Thursday, October 5, 2017
Art
Free First Thursday: Sonoran Oktoberfest. Celebrate TMA’s sculpture garden, TMALearn, and then exit through the gift shop. No, really, it’s also the grand opening of the new museum shop in the Historic Fish House on Main Avenue and it’s going to be cool. This event will feature a reception for artist Roxanne Rossi and her series of mixed media paintings, in which women’s dresses are used to represent the complicated nature of love. Some dresses have lovely patterns, but uneven hems. Some are delicate colors with rough, uneven textures and some are voluminous but look torn apart. Besides, there will be live music, local beers and opportunities to make art! 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block 140 N. Main Ave. Free.The Big Picture. The Central Tucson Gallery Association is kicking off the downtown art season with exhibits at galleries all along Sixth Ave. and on local college campuses, including an “Enjoy Yourself” exhibit at the Joseph Gross Gallery at UA. Check out the "Surrealistic Stew" exhibit at Contreras Gallery and Jewelry, featuring art by Gary Aagaard, Neda Contrefas and E.M. Contreras, or the glassworks exhibit by Wes and Wesley Hunting at the Philabaum Glass Gallery. Most galleries are holding their reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. Gallery hours vary. Free.
Art in the Park Sierra Vista. There's something for everyone! The 46th annual Art in the Park Sierra Vista is an art show is the spot for artists to show and sell their original work. This year the event will bring over 200 vendors, both returning and new! It's the spot to browse or shop for a variety of art pieces. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. Veteran’s Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista. Free.
MOCA Fall Exhibitions Opening. The three new exhibits at MOCA this season all examine the intense realities of living and working along the U.S.-Mexico border. Here, the border wall is examined as a metaphor: a simple line that could have the power to shape identities, lives and the future. See Paul Turounet’s examine the migrant experience in Estamos Buscando A. Examine the historic struggles of the border region in the multi-disciplinary Nothing to Declare: Transnational Narratives, curated by Ginger Shulick Porcella. In ByNowWeAreThere, see the art created by artist David Taylor and ten students during a road trip from Tucson to Tijuana. Saturday, Oct. 7. Members preview 7 to 8 p.m., public reception 8 to 9 p.m. Exhibit runs through Dec. 31, 2017. MOCA Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave. Free.
Tags: Sonoran Oktoberfest , The Big Picture , Central Tucson Gallery Association , CTGA , Art in the Park Sierra Vista , MOCA , Barrio Hollywood , Tohono O’odham , Where art and history meet , Tubac , Detour traveling show , arts for all , beauty and the beast , bonjour , Tucson for Mexico , Santa Pacha , Oscar Fuentes , Diluvio , Mono Sound , Heart and Should Queen of New Orleans , Irma Thomas , Ballet Tucson , TSO MasterWorks Series , Dusk Music Festival , DJ Jazzy Jeff , FST , Female StoryTellers , Meg Kearney , library , pima county library , Rainbow Salsa , Feature Writing , crochet , knit , GLOW , Jewish History Museum annual block party , SAHBA Home Show , Two chicks and a hammer , Tucson Reptile and amphibian show and sale , tucson modernism week , Fat Tony , Caustic Casanova , Obituary , reptiles , alligators , yay
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Theater and Shows
Oro Valley Music Festival. Ring in October with this two-day festival full of music, food, drinks and vendors. Of course, the music is the main event, and Oro Valley is really delivering, with performances by big names like Train, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice and Gavin DeGraw. There will be vendors, a “selfie spot,” exclusive VIP areas, and even OVMF swag, like socks and T-shirts. Gates open at 12:30 p.m., opening act starts at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1. The Golf Club at Vistoso, 955 W. Vistoso Highlands Drive. GA: $59.50 for one night or $89.50 for both nights. VIP $129.50 for one night (sold out for Sunday, so Saturday only. Travis Mathew “Awesome VIP” Experience $199.50 for one night or $329.50 for both nights. Martial Artists & Acrobats of Tianjin. Martial arts, circus acts, illusions and more! More than 100 performers take the stage in martial arts, balancing acts, acrobatic stunts, contortion and juggling, all accompanied by traditional Chinese music. The award-winning act has traveled throughout the world, and is an audience favorite! 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3, Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St. $24-$48 (depending on seating, $2 increase for tickets purchased at the door).
Día de los Muertos: The Musical. This new musical hits the stage with Día de los Muertos just around the corner. The original story and music from Michael Martinez tells the story of a young woman who travels to the the world of the dead after losing her beloved pet. While in the world of the dead, she befriends a monster who teaches her how to celebrate life, and helps her return home from the world of the dead before she is trapped forever. Sunday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 1-Nov. 5. Live Theater Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $10 for adults, $7 for children.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Feel the earth move under your feet at "Beautiful," which tells the true story of Carole King's rise to fame. From being part of a songwriting team with her husband, Gerry Goffin, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music, King wrote songs considered to be the soundtrack to a generation. Times vary based on date. Oct. 4 through Oct. 8. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. Price varies by seating: $29-$80.
Organic, Origami and Open Studios
Between Folds: Classical Origami. There’s something really magical about origami: creating these little sculptures by hand, without using any scissors, glue or tape. And if you’ve ever made a cootie catcher, you know that that origami has the power to unlock worlds of unparalleled fun. Seasoned origami vets can create everything from insects to shores to samurai to cranes with movable wings. See all of these things (except the cootie catcher, probably) and more at this Japanese Yume Gardens exhibit, which runs from their reopening on Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. Free with museum admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 students and military ID, $5 children 3 to 15, free for children two and under.Tags: Oro Valley Music Festival , Train , LeAnn Rimes , Lee Brice , Gavin DeGraw , dia de los muertos , Michael MArtiniez , Travis Mathew , Martial Artists & Acrobats of Tianjin , Beautiful: The Carole King Musical , Carole King , origami , Yume Japanese Gardens , Tucson Organic Gardeners Fall Fair , Geronimo’s Revenge , organic gardening , Southern Arizona Open Studio Tours , SAACA , Nightfall at Old Tucson , October is here , spooky , scary , Pussy Power , planned parenthood , planned parenthood art show , bentley’s house of coffee & tea , breast cancer awareness , pin me up chicane style , pink , breast cancer , oktoberfest , trail dust town , Bouncing Czechs , Iron John’s brewing company , thunder canyon brewstillery , sentinel peak brewing company , uncle bear’s brewery , Mexican baseball fiesta , Kino Stadium , Jim Click’s Run ’n’ Roll , Jim Click , race , baseball , tacos , SAR , Southern Arizona Roadrunners , Meg Kearney , Dusenberry-River Library , Jewish History Museum , Sukkoth , food trucks , free science day , science , S.Y.STEM coalition , Hail the Sun , Nas , Y La Bamba , PInegrove , Florist , Lomelda
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Art
Art Now! With Chuck Nanney. Artist Chuck Nanney’s sculptural works from the last three years, which are equal parts minimalist modern and whimsical chic, are showing at MOCA through Oct. 1. For this event, Nanney comes to the museum to talk about his work (which includes sound pieces) nal art lecture format by allowing audiences to engage in discussion about all of the forms that the art of today’s world takes. 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26. MOCA Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave. $10, free for MOCA members.Diana Madaras Signing Event. It’s hard to believe that calendars for 2018 are already out, but it makes sense, really. After all, 2017 is no spring chicken anymore. Diana Madaras’ 2018 Southwest Art Calendar is out, serving the tri-purpose of helping you keep track of the days, decorate your house and support local art. This week, she’ll even be signing them, so they serve the fourth purpose of showing off your impressive connections in the art world. Also, calendars make fantastic gifts for everyone from your mom to that one coworker you don’t know very well and gave gift cards and lotion to for the past three Christmases. 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road. Free.
Equinox Poetry Chalking. Chalk, meet poetry. You two should have a lot in common, because you’re both versatile, colorful and good at bringing people together. At this Sam Lena-South Tucson Library event, both will be provided for people of all ages to chalk poems in both English and Spanish celebrating the beginning of fall and the beauty of libraries. Feel free to bring a favorite—or original—poem of your own, and to try out some futuristic glitter chalk, and even spray chalk. 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Sam Lena-South Tucson Library 1607 S. Sixth Ave. Free.
Music and Theater
The Astronaut Farmworker. Pima Community College’s run of José Cruz González's play inspired by the story of real-life astronaut José Hernández runs through Oct. 1. In the show, Pepito, the son of migrant farmworkers, is struggling to learn English and make friends in his new home. When he watches Apollo 11 land on the moon, he knew from that day forward that he wanted to be an astronaut. A feel-good story about following your dreams and the power of education, it’s a must-see for kids, parents, grandparents and everyone in between. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. ASL interpreters Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Scout Theatre Adventure (for girl and boy scouts and their leaders at a discounted price). Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. Through Oct. 1. Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $8 (or $6 for groups of 10 or more)Tags: MOCA , ArtNow! Chuck Nanney , Diana Madaras , Madaras Gallery , calendars , that one coworker , Equinox poetry chalking , library , Sam Lena-South Tucson Library , chalk , poetry , The Astronaut Farmworker , Proscenium Theatre , Pima Communit College , Jose Hernandez , Titan , Beethoven , Mahler , TSO Inaugural Season Opening , Jose Juis Gomez , Zhang Zuo , Zee Zee , Healing Sounds from Around the World , Bob Effertz , Hakuna Matata , it means no worries , for the rest of your days , Ting-Sha Bells , Tibetan Singing bowls , didgeridoo , jazz legends live , Ella Fitzgerald , Dizzy Gillespie , Buddy Rich , marshmallow fluff , jazz , Peppersauce Roundup Adventure Festival , gravel grinder bike race , stampede trail runs , zip-lining , camping , outdoors , Oracle , Mr. and Miss Tucson Pride , pride , Miss Gay Tucson , Demi LaRaye , Romeo White , AEY King , WBO Boxing , Tucson Pride , Pride 40th Anniversary , Autumnal Equinox Celebration , Cirque Roots Fire Troupe , Bennu , Danny V. Patrons , National Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil , LUMIES , Odaiko Sonora , Axe Capoeira , Flam Chen , Fall Pumpkin celebration , it’s the great pumpkin Charlie Brown , Apple Annies , Pumpkins , fall , Adulting 101 , Joel D. Valdez Main Library , Split End Race , Bookman’s Local Comic Artist Extravaganza , free breakfast , evil rob productions , silly monkey comics , Natalia Lopez , Nightcrawler , King Chiefs , Dizzy Wright , Natalia LaFourcade , TOKiMONSTA , tokimonsta
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Books
Tucson Analog Hour. How many of us love reading but can’t seem to find a moment to sit down and focus on actually doing it? It’s no fun to admit, but maybe we just don’t have the attention spans that we used to. Between comparing ourselves to others on social media, checking our phones 46 times a day (that’s the American average) and looking up all the coolest things to do in Tucson this week, we’re collectively exhausted. Set aside some time for just you and a book, no phones allowed, and rediscover the joys of reading, or having a conversation without being distracted by your phone, or even playing a board game. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Exo Coffee and Tap & Bottle, 403 N. Sixth Ave. Free.JA Jance comes to town. The bestselling mystery author’s book tour is hitting Tucson this week, and she’ll be making two local appearances. In the ’60s, Jance was denied entry into UA’s creative writing program because of her gender, but now she's been writing for over three decades. (Take that, patriarchy!) This tour is to promote her new book, "Proof of Life," which brings the character Seattle lawman J.P. Beaumont out of retirement. Saturday Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. at Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd. and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 5310 E. Broadway Blvd. Free.
Theater
Celia, A Slave. The Rogue Theatre brings Tucson this play by Barbara Seyda, winner of the 2015 Yale Drama Series Prize. The haunting story is based on court records from the 1855 case State of Missouri vs. Celia, a Slave, in which a young woman was convicted and hanged for killing her prosperous owner. It brings to light the horrific violence and harsh realities of America less than 200 years ago. Vain Suitt stars as Celia, Cynthia Meier directs and Jake Sorgen does music direction and original composition. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, plus 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Sept. 16 and 23. Through Sept. 24. The Rogue Theatre at The Historic Y, 300 East University Boulevard. $38, or $15 for student rush tickets (15 minutes before curtain call, pending availability). Tags: Tucson Analog Hour , reading , technology , JA Jance , Proof of Life , J.P. Beaumont , Celia , a Slave , Rogue Theatre , Chapter Two , Arizona Theatre Company , Neil Simon , Shakespeare in the Park , El Rio Theatre Project , A Midsummer Night’s Dream , Tigers Be Still , Arizona Repertory Theatre , Tornabene Theatre , Dash & Walk Like MADD , MADD , 5k , mothers against drunk driving , Loop the Loop , el Tour , Felt bicycle , WBO , Oscar Valdez , Genesis Servania , Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez , Jesse “Hard Work” Hart , boxing , apple pie weekend , country craft fair , apple burgers , apple picking , apple pancakes , Apple Annie’s , Oracle Ford Peppersauce Roundup Adventure Festival , stampede trail runs , gravel grinder bike race , Mr. Nature , Arizona Zipline Adventures , Santa Cruz County Fair , horse show , Sonoita , Greek Fest , dolmathes , baklava , spanakopita , Downtown Radio 2-Year Anniversary Bash , 2 years , motor skills , Los Guapos , Shooda Shook it , Lemon Drop Gang , Tucson Light the Sky Lantern Festival , Tangled , princesses , magical , oooooh , Pet portrait series , dogs , cats , pigs , birds , pets , The Drawing Studio , Arizona Living Economy Forum , Mrs. Green’s World , YWCA of Southern Arizona , Adulting 101 , flat tires , handshakes , dinner that isn’t ramen , the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell , nightcrawler , Her Name Echoes , Pyrotechnica , Thic as Thieves , The Rock , Thee Commons , Vox Urbana , Club Congress , Reverend Horton Heat , The Mighty Fishbone , Strung Out , Los Kung-Fu Monkeys , Rialto Theatre
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Shop Local
Mercado Flea Market. There’s something for everyone at these second Sunday flea markets, which begin this month. Antiques treasures, collectible tchotchkes, vintage pieces, artwork—it’s fun for the whole family. Bring the kids, bring the grandparents. You can bring your own booth if you contact Mercado San Agustin in advance to get the details. But please do not bring fleas. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida del Convento. Free.Good Times Silent Auction. The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society will be holding at least three silent auctions of cacti and succulents for this extravaplantza. After the auction concludes, a free area of pottery, plants and other garden-related items will open up, along with $2, $5 and $10 tables with items for purchase if you feel like being a big spender. Free ice cream, complete with all the fixins’, will be available as well. 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Sky Islands Public High School, 6000 E. 14th St. Free.
Tucson’s Fall Gem Show. The mega-event gem, mineral and fossil showcase isn’t hitting the city until January 2018, but the miniature fall version is this week! Shop for minerals, fossils, gems and beads at venues throughout town, some of which are open to the public. Quartz, turquoise, sterling silver jewelry, jade, crystals and agates are just some of the offerings at the event, where there will be jewelry and gemstones from all over the world. Thursday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. to Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington Road. $10.
Shows
Free Range Country. The “crown jewel” of Downtown Tucson is about to be joined by some of Tucson’s twangiest jewels. Fox Tucson Theatre is presenting a free concert series in conjunction with Second Saturdays Downtown. Singer Mike Loychick recently took over the vocals for The County Line, bringing a country twist to a group that started off in 2012 as a rock cover band. The Jim Howell Band will be playing songs from their debut album and an EP released in March that speak on humankind’s dichotomies. Tucson native Caiden Brewer, who is influenced by Blake Shelton, Johnny Cash and Lynyrd Skynyrd, will be playing as well. 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress. Free.
Tags: Mercado Flea Market , silent auction , Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society , Fall Gem Show , Free Range Country , Oro Valley , Steam pump ranch , Mike Loychick , Jim Howell Band , Caiden fewer , Amber Norgaard , Little Mermaid , thingamabob , Second SundAZe , TMA , historic properties , La Casa Cordova , J. Knox Corbett House , Etherton Gallery , James G. Davis , Archery after dark , International Wildlife Museum , Mother Earth art reception , daddy day care , daddy boot camp , boot camp for new dads , library , El Rio Riparian Reserve , spelling bee , accommodate , Tap & Bottle , free citizenship classes , Hurricane Harvey , Austin Counts , Tom Wallbank , The Muffulettas , Miss Olivia & The Interlopers , Nobody aka Willis Earl Beal , Chris Hall , Christopher T. Stevens , flycatcher , RiP Factory review , Odaiko Sonora , Flam Chen , Sol Axe , dueling pianos , putt for paws , dogs , bubbles , lights , Glow! Light the sky , Nightcrawler , lithe Shivas , So Pitted , Beth Hart , Dwight Smith
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Sweat
48th Annual TMC Saguaro National Park 8-Miler. The Southern Arizona Roadrunners are hosting one of the few races that takes place on National Park land. The trail includes a number of hills, but it also has a number of aid stations to balance that out, and a 5k course if eight miles sounds a little too ridiculous. If you’re hesitant about waking up early on Labor Day to exercise, think about all of the extra room a morning workout will give you for calories at the afternoon barbecue. Over 1400 people registered for last year’s race, but this year, it will be capped off at 750. The event will raise money for SAR, the Children’s Fitness Fund and Friends of Saguaro National Park. 6:25 a.m. start time. Monday, Sept. 4. Saguaro National Park East 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Rd. $50 for 8-miler, $40 for 5k. 5th Annual Willcox Flyer Bike Ride. Take a ride up Highway 186 to the top of the Don Cabezas Mountains (elevation gain 1,129 ft), and, if those 33 miles aren’t enough for you, keep going for another 33 until you hit the entrance to Chiricahua National Monument (total elevation gain 1,965). Willcox is about 10 degrees cooler than Tucson at this time of year, and the ride starts early, so you probably won’t even be biking in 100 degree weather. Probably. Olympic cyclist Mike Allen will also lead a leisurely eight miler for kids, families or beginners. The course has 3 aid stations, and post ride festivities in Railroad Ave Park will include live music, food and vendors. Packet pick-up/Race day registration 6 to 6:45 a.m. 7 a.m. start for 66 miler, 7:05 start for 33 miler, 7:10 start for 8 miler. Festivities 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday, Sept. 2. Railroad Ave. Park, 100 S. Railroad Ave. $15-$50.
Animals
Say Goodbye to the Dog Days of Summer. But say hello to aquatic dog sports, brought to you by the original doggie paddlers. Dogs in pools are clinically shown to combine all the joys and therapeutic benefits of dogs and pools. The Pima Animal Care Center will have dogs up for adoption at Old Tucson Saturday and Sunday, Fun for K9s will present dog sensory shows (which sound sort of like scent scavenger hunts?) And K9 Dance will perform on Monday. One dollar from each adult admission all weekend will be donated to PACC. 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd. $18.95 for adults, free for kids 11 and under.
Tags: Saguaro National Park 8-milers , 8 miles , run , running , runners , 5k , Wilcox Flyer Bike Ride , Don Cabezas Mountains , biking , bikers , Mike Allen , Olympic Cyclist , 33 miles , 66 miles , 8 miles , dog days of summer , dog , doge , aquatic dog sports , Pima Animal Care CenterOld Tucson , K9Dance , Pets , Contreras Gallery , insert dog pun here , Gene Hall , Margot Huntington , Marcy Miranda Janes , Putt for Paws , Humane Society of Southern Arizona , bloody marys , kegs , IMPACT , ESL & Citizenship classes , black history , black lives matter , Bernard Wilson , Packrat party , packrats are an actual animal apparently and not just a phrase for referring to hoarders , packrats , hoarders , Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , Cool Summer Nights , Sergio Avila , DeGrazia’s Fun and Games , Ted DeGrazia , Art Nature Devotion , MOCA , museum of contemporary art , Archery After Dark , International Wildlife Museum , Make ’n Take Creativity Workshop , Genie Joseph , Type-in Tuesday , Public Brewhouse , typewriters , Ernest Hemingway , dueling pianos , Tu Nitido , Friends , Joey , Rachel , Phoebe , Ross , Chandler , Monica , smelly cat , WHAT TEAM? WILDCATS , wildcats , UA , Bear Down , Bubbles , soap orbs , grab , Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas , Fayuca , Lethal Injection , Melvins
Thursday, August 24, 2017
¡Cultura!
Día de los Muertos Opening Reception. Tohono Chul’s next exhibit honors and remembers the dead in a celebration that is full of color and joy. Pieces by local artists will be displayed until the exhibit ends on Nov. 8, and artists whose work is on display will be present at the opening night reception. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. 7366 Paseo del Norte. Free.Closing Reception and Sewing Circle. Bordando por la Paz y la Memoria is a group made of citizens from Mexico and other cities abroad who embroider the names of victims of Mexico’s War Against Drug Trafficking onto white handkerchiefs. These stitched stories are a beautiful and sobering visualization of the suffering real people face in the reality of war. Handkerchiefs will be displayed in the café area, and, while supplies last, materials for visitors to embroider their own tributes and testimonies will be provided. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. Joel D. Valdez Main Library 101 N. Stone Ave. Free.
Museums
Space Night 2017. Sleepovers at friends’ houses are fun, but are they educational? Are there opportunities to use state-of-the-art telescopes? Are there real meteorites available to be touched? We didn’t think so. The Children’s Museum Tucson will be showing sleepover guests how to get a party started with pizza, pajamas, binoculars, thermal cameras, and even meteorite-touching ops. Families are welcome to pitch tents in designated areas in the museum and in the main courtyard, for that highly sought after “pitch-a-tent-in-the-living-room-or-backyard-but-still-be-surrounded-by-fascinating-artifacts-and-unique-educational-opportunites” feel that many a sleepover party host has strived for and not attained. 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 to Sunday, Aug. 27. Children's Museum Tucson 200 South Sixth Ave. $50, $45 for museum members.Tags: Dia de los Muertos , Tohono Chul , Bordando por la Paz y la Memoria , Joel. D. Valdez Main Library , handkerchiefs , Pima County Public Library , Space Night 2017 , Children’s Museum Tucson , Sensory Safari by Flashlight , International Wildlife Museum , 3D Printing , Oro Valley Public Library , 3D printing , fuuuuutuuuuure , Foraging Walkabout , John Slattery , foraging , Chinese Calligraphy , A-Long’s Kung Fu Academy , wax on wax off , Indoor Tin-smithing Demo and Craft Activity , Presidio Museum , blacksmiths , blacksmithing , luminary lanterns , William Turner , Composition in the Field , Digital Photo Academy , Reid Park Zoo , photography class , Angel’s Place for Girls Grand Opening , Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona , STEM , rock climbing , just girly things , Bookmans Midtown Block Party , potato salad , barbecue , Silly Tassie , Stories that Soar , The Loft , Free Family Fun Day , bowling , Vantage Bowling Centers , Fall Youth Bowling program , Sixth Annual EFF Spelling Bee at the Rialto Theatre , spelling bee , Curtis Mccrory , Rialto Theater , privilege , privlege , privledge , Akeelah and the Bee , Nintzel and the Bee , Friends Trivia Night , Ross , Rachel , Phoebe , Joey , Chandler , Monica , Gunther , Janice , Crooked Tooth Brewing Company , smelly cat , smelly cat , what are they feeding you , smelly cat , smelly cat , it’s not your fault , Old Folk’s Home Bing , bingo , adrenaline , Kappa’s Bar and Sandwich Place , Pablo Sandoval , Pueblo Lighting Women’s Rugby , The Riveters , 401 Comedy School , Comedy School Showcase , Tucson Improv Movement , Loft Cinema Movie Poster Sale , Andrei Tarkovsky , 2001: A Space Odyssey , cinephile , movie posters , Bench & Brew , do you even lift , The Nerd Gym , animals , dogs , Pets , Gene Hall , Margot Huntington , Marcy Miranda Janes , Contreras Art Gallery , Dog Days of Summer , DockDogs , Old Tucson , dogs , Pelican , Club Congress , worthwhile Metallica , Illinois , strangely aggressive pop , post-punk , Trail of the Dead , Pink Martini , Rufus Wainwright , Centennial Hall , classical , jazz , big-band pop
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Animals
Kitty Quinceañera. Celebrate the senior kitty-zens of the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary, and maybe even take one home to love. Aside from food and fun, the event will be offering adoption fees of only $5 for cats over 7 years old. Show your support for a local shelter and try to process the fact that you could theoretically take home 20 of these lovable furballs for only $100. (I’m not saying you should, I’m just saying you could). If you’ve been wanting a calm, older cat, now’s the time to go for it. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary 4501 E. 22nd St. Free.Hiking with Dogs in the Desert. Have you sat down with your pup to have a chat about safety when hiking? What about trail etiquette? Do you know which trails in the area are dog-friendly? Sandy McPadden Animal Behavior Consulting is hosting this educational event about the best hiking practices when bringing along your best friend. This is a woman who worked as an animal trainer on the national tour of 101 Dalmatians, so she knows her dog stuff, and lots of it. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. REI, 160 W. Wetmore Road. Free.
(Shop) Local
August Indoor Rummage Sale. The WomanKraft Art Center, a nonprofit which works to validate and empower women artists and other under-represented groups, is hosting its biggest biannual fundraising bash. From toys to tools to tech gizmos, they’re practically guaranteed to have something that will strike your fancy. And since it’s held in an air-conditioned sanctuary and not in a driveway, you can browse to your heart’s content, without worrying about coming across a melting lamp, or having a heat stroke. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19. 388 S. Stone Ave. Free.Rescue Blooming Barrel Sale. If you’ve thought about getting a rescue dog, but weren’t quite ready to make the commitment, try starting with a rescue plant, which is an option, apparently. The nonprofit Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society is holding a sale of plants that would otherwise be plowed away by developers or AZDOT when new roads are built. Sales of specialty cacti and succulents will begin at 7 a.m., and the rescue mission begins at 8. There’s a limited number entry system (to keep things efficient). Native barrels are a’bloomin, so selection ranges from yellow to red. Stop by and brighten your home with a feel-good investment. Gates open from 7 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 Amphi Land Lab, 4342 N. 4th Ave. Free entry.
You Say It’s Your Birthday
Tucson’s 242nd Birthday Celebration! Ah, Tucson. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 242 years since our saguaro-y, monsoon-y foodie mecca started playing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Loft every month. Okay, maybe the monthly screenings haven’t been around that whole time, but 242 years of the Old Pueblo is something to celebrate either way. Mariachi music, speeches and birthday cake will abound. Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Historic AMTRAK Tucson Train Depot 400 N. Toole. Free.Tags: Kitty , cat , Quinceañera , senior kitty-zens , Hermitage No-kill Cat Shelter , Hiking with Dogs in the Desert , Sandy McPadden , REI , August Indoor Rummage Sale , WomanKraft Art Center , women , women artists , rescue blooming barrel sale , Amphi land lab , cacti , succulents , cactus , Tucson’s birthday , Tucson’s 242 birthday , Tucson Train Depot , solar eclipse , eclipse , Oro Valley Public Library , Sky Bar , 3D printing , Space Night , Ben Stiller , Children’s Museum Tucson , Splash and Dash , Aquathlon , Tucson J , Tucson Jewish Community Center , Yoga for Women who Adventure , bookmaking buffet , Tanline Printing , bookbinding , Sizzling Summer Art Walk , Pat Parkinson , Jane Hamilton Fine Art , Dia de los Muertos , Tohono Chul , Neon Fom Party , EDM , Moombahton , twerk , trap , house , Glow boxing , glow-in-the-dark boxing , UFC Gym , Dead Cross , Milo , The Shadow Band , Telekinetic Yeti
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Animals
World Elephant Day Celebration. Join Reid Park Zoo African elephants Lungile, Semba, and Punga, Sundzu and Nandi at this event held in honor of nature’s most majestic matriarchs. Taking place at the seven-acre Expedition Tanzania exhibit, there will be elephant-themed activities and presentations, as well as treats for the elephants themselves on their special day. Save the date, because the elephants definitely aren’t going to forget. 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. Free with zoo admission.
Lizards are Hot, Lizards are Cool. Do you ever look a lizard and wonder why it’s doing pushups, squirting blood out of its eye or incessantly trying to sell you car insurance? This talk may just be the answer to all of your questions. Check out the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park every Friday in August to refine your reptile knowledge bank. 3:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Saguaro National Park West: Tucson Mountain District (West District), 2700 N. Kinney Road. Free with park admission.
Read to a Dog! Most people have had the feeling of liking dogs better than people at one point or another. There’s something about their soft fur, their loyal love and their inability to incessantly nag and criticize. Children who are struggling to learn how to read might know better than anyone that sometimes, the best thing to hear when you’re working through a new learning process is nothing. The loyal silence and comforting presence of a service dog provides the perfect audience for future bookworms to read to. 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. Wheeler Taft Abbett S Library 7800 N. Schisler Drive. Free. Family Friendly.
Festivals/All day events
Southeast Arizona Birding Festival. This four-day bird bonanza begins on Aug. 10 and doesn’t stop until the weekend is over. (In fact, with two post-festival trips being offered that begin on Monday, Aug. 14, the bonanza doesn’t really even stop when the weekend is over.) Learn how to capture the perfect bird photo with renowned wildlife photographer and keynote speaker Paul Bannick, get the lowdown on different avian species at free speaker events and pick up some native plants and optics gear at the Nature Expo. Begins at 8 a.m., but hike and event times vary. Thursday, Aug. 10 to Sunday, Aug. 13. Arizona Riverpark Inn, 777 W. Cushing Street. $15 and up.Tags: World elephant day , Reid Park Zoo , Lizards , Saguaro National Park , Read to a Dog! Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. library , Southeast Arizona Birding Festival , Paul Bannick , Arizona Riverpark Inn , birds , bird is the word , Return of the Mermaids , mermaids , Antique , Vintage and Collectible Book Fair , books , Tell Me a Good Story , sweat , sweaty , fitness , rugby , Rookie Meet & Greet , Barre & Bubbles , ballet , mimosas , Old Pueblo Lightning Women’s Rugby Team , Gilligan’s Island Revue , Gaslight Music Hall , Second SundAZe @ TMA , Second Sundays , Tucson Museum of Art , TMA , Sonoran Desert , Sizzling Summer Art Walk , Jane Hamilton Fine Art Gallery , Neon Foam Party , EDM , Moombahton , twerk , trap , hope music , glow-in-the-dark , Game Nights at Casa Video and Casa Film Bar , Casa Video , Casa Film Bar , Oregon Trail , dysentery , Jenga , checkmate , chess AZNPS Monsoon Mixer , AZNPS , Arizona Native Plant Society , La Cocina , Bookmaking Buffet , Tanline Printing , book binding , Japanese stab bound , hardcover bound , accordion-style bound , pamphlet-stiched bound , Kap G , JR Donato , Paper Paulk , Lucy Dacus , Molly Burch , Casey Golden , Family Mansion , Pavement , Wynonna and the Big Noise , The Wanda June’s Ex-Cowboy , STBWLIH
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Family Friendly
Cool Summer Nights Full Moon Festival. Visit this fest in pairs, so that one of you can keep watch for werewolves while the other partakes in the Desert Museum’s hands-on art activities. You can also enjoy the music of local band Haboob and the astrophysical orations of UA postdoctoral researcher Dr. Kevin Hainline. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson AZ 85743. $15.50-$20.50.Model Airplane Make ‘n’ Take. Children ages 5 and up (accompanied by an adult) are invited to explore the cross-curricular world of model airplane building in this STEM program event. Kids—and adults new to the craft—will learn about all of the different disciplines that go into creating accurate scale models, from mathematics to historical research to, of course, patience. 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 Space Gallery Large Classroom at the Pima Air & Space Museum 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706. Free with admission to the museum ($9-$15.50).
Summer Safari Nights: Scales and Feathers. Visit the last safari night of the summer at the Reid Park Zoo, which honors all things scaly and feathery. Kids can get their faces painted, explore artifact stations, see special animal features, and even ride a camel. Adults can enjoy a picnic concert by Tucson’s mighty blue grass combo Run Boy Run, chat with animal keepers, wander through the vendor fair and munch on barbecue pulled pork and coleslaw. 6 to 8 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 4. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. $3-$9.
Full Moon Hike. The great outdoors really are, um, great, but melting into a puddle of sandy sweat, less so. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sonoran under cover of night in this guided two-hour trek. The length of the hike depends on the weather, but it will go up the Ridge View Trail off the Camino Loma Alta trailhead. Capacity is set for 16 and reservations are required, so if you want to take your shot at being a creature of the night, call 733-5153 to reserve your spot. 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. Saguaro National Park East: Rincon Mountain District, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. Free with park admission.
Return of the Mermaids 2017. Celebrate monsoon season and the annual Return of the Mermaids to the temporarily warmer, wetter Tucson area at this all-day event. Festivities kick off at Antigone Books (411 N. 4th Ave.) at 10 a.m., where mermaid raffles will be held all day. It ends at 2 a.m. the next day with a dance party at Surly Wench Pub (424 N. 4th Ave). The kid-friendly portion of the day ends around 10 p.m. after the mermaid parade (costumes, or accompaniment of a costumed child, required) and the Mermaid Fashion Art Market. In between, there’s everything from a costume contest to live music, belly dancing and a show by Tucson Improv. At the end of the day, will you side with Sebastian or Ariel on the “under the sea” vs. the “up where they walk, up where they run” debate? Saturday, Aug. 12. 10 a.m. Downtown Tucson and 4th Ave. Free, but individual event costs may vary.
Drinks
4th Annual Tucson Michelada Challenge. Join bartenders from around the city at this michelada event of Olympic proportions. With the salt-rimmed attitude of a margarita, the refreshing coldness of a beer and the nutritional value of an organic salad (it has tomato juice in it, so it must be good for you, right?) the michelada has been a Southwest staple since its inception, at which we can only presume is the beginning of time. Up to 40 bartenders can compete with their signature mixes, and attendees can sample them all and vote on their favorites. Last year, first through third place was awarded for both peoples’ and judges’ choices. 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. Tucson Convention Center, 260 South Church Ave. $25 GA, $65 VIP admission.Tags: Cool summer nights full moon festival , Haboob , Dr. Kevin Hainline , Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum , Model Airplane make ‘n’ take , model aiprlanes , Pima Air & Space Museum , Summer Safari Night , Reid Park Zoo , Run Boy Run , Full moon hike , Saguaro National Park East , saguaro , hike , Return of the Mermaids , mermaids , Antigone Books , Surly Wench , Michelada challenge , Michelada , Tucson Convention Center , Tucson Hop Shop , Sip & Sketch , drawing and drinking , Mead & Bacon Pairing , mead , bacon , achin’ for bacon , need for mead , 1912 Brewing , Somali Cooking Class , Tucson J , Chef Samiro , gluten free , gluten-free , gluten free tasting expo & health fair , Natural Grocers , Dedicated , rootin’ tootin’ hold the gluten , Butterflies! Plant Nite Tucson , Plate Decorating Workshop , Bob De Armond , plates , antiques crafts and small business fair , Cochise Crafters , craft fair , the mall at sierra vista , annual summer sidewalk sale & Christmas bazaar , Madaras Gallery , Dancing With the Stars , DWTS , Dancing with the stars live! , Jittercat Jive , Movement Culture dance studio , Odyssey storytelling , odyssey storytelling potluck , comedy night , variety comedy show , comedy temple , the screening room , southeast Arizona birding festival , Paul Bannick , birds , bird is the word , music , The Mastersons , Rialto theatre , Luke Elliot , Zen Mother , The Touchies
