Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.

See a Show

Pastorela at Borderlands Theater. Spanish priests first brought the Pastorela (a Christian performance which uses political and cultural themes to tell the story of good’s triumph over evil) to the Americas in an effort to convert the local indigenous population. At Borderlands, the play has been rewritten every year for the past 17 years to tell a new story with the same message. This year’s story was written by Milta Ortiz and the Pastorela Ghost Writers, and tells the story of the shepherds who followed the star of Bethlehem to the Nativity. Plus: waila music from Gertie and the T.O. Boyz, a performance by Ballet Folkloric Tapatio before Sundays matinee, and piñatas for kids after every show. 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19 through Thursday, Dec. 21. 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22. TCC Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. $12 to $24 adults, $12 to $24 seniors, $7 to $14 students, free for children 12 and under.

Lightwire Theater's A Very Electric Christmas. Get ready to feel like Danny Zuko, because this show is going to be electrifyin’. Seriously though, we got six seconds into the trailer video for the performance and were blown away. The puppeteers, dancers and designers behind Lightwire Theater were semifinalists on the 2012 season of America’s Got Talent, and now they’re harbingers of joy in the 2017 season of Tucson’s Got Christmas. The story of a young bird who gets lost at the North Pole among caroling worms, dancing poinsettias and rambunctious rodents is set to classic Christmas songs like “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Nutcracker,” and, of course, “Baby Got Back.” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress. $15 to $35.

The Arroyo Cafe Holiday Radio Show. Get ready to laugh, because that’s all you really can do at this point in the year if you want to keep from crying. Crystal Stark, Bobby Rich, Elliot Glicksman, Jay Taylor, Nancy Stanley and Reveille’s “Grandsons of the Pioneers” are joined by special guests Wilbur Wildcat, President Trump and host of other, mystery guest stars for a night that Trump supporters will want to miss. But no one else will. Ticket fees benefit Reveille, Owl & Panther and AZPM, and ensure you a place on the nice list. 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. $15.

Music

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. UA Presents a performance by Grammy-award winning musical group Mannheim Steamroller. The man behind the music, Chip Davis, will be playing Christmas classics from throughout his career, as well as selections from his Fresh Aire series, which debuted 40 years ago. The powerful music and multimedia performance guarantees a good old fashioned Mannheim grand time. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. $60 to $150.

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.

Ho, Ho, Shows

Season of Light. The Flandrau Planetarium is one of the best places in Tucson to be filled with a sparkly sense of wonder, and Christmas is one of the best times of year to do that same thing. This annual show is a celebration of the history of the holidays, the marvels of our solar system and the sense of rebirth that comes with the Winter Solstice. Narrated by Noah Adams of NPR and featuring a light show set to holiday music, it’s a star-studded way to get into the holiday spirit. Begins Monday, Dec. 11. 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, with 7 p.m. shows Fridays and 8 p.m. shows Saturdays. No shows Dec. 18 through Dec. 20. Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium 1601 E University Blvd. Call to reserve tickets at 520-621-4516.

The Russian Grand Ballet Presents the Nutcracker. There’s something about Russian dancers that just makes them seem like they mean business. Like they were specifically designed to be doing ballet. Don’t believe us? You don’t have to go any further than Congress Street to see some of Russia’s finest dancers perform. 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and Wednesday, Dec. 13 Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $41 to $77.

68th Annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights. Celebrate many holidays with many lights at one of Tucson’s most magical events, which, incidentally, has been going on for many more years than most festivals of this kind in the country. Experience the neighborhood’s gift to the community on a hayride wagon, a trolley limo, a decked-out party bike or on foot. If driving is more your style, attend Drive Through Night on Dec. 26 and, if you celebrate Christmas, beat the day-after-the-holiday blues. The festival is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to the Community Food Bank. Most needed items: cereal and canned varieties of the following: meat, tomato products, veggies and fruit. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 through Tuesday, Dec. 26. Winterhaven Neighborhood, with entrances on Ft. Lowell, Tucson, Country Club and Prince. Free.

Mister Bing’s the Supper Club Experience. Hacienda Del Sol’s night of classic entertainment and scrumptious food is back, this month with international entertainers Crystal Stark, Annemarie Rosano and Brian Levario. Khris Dodge and the Music Makers, show club dancing, and magicians Norm Marini and Steve Ehlers are also on the docket. The menu has everything from strawberry salad to your choice of tiger prawns or chicken breast to white velvet cake with peppermint buttercream. Mister Bing’s come through once again. 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Road. $75 plus tax/gratuity.

Holiday Parties

Victorian Christmas Ball. The Seven Pipers Tucson Scottish Society is giving everyone a chance to put on their finest Christmas kilts or fanciest Victorian vests for this period celebration full of dancing, fun and food. The official dress is costume from 1840 to 1890, but you can just dress Scottish or dress formally if you’d like. Society members will be teaching lessons in traditional Scottish dance throughout the night. 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. First United Methodist Church, 915 Fourth St. $15.

Holiday Party & Tree Celebration. Are you one of those people who put your Christmas tree up on November 1, and now you’re feeling ready to put it up again? Head over the the merry Madaras Gallery to celebrate their tree going up, with food, drink and holiday decorations. Carolers will also be present to really maximize Christmas cheer levels. Ho ho go to the gallery! 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road. Free.

Sing-le Bells

Sound of Winter. The Tucson Girls Chorus, directed by Marcela Molina and assistant directed by Chris Fresolone, invite you to their annual Christmas show. The chorus has been introducing young girls and young women to choral singing techniques for over 30 years, and attending events like these supports choral education programs. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $15 to $18 adults, $8 kids 3 to 10, free for kids 2 and under.

Blue Suede Christmas starring Scot Bruce. Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Elvis is the King. One of the most widely recognized Elvis performers in the country is coming to Green Valley to get you “All Shook Up." If you’ve had it with the "Burnin’ Love" weather in Tucson, get in the spirit with hits like “Blue Christmas” and “Santa Bring my Baby Back.” And, Christmas aside, you’ll basically be seeing Elvis live, and that’s an opportunity none of us should take lightly. 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Green Valley Recreation Performing Arts, 1070 Calle de las Casitas. $30 members, $33 guests, $38 GA.

TSO’s Messiah. Are the holidays really the holidays without a performance of one of the OG holiday bangers? We don’t think so. The Tucson Symphony orchestra, conducted by Bruce Chamberlain, will be joined by soprano Teresa Wakim, alto Misty Bermudez, tenor Matthew Chellis, baritone Marcus DeLoach and the TSO chorus to bring you one of the most Christmasy, powerful and popular works in the history of choral literature. Hallelujah! 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive. $22 to $75.

The LoBros Christmas Concert. Known for their the classical/Latin jazz/funk rock combo that they call “Caliente Classical Crossover,” the LoBros are coming to Monterey Court with some serious Christmas vibes. They’ve got Christmas songs, they’ve got Santana covers, they’ve got Earth Wind and Fire tributes and, of course, they’ve got their signature CCC. They’ll be joined by special guest singer Diana Olivares. 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile, 85705. $8.

Patranato Christmas at San Xavier. It’s now been more than 21 years since Linda Rondstadt headlined the first concert at the mission to kick of the holiday season in Tucson. Since then, the concerts have only grown and become more beloved. The Sons of Orpheus and the Tucson Arizona Boys chorus perform to raise funds for Patronato, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and preserving Mission San Xavier. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Wednesday, Dec. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 14. Tickets are still available for a 6 p.m. showing on Tuesday, Dec. 12 as well. Patronato San Xavier, 525 N. Bonita Ave. $100 or $125.

Shop

Desert Gift Boutique. Here’s another chance to get some holiday shopping done! With more than 120 vendors selling everything from jewelry to books to lipstick to juice, you’re sure to finally find something for that hard-to-shop-for family member you’ve been struggling to find a gift for. And don’t worry, there will be lots of food to keep you fueled on your holiday shopping brigade. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Pantano Christian Church, 1755 S. Houghton Road. Free.

Mercado Flea Market. This vintage-only extravaganza is back for the fourth month in the parking lot across from Mercado San Augustin. About 40 local vendors will be selling antique, vintage, collectible and hand-me-down goods to you so that you can get your Christmas shopping done, or so that you can treat yourself to something neat. It’s free to get in, it’s free to park, and you’re free to peruse and purchase to your heart’s content! 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Mercado San Augustin, 100 S. Agenda del Convento. Free entry.

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair. Get on your Santa and scurry on downtown for this big, beautiful, biannual blast. This food-filled, entertainment-packed, local merchant-stuffed event is nearly 50 years old, and brings more than half a million people to the heart of the city every year. Amidst all of the holiday hubbub, it’s a great way to step back and remember how lucky we are to live in a city like Tucson. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday, Dec. 10. Historic Fourth Avenue, 434 E. Ninth St. Free.

Meet Santa

Santa Claus is Coming to Little Anthony’s Diner. No one can say it quite like Buddy the Elf. “SANTA! Oh my god! Santa’s coming! I know him! I KNOW HIM.” If you know Santa too, then this is a great chance to catch up with him, and if you don’t, then now’s your chance to finally meet him! Bring a can of food for the Community Food Bank and receive a free pic with the man in red himself! 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23 (except for Sunday, Dec. 10, when the times are 6:30 to 8:30). Little Anthony’s Diner, 7010 E. Broadway. Free.

Zoo Lights 2017. There’s not much that this event doesn’t have. For starters, Santa himself will be there, beneath falling snow and surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. Then there’s live music, carousel rides, light displays and animal-themed light sculptures. AND there’s s’mores, cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa (with or without alcohol—your pick). And you get a buck off from Dec. 7 to Dec. 19 if you bring donations for the Humane Society, Tucson A List or the Community Food Bank. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 23, with encore nights Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 (Santa won’t be there for those because a man needs to rest after Christmas Eve.) Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. $10 adults, $6 kids 2 to 14, free for kids under 2, and $2 off for members.
Miracle on Congress Street. This week, the Tucson Roadrunners Give Back is sponsoring one of the holiest, jolliest events in the downtown area. Santa will be there! Churro popcorn and cookies from HUB Ice Cream Factory will be there! Live retro entertainment, a craft class for kids, and the Roadrunners’ mascot Dusty will be there! You should be there! 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. 260 E. Congress St. Free.

Santa Comes to Trail Dust Town. We used to wonder how Santa could see us when we were sleeping, know when we were awake and know if we’ve been bad or good, but now that we know he can be in so many different places at once, we’re starting to get it. Trail Dust Town is rolling out the red carpet for the big man and his adoring fans by providing a petting zoo, hot cocoa, rides and a performance by the Sahuaro High School Guitar Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra. Bring a donation for Casa de los Niños and enjoy a free Trail Dust Town attraction! 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road. Free.

Non-Holiday Activities

Net Neutrality Picket Line. If you read last week’s issue, or if you’ve been on the internet lately, then you probably know that net neutrality’s a pretty big deal, and that everyone is pretty upset with Ajit Pai, the former Verizon lawyer who is now head of the FCC. This protest will be held at a Verizon store and make an attempt to show Congress that we’re not letting net neutrality go down without a fight. Remember how much the internet means to you! And also, remember you’re protesting the actions of Verizon executives, not of the employees at the store, so be nice. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Verizon Store, 4405 N. Oracle Road.

Tucson Marathon, Marathon Relay and Half Marathon. Nothing like running 13.1 miles to make you feel all cozy and Christmasy and ready for the sweet embrace of death. Except maybe running 26.2 miles. And now’s your chance! Or, if you like running and it doesn’t make you want to die, then this also might be for you. You can register for these races up until Friday, Dec. 8. There’s lots of information about packet pick-up and transportation on the website, tucsonmarathon.com, but the gist of it is that all three races kick off at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. Racers need to take shuttles (which leave from 4:40 to 5:20) to the starting line, which is on Cody Loop Road off Mount Lemmon Highway. If you haven’t already registered, the fee is $120.

Life Along the River: Ancestral Hopi at Homol’ovi. The newest exhibit at the Arizona State Museum will use artifacts, maps and the voices of present-day Hopi to share the story of the people who lived near lived along the Little Colorado River near Winslow in the 1300s. Today’s Hopi refer to the villages their ancestors settled in as Homol’ovi, or “place little hills.” The Homol’ovi Research Program’s director, Charles E. Adams, is retiring at the end of the year after 32 years at the museum and 48 years as a professional archaeologist. Opening festivities 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Exhibit preview, panel and discussion 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8. Arizona State Museum, 1013 E. University Blvd. Gallery open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday through June 2019. $5 adults, free for members, those under 17 and Cat Card holders.
MeteorMania! Here come the Geminids! First observed in 1862 (which isn’t long ago at all compared to the first sightings of other meteor showers), the Gemini’s come from this big thing we think is an asteroid called 3200 Phatheon. This makes the Geminids, together with the Quadrantids, the only major meteor showers that don’t come from a comet. Neat! Scientists think this shower gets more intense every year, and 120 to 160 meteors per hour have been spotted under the right conditions. Hooray! 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 to Thursday, Dec. 14. Meet at the picnic area a mile below the summit of the Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center. $50 adults, $37 kids 8 to 16. Free for tribal members.

Nightcrawler

MC Chris. No, he ain’t your average rapper. He’s more like a nerdy comic-book kid, who also adds cartoon voiceovers to Adult Swim and pen tunes for Kevin Smith podcasts. His witty, skillfully executed hooks and disarming high register make him the Frank Zappa of rap. In “Pizza Butt” he dreams of putting “DiGiorno’s in porno,” over a trashy Peaches synth beat. His humor is randy and silly not insulting and pejorative. It’s music to inspire stop-motion experiments with your trusty Star Wars action figures, or to help you through rainy-day house cleaning after Friday night’s sex-in-every-room, Xanax-enhanced house party. Yes, the Beasties are mos def a key influence (“Brass Monkey,” natch). Bust out the Adidas track suit and imagine you too are a “mercenary adversary sorcerer surfer.” Thursday, Dec. 7, 191 Toole. Doors: 7 p.m. $14-$16, All ages.—B.S. Eliot

The Tony Furtado Band. Never underestimate or devalue the precise power and blinky beauty of the banjo. Back in ’87, many said Tony Furtado—who’s played with everyone from Bela Fleck to Gregg Allman to Earl Scruggs—was America’s best banjoist. Then he but the banjo aside and focused on his vocals, slide guitar and songwriting. In short, the dude is really something now, full of the kind of wisdom that comes from eyes-wide living and deep musicianship. But that’s not even why we should go see him and his five-piece band play. The latest studio record, The Bell, is moody and personal, bolstered by Furtado’s best songwriting across his well-decorated, dozen-album career. More, he’s returned primarily to banjo and songs like “Astoria” are equal parts anthem and mood, with enough high-wire tension to grace a John Wick soundtrack. A tender call-and-response between Furtado’s gentle vocals and his understated-yet-virtuosic clawhammer makes “Tired Lion” sound like gratitude. These are the relentlessly rhythmic (and hypnotic), dulcet tones that result from letting a banjo lead the band. Smooth and skilled like Acoustic Alchemy, the songs promise to gain depth, tension and drama live. With Hank Erwin on Friday, Dec. 8. Courtyard Stage, Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile. 7 p.m. $15 advance, $18 at door. brownpapertickets.com.—B.S. Eliot
Boosie Badazz. Dude’s the real deal. Hailing from Louisiana and recently freed from five-year prison stint but, “On parole, still can’t get me not to ride with my pistol.” His nasally, rat-a-tat staccato flow is below-the-belt nasty, and his relentless gangsta aggression and unchill vocal tone will have you longing laid-back trap. “I dance on a niggaz head—can you hear the rhythm? All my enemies dead, that’s just how I’m livin’.” But Boosie is as prolific as he is profane, so once you’re hooked, there’s lots of cranial gangbangin’ to go around. Whether big guns or big choad, Boos and his crew are packing. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. Doors at 7 p.m. $30-$35. All ages.—B.S. Eliot

L.A. Guns. Tracii Guns is a guitar hero and singer Phil Lewis is a rock star of the classic variety, and, like the model set forth by Jagger/Richards, Johansen/Thunders, and Robinson/Robinson, the two forever-fighting, back-together leaders of Hollywood’s L.A. Guns were never as good apart as they are working together. That alone makes them pretty damn rock ’n’ roll in the traditional sense. And Lewis came up in the UK, the punk and glam years—he was way more Mott the Hoople and The Faces than Judas Priest and Ronald Reagan, like every other ersatz “glam” band out of Hollywood who got signed to major labels in late 1980s. L.A. Guns were better than all of that, despite some shitty stuff they made that matched the times. They hit greatness, too: History has shown that their near-giant single “It’s Over Now” is the best rock ’n’ roll song from that Sunset Strip era. Hell, it belongs in the Top 100 list of the best ever rock songs out of America. It betters anything by Guns N’ Roses, by a long way. The tune hits on all levels, mixing Duane Allman sway with Faces strut and heart. A sweet and perfect rock ’n’ roll distillation and smart acknowledgement of what came before. If L.A. Guns called it quits (again) tomorrow, they could go to the grave happy. Rare Tucson show with Push, Scare Card, and The Jack on Saturday, Dec. 9. Club XS, 5851 E. Speedway. Doors at 7 p.m. $20. All ages.—B.S. Eliot

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.

Holly Jolly

Holiday Choirs at Tubac Luminaria Lights. TaliasVan’s Bright & Morning Star Choir & Orchestra are here to wish you a merry Christmas, wish you a merry Christmas, bring good tidings for you and your kin and to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Their performance in Tubac will be preceded by the CosmoYouth choir’s melodic stylings, and holiday refreshments, holiday cheer and holiday gifts will be available throughout the night for purchase (the cheer is free). Rumors are flying about a possible appearance by the big man in red himself, and who wants to be the one who has to say they skipped out on an opportunity to meet the real Santa Claus? 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2. Tubac Plaza next to Sacred Treasures, 29 Tubac Plaza. Donations appreciated.

Smile with Santa. It’s truly astonishing that Santa Claus has never won TIME’s Person of the Year Award. He travels all around the world making children happy, provided jobs for the elf population before it was required by affirmative action, and eats cookies in households across America so that Americans won’t, thus helping to keep obesity levels down. In between all of this, he’s finding time to let children (even the four-legged variety) pose for free pictures with him at Tucson Premium Outlets, and to host a story time on Saturdays. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays have storytime from noon to 1 p.m. and photos from 1 to 5 p.m., Sundays have pet photos from 4 to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 24, there will be Santa Photos only from 10 a.m. to noon. Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 Marana Center Blvd. Free.

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.

Naturally

Tucson Mountain District Guided Bird Walk. How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? If you’re going to find the answer to that age-old question anywhere, it’ll probably be on this 30-minute walk through the wash behind the Red Hills Visitor Center. Park volunteer John Higgins will guide the public on a tour to see woodpeckers, sparrows and other birds found among cacti and shrubbery. Interested parties may want to head over to part two of the walk at Sus Picnic area, where they may see specimens such as sirens and haws. Wear walking shoes, hats and sunscreens, and it’s not a bad idea to bring a water bottle and a trusty pair of binocs. 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Red Hills Visitor Center at Saguaro National Park West, 2700 N. Kinney Road. Free with paid admission to the park.

Starfari. One of the only things that’s as truly “fun for all ages” as the International Wildlife Museum itself is looking up at a sky full of stars. Whether you’re looking at them as a scientist, an astrologer an artist or just someone with a thermos of hot chocolate and a heart full of wonder, stars are just really neat. Tucson Amateur Astronomy will have telescopes set up for the event, and there will also be nocturnal animal crafts, activities and an inflatable planetarium inside with animal constellation shows. Hooray! 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road. Included with museum admission ($10 adults, $7 military and seniors 62 and over, $5 kids 4 to 12, free for kids 3 and under. Free for museum members.)

Now Showing

Jingle Bell Rock. You don’t want to be a regular mom, do you? You wanna be a cool mom like Amy Poehler in Mean Girls. So grab your video camera and your pink sweat suit and head over to this local production, in which a Christmas Cheer Squad faces off with J.B. Coulson, head of the coal industry and certifiably anti-Christmas cheer and anti rock ’n’ roll. You have to be there to sing and dance along with the cheer squad—that is, unless you want evil to prevail. Your call. 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $7 for kids, $10 for adults.

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. They don’t make ’em like they used to, Doc. Now, we wouldn’t have thought to create a Bugs Bunny at the Symphony show, but now that it exists, we can’t stop thinking about how episodes like What’s Opera, Doc, Baton Bunny and Rhapsody Rabbit were always meant to be played in a symphony hall and accompanied by a full orchestra. George Daugherty, co-creator of the show, will be conducting. 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $15 to $86.

Carnival of Illusion. Got a wedding? Anniversary? Date night? Birthday? UNbirthday? Just looking for a fun night out? Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed, the Tucson magicians behind this sweet, smart and cozy magic show, are back to give you the perfect way to spend a Saturday night, even if all you have to celebrate is that you have an open night to spend at a magic show. All of the seats are the good seats at their intimate venue, and they have a very special assistant named Harriette you won’t want to miss. 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral, 160 S. Scott Ave. $33 to $48.

Irish Christmas in America. Irish ballads, Celtic dancing, and a guy named Séamus? That’s right, the Irish are coming! There’s something about Ireland that just makes it seem a little bit more festive, year round, than the rest of the world. So get into the Christmas spirit with the talents of the award-winning Irish group Téada, featuring vocalists Séamus Begley and Sligo Niamh Farrell, piper Sean Gavin, keyboardist and dancer Samantha Harvey and harpist Grainne Hambly. Plus members of the Celtic Steps Irish Dance Academy, and probably at least one redhead! 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress. $20 to $30.

The Voice of the Prairie. This award-winning show tells stories of love, longing, loss and living rooms during the time in America’s history when families used to gather around their radios each night. There are more than 20 characters in the show, all portrayed by only three actors. It’s nonlinear and lovely, and features local actors Josh Parra, Christopher Young and Samantha Cormier. If that’s not a compelling enough description, then just know it was written by a man named John Olive, which sounds like a pseudonym John Oliver would use if he ever wanted to get into playwriting. 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sundays, through Dec. 23. Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $18 to $20.

Shop!

Holiday Gift Boutique. Yup, another one! But this one is gluten free! Held at Dedicated, the boutique will feature local artists selling their pieces and other unique vendors offering up their wares. C’mon, you know if you get your best friend that cute scarf from Target, she’s going to know exactly where you got it. So have your loved ones saying “Where did you GET that?!” in excitement this holiday season by checking out local events like this one—especially for Small Business Saturday. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Dedicated., 4500 E. Speedway Blvd., suite 41. Free entry.

MOCAShop Holiday Market. What could be better than getting a ton of your Christmas shopping out of the way while supporting local businesses AND keeping your blood sugar up so you don’t get grumpy halfway through the day? How about enjoying MOCA for free all day? Not only will this Holiday Market include jewelry, ceramics, records, prints, frames and textile vendors, but it will also be host to food trucks, the local coffee collective, Altar and a Scented Leaf pop up! MOCA members also get mimosas and early-bird access to the market from 9 to 10 a.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. MOCA, 265 S. Church Ave. Free entry.

Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair in Reid Park. We’ve said it before, and we’re saying it now, and we’ll probably say it again: You gotta start your holiday shopping, and it’s extra awesome if you do it locally. And this event will bring you 140 crafters, bakers and artisan soap makers (also jewelers, potters, photographers and everything you can imagine, including hand-painted sunglasses). Even if you don’t buy anything (and good luck trying to not buy anything), you can gawk at how talented your Southwest neighbors are and enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the park, right? 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, just west of the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center (best to enter at the Concert Place entrance from Country Club). Free.

IMC’s World Famous Rummage Sale! Get ready for some magical, musical money-saving fun. Instrumental Music Center has $99 clarinets! $20 ukuleles! $10 guitar straps! $5 metronomes and tuners! $1 drumstick sets! And a whole lot more stuff on sale. It is literally billed as “THE MOST FUN YOU’VE EVER HAD IN YOUR LIFE.” We here at the Weekly can’t guarantee that this will be true, but it seems pretty ballsy of them to make the claim, so it's gotta at least be worth checking out. It’s at the Speedway location only, and their Facebook event has a $10 off coupon, so be sure to pull that up on your phone during checkout. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 26. Instrumental Music Store, 7063 E. Speedway Blvd. Free entry.

Celebrating Culture

Western Heritage Festival. To celebrate all of the reasons that Tucson is the best in the West, head over to Old Tucson, where—good news!—there is enough room in town for the two of us. Artists from Raices Taller 222, the city’s Latino-based, contemporary nonprofit art gallery/workshop/cooperative, will be there with special demos and exhibits. Also, local cultural group demos and the opportunity to get some holiday shopping done at all these neat vendors. Bring a donation to their Goodwill clothing drive or Salvation Army Toys for Tots drive to get two bucks off admission (on up to four admissions). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 26. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. $18.95 for adults, $10.95 for kids four to 11.

American Indian Month Social. Celebrate the OG Americans and a rich tradition that has survived for thousands of years at this cultural celebration. See authentic artwork and crafts, hear traditional music and celebrate 15 tribal nations. Award-winning hoop dancer Cecil Manuel, a Tohono O’odham and Apache, will present the featured cultural presentation. Feel free to bring your cameras and video cameras, and enjoy the free parking and admission! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26. Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, 5151 E. Grant Road. Free.

IRC Presents: Cross-Cultural Refugee Panel. The Tucson branch of the International Rescue Committee is partnering with the Murphy-Wilmot Library to host the third part of this series, which features speakers from the refugee community. Hear firsthand stories of the multicultural group, hailing from all over the world, who have resettled into new homes in Tucson. Gain some perspective, learn about other cultures and get to know your neighbors all in one go. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. Murphy-Wilmot Library, 530 N. Wilmot Road. Free.

Beyond the Wall. If you’re looking for a getaway where you can celebrate borderland culture and the people of both Mexico and the U.S., don’t miss this two-day festival in Nogales. It starts Friday night with an art exhibit featuring pieces by artists on both sides of the border, and continues Saturday with an all-day block party downtown north of the border preceding a concert and festival on the southern side. Fifteen-foot tall puppets will be parading through Nogales both nights, but on Saturday they’ll come together at the wall and connect neighbors across the border. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Nogales, AZ. Free, with donations gratefully accepted online.

Art

ArtNow! With Einar and Jamex De La Torre. This is definitely an example of a picture being worth a thousand words. Or in this case, the vibrantly colorful, gorgeously detailed and altogether stunning glass art by the De La Torre brothers is worth about a gazillion words. The two will be at MOCA talking about how how they create their pieces, and how they do it together. Take one look at their website (delatorresbros.com) and you’ll want to learn everything about them—and this is your chance! 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. MOCA, 265 S. Church Ave. Free for MOCA members, $10 nonmembers.

Desert Corridors and Royce Davenport at Tohono Chul. Two new exhibitions went on display at Tohono Chul earlier this month. Desert Corridors explores the natural superhighways that creatures of all shapes, sizes and species use to travel across the great state of Arizona. In taking a look at the beaten path that isn’t always obvious to us humans, the exhibit examines where animals are going and where they came from. Royce Davenport’s art of Vail uses everything from sardine tins to saguaro ribs to mouse traps to create his wonderfully wacky folk art creations. Desert Corridors shows through Feb. 7, with a curator’s talk on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. Davenport’s art shows through Jan. 7. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte. $13 adults, $10 seniors/students/military, $3 children five to 12, free for members and kids under 5.

Holi-yays

Enchanted Snowfall. Get ready to get walkin’. And we’re not talkin’ just any old walkin’. You gotta get ready to go walkin’ in a winter wonderland! Many people aren’t aware that, due to an anomaly in Southwestern weather patterns, it snows every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23, and only at La Encantada Shopping Center. It’s no use trying to understand the science behind the event, so just stop by and soak up the magic with a cup of piping hot cocoa and some live music. 6 and 6:45 p.m. every Friday and Saturday until Saturday, Dec. 23. Begins this Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25. La Encantada Shopping Center. 2905 E. Skyline Drive. Free.

Krampus Bedtime Christmas Scarol Tour. The RavenHearse Family Classic Haunt, Trail Dust Town’s resident spookiness supplier, is dishing up a helping of that alt. holiday, frighteningly festive, Nightmare Before Christmas-esque spirit. It’s Krampus, the half-demon, half-goat, all-terrifying folklore figure comes around during the holiday season to punish all of the children who have been naughty during the year, and during RavenHearse visits, will also be available for photo ops. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays. Saturday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 7. RavenHearse Family Classic Haunts, Pinnacle Peak and Trail Dust Down, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road, #26. $5 Haunt admission, $10 Krampus photo ops.

Black Fur-Day SpeedAThon. What could be merrier than a terrier? Or more jolly than a collie? Nothing! So treat yourself to that recreating that scene in Lady and the Tramp where she opens a present on Christmas morning and finds a dog, but do it on Black Friday instead. Pima Animal Care Center is doing FREE pet adoptions at their Amado location, and every pet will go home with a free pet starter kit. There will be more than 30 animals available for adopting, and inanimate stuff like foods, toys and treats will all be 25 percent off. Plus free Sonoran hot dogs, a DJ, giveaways and raffle baskets! Two Petco stores in town (5625 E. River Road and 585 E. Wetmore Road) will also be doing PACC adoptions for the day. Festivities are Friday only, but the waived fees at PACC go through Monday, Nov. 27. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24. Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Road. Free.

Sweat!

Stilts on Sundays. We’d be lying if we said we’d never fantasized about how fun it would be to walk and dance around on stilts, and we think you would be too. Not sure where to start? Right here! Beginners and all-ages are welcome at this class to get you going from baby giraffe to graceful gazelle (if gazelles had legs as long as giraffes). Reps from Tucson Circus Arts will go over form, fitness, acrobatics, sculpture, four-legged (no idea—we’ll have to go to find out!) and parade skills. They’ll also have loaner stilts available if you don’t just happen to have a pair lying around the house. Beginners should include shoe size in their RSVP. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Himmel Park, 1000 N. Tucson Blvd. $15.

POUND at Reid Park. Make sure you bring some water to this one, a drumming-inspired cardio jam session that’s gonna have you swingin’, swayin’ and sweatin’. Especially sweating. It’s going to be sweaty. Your muscles will burn, your heart will pound, your Thanksgiving meal will start to burn off and maybe…just maybe…you’ll actually have fun. Bring water (as stated), a yoga mat and $5 cash, but Stay Fit With Olivia will provide the sticks. The class will be next to the big lake. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way. $5.

Nightcrawler

B.A.M! French rock combo EXP and Texas hip-hop crew The Word Association formed Binary Audio Misfits (B.A.M!) several years back. “I ain’t met a man who could break me/So I’ll be damned if I let a nation shake me/I think and feel outside the flag.” Yes, outside the mold and the genre, too. This is indie rock-rap, a blast-out fusion of bilingual word salad, atop glacial instrumentation. At their worst, B.A.M! is the downside of both genres—amelodic and tedious. But when they’re on, the dynamic interplay of cultures and styles exhilarates. With the slow, deliberate flow of a Brother Ali disciple, and the light staccato of Serge Gainsbourgh-y spoken word, the music melds virtuosic scratching with persistent chugga-chang guitar riffs. Fuck “Get Rich or Die Tryin,” this is “Get Loud or Get Dyin” music—new, fresh and tres tres chouette. Monday, Nov. 27 at The Flycatcher, 340 E. Sixth St. Doors at 9 p.m. 21+. Free.—B.S. Eliot

Bryan Thomas Parker. With the rousing, shambolic spirit of Flogging Molly and the whiskey-loosened No Depression roots of early Uncle Tupelo, Tucson’s own Bryan Thomas Parker takes no prisoners, calling out exactly how we got here: “Do you see the tree of liberty/Bleeding bloody tears from years of inequality?” Anthemic, Irish fight-song acoustics uphold a gritty voice that speaks, sings or shouts as content dictates. There’s Johnny Cashian mayhem when Parker plugs in, reaching full-tilt hellbilly as he pushes past primal instincts of survival, daring anarchy to reign like Captain Dan calling down God on the ladder of that great big fishing boat. “Well I don’t know where the next time will be … just gimme gimme blackberry wine.” With Brokedown Palace and Half Broke Town on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The Flycatcher, 340 E. Sixth St. Doors at 9 p.m. 21+. Free.—B.S. Eliot


Molotov. Bringing together the sonic fury of rock and the cutting urban wordplay of rap, Mexico City’s Molotov have been stepping to their own beat since 1995. Their lyrics, which juxtapose satire and debauchery alongside scathing social commentary, have incited controversy. Following an alleged incident in 2013 when a gay Chilean teenager, Esteban Navarro, was viciously attacked by six anti-gay assailants shouting anti-gay epithets and wielding knives, iron bars and a machete, pressure came down from LGBT activists to drop the word “maricon”(loosely, “faggot”) from one of their most popular songs, “Puto.” Molotov balked: “Our music gives a voice to people who aren’t in a position to do so for themselves...It was never meant to disrespect the gay community.” Molotov have recorded nine studio albums, including the latest, 2en1 (2017). Politically correct? They have sold over 3 million records being not so. But what would the world of rap rock be without insulting someone? “Frijolero,” off Dance and Dense Denso (2003), is an exchange in which characters trade racially charged insults. ([In Spanish, frijolero means “beaner.”) The American character is described as a “pinche gringo puñetero.” (Roughly, “fucking white boy wanker.”) Tongue-in-cheek humor? You be the judge. With Simpson A Huevo on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St. Doors at 7 p.m. $40-$45. All Ages.—Xavier Otero

Great American Tragedy. The winter sun falls early lately and it gets harder to shake that Sonoran chill in the bones. Days are filled of easy, cheap regrets, and you’re broke but you thank any god you’ve ever heard of for the wine and the back-up bottle in your kitchen, and maybe Great American Tragedy. The soothing lo-fi of a pining man and his acoustic guitar offers sonic protection with the gentleness of Sun Kil Moon and the sad melodic harmonies of solo Crosby, Still & Nash. Songwriter Alex Scheitinger reminds you how true comfort comes from taking solace in someone else’s sadness, in someone else’s nostalgia. “Silhouette I see you there, quite beyond compare.” Everyone he longs for is already a ghost. Like Nash, Scheitinger wisely and subtly pairs down to serve the spare beauty of his songs, and the moments they exist in. With Texas T Trash and Dirty Magic, Friday, Nov. 24. 191 Toole, 191 Toole Ave. Doors at 8 p.m. 21+. Free.—B.S. Eliot

Sammy Wilk. If you’re a white dude from Omaha, a fake Jamaican Patois probably ain’t OK. At least on record. You might roll mad blunts and sip 40s with other Nebraskans, but those deliberate “goddamns” are as convincing as Mouseketeers flipping birds. Still, it’s hard to hate Sammy Wilk; he’s an internet “personality”––so what do we get? There’s an inexplicable Wilk clothing line because a million Twitter and Instagram followers can’t be wrong. He stiffly rhymes with his buddy on Sammy and Skate singles, and there’s a laughably bad romantic beach video (“Aye Ma”) that makes Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” classy. Wilk does bestow a portion of his proceeds to help a Sierra Leone school “break the cycle of poverty,” and, despite zero authenticity, he seems surprisingly sincere. But don’t blame him: His celebrity is merely a sign that doomsday is here, a final shiny ornament atop our glittery tower of babble. With Derek Luh on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave. Doors at 7 p.m. $20-$80. All ages. —B.S. Eliot

Thriftworks. Since the age of 16, electronic music producer Jake Atlas (aka Thriftworks) has been splicing together dark glitch, electronic ephemera, eclectic samples, trippy psychedelic effects and the bass-soaked thump of hip hop to create his unique sound. On The Feather & The Sword (2017), Thriftwork’s futuristic instrumentation weaves a tapestry of baroque soundscapes full of bass heavy synth riff, the percussive sound of steel pipes clacking together in time or eerie vocal samples that ensnare the listener? Beautifully strange. Undeniably, there is something unsettling about the single “Flapjack’s Revenge.” Like occult communications between spirits during psychomancy. At a slower BPM, yet equally as hypnotic, “Bone Roaster’s Anthem” is a downtempo groove seemingly made for dance-floor escapism. It may take more than one listen to excavate through all the dense layers of sound on this recording, which is drawing comparisons to glitch hop artists Russ Liquid and Vibesquad. Thriftworks brings his outside-the-box sound with Lance Rand, Noodleworks and TOT on Saturday, Nov. 25. 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave. Doors at 9 p.m. $10-$20. 18 and over.—Xavier Otero

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.

Music

2017 International Tucson Guitar Festival. The guitar is one of those things that allows space for infinite improvement: You can practice for years and still only beginning to unlock your potential, because there are just that many possibilities. But the world-class guitarists coming to this event will blow you away with what looks and sounds a whole lot like mastery. Three-time Grammy Award nominee Berta Rojas performs at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Grammy Award winning composer/guitarist Sérgio Assad and Grammy Award nominated pianist/vocalist Clarics Assad perform at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. Cuban guitarrista Iliana Matos opens the festival at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 and the Beeston competition is at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. Holsclaw Hall, Fred Fox School of Music, 1017 N. Olive Road. Ticket prices vary.

A Celebration of Joni Mitchell with Kimberly Ford. It goes without saying that every day is a celebration of Joni Mitchell in its own way, or at least it should be. But treat yourself to an evening jam-packed with Joni by seeing this six-piece SoCal based band headed by Kimberly Ford on vocals. Let Kimberly and Joni remind you that we’re all stardust, and that sometimes sadness, when sung about in just the right way, can be overwhelmingly beautiful. 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Gaslight Music Hall of Oro Valley, 13005 N. Oracle Road, No. 165. $25.

April Verch Band: Canada’s Finest Fiddle & Stepdancer. Not many adults are doing the same things today that they were doing when they were 3, or 6 and a half. But those are the ages at which April Verch learned to stepdance and fiddle, respectively, and she’s been steppin’ and fiddlin’ away ever since. Also, she sings. And sometimes she does all three at once. She fiddled at the 2010 Olympic games, she’s fiddled in Vienna Austria, and she’s fiddled her way onto the pages of Rolling Stone magazine. Now, it’s time to let her fiddle, stepdance and fiddle her way into your heart. With Matt & Bekah Rolland of Run Boy Run. 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile, Tucson. $15.

The Spirit of Argentina. They move quickly, dramatically and sensually, to the music composed by some of the most legendary figures in the world of tango. They are Tango Buenos Aires, known internationally as one of the most talented and authentic Tango dancers in the world. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t take two to tango. It takes a whole expert company of musicians, vocalists and dancers to bring you the cultural experience of a lifetime. (And don’t worry. You don’t have to tango.) 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress. $24 to $39.

Shopping

Made in Tucson Market. They say home is where the art is, and at this festival, you can find art and goods from dozens of vendors who make their goods locally. And while you’re picking up art prints, candles, jewelry, ceramics, kitchen supplies and other Tucson-made treats, you can chat with the artists (all of whom are Tucson residents) and learn about their processes. How sweet it is to stock up on holiday gifts, treat yourself and support local artists all at once. 10 a.m. to dusk. Saturday, Nov. 18. On Seventh Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Free.

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Theater and Shows

Popol Vuh: The Story of Seven Macaw. Pima Community College’s newest
production is a recreation of a Mayan creation myth, in which the Mayan hero twins must come to the rescue to end the reign of terror over the earth by corrupt Seven Macaw. They use cleverness, stealth, and their convenient abilities to shape shift in order to defeat the forces of evil, while the theater artists at PCC use enormous puppets, elaborate masks and a fusion of different dance styles to tell the story. Nov. 9 through Nov. 19. Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. ASL interpreters Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Black Box Theatre in PCC Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $18, discounts for students, seniors, military, PCC employees and groups.

UA Dance “Premium Blend.” UA Dance, considered one of the top dance programs in the U.S., presents its fall show at the Stevie Eller Theatre, the 300-seat auditorium which will allow the audience to experience the show on an intimate level. The ensemble contains 140 dancers and performs more than 40 times each year. In the past, they’ve presented works by the likes of Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine. Don’t miss an opportunity to see some of best dancing around, right in your own backyard. 7:30 on Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 17. 1:30 on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19. Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd. Tickets must be purchased in conjunction with tickets for other shows during the season, so prices vary.

Jordan World Circus. Head on over to the circus, and don’t be late, because kids will be there, adults will be there, and the Hendersons will all be there, according to the Beatles. See the classic circus aerial act and performances, as well as tigers and elephants. Perhaps best of all, kids will have the chance to ride and pet different types of animals. Don’t be late! 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. $10 to $30.

Art

Art Now! Makers, Crafters, Educators: Working for Cultural Change. UA art professors Elizabeth Garber, Ph.D., Lisa Hochtritt, Ed.D. and Manisha Sharma, Ph.D. are coming to MOCA to talk about their new anthology, which examines the Pinteresting ways that the DIY movement for crafters, bakers and candlestick makers has shifted our social fabric. Could a focus on arts education, grassroots crafting and DIY social design be an important way to make strides toward social justice? Learn more at this casual, interactive lecture, and enjoy some light refreshments while you’re at it. 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. MOCA, 265 S. Church Ave. $10, or free for MOCA members.

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For a Good Cause

A 2nd Act. Listen to female cancer survivors share their stories–about their cancer, yes, but more importantly, about how they’ve chosen to live their lives after cancer and make a difference for other survivors. Founder Judy Pearson is a breast cancer survivor herself, but said it was important to her to include survivors of all kinds of cancer. Only women are featured in the show, however, because she’s found that men and women heal differently. “Women are happy to show mastectomy scars and talk about dry vaginas in a group,” she said. “Men don’t wanna do that.” You might cry, you’ll probably laugh, and you’ll definitely feel inspired. 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Berger Center for the Performing Arts, 1200 W. Speedway. $22 (proceeds go toward 2nd Act programs, including micro grants for survivors!)

2nd Annual Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer. You “think pinked” your way through October, but you might not have realized that September was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Take this opportunity to “feel the teal” and raise awareness of the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The Tucson chapter’s goal is to raise $30,000 for ovarian cancer awareness and research, and they’re well on their way, so even if you can’t walk or run, donate! 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. UA Mall, 1303 E. University Blvd. Pre-registration: $15 for kids 6 to 11 and survivors, $25 for ages 12 and up, $45 virtual walkers. Day of: $20 kids ages 6 to 11, $15 survivors and $40 for ages 12 and up.

The Gray & White Fete. Put this on your calendar now, or, much like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, you’ll be late! You’ll be late! For a very important date! The Center for Neurosciences Foundation in Tucson is holding this annual fundraiser for their mobile neuroscience lab The Brain Bus, and in the process, they’re transforming the downtown Bates Mansion into a magical wonderland. We could all use some time in a magical wonderland right about now, but add dinner, dancing, music, magic and the chance to support a good cause? Down the rabbit hole we go! 7 p.m. to midnight. Friday, Nov. 3. Bates Mansion, 283 N. Stone Ave. $100.

Dogtoberfest for Handi-Dogs. Just reading the name of this event is enough to make you realize that there should be a dog version of every holiday. Chrismutt? New Year’s Dog? Ind-pant-dence Day? Well… we have time to work on the names, and in the mean time, just head over to this canine carnival. Pups can paint pictures, enter costume and trick contests and run obstacle courses where they can even be clocked by radar guns. This year, they're also introducing the Dogtini Lounge, where dogs can enjoy their own special beverage selections. Humans can enjoy live music, food, a beer garden, raffles, a vendor fair and a huge selection of excellent dogs to feast their eyes upon, and maybe even pet. Proceeds benefit Handi-Dogs, a local nonprofit which helps people train service, therapy and emotional support dogs. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. The Gregory School, 3231 N. Craycroft Road. $5, and free for dogs and kids 12 and under.

Shopping

Introducing the Cow Store. It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: a curated collection and one stop shop for all of the paintings of cows Diana Madaras has ever done. The Madaras Gallery crew has corralled all the cattle into an online cow store, where you can peruse prints, canvases, housewares and other moo-tiful cow adorned products. To celebrate, the gallery is throwing a party with special offers, drinks and some alfalfa to munch on (just kidding, they’ll have human treats.) 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road. Free.

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.

The Tell-Tale Art

Live Drawing Atelier. Can we all agree that you’re held a little bit more accountable when someone is watching you? You try just a little bit harder, maybe turn out work that’s just a little bit better? At this event to benefit the UA School of Art Advisory Board, you can be either the accountable or the accountability. Artists are invited to take part in two 45-minute sessions at 5:45 at 6:45 p.m., and can purchase drawing kits or bring their own supplies. Non-artists are invited to ogle over the skills of artists while enjoying wine, beer, a complimentary “Artist’s Alchemy” cocktail from The Independent Distillery’s Mixologist and appetizers from Johnny Gibson’s. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. The Independent Distillery, 33 S. Arizona Ave. $80 (includes appetizers and two drink tickets). First-time attendees to a School of Art Advisory Board event get a 15 percent discount, so tickets are $68. ($40 tax-deductible from either ticket.) Drawing kits are $10.

Arts in the Plaza. You are about to experience so much art that you are going to come away from this event with an urge to buy a downtown studio apartment and start wearing a beret. But really, with more than 50 artists participating in this festival, as well as violin, guitar, jazz piano, harp, and cello music providing a soundtrack to the event, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant way to spend a day, not to mention a better opportunity to support local artists. Jewelry, ceramics, glass, metalwork, photography, acrylic, digital art, leather, sculpture, mixed media and even custom wood designs are all available for perusing, ’preciating and purchasing. Mention you’re attending Arts in the Plaza for a 10 percent discount at Union Public House or Reforma Cocina Cantina. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29. St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave. Free.

Sugar Skulls! If you’re not skully prepared for Dia de los Muertos yet, here is your chance to finally get your head in the game. As supplies last, the library will be providing materials for patrons to decorate sugar skulls with glitter, feathers, sequins and a skeleTON of other stuff. Don’t miss this opportunity to customize a Day of the Dead staple to your liking. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Miller-Golf Links Library. 9640 E. Golf Links Road. Free.

Portentous Performances

Carnival of Illusion Season Opener. Carnival of Illusion, the vaudevillian, close-up sleight of hand, cozy magic show founded by Tucson locals Susan Eyed and Roland Sarlot, is kicking off its ninth season with a (Mesa performance and then a) Tucson performance! Take a night off from all the tragic stuff going on and get some magic stuff going at a show one reviewer called “Better than the pool on a 100 degree Arizona day.” Is that even possible?! It’s definitely worth looking into, wouldn’t you say? 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Scottish Rite Grand Parlour, 160 S. Scott. $33-$48.

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo

Stars

Star Wars Paint Party. You Pick Your Side! You may not be able to use the force to help you become a professional painter, but you can attend a fun event where your painting is sketched out for you ahead of time and you have something to work with. Specify “Vader” or “Yoda” when you buy your ticket, so you can choose whether you’ll get an instructor who breathes really heavily and rarely speaks or one with confusing syntax. No, but really, specify one or the other so they’ll know which one to sketch out on your canvas. 6:15. Friday, Oct. 20. HighWire Lounge, 14 S. Arizona Ave. $30.

Agua Caliente Park Astronomy Star Party. This event is simple, straightforward and starry. The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association is setting up a cluster of telescopes in the Park Bus Lanes (at the north end of the park) to look up at and appreciate the sky. TAAA has been around for over 60 years, and the stars have been around for even longer than that. Celebrate and learn about both at this family-friendly event. Arrive early in case the park entrance gate closes one hour after the start time. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Agua Client Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Free.

Meteor Mania! The Orionids are coming! The Orionids are coming! Produced by Halley’s comet, these visitors from the school of space rocks will be doing a flyby on Friday. It’s the middle of the night, so warm clothing (hats, gloves, layers) is a must. Feel free to bring sleeping bags, blankets or lawn chairs to hang out on as well. It’s big, bright, beautiful and the perfect event for space-loving kids (or for the conversion of a non-space-loving kid into a space-loving kid), especially ages 8 and up. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. (though shuttles back to the parking lot will be available at 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. as well). Friday, Oct. 20. Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center by driving way west on Ajo Way and taking a left at AZ-386 South. (Park in the picnic area, a mile below the summit, and take a shuttle the rest of the way.) $49.95 online or $55 over the phone for adults. $46.95 or $52 by phone for ages 8-16. Tribal members free.

Do Good, Feel Good

Tucson Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting the Tucson branch of this walk, which takes place in more than 600 communities across the country. Walk a one-mile or three-mile route at Reid Park and raise funds to support Alzheimer’s research, support and care. It’s free to register for the walk, which gives you all the more incentive to reach out to friends, family, coworkers and beyond to help support a worthwhile cause. 8 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Oct. 21. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way. Free.

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo

Books!

Analog Hour at Tap & Bottle Downtown and Exo! Try leaving the house without your phone, just to see if you can do it. We’d suggest starting with something small, like going outside to check the mail, and then maybe a trip to the grocery store. And, when you’re ready to actually try to enjoy some of this phone-free time, then read a book, play a game, listen to some music, have a conversation or just sit at this monthly event at Exo and Tap & Bottle. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Tap & Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave. Free entry.

2017 All-Zona Book Fest. If a group of lions is called a herd, and a group of crows is called a murder, what do you call a group of local authors? Spend the day meeting a litter of authors responsible for some of the coolest mystery novels, memoirs, self-help books, children’s books and short stories around. The pack of pen-wielders will be available for a meet & greet, so attendees are in for a gaggle of good advice, behind-the-scenes info about favorite characters and the opportunity to meet the men and women behind the words. Bring a children’s book to help the event hosts, Gecko Gals, reach their goal of donating 500 books to Make Way for Books. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road. Free.

Catalina Art Lovers Book Club. Books, of course, are an art form in and of themselves, but some people like their art to be about other art. For those of you in the art squared club, this book club is not to be missed. They’ll be meeting every second Friday, starting this month with The Scribe of Siena, in which a woman sees her own face in a fourteenth century painting and finds herself transported to medieval times—and we’re not talking the dinner theater. If you can’t make it to this one, stay tuned for future books: November’s The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild, December’s A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline and January’s Lisette’s List by Susan Vreeland. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Friday, Oct. 13. Dewhurst-Catalina Library, 15631 N. Oracle Road. Free.

Art

The Year’s Strangest Art Show. Tales from the Trash is made up of two guys who pick up wacky and wild and sometimes wonderful art from thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, swap meets and the occasional dumpster. The two are exhibiting pieces form their carefully curated selection for this well-named show, where most of the pieces will be for sale, and for a pretty low price. Maybe you were dumpster diver in a past life, but your back just isn’t what it used to be. Or maybe you just don’t want to go in a dumpster. Either way, at this show you can skip the dirty part and just let yourself reap the rewards. 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. Iron Horse Fabricators, 503 E. Ninth St. Free.