Tucson Events and Festivals
(Tucson, Arizona - AZ, USA)
Tucson is famed for its southwestern charm and there are numerous arts and crafts festivals and concerts throughout the year.
The Cinco de May is a particularly popular event in Tucson and is held all over the southwest, featuring much frivolity, while the various rodeo and sporting events provide fun for the whole family. Below is a list of Tucson's most popular annual festivals, events and things to do.
National Public Holidays
- 1st January - New Year's Day
- Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
- 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
- Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
- Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
- 4th July - Independence Day
- First Monday in September - Labor Day
- Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
- 11th November - Veterans Day
- 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
- 25th December - Christmas Day
Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Arizona Square and Round Dance Festival - mid-January, a fun festival in Tucson showcasing round dancing, square dancing and clogging.
February
- La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo - mid to late February, an eight-day, yearly festival at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds featuring Western floats, Mexican folk dancing, competitive rodeo and marching bands.
March
- Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival - early March, this week-long music festival is touted as one of the best in the US and features nationally and internationally renowned classical chamber music composers.
April
- The Tucson International Mariachi Conference - late April, students have the opportunity to learn from the brilliant mariachis and baile folklorico group performers.
May
- Cinco de Mayo May - May 5th, held in the Kennedy Park Fiesta Area and celebrating the day when Mexican forces beat the French in the city of Puebla. This event features music, dancing, crafts and food.
- Fiesta de la Primavera - mid-May, a Mother's Day weekend spring festival with music, arts and crafts vendors and food as well as opportunities for walking along the nature trails around Holy Trinity Monastery.
June
- Dia de San Juan Fiesta - June 24th, on West Congress Street at Santa Cruz River, this fiesta celebrates the 'Season of Monsoon Rains' with cowboys, trick horseback riders and plenty of live entertainment.
July
- 4th of July Tour for Tucson's Children - July 4th, an annual biking and walking event to promoting safety for kids. Held in front of the Tucson Convention Center, the day features a 27-mile / 43- km challenge ride and 3-mile / 5- km fun run or walk, as well as shorter variation activities for kids.
August
- August Festival at Sonoita Vineyards - early August, held at the Sonoita Vineyards to summon a busy harvest. The August Festival features vineyard tours, grape testing, a grape-stomping contest, live music and lots of food and wine.
September
- Tucson Greek Festival - late September, this wonderful Greek festival features delicious homemade Greek food, music and dancing.
October
- Tucson Gay Pride - held the third Saturday of the month at the Kino Sports Complex, featuring general gay and lesbian festivities and pride celebrations.
- Desert Thunder Pro Rodeo - mid-October at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, this day out includes competitive rodeo and roping contests, free pony rides for children and bronco busting.
- Halloween Howl - late October, located at the old La Posta Quemada Ranch, this annual event features moonlight haunted hay rides, games and food.
November
- Charter Funding El Tour de Tucson - late November, a huge cycling event with competitors from around the world competing in a 109-mile / 174- km perimeter race, as well as various smaller activities for kids and the less able.
December
- Zoo Lights - early to late December, fun weekends at the Reid Park Zoo, with refreshments, lighting, jingle bells, Santa Claus and live music.