Spring Break! Family Fun Day at the Farmers Market. Were you planning to take the family over to Trail Dust Town this weekend anyway? Well, now, you should make sure to, because they’re going all out this Friday, with 15 local food vendors, live music, face painting and a whole area just for hula hooping! In honor of Earth Day, they’ll also have plenty of themed games for the kids. $6 wristbands will provide unlimited access to the Ferris wheel, carousel and train, to keep the kids busy while adults check out the gift shops and vendors. Millie’s Pancake Haus is open for breakfast and lunch, as well! 8 a.m. to noon. Friday, April 19. Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road. Free. Details here.

Pima County Fair. From carnival games to a beer fest to an exhibit on the pharaohs of Egypt, you’ll find there’s something for everyone at the fair—there always is. Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 28. Gates open at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The carnival starts at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 11300 S. Houghton Road. $9 GA, $5 youth 6 to 10, free for kids 5 and under with the purchase of a GA ticket. Admit discount day is Monday, April 22, with $2 tickets for all ages! Details here.

The LeBoeuf Brothers. When your last name is LeBoeuf and you’ve got a brother, what are you to do but end up as a precocious jazz duo? With Remy on the saxophone and Pascal on keyboards and composing, these two have won accolades like the Independent Music Awards’ best Jazz Album and Best Eclectic Album, and took first place in an international songwriting competition in 2010. They’ve performed all over the country, and now they’re coming to Tucson. They’re holding a free clinic at Utterback Middle School at noon on Saturday, April 20, at which everyone is welcome. But the main event is their performance, where they’ll be joined by bassist Giulio Xavier and drummer Christian Euman. 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19. Utterback Middle School Theater, 3233 S. Pinal Vista. $15 adults, $10 students/seniors. Details here.

Reata. Named after the Spanish word for lasso, this collaborative multimedia event combines film, photography and textile art into an experimental story rooted in the history of Arizona. Created by artists Cassidy Araiza, Marcea Decker and Ariana Lujan, this project examines the landscape of the desert, goth and cowboy subcultures, and the power of contrasts. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 19. At Wooden Tooth Records, 426 E. Seventh St. All ages. Free. Details here. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Free Outdoor Screening). True kindness deserves to be appreciated, and few people brought as much depthless kindness to the cold realm of television as Fred Rogers. Arizona Public Media, in partnership with Ben’s Bells, are hosting a free screening of this documentary of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, and in his memory, they are also hosting some events for the public good. Before the screening, you can participate in a park cleanup with the Sam Hughes neighbors, and “Kindness Coin” making with Ben’s Bells. Be the good person Mr. Rogers knew you were! 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 19. At Himmel Park, 1000 N. Tucson Blvd. Details here.
Dramatic Shorts. This series of short films, all under half an hour, includes the tales of how a man spends his last free day before going to prison, what happens when the clone of a deceased teenager is returned to his parents, and more. 9:45 to 11:45 p.m. Friday, April 19. 127 E. Congress St. Details here.

Beers & Buds III–A Joint Effort at Tucson Hop Shop. For their third year in a row, Tucson Hop Shop, The Bennu band, and Botanica dispensary are celebrating everything they love about 4/20. There will be “an extensive cannabis-themed tap list,” plus live music and food trucks. What better way to celebrate Earth Day—or any other holiday that happens to fall on April 20—than enjoying festivities with your local comrades. 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 20. 3230 N. Dodge Blvd. Details here.

Easter ExtravaganZOO. Is it really a holiday weekend if the Reid Park Zoo isn’t throwing a special event in honor of it? Bring your own basket for an Easter egg hunt that starts at 8 a.m.—and keep an eye out for the golden eggs, which will get you special prizes. You can turn in your eggs for a treat bag sponsored by First Watch Café after the hunt. And you’ll get to meet plenty of the zoo’s animals—including the Easter Bunny, who we heard may be spending a summer sabbatical in Tucson. Delicious breakfast will be served! 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. $35 adult nonmembers, $30 adult members, $25 child nonmembers, $20 child members, $30 Easter. Special Adopt-An-Animal, free for kids under 2. Details here.

Earth Day Festival at the Children’s Museum. Earth is something to celebrate every day! What’s cooler than a rock floating through space that has exactly the right resources to support all of the wonderful plants and animals that roam its surface—including the entire human race? Head over to the Children’s Museum to learn about ways to make our planet a healthier and greener place to live by recycling and composting, gardening, and getting out to enjoy nature. Local wildlife groups can also show you how to bring nature into your own backyard. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. Sixth Ave. Admission to the museum is free all day! Details here.

Earth Day at Kartchner Caverns. There’s lots to celebrate about this big, beautiful Earth every day, but on April 20, we celebrate it a little extra. One of its coolest features: caves! Head over to Kartchner for a day full of presentations and interactive activities (like dissecting an owl pellet!) You’ll also get to hang out with live animals and make crafts. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by climbing right into Earth via Kartchner Caverns? 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21. Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 S. Highway 90, Benson, AZ. $7 per vehicle, with cave tour tickets being extra. Details here.

Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 Sale. If you’re ever feeling like the world is just too full of problems that you can’t do anything about, it sometimes helps to remember that, technically, treating yourself to a day of thrift-store shopping is helping the planet. But reusing existing items and upcycling old fashions, you’re supporting sustainability and putting a little bit less stress on our planet’s resources. So treat yourself, and the planet, this Earth Day, at Buffalo Exchange’s special sale: a selection of men and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories will be just one buck, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Humane Society of the United States. It’s cash only, and the clothes move quickly, so get your booty over to Buffalo—and into a cute, affordable, new (to you) pair of pants. Starts at 10 a.m. and goes for as long as supplies last. Saturday, April 20. Buffalo Exchange, 2001 E. Speedway Blvd. (plus all locations across the country, except outlets). Details here.
Easter BOGO Weekend at Old Tucson. If you’re going to be celebrating Easter in Tucson this Sunday, then you have no choice but to celebrate Easter in the west. Why not make it the old, wild west? Old Tucson is offering a buy-one-get-one offer on admission for both Saturday and Sunday. Plus, Big Jake’s will have a special Easter Dinner on both days, with honey glazed ham, jalapeno scalloped potatoes, roasted cut corn, a honey butter biscuit and a drink for just $16.95 for adults and $9.50 for kids. Sounds irr-Easteresistable, right? 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. GA is $19.95 for adults and $10.95 for kids ages 4 to 11. Details here.

Sinkers: An Original Work of Physical Theatre. The School of Theatre, Film & Television Studio Series is putting this show on as part of their Studio Series. It’s focused on physical theatre, and they brought in Wolfe Bowart, a physical theatre playwright, performer, educator, artist-in-residence and mentor to work with the BA theatre art students. They started rehearsals at the start of the spring semester, and let the performance piece evolve throughout. How would Bowart describe it? Well, he says it’s counterintuitive to describe something so visual with words. But he does add, “I’ve enjoyed watching as we solve the puzzles inherent in translating a theatrical form that is more about muscle than memory.” 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, through Saturday, April 20, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Harold Dixon Directing Studio, Drama Building, room 116 (SE corner of Park and Speedway on the UA campus). $7. Details here.

Horizons–Student Spotlight. The UA has a nationally reputed dance program that teaches its students ballet, modern and jazz in equal amounts. As dancers prepare to graduate and take the stage at professional venues all over the world, the School of Dance presents this concert as a culmination of all of their work here in Tucson. The student choreography and diverse perspectives will have the whole audience looking forward to what lies on the horizon for the dancers. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, and Wednesday, April 24. 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 and April 27. 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd. $25 GA, $23 senior/military/UA employees, $12 students. Details here.

Things I Know to be True. You kind of think, or at least hope, that being a parent will get easier when your kids are all grown up. And in many ways, it does get easier. But when it’s time for kids to leave the nest, and sometimes to push behind the confines of their parents’ loving expectations, things get tricky. This show at Arizona Theatre Company paints a portrait of Bob and Fran, working-class parents who have dedicated their lives to giving their children more opportunities than they had themselves. It takes place over the course of a year, in which we watch regrets come to life and many parts of their lives fall apart. Saturday, April 20, through Saturday, May 11, with showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on various days. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $41 to $66. Details here.

Doggie Shorts: A Furry Film Festival. The Loft Cinema is hosting a selection of the best shorts from The Bow Wow Film Festival, plus some of their favorite canine clips from around the internet. These clips are all 10 seconds to 10 minutes long from across the globe. Plus, You Sly Dog food truck will also attend the screening. Hosted by The Loft Cinema and Handi-Dogs assistance dog training program. 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 20. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $20. Details here.

Stoke. Inspired by the “divisive reactions” to Hawaii’s volcano tourism industry, this film follows a tourist who hires two “wannabe tour guides” to take her to an active volcano. The director set out to make a road film with authentic Hawaiian characters at the forefront. 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 20. 127 E. Congress St. Details here.

Dragoon Anniversary. To celebrate their lucky 7th birthday, Dragoon Brewing Co. is hosting a party all week long. For seven days, they’re hosting daily raffles, food trucks and beer releases. And especially through this weekend, they’ll be tapping specialty brews from their cellar, selling new merchandise and hosting live music. 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 18, to Saturday, April 20. 1859 W. Grant Road. Details here.

Easter Brunch at Maynards Market & Kitchen. Regardless of your reason for celebrating Easter, you can rest assured this meal from Maynards is deserving of a “holy moly!” This brunch includes beef short rib, charred onion potato puree, scones, cauliflower velouté, lemon cornmeal pancake and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21. 400 N. Toole Ave. Reserve your spot online. Details here.

Easter Brunch Buffet at The Horseshoe Grill. It doesn’t matter what day or what event, if there’s a waffle bar, it’s a party. Better yet, the Horseshoe Grill is hosting a waffle bar and so much more for Easter! This smorgasbord includes house-smoked BBQ brisket, prime rib, omelets, house-made desserts, fresh fruit, crab legs and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 21. 7713 East Broadway Blvd. $49 adults/$14 kids 5 to 12 (children under 5 are free). Add $15 per person for endless mimosas! Reservations are encouraged, call: (520) 838-0404 or reserve online: TheHorseshoeTucson.com. Details here.

Avalon Gardens Eggstravaganza. It’s an Easter Eggstravaganza: organic edition. Which is probably the best kind of Eggstravaganza there is. Don’t worry: There’s all the usual hayrides, pony rides, face painting and live music. There’s just also a super healthy, super delicious lunch buffet made with local organic food. There are also theater and dance performances by students from the Global Community Communications Schools for Teens & Children. And you get to tour Avalon Organic Gardens & EcoVillage, to see their sustainable practices like permaculture, water harvesting, solar power and composting. 9 a.m. Sunday, April 21. Avalon Gardens, 2074 Pendleton Drive in Tumacacori. (Use the directions on their website, not your GPS.) $12 adults, $10 kids 5 to 17, $5 for kids 4 and under. Pony rides are $5 and face painting is $2. Ecovillage tours are $15/$5/free for respective age groups. Details here.
Sundays in the Garden: UA Steel Band. If you love a good calypso piece, you’d better not miss this afternoon at Tohono Chul, where the UA Steel Band—one of the longest running collegiate steel bands in the country—will be serving up traditional Trinidadian music and works composed specifically for steel drum ensemble. Picture yourself: prickly pear margarita (or lemonade) in hand, sitting in the shade at the beautiful gardens of Tohono Chul, and letting yourself float away on the beat. Looks like your Sunday afternoon is set! 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21. Tohono Chul Performance Garden, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. $13 adults, $10 military/student/senior, $3 kids 5 to 12, free for members and kids under 5. Details here.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian. The Loft Cinema is celebrating Easter Sunday with a very special 40th anniversary screening of Monty Python’s satire of Biblical life. This un-historical comedy tells of Jesus’ next-door neighbor, featuring some of the troupe’s greatest scenes and compositions. 3 to 4:45 p.m. Sunday, April 21. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $10. Details here.

Moananuiākea: One Ocean One People One Canoe. This documentary examines an historic Polynesian voyage in 1976 that reignited the Pacific culture of sailing and navigation. 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21. 127 E. Congress St. Details here. Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Third Annual Neighborhood Brewery Ride. To celebrate Bike Fest Tucson, the Rincon Heights Neighborhood Association is sampling brews at a few locations near their home and making some new friends along the way. Stops include Public Brewhouse and Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. before ending up at Tap & Bottle. The meet-up starts at Ninth Street on the west side of Campbell, before promptly leaving at 7 p.m. on the way to the breweries. 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Ninth Street and Campbell Avenue. Details here.


Dragoon Anniversary. To celebrate their lucky 7th birthday, Dragoon Brewing Co. is hosting a party all week long. For seven days, they’re hosting daily raffles, food trucks and beer releases. And especially through this weekend, they’ll be tapping specialty brews from their cellar, selling new merchandise and hosting live music. 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 18, to Sunday, April 21. 1859 W. Grant Road. Details here.

Polaroid Stories. This fascinating show combines stories told by real teens who have lived on the street with a retelling of Ovid’s Metamorphoses to tell a series of vignettes that explore difficult themes like abuse, violence, drug addiction and lost love. Street language and poetry come together as well, to create an atmosphere that director Marc Pinate describes as “a terrible beauty.” Thursday, April 18, through Sunday, April 28, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. ASL interpreters on Thursday, April 25. PCC Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $17 GA, $10 PCC students. Details here.

Sinkers: An Original Work of Physical Theatre. The School of Theatre, Film & Television Studio Series is putting this show on as part of their Studio Series. It’s focused on physical theatre, and they brought in Wolfe Bowart, a physical theatre playwright, performer, educator, artist-in-residence and mentor to work with the BA theatre art students. They started rehearsals at the start of the spring semester, and let the performance piece evolve throughout. How would Bowart describe it? Well, he says it’s counterintuitive to describe something so visual with words. But he does add, “I’ve enjoyed watching as we solve the puzzles inherent in translating a theatrical form that is more about muscle than memory.” 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, through Saturday, April 20, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Harold Dixon Directing Studio, Drama Building, room 116 (SE corner of Park and Speedway on the UA campus). $7. Details here.


Horizons–Student Spotlight. The UA has a nationally reputed dance program that teaches its students ballet, modern and jazz in equal amounts. As dancers prepare to graduate and take the stage at professional venues all over the world, the School of Dance presents this concert as a culmination of all of their work here in Tucson. The student choreography and diverse perspectives will have the whole audience looking forward to what lies on the horizon for the dancers. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, and Wednesday, April 24. 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 and April 27. 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd. $25 GA, $23 senior/military/UA employees, $12 students. Details here.

The Musical Box–A Genesis Extravaganza. The year was 1973, and five British musicians were about to change the world of rock concerts as the world knew them as they toured their fourth album, Selling England by the Pound. The surreal sets, fantastical visual effects and (obviously) rockin’ music mean it’s considered by some as one of the first multimedia performances. If you missed it then, this restaging of the show, based on hundreds of photos, slides, amateur films, and media articles, is your chance to see it again. The Musical Box went out and found all the right instruments, meticulously replicated the special effects and costumes and got together a group of talented musicians, who have been touring this show since 1993. That’s more than 25 years! It must be pretty damn good to still be going. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. The Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $26 to $86. Details here.

Pima County Fair. From carnival games to a beer fest to an exhibit on the pharaohs of Egypt, you’ll find there’s something for everyone at the fair—there always is. Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 28. Gates open at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The carnival starts at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 11300 S. Houghton Road. $9 GA, $5 youth 6 to 10, free for kids 5 and under with the purchase of a GA ticket. Admit discount day is Monday, April 22, with $2 tickets for all ages! Details here.
ZOFO Piano Duet. ZOFO—the super cool stage name of Eva-Maria Zimmermann and Keisuke Nakagoshi, have been wowing audiences and earning Grammy nominations since they banded together as one of the only duos in the world exclusively devoted to playing piano duets back in 2009. This live concert experience features 15 new commissioned duet compositions from top composers all over the world. ZOFO asked each composer to pair their work with a painting representative of his or her culture and how it relates to the creative process. It’s like a 21st-century version of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Pima Community College Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $10 to $30. Details here.

Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Comedy on a roll with popcorn

When David Pike took over operations at the Screening Room last year, he says, “Booking comedy was only a matter of finding the right person. After that it was mostly about who you know.” The right person turned out to be Marcus Raymond Gallegos. An actor and recent graduate of the UA School of Journalism, Gallegos started doing standup at Laff’s open mics before he was old enough to drink. In a meeting last June, Pike gave Gallegos a monthly slot on the second Wednesday. Thus began the reboot of comedy at the Screening Room.

For a few months in 2016, the theater hosted comedy five nights a week. That ended with a large gap in the comedy scene as management changed and work was done on the building. Pike began his own programming last May. He’ll celebrate the anniversary early next month with merch and special events, including a Cinco de Mayo comedy night. Tell us more! “It’s a secret,” Pike says. On May 9, though, standup comedians perform sets between shorts at Reel Tucson–Comedy. It’s a special edition of the monthly filmmakers’ showcase hosted by drag queens Zoey Ruby Bernard and Mary Jane.

Pike recently moved Gallegos’ showcase from the second Wednesday to a Friday or Saturday. Good news for the show’s status, but hard on fans. The exact date will change every month.

Meanwhile, Pike’s “who you know” angle landed the venue two shows with big production values for local comedy: Rich Gary’s Battle at the Roast Room and Keep Tucson Sketchy, a sketch comedy show. Both take full advantage of the venue’s deep stage and wide screen. Gary came to Pike’s attention through Frank Powers, whom Pike knew from multiple shows at The Screening Room. “Frank knows everybody,” Pike says. Yes. Yes he does. 

Hosted by Powers, Gary’s Battle at the Roast Room won the most buzz of any show in the recent CATcomedy520 LOL Crawl. The popular event repeats at the Screening Room at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 27. Sixteen comedians face off in a bracketed competition to determine who can snap the hardest. The audience keeps its own brackets; judges are comedians Rebecca Tingley, Jade Silence and Collin Chomiak. They determine the winners in each face-off. Comedians Cindell Hanson and Autumn Horvat offer color commentary between brackets. Andrew Applepie deejays. 

Contestants are reigning champion Monte Benjamin, Lex Schau, David Ross, Cody Stucki, Kathie Hedrick, Julian “Jules” Moreno, Alex Kack, Danyella Renae, Jack Fletcher, Roxy Merrari, Jeremy Segal, Joel Martin, Paul Fox, Harjap “Logan” Khangura and Daniel Villa. Tickets are $5 via battleattheroastroom5.eventbrite.com.

Keep Tucson Sketchy returns to The Screening Room on Saturday, May 18, with all new sketches, videos and sets projected on the big screen. Follow Keep Tucson Sketchy on Facebook for details as they are available.

So it’s a couple days late, my dude. Chillax, OK?

Roxy Merrari and Comedy at the Wench host a 420 comedy showcase on Monday, April 22. Take your time, but the show starts at 8. Requested donation is $5 at the door or via Venmo @comedyathewench. Tucson’s undisputed comedy king Pauly Casillas headlines. Nicole Riesgo, Marcus Gallegos, Julian “Jules” Moreno, Valdez Rene and Danyella Renae round out the bill.Tony Bruhn hosts. Vapen CBD will be on hand with swag.

Romo does Che’s. What?

Thursday, April 18 at 9 p.m., Steve Romo hosts the first known comedy show at Che’s Lounge. Incredibly, it’s free. Jericho Davidson tops a bill that includes some of Tucson’s best: Alex Kack, Rory Monserat, Leslie Barton, Matt Ziemak and Roxy Merrari, plus special guest Joe Tullar. Paul Jenkins provides live piano fills.n

Meanwhile, across the river ….

The indefatigable Mo Urban has started yet another show and it looks like it’s here to stay. The third BlackRock Brewery Showcase happens on Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m.; free. Pauly Casillas headlines; the rest of the bill includes Matt Ziemak, Bridgitte Thum, Joe Tullar, Steena Salido, Jana Gojic and Megan Gossen. 

Southern Arizona Senior Pride Book Club. There’s nothing like finishing a great book and then discussing it with a group of people who enjoyed it just as much as you did. Three cheers for book clubs! This month, Tucson LGBTQ+ seniors are meeting to discuss Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad. Both a Pulitzer Prize winner and a New York Times #1 bestseller, the book tells the story of two slaves in the 19th-century United States who try to escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad, which, in this telling, is a literal rail system. 2 to 3:30 pm. Wednesday, April 17. Ward 3 Council Office conference room, 1510 E. Grant Road. Free. Details here.
Arizona History Tour. Quick! Give us your best University of Arizona historical trivia. How about that soldiers training for WWI were among the first to use the school’s infirmary (which was where the Koffler Building is now)? Or that a big ol’ line of students holding buckets of paint all banded together to whitewash the “A” on Sentinel Peak in 1954? At this tour, an alumnus will show you around campus and teach you about some of the campus’ history and traditions. Reservations required, so call 621-5130 or visit visitorcenter.arizona.edu. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17. UA Visitor Center, 811 N. Euclid Ave. Free. Details here.


Fred Fox Jazz Ensemble & Experiential Ensemble.  Join the UA Experimental Ensemble and the Fred Fox Jazz Ensemble as they perform a combined ensemble of eclectic mixed arrangements as well as original compositions. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Crowder Hall, 1017 N Olive Rd. Free admission. Details here.

Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Fairgoers interested in skipping the $9 admission fee to the Pima County Fair may do so either this Sunday or next with a donation to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Between 10 a.m. and noon, April 21 and 28, the fair will allow free admission for three cans of food per person.

The Pima County Fairgrounds are located at 11300 S Houghton Road. Parking is available on site for a $5 fee. Shuttles are available.

Rich the Kid performs April 21, and Dia de la Banda plays April 28. More information can be found at pimacountyfair.com.

Bleed for The Throne. Donate blood by April 30 for a chance to win a full-size Iron Throne from HBO's Game of Thrones. Win a full-size poster as well. For your chance to win the throne, make an appointment at Foothills Mall Blood Donation Center, 7325 N La Cholla Blvd, or any American Red Cross blood donation center in Tucson. Details here.

The Tucsonics. Did you know there are free concerts at Monterey Court every third Tuesday of the month? Well, now that you do, how could you miss them? This month, Alvin Blaine, Nick Coventry, Evan Dain and Matt Mitchell are serving up some Western swing and Django Jazz from the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. We’re talkin’ twin fiddles, steel, a standing bass and covers of folks like Milton Brown and Gene Autry. You’re probably going to realize this is just what your Tuesdays are missing. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile. Free. Details here.


Considering Matthew Shepard. In 1998, Matthew Shepard, a young, gay college student, was kidnapped, beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in Wyoming. When he died, the world noticed, and composer Craig Hella Johnson took note. This Grammy-nominated three-part oratio combines spoken word, cowboy songs, American hymns and popular songs, spirituals, jazz and more to tell this powerful, at times overwhelming, and even sometimes hopeful tale. UA Presents is putting on the show. 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. $19 to $50. Details here.


Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

Yappy Hour Monday. Bring your furry friend to the Playground for happy hour with Tito's Vodka. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. No cover. Doggy treats made from HUB Ice Cream Factory will be provided. 4 to 7 p.m. Details here.

Maynard's 10th Birthday. It's time to party downtown, but maybe not at one of your frequented downtown party spots. Maynard's is hosting a birthday bash! Meet me at Maynards is traveling downtown tonight to celebrate their 10th birthday. It's way more than just a walk, this a party you won't want to miss!  Details here. 

Adult Painting Class. Does spring time have you dreaming of summer vacation? Are images of palm trees and beach sand dancing in your head? If so, join the Creative Juice Bar and paint a paradise at Bianchi's Italian restaurant. Arrive early for happy hour specials. Painting is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 3620 W Tangerine Rd. Details here.  

Give the gift of food and lower your library fines! From April 15 to April 30, library customers can pay overdue fines and help support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. During Food for Fines, one dollar in overdue fines will be waived for each non-perishable food item donated at any library.

What fines can be waived?

• Only overdue fines will be waived. No lost material, damaged fees, collection agency fees, or other fees will be waived during this event.

What can I donate?

• Nonperishable items such as canned vegetables, peanut butter, cans of tuna and cereal are all welcome.

What is not accepted:

• Perishable food
• Expired food
• Opened, dented, or damaged food
• Homemade food
• Food in glass containers

What happens with my donation?

• All donations are sent to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, so your donation goes directly to your community.

What if I don't have any fines on my account?

• You can still participate!!! Your donations will be sent along with the rest of the food.

April Flowers Wine Tasting. Bring in the spring at Maynards Market & Kitchen by sampling five wines all featuring floral and herbal notes. Sure, smelling flowers is nice, but have you ever tasted one? How about catching a buzz from one? 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 12. 400 N. Toole Ave. $12. Details here.

Spring Fling. Tucson is a constant surprise. To the uninitiated, there’s all sorts of unexpected records, like it being home to one of the largest gem shows in North America, or it being such a gastronomical destination. This week’s Tucson near-superlative? One of the largest student-run carnivals in the nation. Spring Fling is celebrating 45 years of food booths, games, entertainment and more than 30 carnival rides helping desert dwellers to ring in the spring. 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 12; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 13; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14. UA Campus East Mall. Admission closes one hour prior to closing. $5 GA, or free for CatCard holders, military ID holders and kids under 7. Discounts available for groups like alumni and students available on other days. Tickets are $5 for 10. Details here.

SAHBA Home & Patio Show. It’s here! Or should we say “they’re here?” Because more than 300 exhibitors are coming to town. You want a new spa? Come and get it. How about products and inspiration for how to remodel your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or outdoor landscape? Oh yeah. Fancy household gadgets with demonstrations you will be unable to tear yourself away from? You bet. There’s even face painting on Saturday for the kids! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. $8 GA, free for kids 12 and under. Military discounts every day and half-price admission for seniors 50+ on Friday. Visit sahbahomeshow.com for a $2 coupon. Free parking. Details here.

Dune. Fresh off of haunting classics like Eraserhead and The Elephant Man, director David Lynch tackled this sci-fi leviathan of a project with, shall we say, mixed reception. With its deep religious themes, giant sand worms, space battles and more, Frank Herbert’s massive novel was no easy feat to put onto film. What we’re left with is a fascinating time capsule of a film, a doomed project with all the hype and funding in the world. Screening back-to-back days at The Loft Cinema. 10 p.m. Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Details here.

Day One. The University of Arizona’s Global Experiential Learning program is hosting a free screening of a documentary about a Missouri academy which provides a transitional education for immigrants and refugees into the American schooling system. A Q&A panel discussion with Tucson refugee community members will follow the screening. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 12. At the Gallagher Theatre, 1303 E. University Blvd. Free. Details here.

Tucson Margarita Crawl 2019. Now that the weather is heating up, it’s the perfect time to embrace margarita season. Hosted by Desert Sky Event Planning and Bar Crawl Unlimited, this event starts at Playground Bar & Lounge and includes multiple samples of exclusively discounted margaritas. The only real question: Do you want salt on that rim? 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13. 278 E. Congress St. $10. Details here.

Pico de Gallo Mini Fest. Who knew tomato, onion and cilantro could create such a holy trinity? Diego’s Tapas Y Tequila is gathering multiple local authentic pico de gallo vendors for a tasty showcase of Mexican fruit salad creations. This event is free to the public and also includes music and entertainment as well. 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13. 943 E. University Blvd., suite 101. Free. Details here.

Turkish Bazaar. The Sema Foundation, an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to promoting harmony across cultures, is hosting their second annual Turkish Food Festival. These dishes include gozleme, kebabs, baklava and more. But the culture doesn’t stop there! Beyond the food, this event also includes authentic Turkish music and artisanal Turkish crafts. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13. 2843 North Alvernon Way. Free entry. Details here.

Wine Gone Wild. The Reid Park Zoo is calling all winos and rhinos for this fundraising event. Featuring samples and wines from a huge amount of Arizona wineries and distilleries, this event aids all the animals at the zoo. There will also be appetizers, live music, painting and animal encounters. Drinks include samples from Rancho Rossa Vineyards, Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine Tequila, Sand Reckoner Vineyards, Sonoita Vineyards and more. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13. 3400 E. Zoo Court. $65 or $120 VIP. Details here.


Annual Eggstravaganza. We hope, one way or another, that you and your family, or you and your friends, are going to treat yourselves to an eggstravaganza at some point this year. Maybe that means an Easter egg hunt. Maybe that means a breakfast party with boundary-pushing omelets. Maybe that just means you order quiche at a restaurant. But ideally, it means this Easter egg hunt, where there will also be carnival games, prizes and the Easter Bunny himself, here to chat with children about how their springtimes are going. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Mansfield Park, 2000 N. Fourth Ave. Details here.

International Wildlife Museum Eggstravaganza. Another one! We’ll just say it: An eggstravaganza is an eggstravaganza, no matter which way you crack the egg. So, yeah, this eggstravaganza is a lot like the last one: There are crafts, games with prizes, plenty of candy, an Easter egg hunt and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. It just depends on which works best with your sch-egg-ule. Everything is included with museum admission. 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday, April 13. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road. $10 adults, $7 senior/military, $5 kids 4 to 12, free for kids 3 and under and for museum members. Details here.


Dear Diary. Is there anything more cringe-inducing than reading an old diary? We can’t think of anything. Ally Tanzillo, who began taking classes at Live Theatre Workshop when she was 9 years old and is now part of the improv duo Ex-Boyfriend, was partly inspired to put together this show from rereading her own diaries. Then she asked for submissions of old diary entries and letters to put together this hilarious show. In her own words: “Young people are so intense, but they don’t have any context. I can’t believe how serious I was about the lists I made—favorite albums, boys I thought were cute…And when I read submissions from others and talked to people for this project, I noticed that every person had a story in which he or she felt alone, but no one really was. That really struck me.” 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, and 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $10. Details here.

Chris Rush Reading & Book Signing. Chris Rush is an award-winning image and text artist who lives in Tucson, and who just wrote his first book, a coming-of-age memoir set against the social upheaval of the late 1960s full of delicious lines like this one, about buying LSD from a girl with a sign reading “California’s Best Acid”: “Orange hair and freckles, she gushed, ‘These tabs are from Berkeley, handmade with gold glitter by my friend Gregory, who is super interesting. One dollar, or three for two. I took one this morning to stay clear. It’s really fresh.’ I smiled at her, in love with love.” SIGN US UP. This is also one of only five book signings Rush has planned for the year, and the only local one, so don’t miss it! 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Etherton Gallery, 135 S. Sixth Ave. Free. Details here.

The Marriage of Figaro. With a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte and music by a composer named Mozart you may have heard of, this comic opera is one of the most commonly performed operas today. It tells the story of two servants, Figaro and Susanna, who are about to get married. But then, Figaro’s master Count Almaviva decides he wants Susanna for himself. How do they untangle this love triangle and get everyone in Seville their own happy ending? Only one way to find out—go see Arizona Opera’s rendition of it. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $25 to $130. Details here.

La Boutique Fantasque & Les Sylphides. April is the perfect time to treat yourself to a one-act ballet about two can-can dancers falling in love in a magical toyshop, put on by the Tucson Regional Ballet, wouldn’t you say? This 1919 ballet has elements of mime, folk dance and comedy—in addition to classical ballet. For dessert, Fokin’s masterpiece Les Sylphides, one of those pretty ballet blancs where all of the dancers wear white tutus, and often cited as the first ballet to just be about mood and dance with no narrative. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. Leo Rich Theatre, 260 S. Church Ave. $18 to $20+. Details here.

Celebrate Oro Valley. The Oro Valley Farmer’s Market is at Steam Pump Ranch every Saturday, and before the weather gets too hot, they’re still having events like tours of the Pusch House Ranch and live music. This week is Celebrate Oro Valley, featuring the music of artists like David Rychener, Cochise County All-Stars, the Hot Lizards and more. PLUS, photo and art shows, a petting zoo, an antique fair, crafts for kids, hands-on archaeology and tons more activities hosted by local organizations. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road. Free. Details here.

20th Annual Master Gardener Home Tour. Springtime is the perfect time to take a tour of four of the most beautiful and creative gardens in Tucson, grown and maintained by the Pima County Master Gardeners. And 2019 is the perfect time for the theme of the garden tour to be “water wise,” so you can learn about the best way to collect rainwater, get some xeriscaping started and select native and desert adapted plants to help conserve one of our most precious resources. The Demonstration Gardens at the UA’s Cooperative Extension Service will also be open for touring at 4210 N. Campbell Ave. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13. $15 to $20. Four locations listed at extension.arizona.edu. Details here.

HoTArt. Heart of Tucson Art is an artist-organized, artist-run tour of studios all over the city. It’s your chance to wander around town seeing works by artists like Angela Red Heart Woman Flanagan, who was given the name Red Heart Woman when she was culturally adopted by a Lakota/O’odham family, and who makes paper mâché art (3054 N. First Ave.) or Catherine Pearson, who says she uses photography to better understand reality (3935 N. Country Club Road). Not to mention mosaics, ceramics, metalsmithing, jewelry, paintings, drawings and fiber art galore. The tour is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14. See heartoftucsonart.org for more info on gallery locations. Details here.
GABA Bike Swap 2019. There ain’t enough room in this town for the two of us, but there is room for the largest bicycle swap in the southwest. Seriously, this puppy attracts more than 5,000 people and 40+ vendors twice a year. And it’s part of the Living Street Alliance’s Bike Fest, going on throughout April, which also includes things like an Enchanted Hills Mountain Bike Trails build day on Saturday, April 13, and community bike rides on several dates. If you’re mostly in it for the swappin’, your best bet is 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 14. 400 N. Fifth Ave. Free. Details here.
Old Tucson 80th Anniversary Weekend Celebration. It’s sort of funny that, at 80 years old, Old Tucson is younger than regular Tucson, at more than 240 years old (or considerably older, depending on how you figure its age). But an anniversary of one of the Old Pueblo’s most beloved attractions is always a good reason to celebrate. Alumni performances, featuring can-can girls and stunt actors from years’ past, will abound, 43 Miles North will be performing cowboy western classics and there will be plenty of other ceremonies and surprises throughout the weekend. Sunday night even has a screening of the 1940 classic that started it all, Arizona! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. GA $19.95, child, $10.95, with discounts for senior, military, Pima County residents, arrival between 3 and 5 p.m. and groups. Details here.

City Market and Dive-in Movie. The AC Hotel by Marriott is sponsoring five markets throughout the year to celebrate the five distinct seasons of the Sonoran Desert. The spring one is this Saturday, and will highlight artists and entrepreneurs from around town, including a floral designers, photographers and people selling handmade home décor. Afterward, head to the “Dive-in” movie, and watch Finding Nemo in the hotel’s rooftop pool. Tickets come with a free drink (nonalcoholic options available) and fresh popcorn! City Market is from 4 to 7 p.m. and the movie is from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 13. AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown, 151 E. Broadway Blvd. Market is free and movie is $10. Details here.
Arizona International Film Festival. The oldest and longest-running independent film festival in Arizona is returning for its 28th year! Continuing every day through its closing night on Sunday, April 21, this festival has ample time to screen all sorts of indie cinema from across our state and world. Featuring both full-length and short films, AIFF will take over The Screening Room, hosting multiple events there every single day of its runtime. For a full list of events and films, visit filmfestivalarizona.com. Details here.

Drop In at the Dropout. Culinary Dropout and Angel Charity for Children are hosting a pop-up event to benefit children throughout Pima County. This fundraiser is a “unique sip and shop experience that combines shopping fun with food, craft cocktails, music, entertainment and a cigar and whiskey lounge.” While there is plenty of food and drink, this also includes crafts from local retailers and live music. 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14. 2543 East Grant Road. $35, or $100 VIP. Details here.

Kosher Wine & Matzah Sale. The Chabad Tucson, a Jewish outreach network for Southern Arizona, is hosting a sale of red and white wines from California, Israel, France, Italy and Spain. In addition, they will be selling fresh handmade Shmura Matzah, a specialty kind of flatbread. Whether or not wine and matzah are a commonly paired dish, there’s a meal here waiting for you! 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14. 2443 E. Fourth St. Details here.

Sundays in the Garden: Dos Sueños. Everybody loves a good violin and guitar, husband and wife, Latin and tango duo. And pretty much everyone enjoys all of those things even more in a nice garden setting, perhaps with a prickly pear margarita or lemonade in hand. Tohono Chul has got you covered with this week’s performance. Johny and Katie Vargas perform classical music, their own arrangements and acoustic covers of popular songs. Both are UA grads now working toward their master’s degrees in music education at ASU. Come sit in the garden and let your troubles float away on the sounds of their string instruments. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14. Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte. Free with admission, which is $13 adults, $10 military & student with IDs and seniors, $3 for kids 5 to 12 and free for kids under 5 and members. Details here.

Second SundAZe Family Day @ TMA. Happy Earth Day! Celebrate with Mr. Nature over at the Tucson Museum of Art, where there will also be art-making activities and a performance by Patricia Carr Morgan—the final performative element of her Blue Tears exhibition. Morgan’s performance is at 11 a.m., Mr. Nature’s is at 1 p.m. and the part where you get in free lasts all day, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend some time outside in nature today as well if you’d like. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Ave. Free. Details here.
State of Play. As part of their ongoing “Journalism on Screen” series, The Loft Cinema is screening this dramatic retelling of a murder in D.C. This mystery thriller “echoes such classic ‘70s conspiracy thrillers as All the President’s Men, updated for the era of modern journalism.” Presented by The New York Times, The Arizona Daily Star, The Daily Wildcat and the UA College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Journalism. 2 to 4:45 p.m. Sunday, April 14. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Details here.

Uncle Vanya. Filmed on stage at the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow, this reproduction of Chekov’s 1898 play brings the drama to Harkins Theatres. Filmed in HD, this tells of the parallels between urban and rural life in Russia, with plenty of interpersonal strife to remain interesting to the modern audience. 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14. Tucson Spectrum, 5121 S. Calle Santa Cruz. $8.50. Details here.

Game of Thrones Viewing Party at Sky Bar. Part of their cinema series, Sky Bar is screening brand new episodes of Game of Thrones season 8. They’ve been screening recap episodes of season 7 through the past few weeks, and now they’re ready for some brand new action. Plus, Sky Bar has new 4K HD projectors for the event. 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 14. 536 N. Fourth Ave. 21+. No cover. Details here.
Events compiled by Briannon Wilfong, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.

All Over the Place!

 Some comedy fans first drop in on an open mic for the free entertainment and drink specials. As they come more regularly, they learn to watch how a joke gets crafted and polished over time.

They trade snaps about how it might have landed better or what kind of future they see for a comic. Eventually they can enjoy watching people grow enough to start getting local showcase bookings. Who doesn’t love saying “I told you so”?

Maybe it’s like watching minor-league baseball? We honestly wouldn’t know. But in just the last six months, Tucson has sprouted several new playing fields for stand-up comedians at every level. Almost every night, our comics have a chance at bat, and sometimes get to play away venues.

Vail has been home to monthly Vail Laughs clean comedy shows for a few years already. But last month, Tucson comic Paul Fox introduced an over-21 showcase series at The Spotted Bull Eatery and Bar, 13005 E. Benson Highway. His next showcase there is at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 13. The lineup includes Roxy Merrari, who hosts the weekly Comedy at the Wench series; local touring professional Ali Musa; and Roy Lee Reynolds. Admission is $3.

With his comedy-business partner Jules Moreno, Reynolds is a kind of Johnny Appleseed of Tucson comedy. The pair blazed a trail to Benson in August with a monthly series at Riverside Inn Saloon, and they continue to take shows to Cilantro’s in Douglas about every other month. Lately Reynolds has helped organize and run an almost monthly Sunday open mic at the Music Box Pub, 6951 E. 22nd Street. It’s a natural, he says, because nine Tucson comics live within walking distance.

In the Fourth Avenue area, thick as it already is with comedy, Joel Martin has launched a combination showcase and open mic in the spacious beer garden of Corbett Brewery, 309 E Seventh Street. The show, Good Enough Comedy, starts at 9:30 every Wednesday night. The crowd swells with a pack of hardcore comedy lovers around 10 p.m. That’s when Mo Urban’s long-running 7:30 pm Wednesday open mic at Café Passé lets out. It’s around the corner at 414 N. Fourth Ave.

Monday has open mic fans scrambling for their Ubers. After Merrari’s three-year-old, 7 p.m. mic at Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave., they dash to a mic recently started by Stephanie Lyonga at Putney’s Pitstop Sports Bar and Grill, 6070 N. Oracle Road. Show time is 8 p.m. After a long break from comedy, Lyonga’s working on new material every week and that alone is worth the drive.

Farther north, fans find Dave Margolis’ new Monday showcase and mic at Casa Marana Craft Beer and Wine, 8225 N Courtney Page Way, suite 191. The show, called Casa de Comedy, starts at 7 p.m. This week’s guests are Ron B. Rown, Drake Horner, Chris Quinn, Paul Lucie, Emma Stephens and Danny Keaton.

Meanwhile ...

Let's also celebrate the long-running pinnacle of Tucson’s open mic scene, Laffs Comedy Caffé (8 p.m., Thursdays, 2900 E. Broadway Blvd). Saving the best for last, we welcome the already famous Patton Oswalt this weekend. (8 p.m. Sunday, April 14, foxtucson.com, $39.50 to $75).