The Multi-dimensional Events of Tucson

Tucson is a place boasting of lots of entertainment, shopping and annual events to attend to in a year. One can attend many major annual fairs, fiestas, cultural and sporting events in Tucson at different times of the year. There are usually not many last minute changes in dates, times and locations, however, it is always better to confirm details in advance to avoid any disappointment.

The La Fiesta de los Vaqueros is an annual event in Tucson. It is one of the largest rodeos in the country, and lasts for nine days in the month of February. A concert and ProRodeo Bull Riding starts the event but one of the most popular events here is the rodeo parade that winds its way downtown to delight everyone. This event is considered to be the longest non-motorized parade in the world and has horses, costumes, wagons and riders all decked in costumes. In the course of the week-long event, you get to see calf roping, steer riding, barrel racing and much more.

The ‘Cactus League’, including the Colorado Rockies, the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks head to Tucson Electric Park for spring training. One of the major Tucson events is this pre-season baseball, which draws many spectators in the late winter and early spring months. During the spring and summer, the local affiliate, the Tucson Sidewinders, play at the Electric Park.

If you are a gem and rock fan, then a visit to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is a must. It is the largest show of its kind in the country. It is held in the month of February, when guests get to wander through the huge convention center holding museum quality displays of rocks and gems of every color, shape and size. You can find everything from the glittering Faberge eggs to ancient fossils in display here. In fact, many items are also for sale.

April brings the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. It draws Mariachi bands from across the Southwest and Mexico, where they compete for prizes. This is actually a 22 year non-profit organization hoping to foster mutual respect and understanding between the Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities through music, dance, culture and family spirit. With this, it aims to educate students and the public about the rich Mariachi cultural traditions and to raise funds for the La Frontera Center, which is a community behavioral health agency helping children and families in need.

Another event for the cowboys is the 13th Annual Cowboy Traditions Festival that is held in the month of February. It is held in the Landmark Old Western town with live entertainment, artisans displaying western gear, crafts, jewelry and Wild West stunt shows. Live entertainment includes Western Music and singers, and Native American dancers.

Next comes the Barrio Hollywood’s 3rd Annual Fiesta Grande Street Fair – you don't want to miss this one! This fair offers hours of dancing and celebration throughout the day where more than 45,000 people attend this event over a span of two days annually. The admission is free, and it is a fund raising event in support of programs in the neighborhood and the larger community. You can find many live stage acts, children’s dance troupes, street performers, traveling mariachis parade, etc. in this great fair. The various activities available here include carnival rides, face painting and street performers.

The music lovers are sure to enjoy the Tucson Winter Chamber Music Festival that is held in the month March. Nationally and internationally renowned chamber music groups perform at the Leo rich Theater, and this festival is considered one of the best and most adventurous festivals in the US. The Festival consists of five formal concerts with other events including free open rehearsals, music by Festival musicians, a gala benefit dinner, a children’s concert and master classes. A visit to the festival promises chamber music at its best; with it being intimate, intense, warm and challenging!

Another happening event for the music lover is the Annual Celebration of Women in Jazz. It is an annual Primavera All Stars, all-girl musical house party that features the crème de la crème of local artists. These female artistes perform all genres of jazz, rhythm and blues, cabaret, gospel and Latin. In fact, Tucson is considered to be home to many world class performers in these genres of music. So just head down here to listen to and enjoy some world-class music.

As can easily be seen, life in Tucson can hardly be considered boring. There are numerous events that help keep both the old and the young happy during the stay in Tucson. So coordinate your trip to Tucson so that you get to attend the event of your choice during your stay in Tucson!

For a full listing of Tucson events visit dotcomtucson.com and check out the searchable calendar of events.