Events & Festivals in Tucson

The world's largest gem and mineral show transforms Tucson into a global marketplace. Over 40 venues host thousands of dealers showcasing crystals, fossils, jewelry, and lapidary art. This 2-3 week event attracts collectors, jewelers, and enthusiasts from around the world.

Multi-venue jazz festival featuring national and international artists across genres from traditional to contemporary. Includes club shows, free outdoor concerts, and educational workshops for all ages.

One of the top 25 rodeos in North America features professional cowboys competing in bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Includes a colorful parade through downtown Tucson celebrating Western heritage.

One of the nation's largest literary festivals with hundreds of authors, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitors. Features fiction and nonfiction writers, children's activities, and food vendors across the University of Arizona campus.

Twice-yearly street fair featuring 400+ arts and crafts booths, food vendors, street performers, and live music. Local artists showcase pottery, jewelry, paintings, and handmade goods along historic Fourth Avenue.

Traditional Easter sunrise service at "A" Mountain with panoramic views of Tucson. Community gathering featuring choir music, scripture readings, and celebration of resurrection. All denominations welcome.

Self-guided tour of historically significant homes and buildings not normally open to the public. Features architecture from Spanish colonial to mid-century modern with docents at each location.

Free folk music festival with multiple stages featuring bluegrass, Americana, and traditional folk. Includes workshops, jam sessions, and performances by national and local artists in downtown Tucson.

Premier mariachi event featuring workshops, competitions, and spectacular concerts. World-class mariachi groups and folklorico dancers celebrate Mexican musical traditions. Includes educational programs for youth.

Celebration of Mexican heritage with mariachi music, folklorico dance performances, traditional foods, and cultural exhibits. Family-friendly event honoring the Battle of Puebla with community pride.

Celebration of African American freedom and achievement with live music, dance performances, historical exhibits, and soul food vendors. Educational activities highlight Black history and culture in Southern Arizona.

Tucson's largest Independence Day fireworks display launched from Sentinel Peak. Pre-show entertainment includes live music and food trucks. Spectacular views of the city lights and pyrotechnics.

Celebration of Tucson's monsoon season with lightning photography contests, desert ecology talks, and storm-chaser presentations. Features local artists' monsoon-inspired works and special museum exhibits.

Premier birding festival with field trips, workshops, and vendor exhibits focused on Southeast Arizona's exceptional bird diversity. Includes hummingbird banding demonstrations and night sky viewing.

Celebration of Greek culture with authentic food (gyros, baklava, spanakopita), live music, dancing lessons, and marketplace. Features church tours and cultural exhibits at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

Celebration of Tucson's diverse cultural communities through traditional arts, music, dance, and food. Over 100 ethnic groups share their heritage with demonstrations, performances, and authentic cuisine.

Celebration of mid-century modern architecture, design, and culture. Includes home tours, vintage markets, film screenings, lectures, and parties. Highlights Tucson's significant collection of modernist buildings.

Tucson's unique Dia de los Muertos-inspired procession honoring departed loved ones. Two-mile walk with giant puppets, altars, music, and ceremonial burning of a large urn containing wishes and offerings.

Celebration of Celtic culture with traditional music, Highland dancing, athletic competitions, and clan gatherings. Features bagpipe bands, sheepdog demonstrations, and authentic British Isles food and drink.

One of the nation's largest perimeter cycling events with routes from 102 miles to family-friendly distances. Attracts professional and amateur cyclists raising funds for local charities.

Tucson's iconic holiday light display where the entire Winterhaven neighborhood decorates homes with elaborate Christmas lights. Walking tours, food collection for community food bank, and holiday music throughout.

Celebration of tamales and holiday traditions with tamal-making competitions, cooking demonstrations, and vendors selling homemade tamales. Includes mariachi music, folklorico dance, and holiday craft market.

Boston-qualifying marathon with net downhill course through the Sonoran Desert. Includes half marathon, 10K, and 5K races. Scenic route from Oracle to Tucson with mountain views.