Arizona Senior Guide

Movies on the Lawn: Elf
2025-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Phoenix) | 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.
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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

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, United States
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, United States
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, United States
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, United States
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, United States
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, United States
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.”

Bob Dylan at AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol
2026-06-24 20:00 | AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85757
The legendary BOB DYLAN performs for one night only in the Old Pueblo. Bob is 85! Recent performances show him wearing a dark hoodie and seated at a keyboard for the entire show – with renditions of All Along the Watchtower, Man in the Long Black Coat, and When I Paint My Masterpiece.

$5 off Tuesdays at Flandrau Planetarium
2026-06-30 10:00 - 17:00 | Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
$5 off per person for science center exhibits + one planetarium show combo tickets!

Celebrate summer with indoor science, space, and discovery at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. Every Tuesday in June and July, everyone gets $5 off per all-inclusive planetarium show tickets!

Explore two levels of hands-on science exhibits, journey through the cosmos in the planetarium theater, and cool off with indoor discoveries perfect for the whole family.

Your ticket includes access to exhibits like: Mysteries of the Cosmos: Life in the Universe Undersea Discovery Wild World of Bugs Universe of Science…and more.

Planetarium shows are offered throughout the day, including immersive astronomy adventures and giant-screen science experiences under the dome including the new “3-2-1 Liftoff!” and “Dark Biosphere.”

Located on the U of A campus in Tucson.
Show schedules and tickets available at flandrau.org/showtimes

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Grand Opening in Red Mountain
2026-08-27 10:00 - 22:00 | Handel’s – Red Mountain Gateway Shopping Mall, 2015 N Power Road Suite 106, Mesa, 85215
Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 27, as local owners Terry and Jennifer Keenen and Operating Partner Vanessa Dodds celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new Handel’s Ice Cream location at Red Mountain Gateway! Handel’s invites the community to join them starting at 10:00 a.m. for a fun-filled day celebrating the arrival of their premium, small-batch ice cream.
Get there early because the first 100 guests in line will have a chance to win amazing prizes, including Free Ice Cream for a Year, Free Pint Per Month for a Year, $50 Gift Cards, or $25 Gift Cards, alongside a spin-a-wheel for extra goodies from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
The festivities continue all weekend long:
Friday, August 28 (4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.): Face painter and balloon twister
Friday, August 28 (5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): 360-photo booth
Saturday & Sunday, August 29–30: “Celebrity Scooping” events in partnership with local schools
The Red Mountain location will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering 48 rotating flavors, pickup and delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, and catering services.
For more on the Red Mountain Handel’s, visit https://handelsicecream.com/store/red-mountain/ or follow @handels_southeastvalley on Instagram.

Free Concert in Fountain Hills: Magical Music and Stories from the Movies
2026-10-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Fountain Hills Library, 12901 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, 85268
Step into the magic of the big screen! Join us for Magical Music & Stories from the Movies, a fun live flute & guitar concert celebration of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks, perfect for film lovers of all ages.
Host and guide Alex Mack will take you on an enchanting journey through movie history, performing unforgettable themes and sharing the fascinating, lesser-known stories behind the music. From the sweeping elegance of Francis Lai’s “Theme from Love Story” and the majestic grandeur of John Barry’s “John Dunbar Theme” (Dances with Wolves), to the haunting beauty of Nino Rota’s themes from The Godfather and Howard Shore’s soothing ”In Dreams” (The Lord of the Rings), this afternoon promises pure cinematic nostalgia.
Event Details:

Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Fountain Hills Library (12901 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268)
Cost: Free admission (Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library)
Reserve your seats today, sit back, and let the music transport you!

About SoSco Duo:
Voted Best Local Band/Musician for 2026, SoSco Duo is an award-winning musical ensemble featuring the unique, exquisite pairing of flute (Laura) and guitar (Alex). Trained at top music schools, these professional musicians are renowned across Arizona for their passion, artistry, and distinctive sound. From classical masterpieces and Broadway hits to iconic film scores, SoSco Duo delivers unforgettable 100% live instrumental performances that captivate and delight audiences of all generations. https://soscoduo.com/

Hacks for Humanity: Hacking for the Social Good
2026-10-09 - 2026-10-11 | Arizona State University Tempe – Memorial Union, 301 E. Orange Mall, Tempe, AZ, 85281
Hosted by Project Humanities at Arizona State University, Hacks for Humanity is not just a hackathon—it’s a 36-hour innovation marathon. Participants from diverse backgrounds—including students, faculty, staff, and community members—come together to develop technical solutions that address pressing local and global challenges. By integrating the seven core principles of Humanity 101®—compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect, and self-reflection—each project not only proposes a solution but also fosters personal growth and community understanding.
Hacks for Humanity welcomes everyone—from coders to artists, and students to retirees. By uniting diverse perspectives, we ensure groundbreaking solutions emerge every year.

Hacks for Humanity: Hacking for the Social Good
2026-10-09 18:30 - 2026-10-11 16:00 | Arizona State University Tempe – Memorial Union, 301 E. Orange Mall, Tempe, AZ, 85281
This 36-hour hackathon welcomes not only technology enthusiasts, programmers and developers, but also artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, activists, students and community members. Participants from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise will collaborate to develop creative digital solutions addressing critical and timely social issues.
Unlike conventional hackathons typically designed for computer programmers and developers, Hacks for Humanity invites university and community participants above the age of 18 of all skill levels and disciplines to engage in creative problem-solving rooted in ASU Project Humanities’ Humanity 101® principles: compassion, empathy, forgiveness, integrity, kindness, respect and self-reflection.
This year’s event centers on these four themes:
AI and Humanity: As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, how can society ensure that humans retain agency, dignity and trust?
Aging and Labor: The nature of work is rapidly changing because of automation, gig economies and shifting workplace expectations. How do these changes intersect with the needs and experiences of an aging population?
Children and Social Media: Social media is creating new forms of digital identity. How are these online identities shaping and affecting children today?
Parenting: Caring for and nurturing another human being may be one of life’s most challenging responsibilities. How can caring for loved ones, at any age, be improved for everyone involved?

Free Concert in Chandler: A Celebration of Classic Country and Western Music
2026-10-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie Street, Chandler, 85225
Spend an unforgettable evening of classic American heritage! Faded Love: A Celebration of Classic Country and Western Music brings the rich origins of the genre to life through the distinctive, captivating sounds of the SoSco Duo.
From the Carter Family’s earliest guitar scratches to Patsy Cline’s soulful arias, western saddle songs, and Bob Wills’ dixie-fried swing, you’ll experience classic country like never before. Beyond the music, enjoy the larger-than-life stories that shaped one of America’s most honest musical forms.
Event Details:

Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (739 W. Erie Street, Chandler, AZ 85225)
Admission: Free community concert (Donations gratefully accepted)

About the Holy Trinity Concert Series:
Holy Trinity has had a vibrant music program since the church’s founding in 1954. Launched in the fall of 2017, the Concert Series has hosted incredible performances ranging from soloists and chamber ensembles to full orchestras. The series’ priority is to offer beautiful, engaging music to the community completely free of charge—sustained through grant funding, church giving, and generous online donations.
Seating is limited for this free community event. Reserve your tickets today to guarantee your spot!

Senior Day at Southern AZ Fall Home Show
2026-10-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85701
Free admission for seniors all day Friday, October 16, 2026, the first day of the three-day Southern AZ Fall Home Show, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Featuring more than 200 professionals in home improvement, landscaping and outdoor living, at Tucson Convention Center.
Find solutions for any project on your home to-do list, and meet contractor and landscape/outdoor expert Matt Blashaw (HGTV) and barbecue pitmaster Sloan Rinaldi (Netflix, Food Network, Bravo). Enjoy informative presentations and demos, live entertainment, special pet and artisanal market areas, food trucks and free parking in lot B.
