Mariachi cover

Folklorico dancers in spectacular costumes performed at last year's Espectacular concert. Expect them to be on stage May 1 when José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de Mexico take the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall stage.

From International Mariachi Conference events to International Jazz Day celebrations, it's a non-stop party in Tucson this weekend.

Here's our list of 37 fun events happening in town May 1-3, so you can celebrate all weekend long.

New this week

OH, Coward!

This revue, devised by Roderick Cook, features Coward’s songs and sketches about British high and low society, the theatre, mad dogs, Englishmen, and other noteworthy subjects.

When: Various times April 26 to May 10

Where: Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. 1st Ave.

Cost: General admission $45

Visit the event page for more information.

International Jazz Day Celebration — Hotel Congress

Jerry's Girls celebrates the music of Jerry Herman, highlighting the broad spectrum of thrilling material he wrote specifically for female performers.

When: Various times April 29-May 1

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $10 general admission for the Plaza event, $10 dance workshop

Visit their event page for more information.


Sponsored

Grab your tickets for FC Tucson's season opener this Saturday

FC Tucson kicks off its 2026 season on May 2nd with its annual Cinco de Mayo Especial event at Kino North Stadium! Enjoy a men’s and women’s doubleheader beginning at 5:30pm with the Kelly Pierce Tribute Match, followed by the FC Tucson men’s season opener at 7:15pm, and all capped off with a post-match fireworks show. Don't miss one of Tucson's signature soccer events of the year. Visit FCTucson.com/tickets for tickets and more information.


Jerry's Girls

Jerry's Girls celebrates the music of Jerry Herman, highlighting the broad spectrum of thrilling material he wrote specifically for female performers.

When: Various times May 1 to May 3

Where: Marroney Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road

Cost: Tickets starting at $26

Visit their event page for more information.

Mother's Day Craft & Vendor Market

Shop local vendors, delightful treats, and thoughtful gift ideas!

When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 and May 2, 12-6 p.m. May 3

Where: Tucson Mall, Tucson Mall Dr.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit their event page for more information.

Chatty Crafters

Join Chatty Crafters to work on your craft projects and chat!

When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 1

Where: Miller-Golf Links Library, 9640 E. Golf links Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their event page for more information. 

Devil Wears Park Place: Fashion Show

Experience a live runway show featuring Dillard’s models showcasing trend-forward looks that Miranda Priestly herself would approve. Then, take your shot at the spotlight. The first 30 guests to register will walk the runway and compete for prizes in Best Dressed and Miranda Priestly look alike competitions.

When: 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 1

Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their event page for more information. 

Tucson International Mariachi Conference Espectacular Concert

A lively evening filled with vibrant mariachi music, folklórico dance, and Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 1

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

Cost: Tickets starting at $64

Visit their event page for more information. 

Events at Flandrau Planetarium

Flandrau is hosting several different themed laser shows this May, including "Laser Galaxy Far Away," as well as the opening of their new exhibit, "Mysteries of the Cosmos."

When: Various times May 2 and May 3

Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost: $5 to $27 for exhibit, $10-21 for laser shows

Visit the event page for more information.

Book Sale Hosted By Friends of the W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library

Find a new spring read to take home, and support the library at the same time!

When: 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library, 10931 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit their event page for more information. 

Rustic Roots Mother's Day Market

Celebrate Mom with a Build-a-Bouquet Bloom Bar, jewelry, fragrances, soaps, bath bombs, produce, fresh baked goods, and more.

When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: Rustic Roots Market, 9848 E. Old Vail Road.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Fiesta De Garibaldi

Enjoy folklórico, live mariachi music, and a lively marketplace filled with local food vendors, artisans, and colorful performances

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: Jácome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: General admission, $20

Visit the event page for more information.

AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration

The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with music, dances, and other performances!

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Dark Circus III: Midnite Rodeo

Break out your western wear and clown makeup for a night of DJs, circus dancers, clowns, carnival snacks, balloon animals, flash tattoos, face painting, photo ops, karaoke, games, an art show, and tons of local artists.

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: Monsoon Mystics, 657 W. St. Mary's Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Brew at the Zoo

Sample a selection of craft beer, hard ciders, lagers, and ales as you travel around the Zoo. Listen to live music, enjoy games and fun photo ops, and take home a commemorative tasting glass.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.

Cost: General admission, $55

Visit the event page for more information.

Chef Mateo Otero stands outside of Rollies West at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, his newest location.

Sonoran Dog Showdown

Calling all Sonoran Dog lovers! Sample six local favorites, and crown the "Best in Town."

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: MSA Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento

Cost: General admission, $30

Visit the event page for more information.

'80s Dance Party at The Surly Wench Pub

Dance the night away to all of your favorite retro hits including Prince, Madonna, QUEEN, Michael Jackson, and more. Dress in your favorite 80s attire, or come as yourself!

When: 9 p.m., Saturday, May 2

Where: The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. 4th Ave

Cost: $5

Visit their event page for more information. 

'Best of Both Worlds' Rave — Rialto Theatre

Dance your heart out at this Hannah Montana-inspired event!

When: 9 p.m., Saturday, May 2

Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

Cost: Tickets starting at $23.75

Visit their event page for more information. 

Filipino-Inspired Sunset High Tea

Himaya Garden is organizing a Filipino-inspired tea party featuring sweet and savory bites.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3

Where: Himaya Garden, 427 E. Limberlost Dr.

Cost: $67.99

Visit the event page for more information.

Karma Yoga at PACC

Meet some of the adoptable dogs of PACC, and start your Sunday with a yoga class taught by Yoga Loft Tucson's Jackie Whately! All levels welcome.

When: 1-2 p.m. Sunday, May 3

Where: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Road.

Cost: Free to attend, but PACC will be accepting cash donations

Visit the event page for more information.

Ryan Madden uses a dangler wand to play with some cats during the grand opening of Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, Ariz., July 6, 2024.

Study With Cats

Study with the cats of Hunter's Kitten Lounge, and take advantage of quiet time to read or work.

When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4

Where: Hunter’s Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway

Cost: $14.20

Visit the event page for more information.

Memories of Concerts Past — The Civic Orchestra of Tucson

Join the Civic Orchestra of Tucson for their 50th Anniversary Season Finale.

When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4

Where: Georges Demeester Outdoor Performance Center, Gene C. Reid Park

Cost: Free

Visit the event page for more information.

Recurring Events:

Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

Spring is the perfect time to experience the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm! The owners are celebrating with tours, themed workshops, and exciting events! Check out their seasonal teas at Lavender Manor!

When: Various dates in May

Where: Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle. (Some workshops are available in Tucson at The Lavender Manor, 347 E. Fourth Street.)

Cost: $15 for tours and tastings

Visit the event page for more information.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals. 

When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events

Visit the event page for more information.

Sunset Yoga at MSA Annex

Sunset Yoga will be held every Tuesday in May, guided by instructor, Joanna!

When: Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. 

Where: MSA Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson

Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments. 

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information.

Dirty T Run Club

This run club meets on Thursdays for a 4-mile run at a slower pace. During the route, you’ll get to run past iconic murals and the rattlesnake bridge. Plus, they stop by a bar for after-run drinks. 

When: Thursdays at 6 p.m., rain or shine 

Where: Meeting place is at the corner of 6th Ave. and 7th Street

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

West Side community rides

Join the West Side community on the third Thursday of every month for a fun group ride from Transit Cycles to Dragoon Brewing. The brewery will also be serving $1 pints and Muncheez food truck will be cooking up food. 

When: 5:30 p.m. meet up at Transit Cycles and the ride starts at 6 p.m.

Where: Transit Cycles, 267 S. Avenida del Convento Bldg. 10

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Paint & Sip Party

Unwind, listen to great music, and learn real painting techniques from professional artists.

When: 6-8 p.m. every Friday

Where: Catalyst Creative Collective, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110

Cost: $35

Visit the event page for more information.

Catalina Nights

Experience Catalina State Park after dark with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail!

When: First and third Fridays of the month

Where: Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road.

Cost: Park entry fee ($10-20)

Visit their event page for more information.

Snakes After Dark — Snakes & Lattes

Snakes & Lattes is bringing the late-night energy, immersive music, hosted games, prizes, craft cocktails!

When: 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in May

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance. 

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays

Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road.

Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit the event page for more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

BICAS Crafternoons

Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays 

Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the event page for more information.

St. Philip's Plaza Market

Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.

When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Mercado Flea

The Mercado Flea is back, complete with dozens of vendors selling antique and vintage items. 

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May

Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Events at Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More

Stop by Poppin' Off for their many creative workshops, trivia nights, and other exciting events! You'll find something for all ages and interests.

When: Various dates throughout May

Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E. Broadway.

Cost: Typically $0 to $15

Visit their event page for more information.

Workshops and Events at Di Luna

Di Luna is hosting fun creative workshops and exciting events all month long! From junk journaling to building your own terrarium and yoga on the patio, there's something for everyone to enjoy

When: Various dates in May

Where: Di Luna Candles, 2700 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Prices vary

Visit the event page for more information.


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