Zoppé Family Circus. Way back in 1842, Napoleone and Ermengilda Zoppé launched a circus in Venice, Italy full of acrobats, jugglers, dancing dogs, clowns and aerialists. Nearly 200 years later, their descendants are still going strong on tour with their one-ring, 500-seat tent. Giovanni Zoppé, the sixth-generation circus artist who stars as Nino the Clown, and a whole crew of performers are making their ninth annual visit to the Old Pueblo this month, and it’s an absolute treat. This year’s show pays special tribute to La Nonna, the matriarch of the Zoppé family, who kept the show going throughout the Great Depression. Friday, Jan. 10, through Sunday, Jan. 26 with shows at various times Thursdays through Sundays. Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento. $10.

The Norwegians. This dark comedy tells the tale of two recently scorned women in Minnesota who hire some (very nice and polite) gangsters to kill off their ex-boyfriends in the middle of a brutally cold winter. It’s got the spirit of Fargo with the humor of Saturday Night Live, and it will keep you laughing. “It is a tale more of mayhem than of murder. We invite you to laugh along with the twists and turns of this tale and discover that, surely, hell hath no fury like two women scorned,” says director Roberto Guajardo. Preview shows are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, and Friday, Jan. 10. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays, through Saturday, Feb. 15 (this final date also features a matinee show). Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 GA, $18 military/senior/students, $15 Thursdays and previews.

Ninth Annual Tucson Fringe Festival. Three cheers for this very Tucson festival, which provides avant-garde and nontraditional performing artists a chance to perform in a low-risk, low-cost setting. AND which provides non-artists like us a chance to take it all in. This year, there are more than 50 shows spread across four days. There’s dance, theater, poetry, comedy, storytelling and more, and show titles like “Men Are Garbage” and “Sexology: The Musical!” Thursday, Jan. 9, to Sunday, Jan. 12, at various times. Shows are at the Temple of Music & Art, 330 S. Scott Ave; The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St; StudioONE, 197 E. Toole Ave., the Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center, 101 W. Sixth St.; and The Circus Academy of Tucson, 400 W. Speedway Blvd. Most shows are $10, but you can get a two-show pass for $18, a five-show pass for $43 and an eight-show pass for $64.

This installment of Ladytowne: A Tucson feminist talk/variety show features the comedy of Molly McCloy. The music of Flor de Nopal. Interviews with Nirantha Balagopal & Sophie McTear (from Groundworks) and Nelene Deguzman (of The Rifle). Plus, Darío Andrade Mendoza will speak about a recent workshop regarding the epidemic of loneliness. At Club Congress…

Eek. The Cyclops Invasion is coming. From Philly, dubstep DJ/producer Subtronics fills Gentle Ben’s with angry, bouncy robot noise…

This burgeoning saxophonist has been described as a “passionate, humble and captivating jazz musician.” The Autumn Dominguez Quintet performs in Geronimo Plaza at Main Gate Square…

Looking for something a little off the beaten path? The ninth annual Tucson Fringe Festival kicks off tonight. This year’s fest includes 22 shows ranging from aerial dance performances, sketch comedy, unscripted storytelling y mas. Runs through Jan. 12. See tucsonfringe.org for all the details…

“You keep your mind on the money/Keeping your eyes on the wall.” Covering a career that spanned five decades, Private Dancer: A Tribute to Tina Turner slink into the Casino Del Sol…

Electronically looping together snippets of funk, rap, jazz and R&B, multi-instrumentalist Mik Garrison performs at Arizona Beer House…

A taste of Spain in downtown Tucson? Alternating weekly, singer-songwriters Amanda Rochelle and Natalie Pohanic shall serenade for Tapas & Tonics. In the lounge at the AC Hotel Tucson…

Oro Valley 2nd Thursdays Concert Series presents, “Wild Women,” vocalist Diane Van Deurzen and pianist Lisa Otey. They will perform hot jazz, sultry blues and boogie woogie. At Oro Valley Marketplace…

Featuring pianist Doug Martin and upright bassist Scott Black, The Jed Paradies Trio play bossa novas, ballads and blues. At The Coronet…

Beginning Beading: Young Artist Series. Do you have a kid in your life who loves to be creative? This imaginative jewelry making workshop is a great activity for his or her winter break. They’ll learn some key skills, like how to organize beads and attach clasps, and then they’ll create a charm necklace or bracelet with Czech glass and metal findings. Then they get to take their beautiful piece home! All materials and tools are included with the admission fee, and so are some snacks and drinks. Parents to creative kiddos rejoice! 10 to 11:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3. Catalyst Arts & Maker Space–Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Ste. 110. $20. Ages 8 and up.

The Arizona State Home Show. Do you have one of those modifications you’ve been meaning to make to your home for years, but just haven’t gotten around to yet? How about a set of countertops, new lighting for the living room, or even just a coat of paint for your bedroom that you haven’t been sure how to get started with? What better time to get started than in the new year, and at this entire convention center full of exhibits, many with discounted products or services. (And FYI, the first 100 attendees each day get free coffee and donuts). Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. $8 GA, free for kids 16 and under, free for seniors on Friday. Visit asihomeshows.com for a $2 coupon.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. San Jose Barracuda. Let’s get the new year started by supporting our local hockey team! This week, they’re facing off against this sharp-toothed California team on Friday and Saturday night. On Coors Light 1-2-3 Friday Night, enjoy $1 soft drinks, $2 hot dogs and $3 beers. And on Saturday, grab a ticket to the pregame “Whiskey and Wings” event, where you get to sample whiskey and wings from a variety of different vendors. Even if you’re not a hockey fan, pregaming with a selection of whiskey and wings is a good way to make pretty much any event enjoyable, right? 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 and Saturday, Jan. 4. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $10 to $61.

Newjaarsreceptie at The Dutch. We’re going back to the old country at The Dutch Eatery & Refuge, celebrating the New Year the Dutch way. They’ll be serving up treats and drinks from the Netherlands, including Dutch meatballs, potato cakes, Dutch doughnuts (Oliebollen), champagne and Dutch pea soup. The Eatery says they’ll even have plenty of “Kopstootjes, Grolsch and Bischopswijn!” And as is tradition, be sure to wear orange when you attend. 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 943 E. University Blvd. $13 per person.

Spiny Succulents. Everyone loves a good succulent. And here in the Southwest, we sure do have a lot of them. They’re among the most water-wise plants in the region, which makes them not just beautiful, but functional. In this class at Tohono Chul, nursery owner and author Jeff Moore will be giving an overview of some the region’s spiny succulents, including our beloved cacti. He’ll also be showcasing plants in cultivation and offering tips on how to grow and care for your own. Pick up a copy of his book “Spiny Succulents and get it signed, while you’re there! 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte. Education Center $1. Free with admission, which is $15 GA, $13 military/student/seniors, $6 kids 5 to 12 and free for members and kids under 5.

Jittercat Jive: 1920s Edition. Well, the ’20s are officially here, so if you’ve ever had any desire to learn how to swing dance, now is the time. Every first Saturday, Movement Culture his hosting this beginning Lindy Hop lesson and DJ’ed social. No experience or partner required, but all levels are welcome! So whatever your past experience with jumpin’ and jivin’, come on down to learn more, and to have fun with other people who enjoy the dance as much as you do. The lesson lasts for an hour, and DJ Anna provides a soundtrack to another 2.5 hours of social dancing. 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Movement Culture, 435 E. Ninth St. $5, cash only.

The RunAround Tucson Relay. Running can be a very solitary sport (that’s one reason many people like it), but relays have lots of teamwork. This one-of-a-kind, 53-mile relay along The Loop involves seven exchange stations, and distances vary from 4.85 to 8.6 miles. You need at least two to make a team, but you can also have as many as eight—one per leg. Grab a friend, grab a coworker, grab anyone you know who resolved to exercise more this year, and give it a shot! Why not? 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road. $55 to $60 (or you can run the race for free as a buddy runner – you must accompany a registered runner, and you don’t qualify for prizes). Registration ends at noon Friday, Jan. 3.

Classic Car Show. You know the drill! Or, since this event is at the much-loved Little Anthony’s Diner, should we say, “you know the grill?” Or, since this is a car show, should we say “you know the grille?” The point is, Little Anthony’s has been faithfully holding this Saturday morning car show for a long time now, and it remains one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning in the Old Pueblo. Honestly, breakfast at a diner is already a great way to spend a weekend morning, but throw in a free classic car show on top of it? That’s the energy we want going into 2020. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Little Anthony’s Diner, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Free.

Instrument Petting Zoo. The Oro Valley Kids Concert Series, which brings different performers together to play for young music lovers, is always a good time. This month, they’re doing something a little different, by letting the audience members become the performers. Kids can head to the children’s museum to interact with musical instruments, and then spend the day exploring the rest of the museum’s offerings. 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Oro Valley Children’s Museum, 11015 N. Oracle Road. Oro Valley. Admission to the museum is free during the event, and $7 after. Kids under 12 months get in free.

Where the Border Wall Ends. The Screening Room is hosting a series of short films created by Bryan Sanders, documenting the “now of the border.” The films include a short movie about The Battle of Ambos Nogales; Hard Man to Get to Know, a music video starring Tucson’s Howe Gelb; and the titular film, Where the Border Wall Ends. This evening of film, music and dance also includes performances by Jillian Bessett and Kinetic Arts Tucson. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 127 E. Congress St. $10.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day. James Cameron really is just too good at making sequels. He managed to follow up one of the best sci-fi sequels ever, Aliens, with the best action sequel, Terminator 2. Casa Video is screening the film that taught robots to cry, Linda Hamilton to fight, and the movie-going audience that CGI villains were the wave of the future. But unlike much of the computer animation that came out after it, the effects in T2 somehow look good as ever, even though they’re coming up on 30 years old. 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. 2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Free.

Sonoran Dog Sundays at Catalina Brewing. It’s a quartet worthy of the Sonoran Desert’s name. For those in the mood for a nice carby meal, Catalina Brewing Company is offering up authentic Sonoran hot dogs, a side of chips, fresh guacamole and one of their craft beers, all for $10. Can you really call yourself a Tucsonan if you haven’t already worked through a Sonoran hot dog brimming with green salsa, pinto beans, mustard, jalapeños, cotija cheese and more? And at a local brewery no less! Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. 6918 N. Camino Martin, #120.

Circle of Poison (Free screening!). This community rental of the Loft Cinema follows what happens once a pesticide is banned in the United States for its dangerous health and environmental effects. It’s a documentary examining how pesticides are still exported, leading to the impression that American lives are more valuable. Yet ironically, these toxic pesticides find their way back into the U.S. Featuring interviews with Noam Chomsky, Jimmy Carter, the Dalai Lama and more, this screening is presented by Physicians for Social Responsibility Arizona and International Indian Treaty Council. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Free. Sunday, Jan. 5 at 4 p.m.

Stout Night at Arizona Beer House. It’s an evening full of big, brawny beers, courtesy of Modern Times and Odell Brewing. Arizona Beer House will have beers from both breweries available, including the Modern Times Golden Hammer, an 8 percent oak-aged golden dessert stout with cacao nibs and vanilla; the Odell Barreled Treasure, an imperial stout aged in both bourbon and rum barrels with cold brew coffee; and the Modern Times Black House Vanilla Latte, Modern Times’ classic Black House oatmeal coffee stout brewed with creamy vanilla. These hefty beers are available all night, along with savory Maltese Pastizzis from Malta Joe’s Baked Goods. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. 150 S. Kolb Road.

Free First Thursday at the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. Tell me about the last time you went to an art museum for free and regretted it. Probably never, right? So why would you not want to spend the first Thursday of the new decade doing just that? Jillian Bessett is playing live music, author Laila Halaby is facilitating gallery exploration and you can even make some art of your own. Let’s art the new year off right, shall we? 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. Free.

Filled with glitches and sonic abstractions, like the movement of fluttering butterfly wings that a camera shutter cannot quite capture, his latest release, Prelude, takes a decidedly different approach. The effect is disquieting. Nightmare or a lullaby? One is never quite sure. Brian Lopez returns to Club Congress. The Senators open the show...

Deepening the sense of foreboding that a shift in the balance of power could bring. Or perhaps providing necessary release? Demon Tongue, Exit Dream, Midnight Island, Sworn Apart, For or Against, Ash To Dust and Stands With Fists help Bang In The New Year. At the Rialto Theatre...

Promulgating the same revolutionary political views that won RATM legions of fans. Clenching a "Fistful of Steel," Testify, a tribute to Rage Against the Machine, aim to "Take the Power Back." At 191 Toole. Drawing first blood, Knife Party pay sanguine salute to the music of the Deftones...

Fineline Revisited happens at the Surly Wench Pub. DJ Stubbie keeps the infamy alive and kicking...

DJ Mijito presides over NITECALL: QG. A queer goth dance party. At R Bar...

Electronic folk poppers Sharkk Heart create songs for hopeless romantics with teeth, natch. At Saint Charles Tavern...

You wanna rock? The Dirt: An '80s hair metal tribute band will slay. At The Rock. Solid Ground bolsters the line-up...

From Durango, Colorado, J-Calvin deliver a potent mix of neo-soul/funk. Flanked by the punk-funk of Tongs and the indie-electro of Jillian Bessett. At Sky Bar...

Saturday, Dec. 28

Faithfully reproducing the sound of these country rock icons at the peak of their success—as well as select titles from the solo works of Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh—Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles will "Take It To The Limit" one more time. At the Rialto Theatre...

Growing up in Nogales, AZ, bandleader Sergio Mendoza jostled between the psychological spaces created as bicultural identities form—germane to life in the borderland. Orkesta Mendoza and Bye Bye Lullaby (from Spain) share the stage. Rumba Catalan takes place at Club Congress...

Ring out 2019. Breaking Glass hosts a pre-game—showcasing new material and "a couple of weirdo cover tunes"—at Saint Charles Tavern...

Latin groove masters Santa Pachita make things move. At Monterey Court. Wear your dancing shoes...

Gipsy Pirate Octopi is a wife and husband duo of Margarita Brosova and Tony Rosano. "I play accordion and sing, Tony plays the piano and baritone. We have tunes in Russian and English and some other languages." Experience a Russian Christmas in the Red Light Lounge at The Downtown Clifton Hotel...

"Fresh off months of touring," Howe Gelb, Annie Dolan, Thøger Lund and Tommy Larkins promise an evening with zero mistakes and absolute pure perfect noise. At El Crisol (formerly Exo Bar). "Bring your Aunt Sally..."

Sunday, Dec. 29

¡Vamos a Guarachar! "As punk as the Sex Pistols and as violent as Perez Prado." Mambo Clásico sees indie mambo king's Orkesta Mendoza celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a gran fiesta. At Club Congress. Salvador Duran & Friends add appreciably to the festivities...

Drawing from a rich treasure trove of musical history: Peruvian, Mexican and with origins in other Latin American countries. Tradiciones tell the story in melody. At The Coronet...

Guitarist Eugene Boronow performs a lovely set of bossa nova y mas. At Public Brewhouse...

Friday, Dec. 27

Cannoli and Beer Pairing at Copper Mine Brewing Co. Take the beer, take the cannoli. Copper Mine Brewing Co. is teaming up with Andrea’s Gourmet food for a wide range of flavors. They’re giving you the option of pairing four different flavors of cannoli with their craft beers. I’m suggesting pairing with their big, bad Imperial Double stout for a diversity of flavors, or their Irish Red for a malty, caramel kick. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. 3455 S. Palo Verde Road, Ste. 135.

Crooked Yoga at Crooked Tooth. When it comes to good deals, Crooked Tooth Brewing knows what’s up. Often, you could spend more than $5 on a beer or a yoga session, but they’re offering $5 for yoga and a pint! Get zen, and then get even more zen by combining their yoga and craft brews for a truly enlightening experience. All ages and skill levels welcome. Bring your own mat. Any person under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. 228 E. Sixth Street. $5.

Holiday Skate Night. If you celebrate Christmas, you might be familiar with the experience of a  little post-Christmas blues. But nothing chases the blues away quite like some time gliding around a skating rink with your pals, right? Whether you’re the type of person doing tricks out in the middle or clinging to the side and laughing at yourself as you try to figure out life on wheels, skating really does have something to offer everyone. And this night has games, prizes, food and drinks thrown in as well. CU L8R SK8R. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. Tucson Indoor Sports Center, 1065 W. Grant Road.

Last Friday, Last Laugh: Decade Wrap Up. Hooray! We’ve almost survived the whole holiday season! And the whole decade! Now it’s time for the existential dread to set in as you reflect on all of the things you meant to do this year and this decade that you didn’t get around to. Hey! Take a deep breath. 2020 is going to be your year. In the meantime, grab a drink at Hotel McCoy and have a well-deserved laugh at this monthly comedy showcase, featuring Autumn Horvat, Dom DiTolla, Noah Copfer, Paul Fox, Monte Benjamin and plenty more. Pinches food truck is onsite too! 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27. Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road. Free, 18+. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

Amélie. Part of their Cult Classics series, the Loft Cinema is screening this French romantic comedy (but not quite how you’re picturing it) about what it takes to find love. It’s a delightful modern day fairy tale; it’s a parable similar to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance; it’s... got a really good piano soundtrack courtesy of Yann Tiersen. Amélie, played by Audrey Tautou, helps her neighbors and audience find magic in the mundane. 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 & Saturday, Dec. 28. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8.

Saturday, Dec. 28

Tucson Roadrunners vs. Colorado Eagles. Need a little pick me up to keep your excitement levels high between Christmas and New Year’s Eve? It’s time for some hockey! The Colorado Eagles are coming to town for two games this week. On Saturday, fans ages 16 and under are invited to come down onto the ice for a post-game puck shot. Sunday is Family Night, with a special early start time and a sweet deal: four side tickets and four Roadrunners hats or beanies for just $80. Two hockey games means your weekend will be twice as nice with twice the ice. 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. $12 to $61, or see tucsonroadrunners.com for more information on the Family Night deal.

Hands-on Archaeology at Mission Garden. There’s a lot of talk these days about how much technology has changed our lives. But (though in different ways and maybe to different extents), technology has been changing people’s lives for thousands of years. In this program, ancient technologies expert Allen Denoyer will talk about some of the tech of times gone by, and you can explore the replica pithouse. It’s common to reflect on the past year as we approach a new one. While you’re at it, why not reflect on the past several thousand? 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. Mission Garden: Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace, 946 W. Mission Lane.

Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area Star Party. Have you ever taken time to look up at the night sky and regretted doing it? Didn’t think so. The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation are setting up telescopes for you to view not just stars, but deep-sky objects like planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae. It’s a special way to spend a long winter night, and, with it getting dark so early, you can hit this event and get back home in time for a movie and some hot cocoa—or maybe just some reflection on our place in the cosmos. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. 7300 W. Hal Gras Road. Free.

Meet Elsa and Anna from Frozen. The hype for the first Frozen never even seemed to die down before Frozen 2 was upon us. But, if we had to spend the last few years, and have to spend the next few years, surrounded by an animated cultural sensation, at least it’s one featuring two powerful women and an admittedly hilarious snowman. The sisters will be hosting story time and a mini photo session, and there will also be Anna- and Elsa-themed donuts and drinks. Kiddos are encouraged to dress up! And, if you’re feeling adventurous, RSVP in advance to decorate some donuts for just $10. 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Dec. 28. Irene’s Donuts Tucson, 340 N. Fourth Ave. Free.

Adult Coloring Afternoon. The holidays are the perfect time for you to revive your childlike sense of wonder and channel it into things you used to enjoy as a kid. The thing is, you’d probably still enjoy a lot of the things you used to do as a kid, but you just sorta stopped doing them at some point. So! Let’s color! Head over to Mostly Books for the afternoon, where they’ll have crayons, colored pencils and markers on hand for you to relive the glory days. Bring your own coloring book or purchase one (they have tons of cool ones available). 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd. Free. 14+.

Better Off Dead. Casa Video is screening one of the strangest, bleakest teen movies ever. Starring a young John Cusack, this follows a high school student and his attempts to off himself after his girlfriend of six months dumps him. Featuring skiing shots, bizarre dinner meals, Korean racers who speak Japanese, all wrapped up into a strange, wintry package. Better Off Dead reminds us that, well, I’m not really sure what it reminds us other than that John Cusack is one fine actor. 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. 2905 E. Speedway Blvd. Free.

Russian Christmas! So, technically, Christmas in the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrated in January, but it’s a real party. There’s traditional cuisine, a decorated tree and the gift-bearing Grandfather Frost. Come celebrate Russian New Year early at the Clifton, with the Gipsy Pirate Octopi Band and a shot or two or three of vodka. They’ll be playing both Russian and non-Russian music, Michael Martinez is on piano, and a few more musicians should be stopping by too. Get ready to dance the night away! 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28. The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone Ave. Free.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Mystery of the Flame Intention and Clearing Circle. The Web of Life, your local group of intuitive shamanic animists, is really embracing the eerie feeling that sometimes sets in on the stretch between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, where the nights are long and the hectic nature of the previous few months has slowed down. This circle is a chance to sit together and meditate over a candle while eating a vegetarian soup. Warm up your insides and get in tune with your spiritual self to end this year and start the new one off right. All are welcome. 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. 2016 E. Broadway Blvd. Requested donation is $5 to $20. Bring a drum rattle if you have one, but there are some available to share.

Sunday Nights at Tanque Verde Swap Meet. There’s something oddly relaxing about the first time you go shopping after Christmas, if you celebrate Christmas. Suddenly, you’re not Christmas shopping. You’re just… shopping. You can buy stuff for yourself. You can buy nothing. You can decide to come back later if you’re not sure about an object. The frantic pressure to find just the right gift is gone. Do your first non-holiday shopping of the year in style this Sunday night, with food, live music and plenty of entertainment (and if you’re not done with your Christmas shopping, no judgment here—you can get some of that done too). 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S. Palo Verde Road.

Most funny for your money

Laff’s Comedy Caffe is the place for the that New Year’s date: fancy dinner, champagne and a show to help count down the old year, then home in time to cuddle up and watch the fireworks around the world. Or hit the late show for champagne and sweets with your sweetie. Or your Meetup Group or your homies or BFFs. Entertainer Ron Feingold couldn’t be a better choice for an evening everybody wants to leave happy.

A Feingold show is literally all things to all people. He has movie-star looks and swagger but can sing like Kermit the Frog with a vocal technique that makes it sound like a duet. All his impressions are spot on, and his observations craftily twisted.

He can mix things up with intelligent innuendo and a remarkably sophisticated dick joke, when the occasion permits. His website includes clips of his original songs, F-You Button and Prostate. And yet, his career cornerstone is as a comedian and emcee for squeaky clean conference formats. He also offers his own conference presentation, The Power of the Smile, which combines his music and comedy with an almost scholarly grasp of how smiling affects life and work.

Feingold has been acting since he was 10, mostly in musical comedies. By the time he was in college, he was leveraging his comedy theatre experience into a standup career. He became a licensed pilot and earned a psychology degree, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. His life since then has been a steady stream of comedy clubs, cruise ships and corporate events.

Showtimes are 7:30 for the dinner show and 9 p.m. for the dessert bar. Admission is $30 plus drinks, tax and gratuities. Visit laffstucson.com/newyears or call for information and reservations.

TIM’s Year-End Laugh Out

Wear your ugly holiday sweater one last time at Tucson Improv Movement on New Year’s Eve. It’s good for $1 off beer, wine and White Claw all night, and the theater has stocked champagne for the occasion.

TIM’s intimate, 45-seat theater can be cozy like a party with friends. Its New Year’s events have sold out in years past. Tickets are $10 for two shows, 7:30 and 9 p.m., or $7 each. Advance reservations are via squareup.com or tucsonimprov.com.

The evening’s entertainment, New Year, Who ‘Dis, features a 7:30 extravaganza of 16 ugly-sweater-clad, top TIM improvisers playing for audience interaction and laughs-per-minute. At 9 p.m., TIM’s premier team, The Soapbox, will riff on stories told by five of the most popular monologists who performed with them in 2019.

To help give the year a laugh-loaded send-off, the team welcomes back TIM member and producer of Keep Tucson Sketchy Rich Gary, Unscrewed Theatre member and standup comedian Allana Erickson-Lopez, fashion designer Carmen Melero, founder of the Tucson Fringe Festival Maryann Green and journalist, crime reporter and author, AJ Flick.

Last laughs for 2019 at Hotel McCoy

Hotel McCoy’s popular free monthly comedy showcase, Last Friday, Last Laughs, wraps up its first year with a great local lineup from 8 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27. Full houses have been the rule lately, so plan to arrive early for seating. Pinche’s food truck will be on hand for dinner.

The lineup includes Autumn Horvat, Kev Lee, Dom DiTolla, David Ross, Eli Turner, Paul Fox, Andrea Salazar and Monte Benjamin. Visiting former Tucsonan Noah Copfer rounds out the bill. Copfer now plies his comedy and acting skills in L.A., but apparently returns for holidays. He also stopped in for The Mint open mic over Thanksgiving weekend.

After the show at Hotel McCoy, you can head on over to SkyBar for …

What Really Happened?

Josiah Osego and Alex Kack return to SkyBar for another edition of What Really Happened from 9:30 to 11 p.m., Friday, December 27. The original show invites standup comedians to tell five short stories each, and then let the audience decide which one is not true. Winning audience members get prizes and discounts with their bragging rights.

This month’s comedians include Bisbee comic and open mic host Maggie O’Shea, newcomer Abigail Chesney and up and comers Jesus Otamendi, Tim Maggard and Nick Chant.

Even More Laughs

Friday, Dec. 27, Standup with Ron Feingold at 8 and 10:30 p.m. ($12.50 and $17.50), Laffs Comedy Caffe. Improv with The Riveters, Portmansplain and Choice Cut at 7:30 p.m., and The Soapbox at 9 p.m. ($5), Tucson Improv Movement (TIM). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m. ($5 and $8) and Free Form Friday Fight Night, 9 p.m.(free), Unscrewed Theater.

Saturday, Dec. 28, Standup with Ron Feingold at 7 and 9:30 p.m. ($12.50 and $17.50), Laffs Comedy Caffe, and comedian-magician Rod Wayne at 8 p.m. ($10 via Eventbrite, $15 at the door), The O. Improv with Laugh Tracks and The Game Show Show at 7:30 p.m., and The Dating Scene and Pilot Season at 9 p.m. ($5) TIM. Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m. Uncensored improv with NBOJU at 9 p.m. ($5 and $8), Unscrewed Theater.

Free Open Mics

Sunday, Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 7 p.m., The Screening Room.
Thursday, Jan. 2, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe, and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.

Five years deep. Members past and present of Steff & the Articles, Kool Shades and Lucky Devils Rendezvous annually for a one-off gig uniquely covering their favorite songs—from reggae to jazz to EDM. Anything goes. At Club Congress...

The core of motley crew that oversee this zydeco-tinged, accordion-fueled Tex-Mexican bacchanal on occasion splinter-off. The Carnivaleros, with special guest Tommy Larkins, promise a special post-Christmas brouhaha, sans menudo. At Public Brewhouse...

In the tradition of Bob Wills and Earl Scruggs, bluegrass and western institution, The Titan Valley Warheads are coming out to play. At Monterey Court...

Hanukkah Latkes at Ermanos. They’re back! Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar is embracing the season by serving up some specialty latke plates with house apple sauce and sour cream for $9. And if you want to make them extra special, you can upgrade the dish with a flute of Prosecco for $15. Either way, these potato pancakes are sure to pair well with a craft beer or two. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. 220 N. Fourth Ave. $9 to $15.

Arctic. Now that it’s actually winter, Casa Video is screening some of the chilliest movies they can. These include the new Icelandic survival/thriller Arctic, which premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Filmed over 19 days in Iceland, it tells of a man stranded in the arctic, waiting for rescue after a plane crash. Not only does he struggle against the elements, but with his own solitude. Star of the film Mads Mikkelsen said the making the film involved the most difficult shoot of his career. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. Free.

Wil Taylor: Pearls of Eden. Have you checked out the art at the Tucson Botanical Gardens lately? One of the displaying artists is Tucson-based Wil Taylor, who received his master’s degree in art education at the UA. He taught for 15 years before pursuing full-time studio work, and now you get to admire the results. His pieces heavily feature his love of nature, as well as themes that are resonant on both personal and universal levels. If you’re into design, visual patterns and the natural world, make sure you get in to see his work before his exhibit is over on Jan. 5. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday (closed on New Year’s Day). Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. $15 GA, $13 students/seniors/military, $8 kids 4 to 17, free for members and kids under 4.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Tavolino. Celebrate the holidays Italian style with Tavolino’s multi-course meal the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” This specialty dinner features six seafood-inspired dishes: cozze impanate al forno with baked mussels, marinated white anchovies, house-cured Atlantic salmon with crostini, bruschetta and creamy baccalà, and seafood lasagna or fresh sea bass. Only available on Christmas Eve. 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. 2890 E. Skyline Drive. $65/person, tax and gratuity not included.

Christmas Eve at The Coronet. It’s the time for special Christmas meals at restaurants all around town! Cushing Street’s hottest new(ish) restaurant is breaking out the Chinese food for a special Christmas Eve dinner. In addition to their regular menu, The Coronet will be serving Chinese Fish Soup, Coronado Hot Chinese Pork Dumplings and Cashew Chicken. No reservations are required, and this dinner coincides with their holiday happy hour. 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. 198 W. Cushing St.

Holiday Dining at Penca Restaurante. Penca Executive Chef Solorzano and owner Patricia Schwabe are celebrating the holidays with the “Noche Buena Buffet” showcasing a variety of traditional Mexican dishes: green corn tamales, carrot soup, salad with jicama and blood orange, Navideño potatoes, calabacitas and more. Rompope, a classic holiday milk punch will be offered along with other seasonal drinks. 11 a.m. to 4 pm. for lunch, and 4 pm. to 7 pm. for dinner, Tuesday, Dec. 24. 50 E. Broadway Blvd. Lunch is $32, dinner is $40. Children 4 and under are free. Reservations can be made at [email protected].

Gingerbread Workshop. You’ve probably made a gingerbread house before, right? And if you’ve made a gingerbread house, you’ve probably also experienced the frustration of having it turn out a little bit less than picture perfect. Why not call in an award winning pastry team for help? The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is inviting folks to come on out and do just that. With the guidance of these chefs, you’ll make a gingerbread house so devastatingly lovely that you’ll wish you could move into it yourself. You’ll be ready for your own show on HGTV! You’ll be a gingerbread genius! 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, 15000 N. Secret Springs Drive. $50 plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Call 530-572-3401 to make reservations.

Downtown Kitchen holiday meals. Janos Wilder’s DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is celebrating the holidays with a special run of Tucsonan dishes showcasing the flavors of the region: the Oaxacan tomato soup, roast turkey adobado, and warm Oaxacan bread pudding with cranberry ice cream and mezcal hard sauce. The regular dinner menu will also be offered. 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. $45 per person/$20 per child aged 10 and under. 135 S. Sixth Ave.

Christmas Eve! Musician/comedian Steven Yanez Romo hosts Karaoke with Romo, rumored to be an “extreme” experience,” “the best in town” and “buttloads of fun.”. At Thunder Canyon Brewstillery…

Songstress Natalie Pohanic celebrates Christmas Eve and her birthday singing the dreamiest of folk songs. At Public Brewhouse. Cheers, Nat…