Holiday Season Events
December 17, 2025 - February 7, 2026
The holiday season is where Arizona shines brightest, with festivals that bring together artists, makers, performers, and food lovers from across the state. Explore one-of-a-kind art fairs, cultural celebrations, and music-filled weekends that celebrate creativity and community.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
December 13–27, 2025 | Historic Winterhaven Neighborhood, Tucson
Tucson’s most beloved holiday tradition returns for its 76th year—fifteen nights of glowing art, festive food, and neighborhood magic. Walk through dazzling displays, enjoy local treats, and support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Mercado District Holiday Bazaar
December 19–21, 2025 | 10 AM–6 PM
MSA Annex & Monier Building, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Celebrate the season with handmade goods, food vendors, live music, and a festive photo booth in Tucson’s westside creative hub.
The Nutcracker
December 19–21, 2025 | Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Ballet Tucson and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra reunite for a live, full-orchestra performance of The Nutcracker—a magical, timeless tradition in the heart of downtown.
LightsUp! at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Now–January 11, 2026 | 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Experience over a million dancing lights, glowing tin stars, and illuminated desert gardens in this stunning nighttime installation at Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
December 20–21, 2025 | 6–9 PM
Tohono Chul’s beloved gardens glow with thousands of twinkling lights, live music, festive treats, and local shopping during this enchanting weekend tradition.
SnOV: An Oro Valley Holiday Event
December 18, 2025 | 5–8 PM | Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center
Celebrate the season with real snow, holiday characters, crafts, games, and a visit from Santa—plus festive food and drinks available for purchase.
Noon Year’s Eve at Park Place
Dec 31 | Park Place Mall | 11 AM–1 PM | Free
Celebrate global traditions with family crafts, cultural performances (India, Japan, Philippines, China), and an epic Earth Drop countdown at noon.
Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival
Jan 10 | Sahuarita Lake Park | 10 AM–4 PM | Free
Ring in the New Year with 25+ artisans, floating art, live music, plein air painting, folklórico, taiko drumming, food trucks & hands-on art—all next to the scenic Sahuarita lake.
Discover Arizona’s creativity this season—from Tucson to Tempe, every festival is a celebration of art, culture, and community.
Artists Wanted: Galleries, Plein Air Festivals,
Markets & More Are Calling
Art State Arizona and partners are expanding opportunities for artists, musicians, and creators statewide. From public art commissions to live performance stages, these programs connect artists to new audiences and creative platforms.
ReFormed: The Art of Transformation – Call for Artists
Deadline: January 9, 2026 | Awards: $100–$300 | Tucson & Oro Valley
In partnership with Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Art State Arizona invites Arizona-based artists to submit works that celebrate sustainability, renewal, and creative reuse. Centered on transformation, this juried exhibition asks artists to reimagine the possibilities of found, discarded, or repurposed materials. The show will be presented at Roche Tissue Diagnostics in Oro Valley, with drop-off options available in Tucson. Artists retain 100% of sales, and cash prizes will be awarded to top submissions.
Flinn Foundation Gallery – America at 250: Uncovering the Five C’s of Arizona through Art
Deadline: January 5, 2026 | Honorarium: $100 per selected artist
Presented by Art State Arizona in partnership with the Flinn Foundation and Arizona America250, this juried exhibition invites artists to interpret Arizona’s original Five C’s—Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate—or envision a future shaped by new C’s: Civics, Creativity, Community, Cultural Diversity, and Conservation. Only 40 works will be selected. All accepted artists receive a $100 honorarium and retain 100% of sales. Tucson-based artists may drop off at CATALYST for delivery to Phoenix.
Sahuarita Plein Air Competition – Art on the Lake Festival
January 10, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM | Sahuarita Lake Park
Apply by December 29, 2025 | Free Entry | Notifications: January 2, 2026
Art State Arizona invites artists to paint live at Sahuarita Lake Park as part of this juried, one-day plein air competition. Artists may compete in Nature, Architecture, or People categories, with a separate Youth Category available. All works must be created on-site during festival hours.
Total Awards: $2,000 across five prizes, including Best in Show and Youth Award.
Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest – Call for Artists & Vendors
January 31, 2026 | 10 AM–5 PM | Downtown Glendale
Art State Arizona is accepting applications for artisan vendors at the first-ever Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest. This immersive event features visual art, live music, food, murals, classic cars, and interactive activities across 10 blocks of Glendale’s historic downtown.
Vendor Booth Fees: $150 (single) | $275 (double)
White tent required. Space limited to 50 vendors.
Cruise, BBQ & Blues Festival – Call for Artists & Vendors
February 7, 2026 | 10 AM–3 PM | Oro Valley Marketplace
Join us in Oro Valley for this high-energy winter festival featuring 200+ classic cars, a Tucson Foodie BBQ competition, artisan booths, and live blues music all day. Art State Arizona is accepting artist, business, and nonprofit vendors.
Vendor Booth Fees: Artists – $100 (single), $175 (double). Businesses – $350 (single), $600 (double). Nonprofits – $100 (single)
White tent required. Accessible parking and smooth load-in guaranteed.
Explore these opportunities and take the stage, create in your community, and showcase your talent across Arizona.
Classic Cars, Hot Rods, and High Art on Wheels
— Join the Show
From classic rides to custom creations, Arizona’s car culture is revving up for a season of art, music, and community.
Cruise, BBQ & Blues Classic Car Show
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | Oro Valley Marketplace
Over 200 classic and custom cars, live blues performances, Tucson Foodie BBQ Competition, and family fun.
Register through January 26 (no day-of entries). Join the ride and celebrate the art of engines, rhythm, and flavor.
**$10 Discount if You Register before January 1!
2026 Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest: Makers, Rhythms & Rides
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | Glendale Civic Center Plaza
Presented by Art State Arizona and the City of Glendale, this open-air festival fuses visual art, music, and car culture. Expect rows of custom builds, live murals, chalk art, and artisan markets.
Register through January 23 (no day-of entries).
**$5 Early Bird Discount if You Register before January 1!
Feel the creative energy where horsepower meets artistry.
The Beat Lives Here:
Catch Free Concerts Across the Desert
Across Arizona, Art State Arizona supports free and accessible performances that bring people together to celebrate community through sound. From jazz to folk, country to blues — discover your soundtrack for the season.
Oro Valley Concert Series
Free Monthly Concerts | October 2025 – August 2026
Jan 12 – Wally Lawder (Singer-Songwriter) | Friends Book Shoppe Too! | 11 AM–1 PM
Feb 1 – Ted Ramirez (Southwestern Folk) | Seis Kitchen Oro Valley | 6–8 PM
Feb 28 – The Beatle Brothers (Acoustic Beatles Tribute) | Tohono Chul | 11 AM–2 PM | $5 GA / Free for Members
Mar 21 – Dr. Costa (World Music) | National Parks Store | 11 AM–1 PM
Learn More
Learn More
Music in the Courtyard
Historic Pima County Courthouse | Downtown Tucson | Free lunchtime concerts Oct–May
115 Church Ave | Wednesdays 11 AM–1 PM
Dec 17 – Cat Mountain
Dec 17 – Cat Mountain
Jan 7 – Lizzie
Jan 21 – The McCallion Band
Feb 4 – Pineross
Fountain Hills Concert Series at Centennial Plaza
Third Thursdays | Nov 2025 – Apr 2026 | 6–7:30 PM | 13001 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ
Dec 18 – The Sugar Thieves
Jan 15 – Tiny House of Funk
Feb 19 – Barnaby and the Butcher
Mar 19 – Znora
Apr 16 – Cisco & the Racecars
Westward Look Concert Series
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa | 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ
October–December 2025 | Free and ticketed performances
Dec 20 – Miguel Melgoza
Dec 27 – Corey Spector
Jan 3 – Liz Painter
Jan 10 – The Hanshaws
Jan 17 – Derdog
Jan 24 – Peter Dalton Ronstadt
Jan 31 – Miguel Melgoza
Dec 31 – OnesAll | 9 PM–12 AM | $35–$175 | Santa Catalina Ballroom – Special Ticketed NYE Show
Learn More
Learn More
Tucson Folk Festival Benefit Concerts
TKMA Phoenix Fundraiser Showcase Concert
Jan 17 | The Rhythm Room, Phoenix | 1–4 PM
Support the Tucson Folk Festival with live sets from 15 artists. $15 tickets: Buy Here
Tucson Irish Music Showcase
Feb 28 | Berger Performing Arts Center | 7–10 PM
Traditional Irish music, dance & culture in support of the Tucson Folk Festival. $17–$23 tickets at tucsonirishmusicshowcase.com
Two Legendary Culinary Festivals.
One Delicious State.
SAVOR HERITAGE FOOD FESTIVAL
January 24, 2026 | Tucson Botanical Gardens
Presented by Art State Arizona, Local First Arizona, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens, SAVOR is Southern Arizona’s largest celebration of local food culture. Enjoy tastings from over 60 chefs, wineries, and restaurants that define our region’s culinary identity.
VIP SOLD OUT!
Use code EARLYBIRD for 10% off GA tickets. https://artstateaz.org/savor-heritage-foods-festival/
Use code EARLYBIRD for 10% off GA tickets. https://artstateaz.org/savor-heritage-foods-festival/
DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
February 21–22, 2026 | Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Arizona’s most anticipated food event returns for its 18th year, showcasing the best of the state’s culinary talent. Presented by Local First Arizona in partnership with Desert Botanical Garden and Art State Arizona, Devour celebrates the creative spirit that defines Arizona’s food scene.
SATURDAY SOLD OUT! https://devourgoodfood.com/culinary-classic/
United for Impact
— A New Era for Arts Advocacy in Arizona
Arizona Citizens for the Arts (AZCA) and Art State Arizona (ASA) are joining forces to host a landmark convening of Arizona’s creative sector in Spring 2026. Momentum: The Creative Futures Summit will unite artists, nonprofit and for-profit leaders, educators, business innovators, healthcare partners, tourism experts, and elected officials for two days of workshops, strategy sessions, and cross-sector collaboration in the Phoenix area.
The Summit will culminate in the Arizona Arts & Culture Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and will reignite some of the state’s most powerful traditions—including the Governor’s Creative Excellence Awards—while introducing bold new conversations about the role of arts and culture in shaping Arizona’s future.
This statewide gathering marks a defining moment for Arizona’s creative ecosystem—building momentum for a stronger, more connected, and more visionary cultural landscape.
Mark your Calendars now: March 30 and 31, 2026.
Where Tucson’s Creativity Lives — Explore What’s Next at Catalyst
Winter at Catalyst Creative Collective arrives with creativity, community, and celebration at every turn. Nestled inside Tucson Mall, Catalyst continues to shine as Tucson’s 14,000-square-foot hub for arts education, collaboration, and cultural connection.
This season, we welcome Brown Pumaz as our December Artists-in-Residence — a dynamic duo whose work bridges ancestral memory, contemporary expression, and community storytelling. Their residency culminates in BLOODLINES, a full-day closing exhibition on January 31, inviting the public into an immersive exploration of identity, heritage, and creative power.
Open Studio Hours: Saturdays & Sundays | 12–6 PM
Workshops & Events
- Art Mixer – Paint & Sip Experience | Call 520‑490‑9400 to book.
- Homeschool Baking Program w/ Antsy Nancy | Fridays | 10 AM–12:30 PM.
- Tucson Toolbox – DIY Skills Lab | Mondays | 5–7 PM | Free.
- Tucson Concert Band Holiday Celebration | Dec 18 | 6 PM | Tucson Mall Center Court.
- Dreamakers Recording Camp | Dec 29–30 | Advanced youth artists.
Catalyst Creative Collective
4500 N Oracle Rd, Suite 110, Tucson, AZ 85705
(Located between Sears and Dillard’s at Tucson Mall)
Plan your next event, workshop, or community gathering at Catalyst—where creativity comes to life.
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