SAACA 2024 Schedule

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is excited to continue our 2023 – 2024 arts and culture event season!

Check out new announcements for food and wine festival tickets, dynamic art exhibition opening celebrations, winter and spring festival details, and more! Make your New Year’s resolution to be inspired weekly through arts and culture in our community.

VOLUNTEER AT AN UPCOMING EVENT UPCOMING SAACA PROGRAMS & EVENTS

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, and advancement of the Arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.

We believe that culture is equally as important in crafting and shaping our communities as are finance and trade. Cultural vibrancy and city success go hand-in-hand.

By shaping a sense of place and social space, cultural richness increases a community’s attractiveness to an educated workforce, the businesses that employ those workers, and visitors seeking authentic experiences unique to the destination itself. SAACA’s work develops and strengthens the arts in our region and makes experiences widely available to residents and visitors.

SAHUARITA ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH IMMERSIVE ARTS EXPERIENCES, INSTALLATIONS & PERFORMANCESSaturday January 13
Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629
Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
Free Admission. The second annual Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival will once again feature immersive and experiential activities throughout Sahuarita Lake Park. Event highlights and features: Browse local artwork for sale from over 30 vendors; Floating art installations encompassing the theme of REFLECTION; Live music; Food Vendors; Immersive art experiences; Performance art; Arts & Crafts activities; Community Chalk Art Competition; Live painting and mural unveiling and much more.

SAVOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS.

TICKETS ALMOST SOLD OUT! Saturday January 20
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
Saturday 11 am – 3 pmThe largest and most diverse culinary festival in Southern Arizona will return to the community this winter. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, Local First Arizona, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens partner to present Southern Arizona’s revered culinary arts celebration. Tucson’s culinary prestige and heritage food movement have been growing yearly, and now is the time to SAVOR. Indulge in the flavors of Southern Arizona’s culinary arts at the SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival, surrounded by the colorful floral blooms of the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Featuring over 60 of the region’s finest chefs, wineries, breweries, local foods, and restaurants highlighting exceptional menu tastings. This foodie festival will showcase the diversity of heritage foods and ingredients found throughout the Southwest region. Tickets for this major “foodie” event are almost sold out!

CELEBRATE THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW ROCHE GALLERY EXHIBIT “ART IN ORO VALLEY”
Wednesday January 24
Opening Night Celebration
Ventana Gallery at Roche Tissue Diagnostics
1910 E Innovation Park Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755
Wednesday 5 pm – 7 pm
Free admission

Be among the first to preview a new collaborative art exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Town of Oro Valley. Roche Tissue Diagnostics and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance are partnering to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Oro Valley with the return of the Art in Oro Valley Gallery Exhibition in celebration of the town’s 50th year. We will host up to 140 pieces of original 2D and 3D artwork for this exhibition. The exhibition celebrates the diversity of artists and makers who live and work in the Oro Valley region, featuring a collection from artists who either live or work in Oro Valley, or whose work depicts recognizable Oro Valley imagery. The public is invited to this free admission event from 5 pm to 7 pm on January 24, 2024 to experience the exhibition with the artists who made each piece. The event will also feature complimentary libations, light snacks, and live music.

THE LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVALRETURNS FOR A WINTER CELEBRATION OF FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS
January 27 & 28
April 20 & 21

La Encantada Shopping Center
2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
Free Admission

From metalwork to locally designed fashion, the open-air La Encantada Fine Art Market is an opportunity to support local artisans and fine art crafters while strolling the lush and ever-blooming garden walkways of the outdoor La Encantada Shopping Center. Live art demonstrations and music will be presented in the Southern Arizona Artists Guild (SAAG) Gallery throughout the weekend.

THE CRUISE, BBQ & BLUES FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PERFORMERS, LOCAL BBQ & CLASSIC CARS
Saturday February 10
Oro Valley Marketplace
12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
$5 Admission – To benefit the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance’s annual community programming.

Blending science, mechanics and design is an innovative art form in its own right. Car design is a ubiquitous but often overlooked art form that SAACA brings to light through our annual classic car show. The event invites thousands of people out to rev up the weekend with live oldies music, activities for kids and great food. Over 30 different classes of auto awards will be given, including Best of Show, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Engine, and People’s Choice. The one-day event will feature live blues music on the main stage, classic BBQ on the grill, and an endless supply of everything we have come to love about fast cars and classic auto! All monies raised at the event will go directly to support SAACA’s community arts and cultural outreach programs throughout Arizona. Limited space remaining for classic cars. Reserve your space today at the event by clicking on the learn more button below.

DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC BRINGS PHOENIX’S BEST TO DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
February 24 & 25
Desert Botanical Garden
1210 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 850008
Saturday & Sunday 10 AM – 3 PMThe 15th Annual Devour Culinary Classic offers two different ticket packages. Packages are available for single-day, 21+ attendance only. Those interested in attending on Saturday and Sunday must purchase a ticket package for each day. Members of Local First Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden and the Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Alliance will receive the first opportunity to purchase tickets Oct. 27-Nov. 2. General Tickets go on sale on Nov. 3 (Must be 21+.) until sold out. Early entry tickets for this premier culinary event are still available.

DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST RETURNS WITH LARGER FOOTPRINT, NEW VENDORS AND LOCATION
Saturday March 9
Downtown Glendale, Arizona

The city of Glendale is celebrating the arts in a big way on March 9, 2024. The Downtown Glendale Arts & Culture Fest will return to the community, featuring over 100 artists, musicians, and interactive arts experiences to the community.
With the popularity of the inaugural event in 2023, the event will continue to expand and create new opportunities for artists, creatives, and makers to present their work to the community.​​The event will engage the surrounding community, visitors, and downtown businesses.

ORO VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS CELEBRATES WITH CELTIC MUSIC, BEER GARDEN AND FESTIVE ARTS EXPERIENCES
March 16 & 17
Oro Valley Marketplace
12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4pm
Free Admission

The 2-day outdoor artisan market in Oro Valley showcases some of the Southwest’s finest artisans in fashion, food, home goods, painting, and visual arts. Hosted on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, the event is a festive celebration of Celtic music and cultural dance performances on the main stage, hosting a kid’s crafting station, inflatable art installations, beer and wine garden, bagpipers, and more. Our curated arts and crafts market celebrates the ingenuity of independently owned, small businesses and artists who channel their passions into creating one-of-a-kind handcrafted products. Shop with the makers themselves – and learn how they make their unique works of art. Support small, local & sustainable!

TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN TUCSON THIS SPRINGApril 5 – 7
Downtown Tucson
Friday 6 – 9 pm, Saturday 12 – 9:30 pm, Sunday 11:30 am – 8:30 pm
Free Admission
https://www.tucsonfolkfest.org/

The 39th Annual Tucson Folk Festival is Arizona’s largest free-to-the-public music festival. It features an exciting weekend of over 130 musical performances across six stages near Jácome Plaza in Downtown Tucson as well as the Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition. Nationally recognized headliners will be featured on the festival’s Jácome Plaza Stage throughout the weekend. The festival also features a young artist showcase for youth under 18, interactive music workshops, raffles, food and craft vendors, festival store and beer gardens. Presented by the Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association (TKMA) in partnership with SAACA. Vendor Applications are open now!

SPRING ARTSFEST AT THE TUCSON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERSunday April 14
Tucson Jewish Community Center
Free Admission

Immerse yourself in a day of arts and culture. Listen to live music. Watch art being created before your eyes. Create art (no experience is necessary). Shop the artisan’s market. Food will be available for purchase. This family-friendly event, held at the Tucson J, is open to all. There is no admission fee. SAACA and the Tucson Jewish Community Center are proud to partner on this exciting community opportunity to engage with arts and culture.

JOIN THE COLLECTIVE: CATALYST HOSTING ARTISTS, EDUCATORS, AND MORE
CATALYST Creative Collective
Located at TUCSON MALL
4500 North Oracle Road
Suite 110 Tucson, AZ 85705
Ongoing Programming:
https://www.saaca.org/aboutcatalyst.html

Since its inception, CATALYST has hosted over 2,500 concerts, theatre and dance performances, youth arts education workshops, individual artist residencies, art instruction classes and meetings, rehearsals, and served as the host site for hundreds of multi-disciplinary works of art. JOIN THE CATALYST COLLECTIVE! Be a part of a creative community of non-profits, artists, performers, and businesses that call CATALYST home! Current partners include Esperanza Dance Project, Art Mixer, STEMAZing, Waters Institute for Systems Thinking, Tucson Youth Music, the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra, Chez Peachy, Mr. Ice Guy and Humble Board Charcuterie.

RENT CATALYST
CATALYST is open for private use, including pre-scheduled classes by local artists, special events and performances, rental, education classes and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit the CATALYST web page for an up-to-date schedule of programs
Tucson Youth Music
FREE after school music lessons
Mondays & Tuesdays
3pm – 6pm
Spring registration is now open: RSVP

“HOPE is Calling” music video premiere with CATALYST Artist-in-Residence 7
Sound & Co.
Sunday, January 7
3pm – 5pm
RSVP

Chickpea Chowdown cooking class
w/Plant Based Potential
Saturday, January 27
11:30am – 1:30pm
RSVP

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Interested in becoming a long-term partner, organizational licensee, or host an event or conference at CATALYST? Contact Kevin Larkin at [email protected]

ORO VALLEY RIVERFRONT PARK CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES SEASON CONCLUDES WITH A SPECIAL SYMPHONIC PERFORMANCE
Sunday March 10
4 pm – 5:30 pm
Riverfront Park 551 W. Lambert Ln. Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Free Admission

The Town of Oro Valley and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance have partnered to bring classical music to residents since 1997. The Oro Valley Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series supports some of the finest classically trained musicians with the opportunity to perform monthly in the community’s largest outdoor amphitheater. Concerts begin at 4PM outdoors at the grass amphitheater of Riverfront Park in Oro Valley. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs. Food will be available for purchase from food trucks onsite. ​The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra concludes the Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series with a special performance showcasing their 2023-2024 season. Founded in 1979, the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra is a vital community resource that unites performers and audiences through a passion for music. The orchestra presents world premieres, seldom-performed treasures and classical gems.

ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES RETURNS FOR MONTHLY LIVE MUSIC
Second Thursdays
January – April
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oro Valley Marketplace
12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
(in front of Century Theaters)
Free Admission

The Town of Oro Valley and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance have partnered to bring live music to residents for over 20 years. The Oro Valley Concert Series allows local musicians to perform monthly in the community’s largest shopping center. The series supports a range in music genres, from country to rock and jazz to classical. The Oro Valley concert series truly has something for every taste of music. LEARN MOREUpcoming Performances

• January 11 – Blondie All Over (80s Rock)
• February 8 – NOLAtude (New Orleans Jazz)
• March 14 – Mr. Boogie Woogie (Classic R&B)
• April 11 – Baba Marimba (World Dance Music)

WESTWARD LOOK CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES TO SUPPORT LOCAL MUSICIANS
Select Fridays and Sundays Monthly
Sundays 5 pm – 7 pm, Fridays 6 pm-8 pm Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704
Tables available on a first-come, first-serve basis

Upcoming Performances
• Friday, January 5 – Blondie All Over Trio (80s Rock)
• Sunday, January 7 – Homero Ceron and Amilcar Guevara (Jazz)
• Sunday, January 14 – Silk and Soul (Jazz)
• Friday, January 19 – Porch Rockers (Blues rock)
• Sunday, January 21 – Sheryl Ann McKinley (Jazz)
• Sunday, January 28 – Midnight Blue (Jazz and Blues)

ELECTRIC BOX MURAL INSTALLATIONS NOW ON DISPLAY IN FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZThe Town of Fountain Hills and Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) are proud to showcase new electric box murals by artists Ignacio Garcia, Jesse Perry, Laura Thurbon, and Tato Caraveo. These murals enhance the cultural environment, visual landscape, and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors to the Avenue of the Fountains, which is within the Town’s Downtown/Town Center in Fountain Hills, AZ.

SAHUARITA PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION CELEBRATES THE TOWN’S 30TH ANNIVERSARYAmateur and professional photographers are invited to enter their best images in the second annual “Reflections: A Community Photography Contest in Sahuarita, AZ”. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Town of Sahuarita are partnering to encourage creativity and exploration through this new project collaboration. The theme of the 2024 photography exhibition will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Sahuarita. Entries will be open for submission January 10 – May 10, 2024. This contest allows people to see the landscapes, everyday living, wildlife, and commerce that make the community and region of Sahuarita, AZ, so unique. Send in your best photos for a chance to win! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners will be awarded in six categories and printed for a special gallery display in Sahuarita Town Hall.

DONATE & SUPPORT: SAACA believes that every culture has a history and tradition to honor. This common thread allows us to communicate across cultures in a universal language and understand one another in a different way. ​By supporting local arts and creativity, we animate our city with culture, empathy and create a stronger sense of place. Your individual investment in a vibrant Arizona today unlocks the creative potential for each of us tomorrow. A world without art would be a world without a voice.

When you support our programs, 100% of your donation goes directly back into our community. You can designate your support to programs which you are passionate about, and help SAACA innovate news ways for the arts to transform the lives of people everywhere.

Interested in donating to SAACA or becoming a sponsor of SAACA events? Contact Executive Director, Kate Marquez, at [email protected]