopping, and lovely ornaments for sale if you haven’t finished trimming your tree.