Arizona Senior Guide

Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair in Reid Park, 2025
2025-11-29 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Gene C. Reid Park (Concert Place/DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center), 920 S. Concert Place, Tucson, AZ, 85716
Tucson Parks and Recreation will host its annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair on Thanksgiving weekend. This event has been held for more than four decades, attracting more than 140 vendors from all over the Southwest. All items must be unique, handmade goods that provide shoppers with a high-quality and diverse selection of items.
Dates/Times: Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: 920 S. Concert Place, Gene C. Reid Park (west side of park off of Country Club Rd.)
Event Location Map
Vendor Map

Made in Tucson Market
2025-11-30 10:00 - 17:00 | E. 7th Street, west of 4th Avenue, 309 E 7th St, Tucson, AZ, 85705
Made in Tucson Market is a street fair which exclusively features artists and makers based in Pima County. Shop for local arts and crafts and meet the creators behind the items. Several local food trucks are part of this event too.

Phoenix Holiday Luncheon: Jingle Bell Jive
2025-12-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, 2400 Biltmore Estates Dr., Phoenix, 85016
Start your holiday season on a high note with Arizona Opera! Gather your friends for a festive afternoon of fabulous food, live opera, and merry surprises. Enjoy a three-course lunch, sparkling performances, and more, all while supporting Arizona Opera’s 2025/26 Season of three staged operas, as well as the company’s array of education and community programs that reach over 50,000 students and adults across the state.
Tickets and info

Tempe Festival of the Arts
2025-12-05 10:00 - 17:30 | Historic Mill Avenue, 500 S Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ, 85281
Tempe Festival of the Arts has a 50+ year history in Tempe and takes place in early December and late March each year. It is one of the oldest festivals in the Southwest. The festival has grown to become a Tempe point of pride and a favorite of our residents and visitors. Guests enjoy artists from around the country, local music, a Kids Block and many great food options.

Free Admission
Artist Booths
Food Trucks
Entertainment
Beer & Wine Gardens

The Tempe Festival of the Arts is located on the city streets of downtown Tempe, on Mill Avenue between 3rd Street and University Parkway, and on 5th Street between Myrtle and Ash Avenue.
More info here:
https://tempefestivalofthearts.com/

Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration, 2025
2025-12-06 10:00 | Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ, 85737
Embrace the holiday magic at the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration, where the Oro Valley Marketplace transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and festive wonder. This cherished event is a cornerstone of the season, inviting people of all ages to experience stunning holiday décor, live performances, and Santa Claus’s much-anticipated arrival. ​
Saturday, December 6, 2025
10am-6:30pm
Sunday, December 7, 2025
10am-4pm
​This festival not only enhances the local economy and supports surrounding businesses but also offers a platform for local artists to shine, making it a must-attend event that truly embodies the heart and soul of Oro Valley.
More info

20th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 | AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85757
Casino Del Sol presents the 20th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival, celebrating the rich tastes, smells and variation of tamales from the Southwest and Mexico. This unique event provides organizations and individuals with an opportunity to fundraise as Vendors.
Saturday, December 6, 2025
10am to 5pm at the AVA Amphitheater
FREE & open to the public
The Festival Features:

Tamale contest
Live local entertainment
Food vendors
Food trucks
Artisan vendors
Farmers Market vendors
Fun for the entire family!

More info, and how to enter the tamale contests.

Movies on the Lawn: Elf
2025-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N La Canada Dr, Oro Valley, AZ, 85737
Join the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center for a fun night out with family and friends for a movie under the stars. The movies will begin shortly after sundown and will be hosted on the backside of the facility near the golf driving range. This is a free community event.
December 6, 6:00 pm – Elf
Free

Tina Tina and the Motown Blossoms
2025-12-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Sunland Village 55+ Community, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa, AZ, 85206
Tina Tina and the Motown Blossoms
Get ready to sing, dance, and relive the magic at Sunland Village (55+ Community).
Tina Tina & The Motown Blossoms bring the legendary hits of Tina Turner and Motown’s greatest artists to the stage with powerhouse vocals, dazzling energy, and unforgettable performances that will have every generation on their feet all night long!

The Holiday Hunger Fight (fundraiser for St. Mary’s Food Bank) at Barro’s Pizza
2025-12-09 | AZ
Barro’s Pizza, a family-owned pizzeria, is stepping up to fight hunger in the community.
On December 9, 2025, all Barro’s Pizza locations across Arizona will donate their entire day’s proceeds from dine-in, carry-out and delivery to St. Mary’s Food Bank. This marks the 14th year of their successful holiday hunger fight campaign. Enjoy a meal from any Barro’s Pizza location and patrons will be making an impact on the lives of those in need.
St. Mary’s Food Bank, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in Arizona, relies heavily on the generosity of community partners. The funds raised through this annual campaign have a significant impact on the organization’s ability to provide meals to those in need during the holiday season and beyond. Over the course of the program’s existence, Barro’s Pizza has raised an astounding $2.5 million, equivalent to 12.5 million meals.
Barro’s Pizza has been a staple in the Arizona community for over 40 years, known for their commitment to community involvement. For more information, visit https://barrospizza.com/locations/

Phoenix Festival of the Arts
2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:00 | Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004
On December 13–14, 2025, the Phoenix Center for the Arts proudly presents the 14th Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts — a vibrant, multicultural celebration of artistic expression in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
Set in scenic Margaret T. Hance Park, this two-day festival features:

Live performances from local artists and cultural groups
Interactive art experiences and immersive demonstrations
150+ local artists and artisans
Food trucks with delicious local bites
A hands-on Family Zone with free activities and entertainment
Fundraising events including raffles, silent auctions, and more

Visit phoenixfestivalofthearts.org for more information.

Mercado Holiday Bazaar
2025-12-19 - 2025-12-21 | Mercado San Agustín, 100 South Avenida del Convento, Tucson, AZ, 85745
December 19, 2025 to December 21, 2024 • Annex

Get into the holiday spirit at Tucson’s beloved Mercado District Holiday Bazaar!
This annual event brings together local artisans, makers, and small businesses for a festive shopping experience in the heart of Tucson’s Mercado District.
Our 2025 dates are December 19th – 21st
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Times TBA.
At both Mercado San Agustin, Annex and Monier Buidling
Explore a wide range of handcrafted goods, jewelry, clothing, artwork, and unique holiday gifts perfect for your loved ones. Enjoy holiday music, delicious food from local vendors, a festive photo booth from Bloom Maven, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere as you shop local this season.
Support Tucson’s creative community and find one-of-a-kind treasures at the Mercado District Holiday Bazaar!
More info

Senior Olympic Festival (SOF), 2026
2026-01-03 - 2026-02-01 | Allen Hall, 1710 E Silverlake, Tucson, AZ, 85713
Try competing in The 2026 Senior Olympics Festival in Tucson, January 3 – February 1, 2026!
Ages 50+
Registration:
Register November 3 – December 26, 2025 to participate.
Register online at ezeereg.com (and search for “SOF” events.) Or register by calling 520-791-4877, or visiting the Randolf Administration Building (at 920 S. Randolf Way, Tucson AZ).
For more details, visit the Senior Olympic Festival (Tucson) webpage.
Open House:
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 1-5pm
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 9am-1pm
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 1-5pm
Location: Allen Hall (1710 E Silverlake Tucson, AZ 85713)
Come meet your event coordinators (Abraham Montijo, Albert Campuzano, April Casey) and other participants. Get more details about your event. Pick up your pre-paid t-shirt ($10) and lapel pins($5) or purchase one on-site. (Supplies limited!)
*Free Senior Olympic Festival 2026 lapel pins to the first 50 attendees!*
Events:
Archery
Badminton
Basketball 3-on3
Basketball Shoot
Billiards
Bocce
Bowling
Bridge
Bunco
Chair Volleyball
Cribbage
Darts
Disc Golf
Euchre
Golf
Handball
Horseshoes
Leisure Walks
Pickleball
Powerlifting
Racquetball
Road Races (5K & 10K)
Shooting Events (High Power Rifle, Rim & Center Fire Pistol, Smallbore Prone Rifle, Rimfire Sporting Rifle, and Trap & Skeet)
Shuffleboard
Slowpitch Softball
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tennis
Texas Hold ‘Em
Track and Field
Volleyball

Sahuarita’s Art on the Lake Festival, 2026
2026-01-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ, 85629
Get ready for an unforgettable day of creativity and culture at Sahuarita’s Art on the Lake Festival, returning to the picturesque Sahuarita Lake Park for its third year. This year’s event promises to be bigger and more immersive than ever, transforming the park into a vibrant hub of art, music, and interactive experiences.
​
Explore a gallery of local artwork for sale, with talented artisans showcasing everything from paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry. Watch in awe as the park comes alive with captivating street painting, live performance art, and new, expanded interactive art activities. One of the highlights this year is the stunning floating art installation on the lake, which has been expanded to feature even more breathtaking and innovative pieces, creating a mesmerizing scene as art meets nature.
The festival also showcases a variety of cultural performances that will transport you through diverse artistic traditions. Feel the energy and excitement as a colorful Chinese lion dance parades through the park, followed by the uplifting rhythms of mariachi music and the vibrant movements of folklórico dancers. These performances add a rich cultural tapestry to the event, making it a truly global celebration of the arts.
As you explore, participate in the community chalk mural competition, where artists of all ages can leave their mark on this dynamic festival. And don’t forget to enjoy the lively atmosphere, complete with food trucks offering delicious bites while live music fills the air, creating the perfect backdrop for a day of artistic discovery.
With only 25 exclusive artisan booths set up along the scenic pathways, Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival offers an intimate connection to the artists and their work. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite piece, getting hands-on with art, or simply soaking in the cultural performances, this festival is an experience you won’t want to miss.
By attending, you’ll be supporting local artisans and businesses, fostering a strong sense of community, and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Sahuarita. Come for the art, stay for the experience, and leave with memories that will inspire long after the festival ends.
More info

Tucson Jazz Festival, 2026
2026-01-16 - 2026-01-24 | AZ
The Tucson Jazz Festival (TJF) is an annual 9-day festival which brings jazz musicians from all over to perform in various downtown Tucson venues, including theaters, music halls, small jazz clubs, and outdoor stages. This year’s concert venues include: The Rialto Theatre, Club Congress, The Century Room, The Grand Tucson, La Rosa, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Fox Tucson Theatre, and Paul and Alice Baker Center for Public Media.
2026 Lineup includes:

Cory Wong
Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap
Emmet Cohen Presents: Miles and Coltrane at 100
Sergio Mendoza & Friends and Tucson Latin Jazz Orchestra

In addition, the Annual Downtown Jazz Fiesta held annually on MLK Day (January 19, 2026) is free and open to the public outdoors. More details TBA on tucsonjazzfestival.org.

View the full lineup and purchase tickets here.

Savor Food & Wine Festival at Tucson Botanical Garden
2026-01-24 12:00 - 15:00 | Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ, 85712
SOUTHERN AZ’S LARGEST LOCAL CULINARY FESTIVAL | LIVE MUSIC | LIBATIONS
SAVOR is more than a culinary festival—it’s a bold celebration of Arizona’s cultural identity, local economies, and connection to place. Co-presented by Art State Arizona, Local First Arizona, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens, this immersive event champions our shared missions: uplifting creative expression, supporting homegrown businesses, and cultivating deep-rooted community well-being.
As Tucson proudly stands as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, SAVOR brings that honor to life through over 60 of the region’s most innovative chefs, vintners, brewers, and food artisans—all offering tastings that spotlight heritage ingredients, local sourcing, and culinary creativity. Set amidst the lush living museum of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, this experience nourishes both body and soul—an invitation to gather, connect, and taste the future of Arizona’s thriving creative and culinary economy.
January 24, 2026
VIP 10:30AM-3PM
​GENERAL ADMISSION 12PM-3PM
Tickets:
VIP $160
GENERAL ADMISSION $125
More info and Tickets

Colors of the Stone (Bead Show & workshops) - Winter
2026-01-30 10:00 - 18:00 | Casino del Sol Resort, 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85757
Colors of the Stone is hosted twice a year, in the months of February and September, during the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, at Casino Del Sol Resort. It is joined with To Bead True Blue –and Artisan Workshops –to showcase the widest range of artisan handcraft found anywhere.
Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2026
10am-6pm
Feb 7, 2026
10am-5pm
Casino Del Sol Resort, 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ
The Winter 2026 Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue and Artisan Workshops is an assembly of independent artisans, traditional designers, studio artists, and small production handcrafters, who are chosen for outstanding artistic ability, exceptional design and singularity of work. The list includes gem cutters, gold smiths, jewel smiths, lapidaries, and bead makers.
The show is a wholesale source for designers and trades people who are purchasing goods for the purpose of resale –such as jewelry makers, metal workers, bead stores, craft stores, and art galleries. There are about 50 established wholesale companies that offer true wholesale pricing on jewelry making and bead making supplies, beads, metals, leather, cords, wire, clay, findings, gemstones; and tools for metal working, diamond cutting, jewelry and bead making.
Artisan Workshops offers 500 handcraft and design workshops taught by artisans-in-residence. Participants are encouraged to explore both contemporary and traditional skills in subjects as varied as bead making, jewelry design, hand knotting, metal clay, wirework, crystal setting, enameling, and mixed media. Discover for yourself why handcraft is all the rage.
Open to the public.
Free ample show parking onsite. Free Gem Show shuttles available.

Free Irish Music Concert on Flute & Guitar
2026-03-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Glendale Public Library Main Library, 5959 West Brown Street, Glendale, 85302
Experience the soul-stirring magic of the Emerald Isle at a free concert right in the heart of Glendale!
Join the award-winning SoSco Duo for an intimate evening of “intrinsically Celtic” music. From the foot-stomping energy of spirited jigs to the haunting beauty of ancient airs, this performance is more than just a concert—it’s a journey through the stories and traditions of Ireland.
Whether you’re drawn to the passion of the flute or the elegance of the guitar, you’ll leave with a “wee bit” of Ireland in your own heart.
Event Details
When: Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Where: Glendale Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, AZ
Experience: A captivating blend of music, storytelling, and Irish heritage.
Space is limited for this intimate performance. Reserve your tickets today to ensure you don’t miss this Celtic celebration!
Tickets are limited and FREE—reserve yours today!
About SoSco Duo
Since we began playing music together in 2014, our acoustic duo has evolved into an ensemble unlike any other. While we understand that performers are at various levels of musicianship and all levels can move audiences in a meaningful way, we take the business of music making very seriously. This is not our hobby. This is our profession and our passion.
We have invested our lives, our time and effort, into studying, practicing and performing music. We took private lessons for years, we got music degrees at some of the finest music schools in the nation with some of the finest teachers, and we’ve gone on to perform hundreds of times, honing our craft. We continue to learn and grow and refine ourselves as musicians and ensemble players every day.
For us, using music as a vehicle to connect people to powerful memories and emotions is our work. This is why we do what we do, and this is why music matters so deeply.
SoSco Duo was voted Best Local Band/Musician 2026 by Arizona Foothills Magazine!

Coffee at Kerr with Arizona Opera – Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
2026-04-08 10:30 - 12:30 | ASU Kerr, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253
Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
Step into the enchanting world of Cinderella with a lively preview lecture and musical performance that brings Rossini’s sparkling take on the Cinderella story to life. Discover the opera’s rich characters, dazzling score, and the magic behind its upcoming production.
Co-presented with Arizona Opera
Refreshments provided by Renegade Coffee Company, renegadecoffeeaz.com
Coffee events are part of a series of free, informal presentations featuring Arizona Opera performers and guest musicians. We encourage patrons to contribute a suggested donation of $5 and bring a can of food or sealed personal item to be donated to Vista del Camino Food Bank.
Coffee and refreshments are served in the Crescendo Garden at 9:30 a.m.
Event begins at 10:30 a.m.
RSVPs open two weeks prior to this event: March 25 at 10:30 a.m.
This series is generously sponsored by Roma Wittcoff.

King Liz by Fernanda Coppel
2026-04-10 19:30 - 21:30 | ASU Kerr, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253
A powerful staged reading of King Liz at ASU Kerr. Follow a top sports agent navigating ambition, power, and pressure as she mentors a rising basketball star with a complicated past.

ASU Kerr Tuesday Morning Music & Tea – Piano studio of Baruch Meir
2026-04-14 10:30 - 12:30 | ASU Kerr, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253
Piano studio of Baruch Meir
Co-presented with ASU School of Music
Tea events are part of a series of free, informal presentations featuring musicians from the ASU School of Music. We encourage patrons to contribute a suggested donation of $5 and bring a can of food or sealed personal item to be donated to Vista del Camino Food Bank.
Tea and refreshments are served in the Crescendo Garden at 9:30 a.m.
Event begins at 10:30 a.m.
RSVPs open two weeks prior to this event: March 31 at 10:30 a.m.
This series is generously sponsored by Roma Wittcoff.

Dina Preston Band
2026-04-17 19:30 - 21:30 | ASU Kerr, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253
Join the Dina Preston Band as they launch their 2026 “We’ve Been Everywhere” Tour on April 17 at ASU Kerr!
Hailing from Arizona and having performed in 44 countries, the Dina Preston Band brings a fresh, powerful fusion of Americana, blending country, rock, blues, and soul to the Kerr stage. More than just a band, they are storytellers who transform life’s journeys into unforgettable songs, merging global influences with boots-on-the-ground authenticity.
Led by the powerhouse vocals of Dina Preston and the skilled guitar and leadership of her husband Don Ortiz, the band shines with Michael Ghormley’s deep bass grooves, Kenny Skaggs’ multi-instrumental talents and rich vocals, and Henry Lara’s dynamic drumming. Their chemistry and passion create live shows packed with energy, emotion, and connection.
Don’t miss the exclusive VIP experience, only 24 tickets available! VIPs will enjoy:
Premier front-section seating (rows 1 and 2)
A meet & greet with the band and Andre House staff
A signed copy of the We’ve Been Everywhere album or CD

Executive Piano Series presents: Fanya Lin in concert
2026-04-18 15:00 - 17:00 | ASU Kerr, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253
Steinway Artist Fanya Lin, praised by Musical America and The New York Times as a “striking interpreter,” brings her electrifying artistry to Metamorphosis—a program exploring transformation through works by Brahms, Lu, Szymanowski, Bach-Busoni, and Liszt.

El Dorado’s Gold, co-presented with The Bridge Initiative
2026-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | ASU Kerr, 6110 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253
El Dorado’s Gold tells the story of Tucker Callahan, a Black cowboy who returns to his ranch after betraying his family and seeks redemption. His mother presents him with letters from his late great-grandfather, believing they will change his life because “it’s time.”
