Go to tucson.com/calendar for many more activities. Some events offer discounted tickets for students, seniors, military and others. Call venue for details.
COMEDY
Family Friendly Improv Comedy — Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway. Taking suggestions from the audience, performers create games and scenes right off the top of their heads. Nonprofit 501c3, tax deductible donations appreciated. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. $8. 289-8076.
Free Form Fight Night — Unscrewed Theater. Improv team battle. Four teams enter, only one will remain. Every show is different. Ages 17 and up. 501c3. 9-10 p.m. Dec. 28. Free. 289-8076.
Settle This Thing — Unscrewed Theater. Married comedians Tamara Bick and Drew Antzis (comedy writers/directors) ask the audience to help resolve some hilarious marital disputes. 9-11 p.m. Dec. 29. $15. 308-2069.
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CONCERTS
Jazz and world
The Hot Sardines: New Year’s Eve — Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress. Jazz. 8:30-10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $49-$99. 547-3040.
Popular, rock, country
Your Cheatin’ Heart: Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline Tribute — The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley. Tribute. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 29. $25. 529-1000.
Valli Fever with The 4Gents — The Gaslight Music Hall. Music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. 3-5 p.m. Dec. 31. $30. 529-1000.
Kinda Kinks Bring in the New Year — Rockabilly Grill, 3700 N. Oracle Road. British Invasion. 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Free. 888-1900.
Brian Berggoetz’s CD Release Show — Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile. Funk rock and blues. 6-9 p.m. Jan. 3. Free. 207-2429.
Sons of the Pioneers — The Gaslight Music Hall. Western Music. 6-8 p.m. Jan. 3 and 4. $25-$35. 529-1000.
DINNER THEATER
Carnival of Illusion: An Evening of Old-World Magic — Scottish Rite Grand Parlour, 160 S. Scott Ave. Vaudeville-inspired illusion show. Ages 8 and up. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. $35. 615-5299.
The Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Show — Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tucson — Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way. Ages 15 and up. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 29. $49.95. 1-866-496-0535.
DANCING AND LESSONS
Tucson Swing Dance Club Weekly Dance — Dream Dance, 405 E. Wetmore Road. Volunteer instructors teach. 7-7:45 p.m. beginner West Coast Swing; 8-8:30 p.m. intermediate; followed by general dancing until 10:30 p.m. 7-10:30 p.m. Dec. 27 and Jan. 3. $7. 203-8044.
Music for the Soul Dance Party — The Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley. The George Howard Motown and Soul Review. Rock, jazz, blues, pop, R&B and Motown. 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 28. $12.50. 529-1000.
Country Dance Lessons — The Outlaw Saloon, 1302 W. Roger Road. Different dance each month. 7-7:40 p.m. beginners; 7:45-8:30 p.m. intermediate. 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 29. Free. 888-3910.
New Year’s Eve Contra Dance — Unitarian Universalist Church, 4831 E. 22nd St. Music by local talent and dances led by callers from 8 p.m. Dec. 31. $10. 270-6758.
New Years Eve — Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. Music, food and celebration with a champagne toast and party favors. 21 and up. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. $99. 299-1501.
Scottish Country Dancing classes — Rhythm Industry Performance Factory, 1013 S. Tyndall Ave. Learn the social dancing of Scotland that includes reels, jigs, and slow strathspeys. Ages 8-88. Please wear soft-soled shoes. 7-9 p.m. Jan. 3. $15 per month; $5 per class. First lesson free. 399-8735.
FESTIVAL AND
ACTIVITIES
Holiday Cactus Caravan — Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. Auto tours every 30 minutes starting at 5 p.m. Cookies and cider at the visitors center. Call for reservations. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 27. $15 per vehicle. 733-5153.
Lights of the World Tucson — Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way. Over 45 displays, six million lights, and free carnival rides. 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Through Jan. 2. $24.99. 1-602-252-6771.
”A Fist Full of Christmas” Wild West Show — Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road. Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros wild west show about the magic of Christmas. Family friendly. 7-7:30 and 8-8:30 p.m. Dec. 27-30, Jan. 2-6. $5. 398-5618.
Afternoon Holiday Tea — Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Drive. Three course tea service with champagne, loose leaf tea, finger sandwiches, scones and holiday pastries. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or 2:30-5:3- p.m. Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29. $45. 615-5496.
Things That Go Bump in the Night — International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road. Learn about what animals are active at night and about their special adaptations through an interactive presentation and live animal encounters. 10-11 a.m. Dec. 30. $10. 629-0100.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar — The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, 15000 N. Secret Springs Drive, Marana. Enjoy a four-course celebration menu, then join in the merrymaking in Ignite Lobby Lounge, with live entertainment, dancing and the annual fireworks show. Beverages optional. Reservations required. 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 31. $125 plus tax and gratuity. 572-3401.
New Years Eve — Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. Music, food and celebration with a champagne toast and party favors. 21 and up. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. $99. 299-1501.
New Years Eve Party — Vantage Bowling Centers, 4015 E. Speedway, Marana. Unlimited glow bowling, pizza, a pitcher of soft drinks, party favors and door prizes. 6-8:30 p.m. $65 for one lane and up to six people; Rockin’ New Years Party with champagne or cider, unlimited bowling, light show, party favors and door prizes. 9:30-midnight. $75 for one lane and up to six people. 6-8:30 p.m. and 9:30-midnight. Dec. 31. 327-4926.
The New Year’s Day HAIR of the DOG Run/Walk — Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road. Benefiting the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Live music, post-race treats, one mile dog dash or 8k. Visit RunTucson.net/HOTD for more information. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 1. $30. 222-9840.
Hot Cocoa 5k Run/Walk — Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley. Snacks, water, and hot cocoa. Professionally timed race. 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 1. $20. 229-5050.
World Hypnosis Day — Woods Memorial Public Library, 3455 N. First Ave. Everything you wanted to know about hypnosis, what it feels like, and how it can help you improve your life. 1-2 p.m. Jan. 4. Free. 888-9338.
KIDS STUFF
Wilderness Camps — Saguaro National Park West, 2700 N. Kinney Road. Three day camp for kids ages 11-14. Set up camp, hike, make friends, roast marshmallows and enjoy the outdoors. Contact Ranger Heather at sagu_education@nps.gov to register. 10:30 a.m.- 9 p.m. Dec. 27, 28, 29. $50. 733-8614.
Polar Bear Ball — Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Public Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive. Storytime, treats, activity surprise and Polar G. Bear will make an appearance. 2-3 p.m. Dec. 27. Free. 594-5200.
Teen Leaders Against Hunger Workshop — Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, 3003 S. Country Club Road. Volunteers will learn about hunger, poverty, advocacy, and gain leadership experience for college and beyond. For high-school students, lunch provided. Call or e-mail engage@communityfoodbank.org to register. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 4. Free. 622-0525, Ext. 7341.
NIGHTLIFE
Mary After Dark — The Edge Bar, 4635 N. Flowing Wells Road. Cold classic rock, southern rock and blues. 21 and up. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 28. Free. 887-9027.
Zona Libre Band: Salsa and Bachata Dance Lessons — Brother John’s, 1801 N. Stone Ave. 8:30-9:30 Dance class; 9:30-midnight open dancing. All ages. 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Dec. 28. $5. 444-0439.
The ‘Q’ — The Edge Bar. Rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 29. Free. 887-9027.
New Year’s Eve Dance Party with Little House of Funk — Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile. A set of jazz followed by full throttle funk and blues with a New Year’s toast on East Coast time. $50 includes dinner, champagne and dessert; $20 without dinner. For reservations and details, call 207-2429. 7-11 p.m. Dec. 31. $20.
A Very Geeky New Years Eve — Public Brewhouse, 209 N. Hoff Ave. Prizes and goodies, brews and quiz entertainment. 8-10 p.m. Dec. 31. Free. 775-2337.
Green Valley New Years Eve Milonga — Las Campanas Social Center, 565 W. Belltower Drive. Kick off the new year with Tango Llaneros, from Lubbock TX. 8 p.m. Dec. 31. $20. 625-3488.
The Amosphere — Monterey Court. Funk and groove band. 7-10 p.m. Jan. 4. $50. 207-2429.
Sunset Red — The Edge Bar. Classic rock, country and pop. 21 and up. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Jan. 5. Free. 887-9027.
OUTDOOR AND
RECREATIONS
All events are free or included in admission or vehicle entrance fee unless otherwise noted. Parking may be additional. Bad weather may change or cancel activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets unless otherwise specified.
Birding — Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Take a guided walk to see a variety of birds, including waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and others. Loaner binoculars available. Online registration required. 8:30-10 a.m. Dec. 27. 724-5375.
Geology 402 Walk — Sabino Canyon, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road. Led by Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists, a moderate 3 mile hike that will explore faults, intrusions, boulder fields and other geologic features. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 27 and Jan. 3. 749-8700.
Holiday Cactus Caravan — Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. Auto tours every 30 minutes starting at 5 p.m. Cookies and cider at the visitors center. Call for reservations. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 27. 733-5153.
Life on the Edge — Saguaro National Park West, 2700 N. Kinney Road. A stroll in the garden to learn how desert plants and animals are able to weather the climate changes. 3:15-3:45 p.m. Dec. 27. 733-5158.
Mission Garden — 946 W. Mission Lane. Living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, traditional heirloom crops, and edible native plants. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 27-29. 955-5200.
Silhouettes at Sundown — Saguaro National Park West. A 2.5 mile hike that goes up a sandy wash bottom with a few rock outcroppings and returns on a trail just before dusk. Reservations required. 3-6 p.m. Dec. 28. 733-5158.
The Saguaro Time Hike — Saguaro National Park East. A 1.6 mile hike with one small hill climb. Ages 10 and up. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 28. 733-5153.
Historic Craft Demonstrations — Tumacácori National Historical Park, 1891 E. Frontage Road. Traditional tortilla making on the mission grounds. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 29, 30, Jan. 3 and 4. 377-5060.
Meet the Chollas — Saguaro National Park East. Learn about a variety of Cholla cactus and their relationship to the desert. Suitable footwear. 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 29. 733-5153.
River Walk — San Pedro House, 9800 E. Highway 90, Sierra Vista. Led by he Friends of the San Pedro River. Interpretive walks. 9-11 a.m. Dec. 29. Donations appreciated. 459-2555.
The Plants Tell All — Saguaro National Park West. Join a park naturalist to learn the secrets of what ties the plants and animals together on a 1.5 mile walk. 9:45-11:45 a.m. Dec. 29. 733-5158.
Ranch Tour — Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley. Walking tour of historic buildings, corrals and special exhibits. All ages. 10 and 11 a.m. Dec. 29. 724-5220.
Cooking With Prickly Pear — Saguaro National Park West. A live cooking demonstration will show how to prepare and cook prickly pear. 3:15-3:45 p.m. Dec. 30. 733-5158.
Meet The Saguaro — Saguaro National Park East. Learn the story of the Saguaro with a Ranger talk. 3-3:30 p.m. Dec. 30. 733-5153.
Petanque in the Park — Reid Park, 830 S. Country Club Road. Learn and play the French game of petanque. 2-4 p.m. Dec. 30. 664-4133.
Desert Adaptations — Saguaro National Park East. Join us in the Cactus Garden to discover the fascinating world of desert plants and the many techniques they use to live here. 3-3:30 p.m. Dec. 31. 733-5153.
Sonoran Lifestyles — Saguaro National Park East. A two hour, one mile walk to discover how plants and animals adapt to life in the desert. 10 and up. 10 a.m.- noon. Dec. 31. 733-5153.
Flora, Fauna and Fotography Walk — Sabino Canyon. Join Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists on an informative walk in the canyon. Feel free to bring binoculars and camera. 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Jan. 2. 749-8700.
Birding — Pima County Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Take a guided walk to see a variety of birds, including waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, and many others. Loaner binoculars available. Online registration required. 8:30-10 a.m. Jan. 3. 724-5375.
Star Party — Saguaro National Park East. Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations required. Call 733-5153. 7-9 p.m. Jan. 3. 733-5153.
THEATER
See “On Stage” elsewhere in this section.
VISUAL ARTS
Casino Del Sol’s Life-Size “Coco”-Themed Gingerbread House — Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road. Life-size gingerbread house standing more than 11 feet tall based on the “Coco” Disney movie. Open 24 hours. Through Jan. 2. Free. 1-855-765-7829.
Viewing of the Sugary Sweet Candy Cactus Garden — The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, 15000 N. Secret Springs Drive, Marana. See the resort lobby’s life-size, sugary sweet, giant edible cactus garden created with vibrant and flavorful fondant by a team of ten Ritz-Carlton culinarians, collaborating in sweet tribute to the inspiring flora and fauna of the Dove Mountain region. Open 24 hours. Dec. 27. Free. 572-3401.
Encaustic Painting and Collage Workshop — Blue Raven Art School, 720 E. Prince Road. Encaustic is the use of heat and pigment infused beeswax on a painting or collage. Explanations of tools, materials, and techniques. Bring collage materials including photographs and 2 dimensional personal keepsakes. All other materials will be provided. Lunch is not included. Pre-registration required. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 29. $145. 623-1003.
Animal Month — Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road. Collection of animal artwork and gifts featuring cows, birds, dogs, horses, desert wildlife, and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 1-31. Free. 615-3001.
Make ‘n Take: Herbal Soaps — Eckstrom Columbus Public Library, 4350 E. 22nd St. Help your skin and the world by making lotion using pollinator friendly herbs. 11 a.m.-noon. Jan. 4. Free. 594-5285.
