1912 Beer x Daniela’s Cooking Churro Pairing. Who says you have to be at an amusement park to enjoy one of the finest desserts humans ever came up with? 1912 Brewing and Daniela’s Cooking are teaming up for a beer and churro pairing night. It’s time to add a crunch to your growler, cinnamon to your sour. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. 2045 N Forbes Blvd., suite 105. Details here.

Two-Year Anniversary at Sand-Reckoner Vineyards. Sand-Reckoner is taking the whole weekend to celebrate their birthday. So this means drink specials, new wines and music. On Friday, Feb. 15, it’s an all day happy hour featuring music from Miss Olivia and the Interlopers. On Saturday, Feb. 16, Sand-Reckoner is unveiling some of their new wine, Malvasia Pet-Nat, with music from Beth Daunis & Friends. Sunday, Feb. 17, they are featuring a guest bartender, plus a fundraiser for Native Seeds. Friday, Feb. 15, to Sunday, Feb. 17. 510 N. Seventh Ave., Unit 170. Details here.
Tucson Craft Beer Crawl. It is back! For one day, downtown Tucson is going to turn into more of a craft beer-obsessed madhouse than it already is. The crawl features beers from nearly every brewery in Tucson: 1912, Barrio, BlackRock, Borderlands, Catalina, Corbett, Crooked Tooth, Dillinger, Dragoon and we’re only at the letter D! Aside from breweries, venues include the classic Fifth Avenue Beer Garden, Hotel Congress and R Bar. Playground Bar & Lounge’s upstairs patio will also be hosting 1912 Brewing, Dillinger Brewing, and Mother Road Beer. There are two types of tickets: You can start from the north or from the south. A percentage of proceeds benefit the Arizona nonprofits, including the Watershed Management Group. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. 55 N. Fifth Ave. General admission is $40. VIP is $70. Details here.

Murder, Mayhem & Mobsters at The Dutch. If you’re looking for good food and a mystery (or an excuse to bust out that old suit you never wear), head over to the Dutch Eatery, where they’re pairing up with The Independent Distillery for a “whodunit” dinner party. Arrive in your finest clothes, and eat a three-course dinner with an interactive dinner mystery. Foods include: Beef Wellington, Vegetable Napoleon and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. 943 E. University Blvd. $59. Call (520) 792-6684 to reserve a spot. Details here.

Third Annual Tap & Bottle Beer Mile. Tap & Bottle knows you’ve been missing it, so the beer mile is back! Here’s your chance to drink four beers over the course of a mile. One beer for every lap you run. Is it a good idea? Well it’s certainly an idea! The beer is provided by Firestone Walker Brewing Co., and also includes food from Los Locos Tacos food truck and a Bloody Mary bar. The run occurs at their Westbound location in the MSA Annex. 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 17. 267 S. Avenida Del Covento. $15 for pre-race sign up. $20 day of sign up. 21+. Details here.

Joshua Bell. If you’re into classical music, it’s likely you’ve heard of Joshua Bell, who’s recorded more than 40 CDs and earned Grammy, Mercury, Gramophone and Echo Klassik awards along the way. If you aren’t deep in the world of classical music, on the other hand, Joshua Bell may just sound like Josh Peck’s first name combined with Drake Bell’s last name. Anyway, this guy has done everything from teach at MIT to perform on the Tonight Show and was named one of People Magazine’s 50 most beautiful people. And he performs on a Stradivarius violin from 1713, with an 18th-century French bow. Don’t miss this performance, where he’ll be accompanied by Sam Haywood on the piano. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. $25 to $125+. Details here.

The Amazing Acro-cats Tumble Into Tucson. “I can die happy now!” exclaimed one audience member after seeing this show. And you can imagine why: This is literally a troupe of touring performing house cats who roll on balls, ride skateboards, jump through hoops and close out the show with a music performance. Tuna and the Rock Cats features Nola on guitar, Asti on drums, Nue on keyboard, Ahi on woodblocks, Albacore on cowbell, Buggles on trumpet, Oz on saxophone and a chicken named Cluck Norris on the tambourine. Chief executive Human Samantha Martin has saved more than 215 cats and kittens since she founded Rock Cats Rescue. Why would you miss this? 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. $20. Details here. 

Girl’s Day Doll Exhibit. Hinamatsuri, or the Girl’s Day Festival, takes place every March in Japan, when Japanese parents display hana, or small dolls that represent an Emperor, Empress and attendant in honor of their pre-teen daughters. Many times, these dolls are family heirlooms. Girls hold parties with their friends and enjoy traditional foods each year until they’re 10, when the dolls are packed away to be someday passed on to the next generation of girls. Yume Japanese Gardens will be displaying their vintage doll set, over a century old, from Feb. 15 to March 16, so you, like multiple generations of young girls before you, can admire their beauty. Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. $13 adults, $10 seniors 65+, $9 students & military with ID, $6 kids 3 to 15 and free for kids 2 and under. Details here.

The Princess Bride. Keeping the love alive for one extra day, the University of Arizona is screening this fantasy/romance classic the day after Valentine’s Day. And better yet, it’s a free outdoor screening! What more is there to say about this beloved film? Well maybe, did you know some of the film’s actors, including Mandy Patinkin and Andre the Giant, said this was their favorite movie they ever performed in? Co-presented by Cats After Dark and UA Women and Gender Resource Center. 8 to 9:50 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. 1657 E. Helen St. Details here.

Family SCIFest. Science is everywhere! Especially at this event at the Children’s Museum on Saturday, where there will be STEM demonstrations galore by groups like Society of Women Engineers Tucson and the UA Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. Check out the live animals, meteorites and hands-on demonstrations in everything from robotics to biology to environmental sciences to physics. Sid the Science Kid from PBS Kids, as well as characters and droids from the 501st Legion, will be around to remind kids just how cool science is. Museum admission is free all day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and SciFest is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave. Free. Details here.

With Love, Marilyn. This special, four-night-only performance is all about one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures: Marilyn Monroe. In this one-woman show, she’s portrayed by Erin Sullivan, who has nearly 30 years of theater experience under her belt, including portraying Marilyn in Marilee and Baby Lamb: The Assassination of an American Goddess. Not to mention, Sullivan’s the playwright of this show as well! It takes us behind the scenes to a dress rehearsal for a show, where Marilyn is singing songs like “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” and “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, through Saturday, Feb. 16, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $50. Details here.

Into The Deep, an art pop-up. While you’re drinking and listening to live music on this Saturday night anyway, you might as well support some local artists, right? From the gorgeous polymer clay jewelry of Sigfus to Birdy Fyffe’s photography to the rustic ceramic pieces of Cinnasepia, you’ll be surrounded by lovely, handmade works. The Powder Room makeup artists and Tattoos by Hector will also be present. Bring cash for the bar, park in the big parking lot across the street, and fill your heart with art. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. District Photo Studio, 657 W. St. Mary’s. Details here.
American Stories: Bill Owens, David Graham, David Hurn and Shannon Smith. A woman with long blonde hair looks back at the camera as the small boat she’s sitting on heads into the mouth of a whale (on a Disneyland ride). A sign that appears to be in the middle of nowhere portends, “Really Really Good.” A man, seen from above, is mid-jump into a river full of people in inner tubes. A couple standing outside their car on the side of the road look concernedly at a little boy who’s throwing up. This photography exhibit at the Etherton features American life as portrayed through the views of these photographers Show runs through Saturday, April 20. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and by appointment. Etherton Gallery, 135 S. Sixth Ave. Free. Details here.

Cruise, BBQ & Blues Festival & Car Show. Maybe you’re not that into cars, but you are into science, or design, or figuring out how things work. So, in some sense, you are into car design, one of the most ubiquitous but overlooked art forms there is. At this Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance Event, join thousands of other people to enjoy live oldies music, great food and, of course, tons of gorgeous cars. Kids can do activities while parents guess who will win the awards given in 20+ categories, from best interior to best paint to best engine. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road. $5, with $1 discount for veterans and active duty military. Free for kids 10 and under. Cash only. Details here.

Tumamoc Hill 5K/10K. Apparently, some people don’t think walking up Tumamoc Hill is difficult enough. And hey, maybe today is the day you try running or jogging up the mountain. But if it’s not, that’s OK, too. You’re free to walk the trail, because this informal event is open to people at all levels of fitness. Bring water, good shoes and, if you want, the Strava.com app so you can see what your time is. The event is free, and everyone’s going to the Mercado san Agustin for tacos, and Presta Coffee Roasters for coffee, after it’s over. Get those Saturday mornin’ endorphins going! 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Feb. 16. Tumamoc Hill, 1675 W. Anklam Road. Free. Details here.

What Happened, Miss Simone? The Tucson Black Film Club is screening this documentary on the life of jazz pianist and singer, as well as civil rights activist, Nina Simone. The screening is at the Dunbar African American Culture Center. Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, the daughter of a preacher, she changed her name to Nina Simone as a stage name when she decided to play “the devil’s music.” The film was nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. 325 W. Second St. Details here.

2019 Oscar Nominated Short Films. The Loft Cinema is filling your week with special screenings of this year’s best short films. Whether they’re animated, live action, or documentaries, they’re worth your time (especially since they’re only a few minutes). Live Action Shorts: 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Documentary Shorts: noon Saturday, Feb. 16. Animated Shorts: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $10. Details here.

No Volcano. Like a fish born into a tank, No Volcano struggle against internal headfucks—aware that “free will” is but an illusion, autonomy impossible and, yet, complacency is somehow appealing. Tones vacillate between sardonic and sincere; they long for things that cannot be. They’ll never soar “like an eagle” or see snow out in the country, but will forever be stuck in Phoenix. Perry Ferrell and Frank Black’s bastard kid could cameo in No Volcano, worshiping apathy like Bad Religion does atheism. This Best of Phoenix 2018 band has everything a winning post-punk/nerd rock outfit could ever hope for: excess brain cells cut with dissatisfaction. Not to mention years of Arizona rock ’n’ roll cred (Trunk Federation, Colorstore, etc). Three albums deep, singer Jim Andreas shoots ideas atop chooga-chocka guitars, burdened with age-old dilemmas of independence versus compromise, “I wanna stay out later/But it’s a sad generator.” With Gem Show on Saturday, Feb. 16. Che’s Lounge, 350 N. Fourth Ave. 8 p.m. Free. 21+.—B.S. Eliot Details here.


Violins of Hope (Third Annual Elizabeth Leibson Holocaust Remembrance Lecture) A lot of people agree that one of the saddest part of the nonstop sad-fest that is The Titanic is when the boat is sinking and death is staring them in the face, but the musicians on the deck keep playing. Such is the power of music and the resilience of musicians. The Violins of Hope is a collection of restored instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust: They’ve survived concentration camps, pogroms and many a long journey, and Israeli father and son Amnon and Avshalom have dedicated themselves to restoring them for this presentation of music, storytelling and multimedia. Fred Fox School of Music students and faculty will also perform music by Hans Winterberg and Daniel Asia. 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Crowder Hall, 1017 N. Olive Road. $18 GA, $54 reserved seating and reception. Details here.

The Gila Valley, Globe and Northern Railway Co. Do you know much about this particular railway? It was in operation for just 16 years at the turn of the 20th century, and stretched the 125 miles between Bowie and Globe. But we’re going to refer to railroad historian Richard Dick to tell us more about the matter. He’ll be the third speaker in the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum’s February speaker series and your chance to gain a whole new world of knowledge about the railroads that made today’s world possible. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave. Free. Details here.

VintagePalooza. It’s interesting to think about the VintagePaloozas of the future, where enthusiasts of early 21st century fashion and furniture will haggle over the prices of authentic LuLaRoe leggings and stainless steel refrigerators. But we digress. At this Cat Mountain Station event, you’ll get your pick of a wide variety of vintage items from tons of vendors, all to the tune of live rock music. While you’re there, check out Buffalo Trading Post across the strweet, which has a mix of vintage and new (or as we like to call it, future vintage) clothing, jewelry and housewares, as well as the Coyote Pause Café. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Cat Mountain Station, 2727 S. Kinney Road. Details here.

A Good Festival Tucson. Sure, the title is a little vague, but sometimes it’s good to just celebrate goodness, right? This day full of yoga classes, health & wellness workshops, live music, vendors, beer and a wine garden is a seriously capital-G Good way to spend a Sunday. Take classes like TWERK Fuzion with Chezale, either before or after you visit the wine garden, depending on how good you’re feeling. Desert Yoga Productions & FoodInRoot are putting on this event. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Whistle Stop Depot, 127 W. Fifth St. $15, or free for kids 12 and under. Details here.

Chokehold. Directed by Arizona filmmaker Brian Skiba, this action/drama follows a woman’s mission in seeking revenge on the mob for the death of her father. But how does she do it? By battling her way up the ladder of underground mixed martial arts. The Screening Room presents this brand new film, with MLB star and former Arizona basketball standout Kenny Lofton in person doing a Q&A after the film. 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. 127 E. Congress. $12.50. Details here.

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

Pop up with Pueblo Vida + Exo Kitchen. For a special Valentine’s Day treat, head over to Tap & Bottle’s downtown location, where Pueblo Vida Brewing is bringing the beer and Exo Kitchen is bringing the food. This evening includes four beers over four courses. Talk about a pleasant evening: You’re surrounded by the things you love and your date is there as well. 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. 403 N. Sixth Avenue. $45. Details here.

Reel Tucson–Lead With Love. This special Valentine’s Day Reel Tucson, a local short film contest, focuses on the more romantic side of films. The evening is only $5, and for those daring, it’s free to enter your film. The evening includes local films and music with Mary Jane and RewBee. Hosted by Strada Company and The Screening Room. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. 127 E. Congress St. Details here.

Valentine's Day Date Night! $29 per painter. Grab a friend and follow our instructor's step by step instructions while you sip some wine or beer and create your own beautiful masterpiece! Creative Juice 6530 E Tanque Verde Rd in La Plaza Shoppes. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Details here.
I’ve Got a Crush On You – A Valentine’s Day Concert! Join local favorite Big Band Xpress for a romantic night of jazz standards, love songs and big band tunes. Starring the one and only Armen Dirtadian. You’ll hear songs like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Nice and Easy,” Where or When,” and more. If you are looking for the perfect date night this Valentine’s Day, tickets range from $13-$25. The Gaslight Music Hall 13005 N. Oracle Rd. 6 p.m. Details here.

click to enlarge

Courtesy of Arizona Theatre Company

With Love, Marilyn. This special, four-night-only performance is all about one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures: Marilyn Monroe. In this one-woman show, she’s portrayed by Erin Sullivan, who has nearly 30 years of theater experience under her belt, including portraying Marilyn in Marilee and Baby Lamb: The Assassination of an American Goddess. Not to mention, Sullivan’s the playwright of this show as well! It takes us behind the scenes to a dress rehearsal for a show, where Marilyn is singing songs like “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” and “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, through Saturday, Feb. 16, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $50. Details here.

Pollen Path. The flowering plants of the Sonoran Desert, with all of their colors, shapes, textures and lines, provide joy and inspiration to many a desert dweller or visitor. And the path of pollen from flower to seed is what makes this all possible. For this art exhibit at Tohono Chul, artists were asked to contribute works of art that focus on the pollen producers and transporters of the desert—which gave them pretty much limitless possibilities to work with. Erinn Kennedy is the featured artist. See what they came up with at this exhibit, running from Thursday, Feb. 14, through Wednesday, April 17. Reception with the artists is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Tohono Chul Main Gallery. 7366 Paseo del Norte. Reception is free. Details here.

Love Hurts. Seriously. The good love giveth and the good love taketh away. If you’re not really in the mood to celebrate this confusing feeling, or at least not to celebrate it traditionally, head downtown to Crooked Tooth, where they traditionally haven’t done anything traditionally. Kari Cadenhead of Marigold Tattoo Studios will be doing stick and poke tattoos for just $40, Whiskey Drunk will be playing live music from 7 to 9 p.m. and Fat Noodle food truck will be onsite with black noodle ramen, and plenty of vegetarian options. So, whether you want to distract yourself from the pain of love with some physical pain, drown out your thoughts with music, eat your feelings or just have a good time, don’t miss it. 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E. Sixth St. Details here.

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

Take a trip back in time (and up the highway to Festival Village)  to the 31st Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace!

There will be jousting, games, rides, time travelers, fairies, lords and ladies and more every weekend until March 31. Tickets are valid for any weekend within the festival season. Winners must come to the Tucson Local Media office to pick up their tickets.

Pick out an outfit and get ready to eat a turkey leg, here's your chance to go to this year's festival for free!  Enter for your chance to win either a pair of tickets or a special family pack of four tickets.  

Beer Buds Sausage Pairing. Get your sausage and beer on when Dragoon Brewing Co. and Pueblo Vida Brewing Company head over to Ten55 Brewing and Sausage House for an Arizona Beer Week special sausage flight and beer pairing. The breweries will be creating three specialty sausages to be paired with beers. Groovy and juicy! 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. 110 E. Congress St. Details here.

Ciao Charlie Ciao Beer Dinner. Barrio Brewing is honoring the retiring Charlie Papazian, founder of the Brewers Association, with a special dinner. Enjoy five beers over five courses. Dishes include: bacon-wrapped dates, drunken cherry cheesecake, chicken tortilla soup, pork tenderloin and more. Beers include a citrazona IPA, Barrio Rojo, Copperhead Pale Ale and more. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. 800 E. 16th St. $45. Details here.

Courtesy Brewers Association

Charlie Papazian

UA Public Art Tour. Even if you’ve been to the UA Museum of Art, there’s probably lots of art on our local university’s campus you aren’t familiar with. In fact, even if you are or were a UA student, there’s likely a whole host of sculptures, fountains, mosaics and more that you walk by every day without noticing or knowing anything about. Let a museum docent guide you through campus and teach you more about the art that’s been hiding in plain sight. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. Begins at UA Museum of Art, 1031 N. Olive Road. Free. Details here.

Alexander String Quartet with Pianist Joyce Yang. Let’s get stringy! The Alexander Quartet, in from San Francisco, is teaming up with Grammy-nominated Cliburn Competition medalist Joyce Yang for this performance hosted by the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music, and spanning the full history of music for piano and strings. From Mozart’s Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major (one of the genre’s first major efforts) to Robert Schumman’s crowd pleaser Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major to a brand-new piece—Quintet with Pillars—by contemporary composer Samuel Adams. What a plucky lineup and lucky audience. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. $30. Details here.

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

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With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, Americans across the country are stocking up on their most loved pink and red candies and chocolates. However, there is bad news for Arizona and a few other states this year, their favorite is not available.
Where have the Sweethearts candy hearts gone? What will the school children give to their friends? How will we break our teeth on adorable sugar messages? Overall the most popular Valentine's Day candy, Sweethearts conversation hearts, will not be available this year due to the closing of the New England Confectionary Company or NECCO.


NECCO has been making candy every year since 1886 and was the longest continually operating candy company in the country. On July 24, 2018 NECCO closed its doors for good. While the company was later sold, the new buyer did not swoop in time to save this year's conversational candy hearts.

Fear not, oh candy heart lovers, the cute messages delivered via small sugar heart will be back on shelves soon.

“We wish we could have Sweethearts out for the 2019 Valentine season," said Spangler Candy Company is a press release, "but it’s just not possible. We are committed to making sure these brands meet consumer expectations when they re-enter the market. Doing it right takes time.”

The new Sweethearts owner released this statement in true candy-coated fashion:

Source: Spangler Candy Co via CandyStore.comRead the full article here.

Infusion Night at Pueblo Vida. Tuesdays are now special nights at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company! They’re where you can find Pueblo Vida’s weekly infusions. And to celebrate Arizona Beer Week, they are releasing four different infusions this week. The drinks are: Coffee Mexican Hot Chocolate “Pasteleria” Stout, Peach-Tea “Shortcut” Kettle Sour, Pineapple Upside Down Cake “Ecotone” Double IPA, and Bumbleberry Pie Milkshake “Sedoso” IPA. 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Details here.

Ghost. For their Tuesday Night Classics series, Harkins Theatres is screening the 1990 Patrick Swayze hit Ghost. In this spectral romance, when a man is murdered, his ghost warns his lover of impending dangers. The film nabbed two Oscars, one for Whoopi Goldberg as Best Supporting Actress, and one for Best Original Screenplay. 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. 5455 S. Calle Santa Cruz. Details here.

Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration. What more is there to say about Joni Mitchell? With her personal, introspective songwriting, she changed the world of folk. The Loft Cinema is screening a one-night-only musical celebration of the legendary woman, featuring performances by James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Los Lobos and more. This film was captured over two nights in November 2018 by The Music Center at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $12. Details here.

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

Arizona Theater Company is putting on a show this Valentine's Week and we want you to go! Packed full of music, this show will keep you dancing song after song. Showings are at the Temple of Music and Art located at
330 S. Scott Ave.

Organizers describe the event:

With Love, Marilyn stars Erin Sullivan as Marilyn Monroe in a special one-woman tribute performance to one of the most iconic romantic ingenues.

And here is your chance to go for free!

Show times vary starting Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) to Sunday, Feb. 17.

Enter with your name and email for a chance to see the show on us. Entrants must be 18 or older to participate. Good luck!

Here at the Tucson Weekly we are pretty excited that it's Arizona Beer Week. We are so excited that we had a whole special edition dedicated to breweries, brewers and brew! Check out our beer review, our cover story about all the love within the local brewing community, our full beer week calendar and more in this week's issue on stands now.

As you can see by our calendar, there are loads of events happening around town that celebrate all things beer, but we have your chance to attend one special event for free!

Enter for your chance to win two free tickets to the Tucson Craft Beer Crawl on Saturday, Feb. 16. This year is number five for the crawl which organizers describe as a bar-crawl-meets-beer-festival that takes over downtown. Gear up to sample beer from 30 breweries! 


Entrants must be 21+ to participate. 

Valentine's Day Card Making. There is just something so special about a handmade gift, no matter your artistic ability, your loved one is sure to appreciate a great Valentine's Day card. Drop in and make a beautiful Valentine's Day card for that special person in your life. Mary Ellen Palmeri will help you create an imaginative and colorful card. Supplies will be provided. Woods Memorial Library 3455 N. First Ave. 594-5445. 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Details here.

Class of ’69! The Greatest Hits from 50 Years Ago. This annual salute to the Billboard top songs from 50 years ago features chart toppers from 1969! Join Crystal Stark and Alex Mack with the Lonely Street Band and think back to a time when you could sing along and didn’t want to change the dial when they played a new hit song. Concert tickets range from $15-$25. 6 p.m. The Gaslight Theatre 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. 886-9428 for reservations. Details here. Details here.

Monday House Party with DJ Sid the Kid. Retrolution, the longest running dance night in the history of Tucson featuring all your favorite hits of the 80’s, is finally being dragged, kicking in screaming, into the 90’s. Get your dance on this Monday night and get the week off to a great start. 10 p.m. Hotel Congress. 311 E. Congress St. 792-6366. Free, 21+.  Details here.

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

New Year, New Flavors at Gloria Jean’s Coffees. The Tucson Mall is getting a bit tastier and more energized with new special winter flavors from Gloria Jean’s Coffees. Specials include Red Velvet Butter Rum Latte, Red Velvet Butter Rum Chiller, German Chocolate Cake Cold Brew, German Chocolate Cake Whole Bean coffee and Red Velvet Cupcake Whole Bean coffee. Available through March 10. 4500 N. Oracle Road. Details here.

Mata Ortiz Show and Sale. Have you visited the Amerind Museum over in Dragoon lately? This is a great opportunity to do it! Not only will you get to see the gorgeous, intricate pottery work of Hector Gallegos Jr., Laura Bugarini, Graciela Martinez and Hector Gallegos Sr. from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico, but you’ll get to watch this art come to life right before your eyes when they do demonstrations. Weather permitting, they’ll also be doing firings. Of course, the ceramic pieces will also be for sale, as will Taxco Silver jewelry. (Ahem… Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.) Zapotec weaver Poririo Guitierrez will also be doing presentations about his family’s weaving and natural dye traditions each day at 2 p.m. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, through Sunday, Feb. 10. Amerind Museum, 2100 N. Amerind Road, Dragoon. Museum admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors 62+, $8 college students with ID, $7 youth 10 to 17 and free for kids under 10. Details here.

Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering. Maybe you didn’t realize it until just now, but you probably need a lot more cowboy poetry in your life than you currently have in your life. Cochise County has got you covered this weekend. Hear readings from tons of poets, then enjoy live music and dancing at the barn dance, 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. And be sure to catch live music by musicians like Kristen Harris, and the Hanson Family. You can also learn more about Cochise County Western Heritage—and enter to win a Moto G6 phone with nine years of unlimited text and data, a turkey fryer, a local glider flight or gift certificates—by participating in the scavenger hunt. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 ($20 adults, $6 students grades one through 12). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daytime performance ($15, or free for students), 4:30 to 6 p.m. barn dance ($5) and 7 p.m. performance ($20 adults, $6 students) on Saturday, Feb. 9. Buena High School, 5225 E. Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista. Details here.

Sakura: Photography by Mark Taylor. You’ve probably seen photos of the sakura, or cherry blossom, before. The idyllic flowers are especially celebrated in Japan, as they herald the start of springtime and give everyone the time to reflect on life’s ephemeral nature as the flowers fall throughout the season. Did you know walks to parks to see the cherry blossoms are especially popular in the country’s most heavily built-up cities? This photography exhibit contrasts the natural beauty and delicacy of these flowers with the hard, sharp angles of Japanese cities, with their freeways, powerlines and commuter trains. At this free reception, you’ll hear from Taylor on where he got his inspiration. 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Exhibit runs through May 4, and all photographs in the show are for sale. Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. Free. Details here.

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Courtesy of Sonoran Glass School

Flame Off. You think molten glass is cool? Hell yeah it is! And what just might be even cooler is watching 18 artists race against the clock to make the best molten glass creations. Sonoran Glass School co-founder Tom Philabaum founded the Flame Off in 2001, and for the event’s 18th year, the themes is “(Un)Natural World.” While you watch artists compete, a host will explain their process, and when you’re not watching artists compete, you can check out the live auctions, raffle prizes and food trucks, as well as the wine and Thunder Canyon Brewery beer. Get your glass over there! 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. 633 W. 18th St. $20, or $50 for VIP tickets. Details here.

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Courtesy of Antigone Books

Blood in the Asphalt: Prayers from the Highway Author Event. Jesse Sensibar has worked as a tattoo shop owner, a private investigator, a tow truck driver, a wildland firefighter and a college English professor, just to name a few examples. These days, he’s an award-winning writer (including the 2016 Hummingbird Flash Fiction Prize and winning the Hotel Congress 100th Anniversary Poetry Contest in 2018). His latest book chronicles his lifetime spent as a tow truck driver on the highways of the American Southwest, through a collection of photographs and short stories. Our own Brian Smith says of the book: “This haunting book is much more than mere roadside attraction, this is life examined from that rarely peeked through vantage—the dead end.” Hear Jesse read at this event. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave. Free. Details here.

Patrick Nagatani: Living In The Story. This documentary examines 35 years of art-making by photographer Patrick Nagatani, who uses his images to raise awareness about modern troubles. His surreal and vibrant photos blend cultures, landscapes and people into objects of stunning juxtaposition. Filmmaker Lynn Estomin; Andrew Smith, owner of Andrew Smith Gallery; and UA art prof David Taylor will speak following the screening. Hosted by the Center for Creative Photography and UA School of Art. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. 1030 N. Olive Road. Details here.

Second Annual Beads, Blues and Beer Festival. Ah, the holy trinity of B’s is rarely able to unite in full force—it’s simply too powerful. But this festival is willing to take the risk with a family-friendly event full of live music, craft beer, food trucks, vendor booths, make-and-take bead stringing projects, and the chance to shop for artist-made glass beads and wearable art. This day-long festival features live music, craft beer, food trucks, vendor booths, and of course, plenty of beaded crafts from local artists. Performing bands include the Whose Blues Band, the Bryan Dean Trio, Southbound Pilot, Cadillac Mountain and Brokedown Palace. It also includes a special presentation at 7 p.m., including the 2019 Bead Artist Hall of Fame induction ceremony! Funds from the Festival also sustain the Angel Charity Arts-in-Medicine Program, created by Beads of Courage. Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. 3230 N. Dodge Blvd. $25. Details here.

Hazed and Infuzed Day at T&B Downtown. Celebrating their second annual “Hazed & Infused” celebration, Tap & Bottle is gathering the juiciest, haziest and hoppiest beers this side of the universe. The event features hazy beers on tap from Almanac Beer Co., Dark Sky Brewing, Pueblo Vida Brewing, Wren House Brewing, Belching Beaver, Odd13 Brewing, Modern Times Beer and more. Noon to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 9. 403 N. Sixth Ave. Details here.

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Courtesy of 1912 Brewing Co.

1912 Beer Floats. Sometimes, going back to childhood past times can be disappointing as you feel the nostalgia slip away. So that’s why you add alcohol to the mix! 1912 Brewing Co. is keeping a childhood classic exciting by making beer floats. (And regular non-alcoholic floats for the kids.) Beer and ice cream, because sure, why the hell not? 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. 2045 N. Forbes Blvd. Details here.

Lock Your Love on the Avenue. We’ve all seen the adorable lock-covered sculptures on Fourth Avenue, where hundreds of lovers have demonstrated their commitment to one another with a ceremony far more binding than marriage. This Saturday, every time you purchase an item from participating merchant on Fourth Ave, or from one of the seven nonprofits stationed along the avenue selling locks for $5, you’ll get a sticker to add to a Valentine card. Get three stickers and you can take the card to Haggerty Plaza, 316 N. Fourth Ave., between 2 and 6 pm. On Saturday, Feb. 9 and you’ll receive a key for a chance to open a golden lock. If your key opens one of seven golden locks, you win a fabulous prize! Details here.

Flashlight Night. Everything is more fun when it’s done in the dark with a flashlight! The International Wildlife Museum knows how to have a good time, so they’re having a night full of safari selfies, reptile and insect encounters, movies and glow-in-the-dark crafts, all with the museum lights off. The flash-lit festivities go from 6 to 8 p.m., but if overhead lighting is more your scene, the museum is open all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., so you can come visit it then. It’s going to be a great night, and you glown’t want to miss it! 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road. $10 adult, $7 senior or military, $5 children 4 to 12, free for members and kids 3 and under. Details here.

Civil War Days at Old Tucson. When you look around at today’s world, it can be difficult to imagine a less civil time. What better way to make yourself feel better about today’s problems than to spend the weekend at a series of Civil War reenactments and presentations? Old Tucson will be showing what life in the Arizona Territory was like during the Civil War, doing battle reenactments and giving visitors the chance to visit soldiers’ camps and learn about what life was like for them. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and Sunday, Feb. 10. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. $19.95 adults and $10.95 kids 4 to 11. Details here.

Best of the Eagles. In case you didn’t already know it, the Eagles’ Hotel California ranks as one of the best-selling albums of all time, both numerically and in all of our hearts. Hits like “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Victim of Love,” “Take it Easy” and that sweet, sweet title track are all classics. Treat yourself to a night out at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, where a full orchestra, plus a rock band and vocals, will be playing the album in its entirety. You’ll have a great time, and unlike the physical Hotel California, you are free to leave when the show is done. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $15 to $77+. Details here.

Mineral & Fossil Marketplace Show 2019. It’s gem show season! Which means you’ll probably have some amount of difficulty trying to get anywhere in town without running into some sort of incredible exhibit selling gems, minerals or fossils. But this one is just as worth a shot as any, right? Especially with free entry, free parking, free shuttle service and food trucks! Seventeen mineral dealers, 11 fossil dealers and three world-class meteorite dealers came from all over the world so that you could have a rockin’ good time this weekend. Don’t let them down! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 through Saturday, Feb. 16. Mineral & Fossil Marketplace, 1333 N. Oracle Road. Free. Details here.

Tucson Backyard Gardening Winter Exchange
It’s about to be the Tucson public seed library’s seventh birthday! To celebrate, the Tucson Backyard Gardeners and the seed library are joining forces with this gathering full of plants, seeds and the people who love them. Exchange plans and seeds, enjoy demos and entertainment and learn more about the local gardening community. Can you think of a more charming, wholesome way to spend a Saturday afternoon? (P.S.: Bouquets of flowers wilt, but garden flowers keep on growing, making them the Valentine’s Day gift that keeps on giving.) 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave. Free. Details here.

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Courtesy of Fox Tucson Theatre

Some Like It Hot. The only women more attractive than Marilyn Monroe? Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in drag, of course. The Fox Theatre is screening this ’50s classic of comedy, romance and crime. Yes, Billy Wilder directed many Hollywood gems, but perhaps none so wistfully wacky as this. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Fox Theatre. 17 W. Congress St. $5. Details here.

School of Rock. One aspiring musician attempts to wrangle a bunch of children into forming a cohesive band. No, I’m not talking about Paul McCartney and the three other guys, I’m talking about Jack Black’s iconic role as slacker-turned-teacher. Part of Loft Staff Selects, a monthly series showcasing film favorites chosen by the Loft Cinema staff. Proceeds benefit Tucson Summer Music, a nonprofit organization providing free music education to children. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. 3233 E.

Speedway Blvd. $8. Details here.

The Women in Railroading. Have you ever heard of Kate Shelley, a teenage girl in the 19th century who crawled across a train trestle, lanternless, during a thunderstorm, and then traveled two more miles (STILL IN A THUNDERSTORM) just to warn an oncoming passenger train that a bridge was out of commission? For the second week in the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum’s lecture series, enjoy this panel all about the badass babes of the railroad industry. Jennifer Davis-Paige, member of the Railroad Passenger Association and co-founder/cohost of Boom Goddess Radio, will moderate a panel on the subject. Sunday, Feb. 10. Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave. Free. Details here.

Second SundAZe Family Day @ TMA. If you haven’t seen Carlos Estévez’s exhibit “Entelechy” yet, this is your (free!) chance to see his representative work that uses everything from delicate linework to found objects to explore subjects like time, the cosmos and entelecheia, or the transformation of an idea into a reality. At the Tucson Museum of Art’s Second SundAZe event, you can also enjoy a performance by the Dusty Ramblers Project from 1 to 3 p.m. and the opportunity to make your own art pieces, such as mandalas, scratchboards and puppets. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Ave. Details here.

Art-Lovers Brunch with Diana Madaras. Who doesn’t love art? And brunch? This sounds like a win-win already. Throw in the chance to meet local artist Diana Madaras, and hear from her about how her love of art changed her life, and you’ve got one idyllic Sunday morning. Madaras’ floral canvases will be 15 percent off throughout the weekend, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Whitney of Bling by Wilkening will also be at brunch to help you find the perfect Valentine’s Day jewelry as well. What’s not to love? RSVP at 623-4000 or [email protected]. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road. Details here.

Fine Valentine Relay. You know what the problem is with most relay races? Not enough PDA. Runners just pass off the baton like their hearts aren’t even in the transaction. Not so at this event, where pairs of runners run two miles each, and are required to show some form of PDA in the PDA Exchange Zone and at the awards ceremony to be eligible for prizes. (If you’re friends or family members, a hug will do.) You can also do the whole course by yourself, do a 2-mile fitness jog, or, if you’re a kid, do a kids’ dash after. Afterward, enjoy a free hot breakfast at Gentle Ben’s, mimosa and bloody Mary specials and a costume contest. Proceeds benefit Ben’s Bells. Gun goes off at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Staging area at Main Gate Square outside Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Ave. $50 for the relay, $25 for individual races. Details here.

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Courtesy of Southern Arizona Roadrunners

Mercado Flea Second Sundays. Sometimes it feels like this sweet little pueblo is just one big flea market, doesn’t it? So when you get a real flea market going in Tucson, it feels extra exciting—like flea market vibes squared. Head over to the Mercado San Agustin for some of the best vintage items, antiques and collectibles in town. Get on out there while we’re still in these cooler months, and you won’t have to flee in and out of the flea market to get what you need before you melt. 8 am. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento. Free entry. Details here.

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