Tucson has many cultures and traditions that residents celebrate annually. To make sure that no pieces of the city’s heritage are forgotten, the Cultural Exchange Committee (CEC) of Tucson holds festivals and fairs every Saturday during the summer, celebrating each culture or event in history.
In 1972 the CEC started the “Meet Yourself “ Festival, which draws people from all over the nation to take a look into the roots of Tucson’s history. This event attracts over 20,000 visitors per year.
The European Multi-Ethnic Alliance of Tucson hosts a fair twice a year where more than twenty ethnic and cultural clubs join together to offer authentic ethnic food and authentic, handmade wares to the public. Tucsonans look forward to these festivals with great anticipation.
The CEC is committed to keeping diverse cultures alive. Therefore, each month a public meeting is held at the Botanical gardens for cultural dances, ethnic foods, arts & crafts for all ages, and authentic costumes for every ethnic background.
A year in Southern Arizona is packed with events. Major fairs, fiestas, and cultural and sporting events are listed here.
January Events in Tucson
Dillinger Days
See where 1930s public enemy John Dillinger and his gang were nabbed in Tucson, with historic reenactments at Hotel Congress, 622-8848.
Senior Olympic Festival
More than 30 different events make up this celebration of senior fitness. Multiple venues throughout Tucson, 791-4877, www.tucsonseniorgames.org.
February Events in Tucson
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros: Tucson Rodeo Parade
The largest outdoor winter rodeo in the US, at Tucson Rodeo Grounds. Features the annual Rodeo Parade, the longest-running non-motorized parade in the country. 294-1280, www.tucsonrodeoparade.com.
Tubac Festival of the Arts
Arizona’s oldest art show features exhibits by North American artists and artisans. In Tubac, 398-2704, www.tubacaz.com.
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
View gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, lapidary work, and museum exhibits from around the world. Educational areas for children. Open to the public at Tucson Convention Center, 322-5773, and various other sites around town, 624-1817, www.visittucson.org.
WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship
This PGA Tour event attracts the world’s best golfers, amateurs, and celebrities. Tiger Woods is a three-time champion of the event. The Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain, 866-942-2672, www.worldgolfchampionships.com.
March Events in Tucson
Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair
Artisans and entertainers from around the US provide everything from funky gifts and live music to tasty treats and top-quality crafts. 624-5004, www.fourthavenue.org.
Spring Training
Enjoy an entire month of pre-season baseball with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Tucson Electric Park (434-1000) and Hi Corbett Field (327-9467).
Wa:k Powwow
Many tribes gather from around the US to share their traditions in music, dance, art, and costumes. Mission San Xavier del Bac, 573-4000.
April Events in Tucson
La Frontera Tucson International Mariachi Conference
This cultural celebration features an Espectacular concert, workshops, and the all-day outdoor Fiesta de Garibaldi. 838-3908, www.tucsonmariachi.org.
Old West Founder’s Days
Celebrate the Wild West with parades, races, and a mining competition. Tombstone, 888-457-3929, www.tombstonechamber.com.
Pima County Fair
This carnival brings rides, games, food, and more to the Pima County Fairgrounds, 762-9100, www.swfair.com.
Spring Fling
Hardworking and fun-loving students from The University of Arizona put on this annual carnival, complete with food, rides, games, and entertainment. Rillito Downs, 621-5610, www.springfling.arizona.edu.
May Events in Tucson
Waila Festival
Tohono O’odham bands perform a 100-year-old form of social dance. The University of Arizona, 628-5774.
Wyatt Earp Days
The life and times of the Old West’s most famous lawman are remembered. Tombstone, 888-457-3929.
Thanks to the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau for allowing us to adapt its calendar of events.
June Events in Tucson
Día de San Juan
This festival honoring the start of the summer rainy season includes food, games, music, folk dances, and cultural performing groups. Downtown, 791-4040.
Juneteenth
A festival commemorating the freedom of the last enslaved African-Americans in Texas offers food, dance, music, and displays of community service. Kennedy Park, 225-2670.
July in Tucson
Independence Day Celebrations
Several places in Tucson host picnics, concerts, and fireworks, including a firework show above “A” Mountain. 791-4101.
August Events in Tucson
Augustfest at Sonoita Vineyards
Celebrate the upcoming harvest with grape stomping, vineyard tours, grape tastings, and live music. Local restaurants provide food-and-wine pairings. Sonoita Vineyards, Elgin, 520-455-5893.
La Fiesta de San Agustín
Music, dancing, and food honor Tucson’s patron saint. Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral. Armory Park, 792-4806
Southwest Wings Birding & Nature Festival
Guides lead birders to the Chiricahua National Monument, Huachuca Mountains, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and Ramsey Canyon Preserve in search of our fine feathered friends. Sierra Vista, 520-678-8237, www.swwings.org.
Vigilante Days
Mock shoot-outs and hangings depicting the 19th-century mix it up with modern attractions such as the chili cook-off and 10K run. Tombstone, 520-378-2457, www.tombstonevigilantes.com.
September in Tucson
Brewery Gulch Daze
Visit this family festival in the former red-light district of Bisbee, an 1880s mining boomtown south of Tucson. Bisbee Visitors Center, 866-224-7233, www.discoverbisbee.com.
Cochise County Fair
This annual fair has animals, rides, crafts, and even a rodeo. Cochise County Fairgrounds in Douglas, 520-364-3819.
Harvesting of the Vine
Arizona’s first and largest festival celebrating the grape harvest takes place in the village of Elgin, 520-455-9309, www.elginwines.com.
Tucson Greek Festival
Parishioners put together this festival of food, entertainment, and Old World imports. St. Demetrios Church, 888-0505.
October in Tucson
Desert Thunder Pro Rodeo
Bull riding, cattle roping, and barrel racing take the center ring. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 721-1621, www.desertthunder.com.
Festival of Color
Once a year Sierra Vista blazes with the color of this hot-air balloon festival. Sierra Vista, 520-417-6960, www.visitsierravista.com.
Helldorado Days
Enjoy street entertainment, shoot-outs, a parade, and even an 1880s fashion show. Tombstone, 888-457-3929, www.tombstonechamber.com.
Nightfall
Ghosts and goblins take over Old Tucson Studios for their annual Halloween celebration, 883-0100, www.nightfallaz.com.
Oktoberfest
German bands, dancers, food, and beer help revelers carry on this festive tradition. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 576-1321.
Patagonia Fall Festival
This annual art show and entertainment festival feature arts, crafts, gourmet foods, and bands. Patagonia, 888-794-0060, www.patagoniaaz.com.
Rex Allen Days
The legacy of cowboy songs and movies made famous by former Willcox resident Rex Allen is celebrated. Willcox, 800-200-2272, www.rexallenmuseum.org.
Tucson Culinary Festival
This food-and-wine experience offers participants dinners, seminars, and tastings from more than 60 wineries. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 488-8601, www.tucsonculinaryfestival.com.
Tucson Meet Yourself
More than 50 ethnic groups come together for this multicultural festival of traditional food and arts. El Presidio Park, 792-4806, www.tucsonmeetyourself.org.
November in Tucson
Arizona Cowboy Symposium
Concerts, workshops, and jam sessions by top Western musicians celebrate real and reel cowboys. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 743-9328, www.arizonacowboysymposium.org.
El Tour de Tucson
Thousands of cyclists from around the world participate in 109-, 81-, 66-, and 35-mile rides in one of America’s 10 best century courses. 745-2033, www.perimeterbicycling.com.
Holiday Craft Market
Purchase unique handmade gifts and home decorations for the holidays. Tucson Museum of Art, 624-2333, www.tucsonmuseumofart.org.
Native American Indian Heritage Month & Indian Craft Market
In this social gathering, tribal members share their culture through music, dance, crafts, food, and demonstrations. Rillito Raceway Park, 622-4900, www.usaindianinfo.org.
December in Tucson
El Nacimiento
A traditional Mexican nativity scene is re-created annually with more than 800 miniatures. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 624-2333, www.tucsonmuseumofart.org.
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
Artisans and entertainers from around the US provide everything from funky gifts and live music to tasty treats and top-quality crafts. 624-5004, www.fourthavenue.org.
Holiday Festivities
Stroll garden paths adorned with the glow of luminarias and holiday decorations at Tucson Botanical Gardens, 326-9686, www.tucsonbotanical.org.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul Park
Celebrate the season with thousands of twinkling lights covering this Sonoran Desert park. Tohono Chul Park, 742-6455, www.tohonochulpark.org.
Indian America New Year’s Competition Powwow & Indian Craft Market
This New Year’s celebration features dance competitions, craft exhibits, traditional foods, and drum contests. Rillito Raceway Park, 622-4900, www.usaindianinfo.org.
La Fiesta de Tumacacori
Celebrate the historic upper Santa Cruz River valley’s culture at Tumacacori Mission, founded by Padre Kino and now a national monument. Tumacacori National Historical Park, 398-2341.
Las Posadas
This centuries-old Mexican tradition features a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn at Bethlehem, performed by schoolchildren. Carrillo Magnet School, 225-6437.
Glowing luminarias line the streets as galleries, shops, and studios stay open late for holiday shoppers. Tubac, 398-2704, www.tubacaz.com.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Residents of this midtown neighborhood display their holiday spirit by adorning their homes with thousands of lights and decorations. Ft. Lowell and Country Club Rds., 881-4483, www.winterhavenfestival.org.