Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Soul/blues/gospel/Latin. Roots Rising showcases up-and-coming talent: Matt Andersen, Gaby Moreno and Liz Vice performing both stripped down individual sets and a collaborative finale. At Club Congress...
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Fans of exercise and man’s best friend are in luck, as the Humane Society of Southern Arizona is once again taking to the concrete jungle around Kino North Sports Complex in mid-November.
The society is hosting its fifth annual SWEAT for Pets: Walk, Run & Roll event, with a non-competitive 5K walk/run, raising money for homeless pets in Tucson.
The event, which is HSSA’s top-grossing fundraiser, can be tackled by teams or simply as an individual, with participants being encouraged to register early and raise money for animals.
Prizes will be given to anyone that raises $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 and $2,500, according to the shelter’s release, with the race costing $10 for adults to enter and free for dogs and kids.
"Last year we hosted over 750 participants and 400 dogs! All the funds raised go a long way in helping us care for the neglected, sick, injured, and homeless pets in Southern Arizona. You can make a difference while having fun at this year’s SWEAT for Pets,” said Dianna Cannon, Chief Development Officer.
For more information or to register/start a fundraising team, go to hussaz.org/SWEAT, or email the shelter at [email protected].
The society is hosting its fifth annual SWEAT for Pets: Walk, Run & Roll event, with a non-competitive 5K walk/run, raising money for homeless pets in Tucson.
The event, which is HSSA’s top-grossing fundraiser, can be tackled by teams or simply as an individual, with participants being encouraged to register early and raise money for animals.
Prizes will be given to anyone that raises $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 and $2,500, according to the shelter’s release, with the race costing $10 for adults to enter and free for dogs and kids.
"Last year we hosted over 750 participants and 400 dogs! All the funds raised go a long way in helping us care for the neglected, sick, injured, and homeless pets in Southern Arizona. You can make a difference while having fun at this year’s SWEAT for Pets,” said Dianna Cannon, Chief Development Officer.
For more information or to register/start a fundraising team, go to hussaz.org/SWEAT, or email the shelter at [email protected].
Monday, November 11, 2019
“Hi there! My name is Chloe and I am a sweet 5-year-old girl who loves to play. My dream home would have lots of toys for me to play with and a comfy bed for me to rest. In my previous home I did well with dogs, cats, and kids.” Chloe (859662) Bring your family, dogs included, to meet Chloe at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173.
Tags: dogs , pets , animals , Humane Society , adoptable pets , HSSA , Image
Thursday, November 7, 2019
If you’ve attended an Arizona Wildcats basketball game over the past two decades, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve met Robert Wagner.
Wagner has been a steadfast presence at Arizona sporting events, serving as an usher at men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as working football and softball events.
Wagner is a tall and amiable gentleman, with a trademark mustache that’s occasionally dyed various shades of red and blue.
His path to joining the University’s athletics department began two decades ago, after the former Tucson Fire Department employee shattered his leg when his motorcycle was hit by a semi.
Wagner was told he’d never walk again, but willed himself to do just that, thanks in part to taking on a role as an usher at Arizona Stadium in 2000.
“They told me I’d never walk again, so I came to [then-University of Arizona Assistant Athletic Director] Suzy Mason and said, ‘I need a job Suzy, I need to walk.’ They hired me in 2000 to work football and now I do football, softball, women’s volleyball, women’s basketball,” Wagner said. “I love it. It keeps me young; it keeps me moving and being around the kids is a blast.”
Wagner has worked a host of athletic events, but said he feels most at-home inside the friendly confines of McKale Center, a venue he’s been intimately involved with for more than four decades.
His time inside the palatial basketball arena dates back to 1983, when his adult league team used to scrimmage against then-coach Lute Olson’s roster during the hall of fame coach’s first season in Tucson.
Wagner and his longtime ushering colleague, Barry Scofield, were inside the venue for the Wildcats’ home opener against Northern Arizona University, which the Wildcats won in a walk, 91-52, last Wednesday, Nov. 6.
The pair have worked together for eight years, with Scofield coming over from Kino Stadium where he ushered for the city’s former AAA baseball team, the Tucson Sidewinders. Before that, he had a long career in the Navy and with Boeing, where he built some of the company’s most well-known aircraft.
A former member of the Blue Angels demonstration team, Scofield has seen a lot of highs and lows in his eight seasons as an usher, including Pac-12 regular season championships in 2014, ’15, ’17 and ’18.
The highlight for the former Washington State resident is the people he’s met along the way, many of whom he’s on a first-name basis with.
“I enjoy mingling with the season ticketholders as they come through and I’ve gotten to know them and it’s always good to see them,” Scofield said. “I enjoy the people, I enjoy helping them, I enjoy being around them. I enjoy solving their problems for them. I treat them like I would my family.”
Two of those regulars include John and Linda DeCastro, who sit midway up the upper concourse level of section three.
The couple are second-year season ticketholders, receiving the golden tickets from their son and daughter-in-law.
The DeCastros were the first people to arrive in their section last Wednesday night, settling into their plush seats about 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Attending Arizona home games has been a rite of passage for both members of the DeCastro family for decades, as Wildcat basketball is a way of life for the family.
The couple agreed that the pageantry of college basketball is what they love most about attending games. They enjoy watching the Pride of Arizona pep band launch into its setlist and actively scout players from both teams to see who’s hot and who’s struggling with their shot.
Both believe the Wildcats will be much improved from a year ago, when the team suffered through a 17-15 season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.
Their faith looked rather prescient last Wednesday, as the Wildcats shellacked an overmatched Lumberjacks team, with 6-foot-11-inch freshman forward Zeke Nnaji scoring 20 points to lead the team to a one-sided romp.
“I think they’re going to have a really successful season this year and I’m glad that we’re going to be here to see it happen,” John said. “We were basketball fans before we got these seats, but we’re really, really big fans of Arizona basketball now.”
Home court advantage
Arizona coach Sean Miller, who’s entering his 10th season in Tucson, praised the likes of John and Linda after Wednesday’s game.
Miller said announced crowd of 12,960 gave his players a jolt of energy, allowing them to come out hot and bury the Lumberjacks early.
“We had a great crowd here on opening night,” Miller said. “All you need to do is look around America and you see that the opening game, especially on a weekday, isn't always filled.
“I'd like to thank them for showing up and being as active as they were. It was exciting to return to McKale. And our players feed off of that. This is a magical arena and I think all of us feel a great sense of pride to perform well and to play with great effort because of the crowd and the tradition that we have here.”
Nnaji admitted to being a bit awestruck at first by the crowd, before acquiescing and thriving off their collective energy.
“It was great,” he said. “It was so fun to make a big play or getting a defensive stop and hear the crowd cheering you on. I think just gave everyone extra energy.”
Longtime Arizona employees like Wagner and Scofield can attest to the effect that the McKale Center crowd can have on opposing teams.
A glance at the school’s record book will tell you that the Wildcats have won 602 of their 709 games at the arena, which opened its doors in 1973.
The uniqueness of McKale Center, according to Wagner, is its ability to bring together a ravenously passionate fanbase that spans age groups.
The veteran usher believes the fanbase in Tucson is among the best in the nation, which makes his role all the more entertaining.
“I feel very fortunate to be alive and in McKale,” Wagner said. “Every game’s great, every game’s exciting. They’re fun to be around. They keep you young.”
Wagner has been a steadfast presence at Arizona sporting events, serving as an usher at men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as working football and softball events.
Wagner is a tall and amiable gentleman, with a trademark mustache that’s occasionally dyed various shades of red and blue.
His path to joining the University’s athletics department began two decades ago, after the former Tucson Fire Department employee shattered his leg when his motorcycle was hit by a semi.
Wagner was told he’d never walk again, but willed himself to do just that, thanks in part to taking on a role as an usher at Arizona Stadium in 2000.
“They told me I’d never walk again, so I came to [then-University of Arizona Assistant Athletic Director] Suzy Mason and said, ‘I need a job Suzy, I need to walk.’ They hired me in 2000 to work football and now I do football, softball, women’s volleyball, women’s basketball,” Wagner said. “I love it. It keeps me young; it keeps me moving and being around the kids is a blast.”
Wagner has worked a host of athletic events, but said he feels most at-home inside the friendly confines of McKale Center, a venue he’s been intimately involved with for more than four decades.
His time inside the palatial basketball arena dates back to 1983, when his adult league team used to scrimmage against then-coach Lute Olson’s roster during the hall of fame coach’s first season in Tucson.
Wagner and his longtime ushering colleague, Barry Scofield, were inside the venue for the Wildcats’ home opener against Northern Arizona University, which the Wildcats won in a walk, 91-52, last Wednesday, Nov. 6.
The pair have worked together for eight years, with Scofield coming over from Kino Stadium where he ushered for the city’s former AAA baseball team, the Tucson Sidewinders. Before that, he had a long career in the Navy and with Boeing, where he built some of the company’s most well-known aircraft.
A former member of the Blue Angels demonstration team, Scofield has seen a lot of highs and lows in his eight seasons as an usher, including Pac-12 regular season championships in 2014, ’15, ’17 and ’18.
The highlight for the former Washington State resident is the people he’s met along the way, many of whom he’s on a first-name basis with.
“I enjoy mingling with the season ticketholders as they come through and I’ve gotten to know them and it’s always good to see them,” Scofield said. “I enjoy the people, I enjoy helping them, I enjoy being around them. I enjoy solving their problems for them. I treat them like I would my family.”
Two of those regulars include John and Linda DeCastro, who sit midway up the upper concourse level of section three.
The couple are second-year season ticketholders, receiving the golden tickets from their son and daughter-in-law.
The DeCastros were the first people to arrive in their section last Wednesday night, settling into their plush seats about 90 minutes prior to tipoff.
Attending Arizona home games has been a rite of passage for both members of the DeCastro family for decades, as Wildcat basketball is a way of life for the family.
The couple agreed that the pageantry of college basketball is what they love most about attending games. They enjoy watching the Pride of Arizona pep band launch into its setlist and actively scout players from both teams to see who’s hot and who’s struggling with their shot.
Both believe the Wildcats will be much improved from a year ago, when the team suffered through a 17-15 season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.
Their faith looked rather prescient last Wednesday, as the Wildcats shellacked an overmatched Lumberjacks team, with 6-foot-11-inch freshman forward Zeke Nnaji scoring 20 points to lead the team to a one-sided romp.
“I think they’re going to have a really successful season this year and I’m glad that we’re going to be here to see it happen,” John said. “We were basketball fans before we got these seats, but we’re really, really big fans of Arizona basketball now.”
Home court advantage
Arizona coach Sean Miller, who’s entering his 10th season in Tucson, praised the likes of John and Linda after Wednesday’s game.
Miller said announced crowd of 12,960 gave his players a jolt of energy, allowing them to come out hot and bury the Lumberjacks early.
“We had a great crowd here on opening night,” Miller said. “All you need to do is look around America and you see that the opening game, especially on a weekday, isn't always filled.
“I'd like to thank them for showing up and being as active as they were. It was exciting to return to McKale. And our players feed off of that. This is a magical arena and I think all of us feel a great sense of pride to perform well and to play with great effort because of the crowd and the tradition that we have here.”
Nnaji admitted to being a bit awestruck at first by the crowd, before acquiescing and thriving off their collective energy.
“It was great,” he said. “It was so fun to make a big play or getting a defensive stop and hear the crowd cheering you on. I think just gave everyone extra energy.”
Longtime Arizona employees like Wagner and Scofield can attest to the effect that the McKale Center crowd can have on opposing teams.
A glance at the school’s record book will tell you that the Wildcats have won 602 of their 709 games at the arena, which opened its doors in 1973.
The uniqueness of McKale Center, according to Wagner, is its ability to bring together a ravenously passionate fanbase that spans age groups.
The veteran usher believes the fanbase in Tucson is among the best in the nation, which makes his role all the more entertaining.
“I feel very fortunate to be alive and in McKale,” Wagner said. “Every game’s great, every game’s exciting. They’re fun to be around. They keep you young.”
Tags: University of Arizona , Tucson , McKale , Arizona Wildcats , basketball , Robert Wagner , sports , Image
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
On Nov. 5, the board unanimously approved the policy which will use the General Fund to pay for capital infrastructure projects in the county, including roads in unincorporated areas.
It is a policy similar to one already being utilized in Maricopa County, and will be used by the county administrator to craft a recommended budget each year.
The Pay-As-You-Go plan (PAYGO) will provide $10 million next fiscal year for road repair, along with an additional $16 million of Transportation Department funding. Several other county departments, like the wastewater department, already use PAYGO plans for their infrastructure needs.
The majority of PAYGO funds will be used for road repairs and will later primarily fund projects identified in the Integrated Infrastructure Plan.
Funding for PAYGO will come from a percentage of growth in the overall county tax base and from recapturing a portion of the taxes no longer needed to pay off bonds, while also reducing the combined county property tax rate over time.
The Board of Supervisors voted to apply 60 percent of the tax base increase to PAYGO when the county’s annual budget is being crafted. They are also directing the county administrator to reduce the primary tax rate to provide relief for the remaining 40 percent of growth in the tax base.
The county anticipates that the amount of money needed to pay off its bond debts will decline significantly in coming years, and so the tax rate needed to pay off debts can be reduced year-over-year, declining to zero in ten years.
“This PAYGO plan will provide us the funding to make sure our critical infrastructure is maintained and that we’re meeting the needs of a growing population, while at the same time providing tax relief to county taxpayers. It is a win-win plan that still gives the board the flexibility to determine funding priorities every year,” said County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry in a release.
To learn more about the PAYGO plan, see Huckleberry's memo to the board here.
Tags: roads , infrastructure projects , PAYGO , Board of Supervisors , Pima County , Image
Courtesy photo (fivefingerdeathpunch.com/)
These heavy metallists drew influence from kung-fu cinema for their moniker and the title of their debut album, The Way of the Fist. Now Five Finger Death Punch bring And Justice For None (Prospect Park, 2018) to the Tucson Convention Center. With Canadian post-grunge/alt-rockers Three Days Grace, Bad Wolves and Fire From the Gods...
Tags: Music , concerts , live music , do this , fun , stuff to do , country , rock , metal , Image
Monday, November 4, 2019
Courtesy photo
The adoption events, which will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the PetSmart on Oracle and Wetmore (4374 N. Oracle Road) and at El Con Mall (3695 E. Broadway Boulevard).
PACC currently has 397 dogs and 229 cats available for adoption, with another 934 available to foster.
A $20 licensing fee applies to all dogs that are adopted at the events, though the animals are all spayed/neutered, and have vaccinations and microchips included in the cost.
For more information on PACC and the adoption event, visit https://petsmartcharities.org/adopt-a-pet/adoption-events.
Tags: pets , PACC , PetSmart , adoptions , dogs , cats , Pima County , Image
Friday, November 1, 2019
Friday, Nov. 1
It's back. Night of the Living Fest 2019 is three nights of music. Featuring The Melvins, Kikagaku Moyo, Steve Roach, Good Morning, Red Cross, Minami Deutsch, Toshi Kasai, PPL MVR, Tsushimamire y un chingo mas. At Hotel Congress and Mercado San Agustin Annex. All proceeds to benefit All Souls Procession. See nightofthelivingfest.com for all the details...
Originally forming in Prescott, Arizona, these music festival favorites mash together dance, funk, improvisation, rock and beams of light. Aiming at creating a mood altering experience, they push the boundaries of what a jam band can be. Everything Falls Into Place for Spafford at 191 Toole...
These Celtic rockers songs—"Caroline" and "(I Don't Think I'll) Love Anymore"—have been featured on biker noir series Sons of Anarchy. The Young Dubliners wrestle with moral dualism when they kick off the annual Tucson Celtic Festival along with Celtic-punks The Tossers. At Rillito Raceway Park. Representing women's voices in Celtic rock, the fire breathing Eldritch Dragons and Celtica open the show...
Part of Night of the Living Fest, Los Rakas and Making Movies "Roll Up" for a special edition of El Tambó. Resident badasses Sonido Tambó, DJ Ethos, PSYPIRITUAL and Los Esplifs spin sides. On the plaza at Hotel Congress...
Gathering to commemorate lost loved ones through music and dance, Casa De Los Muertos will takeover Beatz & Sweetz. DJ Nic and guests—Alias, Tega, Lunarfluxx, J Armand—will be spinning tribal, Latin and Afro house all night. At Batch Cafe & Bar...
Empowering local artists on the rise. Locals Only Fridays features sets by Richard "Da Bartender" Lee, Variable, The Life of Moor, DP (aka Donny Cashflow), Mimi Marie and City Boyz. Mr. Head's Bar is the spot...
"Come for the Snatch, stay for the O." In their debut performance, Snatch Sabbath pairs with Miss Olivia and the Interlopers. Chaos will ensue. At Saint Charles Tavern...
With songs about "Stripper Poles" and "Cherry Pop Tarts," Funky Bonz have been "Making It Funky" since 1993. At Thunder Canyon Brewstillery...
With proceeds to benefit Tu Nidito—a local non-profit organization that helps children and families dealing with death or serious illness—Mosh for Mental Health 2019 features The Abstract, Evasion, Despair, Old Fashion Assassin, Corky's Leather Jacket, Pretty Ugly and Blacklidge. At The Rock...
In much the same way that menudo is doled out after a hard day's night of drinking, Pedro y Los Líricos return to Exo Bar to serve up flavorful rancheras, cumbias y norteñas, caliente y picante... In the spirit of The Dead Milkmen, hyper-econo helium punks, microdoser bring the Sunshine on the Graveyard Tour to Sky Bar. With the Logan Greene Whatever and Elephants Gerald...
Resident DJs W3$T Friday and Elektra Tek host some of the Old Pueblo's top and up-and-coming turntablists. Funk Yo House Fridays goes off at Irene's Holy Donuts...
The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block is taking it to the streets with Crush Party 2019. In addition to the fine wines, spirits and noshables, Street Blues Family and Santa Pachita supply the music...
Saturday, Nov. 2
Summer Walker, called "unequivocally the hottest female voice in R&B," is at the Rialto Theatre. Rising Harlem rapper MELII helps to warms things up...
Emerging from the borough of Staten Island in 1993, their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, changed the game forever. Wu-Tang Clan rolls the 36 Chambers 25th Anniversary Celebration Tour into the AVA Amphitheater...
Pop songstress Belinda Esquer is at Tucson Hop Shop...
Inspired by soul, folk and rock, Adam Townsend Band performs in the courtyard at Mercado San Agustin...
Barely Bi-Pedal provides the music for artist/musician Ryen Eggleston's Art Party: All You Can Eat is a show that "perfectly reflects the arrogance and gluttony of the culture of capitalism." At How Sweet It Was...
Their new album, Long Time Comin'—plainspoken with alt-country grit and the Braun brothers' signature harmonies—cements their place in Austin's roots rock scene. Micky & The Motorcars play The Rock. With the red dirt country of Drew Cooper and The Cole Trains...
Vocalist Diane Van Deurzen and pianist Lisa Otey perform boogie woogie, blues and torch songs. In the tasting room at Sand-Reckoner...
DJs NoirTech and Tommy Defekt present Electro-Boom: An audiovisual EDM experience. At the Surly Wench Pub...
An ofrenda to the dead. In an intimate All Souls themed performance, Little Cloud and Oscar Fuentes are at Saint Charles Tavern...
Featuring impassioned, reverent and insightful performances by Chelsea Lee Trejo, Paul Amiel, Mamma Coal and Buddy Woodward, Hannah Yeun, Barely Bi-Pedal, Ryen Eggleston, Vicki Brown, Amy Rude and Doug Smith. Songs About Death will be sung at Exo Bar. Proceeds to benefit No Mas Muertes...
Sunday, Nov. 3
Is it a bird? Is it a frog's croak? "When The Fire Comes," Londoner indie poppers Kero Kero Bonito will be there. At the Rialto Theatre. With the ethereal club pop of Negative Gemini...
These new wavers emerged from a surrealist theatrical troupe who supplied the music for Richard Elfman's Forbidden Zone (1980) and other film projects, but got bored waiting around for the completion of the film and started gigging around L.A., and got signed to I.R.S. Records in the process. Former members of Oingo Boingo carry on. At the Fox Theatre...
Dance With Me? Legendary California punk rockers T.S.O.L. extend a hand. At The Rock. Local punks The Besmirchers, Bleach Party, USA, Los Diablos Gordos, Gutter Town and The Dead Beat Hymns kick out the jams first...
Acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter/storyteller Kevin Pakulis and his band create a front-porch vibe. In the taproom at Borderlands Brewing Company...
Dedicated to preserving America's original music, Tucson Jazz Society presents The Phil Davis Jazz Band. At Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ...
Tags: Music , concerts , hip hop , rock , indie , djs , electronica , storytelling , fun , things to do , Image
Friday, Nov. 1
Repo Man. Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez team up for this 80s sci-fi satire about punk life, with themes that echo into today. In this case, being a repo man is a little more complicated than it might seem, when the characters wind up with a mysterious Chevy Malibu with a “cop-evaporating alien force” in the trunk. For the 35th anniversary of this blue collar punk rock masterpiece, the Loft invites you to “do some crimes.” 10 to 11:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Information.
Bear Down Fridays. While school is in session at the UA, cries of “Bear Down!” are heard so often and with such enthusiasm that it’s safe to say that we are all existing in a constant Bear Down state. But bear down extra on the Friday before the next UA football game. Shops and restaurants in Main Gate Square are having specials from 4 to 7, and a big pep rally with Wilbur and Wilma, UA cheerleaders, the pom squad and twirlers begins at 6 p.m. There’s also a special activity zone for the kids and a special guest appearance by at least one UA coach. 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. Main Gate Square. Free. Information.
Tucson Comic-Con. Come one, come all, to Tucson’s annual pop culture bonanza for all ages! This year’s guests include artists Adam Yeater, Alfred Trujillo and Chiara Bautista; actors Jim Fye, Johnny Yong and Paul Blake; authors James A. Owen, Jessica Feinberg and Marsheila Rockwell; and cosplay stars Always Be Thor, Cara Nicole and Guy Parrulli. There’s always so much to do at Comic-Con, from artists alley and costume contests to autograph & photo ops to seminars and panels. There’s even a big ol’ scavenger hunt. Come nerd out with a bunch of people who are just as excited to be there as you are. Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Prices range from $5 for a one-day ticket for kids 9 to 13, to $45 for a three-day pass for adults. Kids 8 and under get in free with a paying adult. Information.
Crush Party 2019. It’s time for the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block’s annual shindig of all shindigs. Much like an art gallery, Crush Party gathers all sorts of local breweries and restaurants for you to peruse. Participating eateries this year include Crooked Tooth Brewing, Cafe 54 Bistro, Tito & Pep, Thunder Canyon Brewstillery, Welcome Diner, Sand-Reckoner Vineyards, PY Steak House and many more. Enjoy food, drinks and music while dancing in the moonlight. VIP tickets get you into the special Hamilton Distillers’ Whiskey Del Bac Showdown. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. 140 N. Main Ave. Tickets: Museum Member + Designated Driver: $45 / General Admission: $60 / VIP Package: $100. Information.
Grain Culture: A Panel Discussion. Pueblo Vida Brewing Company and Iron Horse Fabricators are hosting a panel compiled to “make a case for buying grain from small farms and how that affects decisions on production, flavor and beyond.” This educational talk about local brewing includes speakers from Barrio Bread, Pueblo Vida, Mecca Grade Estate Malt and BKW Farms. And after the talk, there will be food from Fiamme Pizza Napoletana, beers and live music. A portion of proceeds will go to the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild Foundation. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. 503 E. Ninth St. Information.
LightArt. Flowers make the world a brighter place, but this series of botanical lighting fixtures literally make the space around them brighter. For the next few months, that space is at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Ryan Smith, the Seattle architect and designer behind LightArt, found his inspiration for this project in the flowers from the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendron and cherry blossoms, foxglove and columbine, snowdrops and chartreuse blossoms abound. And all of them provide a warm glow that will make you feel both in awe of how lovely art can be and like you seriously need to step up the lighting game in your own home. On display through Jan. 5 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $15 adults, $13 seniors/students/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4. Information.
Tucson Landmarks Month at the Madaras Gallery. The Madaras Gallery is celebrating 20 years of bringing art to Tucson by having a special themed exhibit each month. It’s only fitting that a gallery that’s so quintessentially Tucson would have a month dedicated to showcasing art of Tucson landmarks. From Mission San Xavier del Bac to the Barrio neighborhood to the University of Arizona, it’s a showcase that will remind you just how beautiful our Old Pueblo is. Nov. 1-30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Madaras Gallery, 2025 N. Swan Rd. Free. Information.
Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games. Raise your hand if you’re feeling Celtic! If your hand is raised, then you’re in the perfect mood to head to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship. If your hand is not raised, then what better way to get in the Celtic spirit than by heading to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship? Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. First Ave. $45 for a weekend pass, with lower prices for individual days and for students, seniors, youth and military. Information.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Repo Man. Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez team up for this 80s sci-fi satire about punk life, with themes that echo into today. In this case, being a repo man is a little more complicated than it might seem, when the characters wind up with a mysterious Chevy Malibu with a “cop-evaporating alien force” in the trunk. For the 35th anniversary of this blue collar punk rock masterpiece, the Loft invites you to “do some crimes.” 10 to 11:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Information.
Tucson Comic-Con. Come one, come all, to Tucson’s annual pop culture bonanza for all ages! This year’s guests include artists Adam Yeater, Alfred Trujillo and Chiara Bautista; actors Jim Fye, Johnny Yong and Paul Blake; authors James A. Owen, Jessica Feinberg and Marsheila Rockwell; and cosplay stars Always Be Thor, Cara Nicole and Guy Parrulli. There’s always so much to do at Comic-Con, from artists alley and costume contests to autograph & photo ops to seminars and panels. There’s even a big ol’ scavenger hunt. Come nerd out with a bunch of people who are just as excited to be there as you are. Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Prices range from $5 for a one-day ticket for kids 9 to 13, to $45 for a three-day pass for adults. Kids 8 and under get in free with a paying adult. Information.
Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games. Raise your hand if you’re feeling Celtic! If your hand is raised, then you’re in the perfect mood to head to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship. If your hand is not raised, then what better way to get in the Celtic spirit than by heading to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship? Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. First Ave. $45 for a weekend pass, with lower prices for individual days and for students, seniors, youth and military. Information.
Tucson Landmarks Month at the Madaras Gallery. The Madaras Gallery is celebrating 20 years of bringing art to Tucson by having a special themed exhibit each month. It’s only fitting that a gallery that’s so quintessentially Tucson would have a month dedicated to showcasing art of Tucson landmarks. From Mission San Xavier del Bac to the Barrio neighborhood to the University of Arizona, it’s a showcase that will remind you just how beautiful our Old Pueblo is. Nov. 1-30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Madaras Gallery, 2025 N. Swan Rd. Free.
LightArt. Flowers make the world a brighter place, but this series of botanical lighting fixtures literally make the space around them brighter. For the next few months, that space is at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Ryan Smith, the Seattle architect and designer behind LightArt, found his inspiration for this project in the flowers from the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendron and cherry blossoms, foxglove and columbine, snowdrops and chartreuse blossoms abound. And all of them provide a warm glow that will make you feel both in awe of how lovely art can be and like you seriously need to step up the lighting game in your own home. On display through Jan. 5 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $15 adults, $13 seniors/students/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4. Information.
Taste of The Desert Festival. The UA Cooperative Extension The Garden Kitchen is hosting a free celebration of our local food system. The day includes demonstrations and tastings that feature “wild and cultivated foods native to the Southwest.” More than food samples, there will be cooking demonstrations and local food vendors. (As if you needed anything other than free food samples to convince you.) Come on out and get a taste of the landscape you call home! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. 2205 S. Fourth Ave. Free. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. You probably already know that Tucson is full of art, but sometimes it feels like it’s so full of art that you don’t really get a chance to see it all! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting two weekends of showcasing artists, musicians and other creatives who have working studio spaces open to the public. This is your chance to meet with some of our local artists, learn about their artistic processes and see an incredible variety of art, from jewelry to photography to painting, sculpture and textiles. This week features studios north of Grant Road, including those of Judith Austin, Merlin Cohen, Terry Parker, and Elizabeth & Tony von Isser. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3. Free. Information.
Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival. If you’re tired of all the spooky-themed events of October, head on down to Sonoita this weekend, where there is plenty of room in town for the two of us, and in fact, for more than 2,000 of us—at least that’s how many people usually come. Some of this year’s highlights include a chance to meet with the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers, to hear from Author Alan Day in his talk “Life on the Lazy B as Lived by an American Cowboy,” a chance to take old timey photos at Tumbleweed Tillie’s and a chance to safely view the sun with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. Plus, plenty of Western music and entertainment, ranch life activities and a silent auction. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Empire Ranch Foundation, on Empire Ranch Road off Scenic Highway 83. $10 donation per car requested. Information.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Sunday Open Mic at the O. A host of Tucson’s comedy stars and lesser lights will celebrate the debut of The “O”pen MIC at 6:30 p.m., Sunday Nov. 3. Scheduled as a weekly event, the show is hosted by Matt Ziemak, who has a track record of successful, long-running shows. With Rory Monserat, he founded Brew Ha Ha at Borderlands Brewing Company, now in its fourth year. At The Hut he runs the monthly Switch show which he inherited from Pauly Casillas. The mic is free, and non-comedians are welcome to enjoy watching comedians kill, bomb and everything in between. Your feedback could make someone a star … eventually. Information.
Tea Ceremony at Yume. If you missed the tea ceremony that Seven Cups held at Yume Japanese Gardens a few weeks back, then make sure you get to this one. Even if you were at the Seven Cups ceremony, this one will be different. A tea master, in classical kimono and following etiquette established nearly 1,000 years ago, will prepare and serve you a bowl of matcha (powdered green tea), as well as provide a traditional Japanese treat. Intended for individuals 15 and up, this is an opportunity to participate in one of Japan’s most distinctive rituals. 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. $25, or $15 for members. Tickets include admission to the gardens. Information.
Prospective Volunteer Coffee at the Presidio Museum. Have you ever thought about volunteering at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum? With the museum growing more popular every day, they sure could use your help. The thing is, doing things like gardening, leading children’s educational field trips and participating in living history reenactments probably won’t feel much like work. Come learn more about the opportunities to volunteer for the museum at this free event, which features coffee, tea, light refreshments and even a brief history of the original Presidio to get you extra excited. 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, but please RSVP at tucsonpresidio.com by Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Presidio, 196 N. Court Ave. Free. Information.
Ballet Tucson Fall Concert. Ballet Tucson is kicking off its season with a seriously cool lineup. First, a fanciful steampunk rendition of Jekyll & Hyde, with choreography and concept by Chieko Imada and Mary Beth Cabana. Then the Tucson premiere of “Five Movements, Three Repeats,” a mix of modern dance and ballet by choreographic superstar Christopher Wheeldon. The finale, “In the Mood,” is a swing-style bonanza featuring popular big band music, choreographed by Mark Schneider. Come see a night full of different kinds of dancing, all performed by wildly talented dancers. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1713 E. University Blvd. $45 GA, $40 seniors/students/military. Information.
Tucson Comic-Con. Come one, come all, to Tucson’s annual pop culture bonanza for all ages! This year’s guests include artists Adam Yeater, Alfred Trujillo and Chiara Bautista; actors Jim Fye, Johnny Yong and Paul Blake; authors James A. Owen, Jessica Feinberg and Marsheila Rockwell; and cosplay stars Always Be Thor, Cara Nicole and Guy Parrulli. There’s always so much to do at Comic-Con, from artists alley and costume contests to autograph & photo ops to seminars and panels. There’s even a big ol’ scavenger hunt. Come nerd out with a bunch of people who are just as excited to be there as you are. Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Prices range from $5 for a one-day ticket for kids 9 to 13, to $45 for a three-day pass for adults. Kids 8 and under get in free with a paying adult. Information.
Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games. Raise your hand if you’re feeling Celtic! If your hand is raised, then you’re in the perfect mood to head to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship. If your hand is not raised, then what better way to get in the Celtic spirit than by heading to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship? Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. First Ave. $45 for a weekend pass, with lower prices for individual days and for students, seniors, youth and military. Information.
Tucson Landmarks Month at the Madaras Gallery. The Madaras Gallery is celebrating 20 years of bringing art to Tucson by having a special themed exhibit each month. It’s only fitting that a gallery that’s so quintessentially Tucson would have a month dedicated to showcasing art of Tucson landmarks. From Mission San Xavier del Bac to the Barrio neighborhood to the University of Arizona, it’s a showcase that will remind you just how beautiful our Old Pueblo is. Nov. 1-30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Madaras Gallery, 2025 N. Swan Rd. Free. Information.
LightArt. Flowers make the world a brighter place, but this series of botanical lighting fixtures literally make the space around them brighter. For the next few months, that space is at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Ryan Smith, the Seattle architect and designer behind LightArt, found his inspiration for this project in the flowers from the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendron and cherry blossoms, foxglove and columbine, snowdrops and chartreuse blossoms abound. And all of them provide a warm glow that will make you feel both in awe of how lovely art can be and like you seriously need to step up the lighting game in your own home. On display through Jan. 5 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $15 adults, $13 seniors/students/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4. Information.
Rillito Park Farmers Market Five-Year Anniversary. High five! Actually don’t, you’ll drop your handfuls of fresh produce. Rillito Park Farmers Market and Heirloom Farmers Markets are celebrating five years of getting the best locally produced foods into the hands everyone interested. For this celebration, they’re hosting a featured chef demonstration from Chef Ryan Clark of Casino Del Sol and live music by Michael P. and the Gullywashers. It’s good food and good vibes, and while supporting local farmers and artisans. Delish! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. 4502 N. First Ave. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. You probably already know that Tucson is full of art, but sometimes it feels like it’s so full of art that you don’t really get a chance to see it all! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting two weekends of showcasing artists, musicians and other creatives who have working studio spaces open to the public. This is your chance to meet with some of our local artists, learn about their artistic processes and see an incredible variety of art, from jewelry to photography to painting, sculpture and textiles. This week features studios north of Grant Road, including those of Judith Austin, Merlin Cohen, Terry Parker, and Elizabeth & Tony von Isser. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3. Free. Information.
Repo Man. Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez team up for this 80s sci-fi satire about punk life, with themes that echo into today. In this case, being a repo man is a little more complicated than it might seem, when the characters wind up with a mysterious Chevy Malibu with a “cop-evaporating alien force” in the trunk. For the 35th anniversary of this blue collar punk rock masterpiece, the Loft invites you to “do some crimes.” 10 to 11:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Information.
Bear Down Fridays. While school is in session at the UA, cries of “Bear Down!” are heard so often and with such enthusiasm that it’s safe to say that we are all existing in a constant Bear Down state. But bear down extra on the Friday before the next UA football game. Shops and restaurants in Main Gate Square are having specials from 4 to 7, and a big pep rally with Wilbur and Wilma, UA cheerleaders, the pom squad and twirlers begins at 6 p.m. There’s also a special activity zone for the kids and a special guest appearance by at least one UA coach. 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. Main Gate Square. Free. Information.
Tucson Comic-Con. Come one, come all, to Tucson’s annual pop culture bonanza for all ages! This year’s guests include artists Adam Yeater, Alfred Trujillo and Chiara Bautista; actors Jim Fye, Johnny Yong and Paul Blake; authors James A. Owen, Jessica Feinberg and Marsheila Rockwell; and cosplay stars Always Be Thor, Cara Nicole and Guy Parrulli. There’s always so much to do at Comic-Con, from artists alley and costume contests to autograph & photo ops to seminars and panels. There’s even a big ol’ scavenger hunt. Come nerd out with a bunch of people who are just as excited to be there as you are. Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Prices range from $5 for a one-day ticket for kids 9 to 13, to $45 for a three-day pass for adults. Kids 8 and under get in free with a paying adult. Information.
Crush Party 2019. It’s time for the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block’s annual shindig of all shindigs. Much like an art gallery, Crush Party gathers all sorts of local breweries and restaurants for you to peruse. Participating eateries this year include Crooked Tooth Brewing, Cafe 54 Bistro, Tito & Pep, Thunder Canyon Brewstillery, Welcome Diner, Sand-Reckoner Vineyards, PY Steak House and many more. Enjoy food, drinks and music while dancing in the moonlight. VIP tickets get you into the special Hamilton Distillers’ Whiskey Del Bac Showdown. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. 140 N. Main Ave. Tickets: Museum Member + Designated Driver: $45 / General Admission: $60 / VIP Package: $100. Information.
Grain Culture: A Panel Discussion. Pueblo Vida Brewing Company and Iron Horse Fabricators are hosting a panel compiled to “make a case for buying grain from small farms and how that affects decisions on production, flavor and beyond.” This educational talk about local brewing includes speakers from Barrio Bread, Pueblo Vida, Mecca Grade Estate Malt and BKW Farms. And after the talk, there will be food from Fiamme Pizza Napoletana, beers and live music. A portion of proceeds will go to the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild Foundation. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. 503 E. Ninth St. Information.
LightArt. Flowers make the world a brighter place, but this series of botanical lighting fixtures literally make the space around them brighter. For the next few months, that space is at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Ryan Smith, the Seattle architect and designer behind LightArt, found his inspiration for this project in the flowers from the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendron and cherry blossoms, foxglove and columbine, snowdrops and chartreuse blossoms abound. And all of them provide a warm glow that will make you feel both in awe of how lovely art can be and like you seriously need to step up the lighting game in your own home. On display through Jan. 5 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $15 adults, $13 seniors/students/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4. Information.
Tucson Landmarks Month at the Madaras Gallery. The Madaras Gallery is celebrating 20 years of bringing art to Tucson by having a special themed exhibit each month. It’s only fitting that a gallery that’s so quintessentially Tucson would have a month dedicated to showcasing art of Tucson landmarks. From Mission San Xavier del Bac to the Barrio neighborhood to the University of Arizona, it’s a showcase that will remind you just how beautiful our Old Pueblo is. Nov. 1-30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Madaras Gallery, 2025 N. Swan Rd. Free. Information.
Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games. Raise your hand if you’re feeling Celtic! If your hand is raised, then you’re in the perfect mood to head to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship. If your hand is not raised, then what better way to get in the Celtic spirit than by heading to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship? Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. First Ave. $45 for a weekend pass, with lower prices for individual days and for students, seniors, youth and military. Information.
Saturday, Nov. 2
The Valencia Library’s 50th Birthday. In October 1969, the Valencia Library opened as a 7,800 square foot building that served about 27,000 people. Fifty years and two renovations later, it’s an 18,000 square foot community hub for more than 90,00 people! And that sounds like as good a reason as any to throw a party, right? Head on over for giant games, book giveaways, crafts, sugar skulls and piñatas. Chow down at the food trucks and enjoy live music by Las Trillizas y Dulce, Gertie and the T.O. Boyz, and the Ocotillo Ballet Folklórico. You’d better book it on over!
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Valencia Library, 202 W. Valencia Rd.
Repo Man. Harry Dean Stanton and Emilio Estevez team up for this 80s sci-fi satire about punk life, with themes that echo into today. In this case, being a repo man is a little more complicated than it might seem, when the characters wind up with a mysterious Chevy Malibu with a “cop-evaporating alien force” in the trunk. For the 35th anniversary of this blue collar punk rock masterpiece, the Loft invites you to “do some crimes.” 10 to 11:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Information.
Tucson Comic-Con. Come one, come all, to Tucson’s annual pop culture bonanza for all ages! This year’s guests include artists Adam Yeater, Alfred Trujillo and Chiara Bautista; actors Jim Fye, Johnny Yong and Paul Blake; authors James A. Owen, Jessica Feinberg and Marsheila Rockwell; and cosplay stars Always Be Thor, Cara Nicole and Guy Parrulli. There’s always so much to do at Comic-Con, from artists alley and costume contests to autograph & photo ops to seminars and panels. There’s even a big ol’ scavenger hunt. Come nerd out with a bunch of people who are just as excited to be there as you are. Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Prices range from $5 for a one-day ticket for kids 9 to 13, to $45 for a three-day pass for adults. Kids 8 and under get in free with a paying adult. Information.
Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games. Raise your hand if you’re feeling Celtic! If your hand is raised, then you’re in the perfect mood to head to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship. If your hand is not raised, then what better way to get in the Celtic spirit than by heading to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship? Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. First Ave. $45 for a weekend pass, with lower prices for individual days and for students, seniors, youth and military. Information.
Tucson Landmarks Month at the Madaras Gallery. The Madaras Gallery is celebrating 20 years of bringing art to Tucson by having a special themed exhibit each month. It’s only fitting that a gallery that’s so quintessentially Tucson would have a month dedicated to showcasing art of Tucson landmarks. From Mission San Xavier del Bac to the Barrio neighborhood to the University of Arizona, it’s a showcase that will remind you just how beautiful our Old Pueblo is. Nov. 1-30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Madaras Gallery, 2025 N. Swan Rd. Free.
LightArt. Flowers make the world a brighter place, but this series of botanical lighting fixtures literally make the space around them brighter. For the next few months, that space is at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Ryan Smith, the Seattle architect and designer behind LightArt, found his inspiration for this project in the flowers from the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendron and cherry blossoms, foxglove and columbine, snowdrops and chartreuse blossoms abound. And all of them provide a warm glow that will make you feel both in awe of how lovely art can be and like you seriously need to step up the lighting game in your own home. On display through Jan. 5 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $15 adults, $13 seniors/students/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4. Information.
Taste of The Desert Festival. The UA Cooperative Extension The Garden Kitchen is hosting a free celebration of our local food system. The day includes demonstrations and tastings that feature “wild and cultivated foods native to the Southwest.” More than food samples, there will be cooking demonstrations and local food vendors. (As if you needed anything other than free food samples to convince you.) Come on out and get a taste of the landscape you call home! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. 2205 S. Fourth Ave. Free. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. You probably already know that Tucson is full of art, but sometimes it feels like it’s so full of art that you don’t really get a chance to see it all! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting two weekends of showcasing artists, musicians and other creatives who have working studio spaces open to the public. This is your chance to meet with some of our local artists, learn about their artistic processes and see an incredible variety of art, from jewelry to photography to painting, sculpture and textiles. This week features studios north of Grant Road, including those of Judith Austin, Merlin Cohen, Terry Parker, and Elizabeth & Tony von Isser. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3. Free. Information.
Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival. If you’re tired of all the spooky-themed events of October, head on down to Sonoita this weekend, where there is plenty of room in town for the two of us, and in fact, for more than 2,000 of us—at least that’s how many people usually come. Some of this year’s highlights include a chance to meet with the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers, to hear from Author Alan Day in his talk “Life on the Lazy B as Lived by an American Cowboy,” a chance to take old timey photos at Tumbleweed Tillie’s and a chance to safely view the sun with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. Plus, plenty of Western music and entertainment, ranch life activities and a silent auction. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Empire Ranch Foundation, on Empire Ranch Road off Scenic Highway 83. $10 donation per car requested. Information.
Aspiring rapper, Gary Busey nerd, cholo-manque and awesome dad Pauly Casillas is riding high right now. He has top-shelf comedy cred as a cross-cultural headliner—the opposing cultures being Tucson and Phoenix. Between comedy and the day gig, he’s almost too busy for fun. You’ll have to catch him at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, when he headlines at The O. Information.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Sunday Open Mic at the O. A host of Tucson’s comedy stars and lesser lights will celebrate the debut of The “O”pen MIC at 6:30 p.m., Sunday Nov. 3. Scheduled as a weekly event, the show is hosted by Matt Ziemak, who has a track record of successful, long-running shows. With Rory Monserat, he founded Brew Ha Ha at Borderlands Brewing Company, now in its fourth year. At The Hut he runs the monthly Switch show which he inherited from Pauly Casillas. The mic is free, and non-comedians are welcome to enjoy watching comedians kill, bomb and everything in between. Your feedback could make someone a star … eventually. Information.
Tea Ceremony at Yume. If you missed the tea ceremony that Seven Cups held at Yume Japanese Gardens a few weeks back, then make sure you get to this one. Even if you were at the Seven Cups ceremony, this one will be different. A tea master, in classical kimono and following etiquette established nearly 1,000 years ago, will prepare and serve you a bowl of matcha (powdered green tea), as well as provide a traditional Japanese treat. Intended for individuals 15 and up, this is an opportunity to participate in one of Japan’s most distinctive rituals. 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. $25, or $15 for members. Tickets include admission to the gardens. Information.
Prospective Volunteer Coffee at the Presidio Museum. Have you ever thought about volunteering at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum? With the museum growing more popular every day, they sure could use your help. The thing is, doing things like gardening, leading children’s educational field trips and participating in living history reenactments probably won’t feel much like work. Come learn more about the opportunities to volunteer for the museum at this free event, which features coffee, tea, light refreshments and even a brief history of the original Presidio to get you extra excited. 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, but please RSVP at tucsonpresidio.com by Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Presidio, 196 N. Court Ave. Free. Information.
Ballet Tucson Fall Concert. Ballet Tucson is kicking off its season with a seriously cool lineup. First, a fanciful steampunk rendition of Jekyll & Hyde, with choreography and concept by Chieko Imada and Mary Beth Cabana. Then the Tucson premiere of “Five Movements, Three Repeats,” a mix of modern dance and ballet by choreographic superstar Christopher Wheeldon. The finale, “In the Mood,” is a swing-style bonanza featuring popular big band music, choreographed by Mark Schneider. Come see a night full of different kinds of dancing, all performed by wildly talented dancers. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1713 E. University Blvd. $45 GA, $40 seniors/students/military. Information.
30th Annual All Souls Procession. All Souls celebration is a whole weekend worth of celebrating, including a Procession of the Little Angels at Armory Park on Saturday night. But the big event starts Sunday evening. Created by the community to creatively honor and celebrate the dead, and open to all cultures traditions and people, it’s an event like no other. It’s a night full of art and love and existing in a strange place between somber and celebratory. One of the highlights is the burning of the Urn, a large sculptural steel vessel which is filled with messages and mementos of our lost loved ones. 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Finale Site is at Congress Street and Avenida del Convento. Free, but donations are so appreciated! Information.
Tucson Comic-Con. Come one, come all, to Tucson’s annual pop culture bonanza for all ages! This year’s guests include artists Adam Yeater, Alfred Trujillo and Chiara Bautista; actors Jim Fye, Johnny Yong and Paul Blake; authors James A. Owen, Jessica Feinberg and Marsheila Rockwell; and cosplay stars Always Be Thor, Cara Nicole and Guy Parrulli. There’s always so much to do at Comic-Con, from artists alley and costume contests to autograph & photo ops to seminars and panels. There’s even a big ol’ scavenger hunt. Come nerd out with a bunch of people who are just as excited to be there as you are. Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Prices range from $5 for a one-day ticket for kids 9 to 13, to $45 for a three-day pass for adults. Kids 8 and under get in free with a paying adult. Information.
Tucson Celtic Festival and Scottish Highland Games. Raise your hand if you’re feeling Celtic! If your hand is raised, then you’re in the perfect mood to head to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship. If your hand is not raised, then what better way to get in the Celtic spirit than by heading to this festival full of live Celtic music, tons of vendors and the 19th Annual Athletics Heavy Events World Championship? Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3. Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. First Ave. $45 for a weekend pass, with lower prices for individual days and for students, seniors, youth and military. Information.
Tucson Landmarks Month at the Madaras Gallery. The Madaras Gallery is celebrating 20 years of bringing art to Tucson by having a special themed exhibit each month. It’s only fitting that a gallery that’s so quintessentially Tucson would have a month dedicated to showcasing art of Tucson landmarks. From Mission San Xavier del Bac to the Barrio neighborhood to the University of Arizona, it’s a showcase that will remind you just how beautiful our Old Pueblo is. Nov. 1-30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Madaras Gallery, 2025 N. Swan Rd. Free. Information.
LightArt. Flowers make the world a brighter place, but this series of botanical lighting fixtures literally make the space around them brighter. For the next few months, that space is at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Ryan Smith, the Seattle architect and designer behind LightArt, found his inspiration for this project in the flowers from the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendron and cherry blossoms, foxglove and columbine, snowdrops and chartreuse blossoms abound. And all of them provide a warm glow that will make you feel both in awe of how lovely art can be and like you seriously need to step up the lighting game in your own home. On display through Jan. 5 at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. $15 adults, $13 seniors/students/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4. Information.
Rillito Park Farmers Market Five-Year Anniversary. High five! Actually don’t, you’ll drop your handfuls of fresh produce. Rillito Park Farmers Market and Heirloom Farmers Markets are celebrating five years of getting the best locally produced foods into the hands everyone interested. For this celebration, they’re hosting a featured chef demonstration from Chef Ryan Clark of Casino Del Sol and live music by Michael P. and the Gullywashers. It’s good food and good vibes, and while supporting local farmers and artisans. Delish! 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. 4502 N. First Ave. Information.
Fall Open Studio Tours. You probably already know that Tucson is full of art, but sometimes it feels like it’s so full of art that you don’t really get a chance to see it all! The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona is hosting two weekends of showcasing artists, musicians and other creatives who have working studio spaces open to the public. This is your chance to meet with some of our local artists, learn about their artistic processes and see an incredible variety of art, from jewelry to photography to painting, sculpture and textiles. This week features studios north of Grant Road, including those of Judith Austin, Merlin Cohen, Terry Parker, and Elizabeth & Tony von Isser. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3. Free. Information.
Tags: things to do , weekend , festivals , movies , tours , art , food , drinks , fun , Image
Thursday, October 31, 2019
The Tucson Botanical Gardens will transform into a winter wonderland in early December.
The garden’s popular Luminaria Nights, sponsored by Tucson Electric Power, returns on Friday, Dec.6 through 8 and will continue the following weekend, Friday, Dec.13 through 15.
This year, they will release over 3,500 luminaries and will also feature over 20 Korean lanterns. Along with the lights, the Gardens are adding a Poinsettia Pavilion, Winter Wonderland: Our Garden Snowfall Experience, appearances by the Grinch, a write a letter to Santa mailbox and multiple musical performances, including the Manhattan Dolls.
The event will also have food and drinks.
“We take tremendous pride in creating a magical experience for our guests during the holiday season,” said Michelle Conklin, Executive Director, in a release. "We hope children of all ages will come and begin their holiday season with us at TBG.”
Parking at the Gardens is limited and free parking will be available at the Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1825 N. Alvernon Way with a free shuttle to the Gardens.
Tickets are available online and cost $18 for adults, $12 for Gardens members, $9 for children and $6 for children members of the Gardens.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https://tucsonbotanical.org/event/luminaria-nights/.
The garden’s popular Luminaria Nights, sponsored by Tucson Electric Power, returns on Friday, Dec.6 through 8 and will continue the following weekend, Friday, Dec.13 through 15.
This year, they will release over 3,500 luminaries and will also feature over 20 Korean lanterns. Along with the lights, the Gardens are adding a Poinsettia Pavilion, Winter Wonderland: Our Garden Snowfall Experience, appearances by the Grinch, a write a letter to Santa mailbox and multiple musical performances, including the Manhattan Dolls.
The event will also have food and drinks.
“We take tremendous pride in creating a magical experience for our guests during the holiday season,” said Michelle Conklin, Executive Director, in a release. "We hope children of all ages will come and begin their holiday season with us at TBG.”
Parking at the Gardens is limited and free parking will be available at the Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1825 N. Alvernon Way with a free shuttle to the Gardens.
Tickets are available online and cost $18 for adults, $12 for Gardens members, $9 for children and $6 for children members of the Gardens.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https://tucsonbotanical.org/event/luminaria-nights/.
Tags: Tucson Botanical Gardens , luminarias , events , holidays , December , Image
