Tucson, Arizona
Events & Festivals
From the world's largest gem show to one-of-a-kind cultural processions — Tucson's event calendar is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself.
★ Must-See Tucson Events
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
The world's largest gem and mineral show, drawing over 65,000 visitors and thousands of dealers from around the globe. Venues span the entire city — hotels, convention centers, and parking lots — for more than two weeks of rocks, gems, fossils, jewelry, and crystals.
- World's largest gem show
- 65,000+ visitors annually
- 40+ venues citywide
- 2+ weeks of events
tgmsshow.com
Tucson Rodeo (La Fiesta de los Vaqueros)
One of the nation's top professional rodeos and a true Tucson institution since 1925. The week-long celebration includes the world's longest non-motorized parade, bull riding, barrel racing, and western festivities.
- World's longest non-motorized parade
- Since 1925
- Professional PRCA rodeo
- Week-long celebration
tucsonrodeo.com
Tucson Festival of Books
One of the largest book festivals in the United States, held on the University of Arizona mall. Hundreds of authors, panels, readings, cooking demonstrations, and a children's area draw over 130,000 attendees over a weekend.
- 130,000+ attendees
- University of Arizona campus
- Hundreds of authors
- Free admission
tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
Tucson Meet Yourself
A beloved three-day folklife festival celebrating Tucson's extraordinary multicultural heritage. Dozens of ethnic food booths, traditional dance and music performances, and artisan crafts fill downtown Tucson.
- 50+ ethnic food vendors
- Traditional music & dance
- Downtown Tucson
- Free admission
- 3 days
- 90,000–150,000 attendees
tucsonmeetyourself.org
All Souls Procession
One of Tucson's most unique and visually stunning events — a non-religious Day of the Dead procession honoring the departed. Thousands march in elaborate costumes, carrying effigies and photographs of loved ones through downtown streets.
- 150,000+ participants
- Downtown route
- Day of the Dead tradition
- Unique to Tucson
- Free to attend
- Since 1990
allsoulsprocession.org
All Annual Events
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
The world's largest gem and mineral show, drawing over 65,000 visitors and thousands of dealers from around the globe. Venues span the entire city — hotels, convention centers, and parking lots — for more than two weeks of rocks, gems, fossils, jewelry, and crystals.
- World's largest gem show
- 65,000+ visitors annually
- 40+ venues citywide
- 2+ weeks of events
tgmsshow.com
Tucson Jazz Festival
A nine-day celebration of jazz featuring Grammy Award winners and internationally acclaimed artists at venues across Tucson, from intimate clubs to grand theaters.
- 9-day festival
- Grammy Award winners
- Multiple venues
- Free Downtown Jazz Fiesta
- All jazz styles
tucsonjazzfestival.org
Tucson Botanical Gardens Butterfly Magic
An immersive experience inside a tropical butterfly greenhouse at Tucson Botanical Gardens. Hundreds of exotic butterflies from around the world flutter freely around visitors.
- Tropical butterfly greenhouse
- 30–50 species daily
- Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Family favorite
- Chrysalis exhibit
tucsonbotanical.org
Tucson Rodeo (La Fiesta de los Vaqueros)
One of the nation's top professional rodeos and a true Tucson institution since 1925. The week-long celebration includes the world's longest non-motorized parade, bull riding, barrel racing, and western festivities.
- World's longest non-motorized parade
- Since 1925
- Professional PRCA rodeo
- Week-long celebration
tucsonrodeo.com
Tucson Festival of Books
One of the largest book festivals in the United States, held on the University of Arizona mall. Hundreds of authors, panels, readings, cooking demonstrations, and a children's area draw over 130,000 attendees over a weekend.
- 130,000+ attendees
- University of Arizona campus
- Hundreds of authors
- Free admission
tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Tucson's beloved outdoor arts and crafts market along the historic Fourth Avenue corridor, held twice a year. Over 350 artists, live music, and great food in one of Tucson's most vibrant neighborhoods.
- 350+ artists & artisans
- Historic 4th Avenue
- Live music
- Twice a year (spring & winter)
- Free admission
- 350,000+ visitors
fourthavenue.org
Tucson Folk Festival
A beloved free outdoor music festival in downtown Tucson featuring folk, acoustic, and roots music across multiple stages. One of the best-attended free music festivals in the Southwest.
- Multiple outdoor stages
- Free admission
- Downtown Tucson
- Local & national artists
- 300+ performers
tucsonfolkfest.org
Tucson International Mariachi Conference
A world-class celebration of mariachi music featuring workshops, galas, and performances at Tucson venues. The longest continuously running mariachi conference in the United States, established in 1982.
- Established 1982
- International performers
- Student workshops & master classes
- Professional concerts
- World-class mariachi
tucsonmariachi.org
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Tucson's deep Mexican heritage shines during Cinco de Mayo with festivals, live music, food, and cultural celebrations throughout the city — especially vibrant in South Tucson and downtown.
- Cultural celebrations citywide
- Live music & food
- South Tucson events
- Family-friendly
- Mariachi & folklórico
visittucson.org
Tucson Pride Festival
Southern Arizona's LGBTQ+ celebration with roots stretching back to 1977 — Arizona's first and oldest LGBTQ organization. Features live entertainment, vendors, and community events.
- Arizona's oldest LGBTQ celebration
- Since 1977
- Live entertainment
- Community vendors
- Inclusive celebration
tucsonpride.com
Tucson Culinary Festival
Celebrating Tucson's status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy — the only one in the United States — this festival showcases the region's incredible culinary diversity with chef demonstrations, tastings, and food tours.
- UNESCO City of Gastronomy
- Chef demos & tastings
- Local & visiting chefs
- Food tours
- Only UNESCO gastronomy city in the US
visittucson.org
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute Show
A juried fine art show featuring wildlife and natural history art from regional and national artists, held at the world-famous Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
- Juried art exhibition
- Wildlife & nature art
- Desert Museum setting
- Regional & national artists
- Artist receptions
desertmuseum.org
Tucson Meet Yourself
A beloved three-day folklife festival celebrating Tucson's extraordinary multicultural heritage. Dozens of ethnic food booths, traditional dance and music performances, and artisan crafts fill downtown Tucson.
- 50+ ethnic food vendors
- Traditional music & dance
- Downtown Tucson
- Free admission
- 3 days
- 90,000–150,000 attendees
tucsonmeetyourself.org
All Souls Procession
One of Tucson's most unique and visually stunning events — a non-religious Day of the Dead procession honoring the departed. Thousands march in elaborate costumes, carrying effigies and photographs of loved ones through downtown streets.
- 150,000+ participants
- Downtown route
- Day of the Dead tradition
- Unique to Tucson
- Free to attend
- Since 1990
allsoulsprocession.org
El Tour de Tucson
One of America's largest perimeter cycling events, circling the entire city of Tucson. Cyclists of all levels choose from multiple distance options through spectacular Sonoran Desert scenery.
- 100+ mile perimeter route
- All skill levels welcome
- Scenic desert riding
- 11,000+ participants
- Multiple charities supported
pbaa.com
Click any event card to learn more and find the official website.
Tucson: A City That Celebrates Year-Round
Tucson, Arizona isn't just one of the Southwest's most beautiful cities — it's one of the most culturally rich. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the only one in the United States, Tucson brings together Native American, Mexican, Spanish, and cowboy traditions into a festival culture unlike anywhere else.
The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show each January and February transforms the entire city into the world's gem-trading capital. The haunting beauty of the All Souls Procession in November draws visitors from around the world. And the Tucson Festival of Books — one of America's largest — draws over 130,000 book lovers to the University of Arizona campus each spring.
Whether you're a Tucson resident planning your year, or a visitor wondering when to visit, this calendar covers the major annual events that define life in the Old Pueblo.
Thinking About Moving to Tucson?
Imagine living where every month brings a new festival. Kelley Wilbur is a local REALTOR® who can help you find your perfect Tucson neighborhood.
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