It is hard to imagine, but in case you haven’t noticed (or haven’t been in Tucson for very long), Spring tends to come early. The winter frosts have subsided, flower gardens are getting planted as we speak, and storage bags full of sweaters and jackets are getting zipped up all around town – and it is only February!
It is also time to break out your annual planner and jot down these events that you do not want to miss this Spring!
Tucson Rodeo and Parade – February 18 – 26
This annual Tucson event draws crowds by the thousands to the Tucson Rodeo Grounds to see rodeo stunt shows, the world champion professional rodeo performers, and the world’s longest non-motorized parade. More than 650 contestants compete in a variety of events including bull riding, steer wrestling, roping, and kids’ events including sheep riding and the junior rodeo.
Tucson Festival of Books – March 11 -12
One of the signature events that makes Tucson stand out as one of the most excellent places to live is the Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona. Jam-packed with world renowned authors, exhibitors with rare and collectible books, tons of guest speakers, exhibits from the UA, and loads of food vendors too, the
Festival of Books brings a bit of literary magic to Tucson that you won’t forget.
Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival – March 12 – 19
Fans of classical music look forward to the Winter Chamber Music Festival every year, and it is a must-do for anyone with a passion for concerts. Open rehearsals and memorable performances from some renowned artists and composers throughout the week showcase the tremendous talent and power of chamber music, and the Winter Chamber Festival offers concert goers the rare opportunity to go behind the performance and see the people who devote their lives to music making music for the world to hear.
4th Avenue Street Fair – March 24 – 26
Everyone in Tucson looks forward to the annual 4th Avenue Street Fair because it’s the best time of year to get out and see what your local businesses are all about. With kiosks, local small business owners, and 4th Avenue merchants showcasing the best of their crafts, services, and performances, the street fair is designed to help historic 4th Avenue maintain its beauty and standing as the go-to shopping center in Tucson for unique crafts and arts.
Tucson Botanical Gardens Ultimate Home and Gardens Tour – April 8
This one day only annual event brings the beauty and grandeur of Tucson’s magnificent gardens to the people with the Ultimate Home and Gardens Tour. Beginning at the Botanical Gardens with a brunch, the tour will bring you throughout the city via luxury transportation to see some of the most fabulous homes and gardens and admire the years of work and dedication put into making picturesque outdoor spaces that help beautify Tucson. The tour ends with an elegant cocktail party back at the Gardens, and a lifetime of memories and inspiration to create a unique work of living art at your home.
Arizona International Film Festival – April 19 – 30
Year after year, movie lovers from all around descend upon Tucson to enjoy the Arizona International Film Festival. Showcasing almost 100 films from dozens of countries, the Arizona International Film Festival is the longest running and biggest film festival in all of Arizona. These films, each hand-selected for their excellence, offer unique and diverse voices from cultures and communities which go unheard all too often.