With perfect weather and festive cheer around the corner *crosses fingers*, here are some big ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ events we're looking forward to as we wrap up 2019.
All events listed are fun for the whole family.
🌡 August 😰
Return of the Mermaids
Believe it or not, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is full of landlocked mermaids and they all come out in costume to celebrate the monsoons and walk in a parade every August. There's live music, a DJ, art vendors, kids activities and a costume contest. The event spans North Fourth Avenue and downtown.Ìý
Find more information .
Where:
When: Saturday, Aug. 10, 3-11 p.m.
Cost: Event is free to attend
Peach Mania at Apple Annie's
Ronin Navarro, 1, reaches to pluck a vine-ripened peach with help from mom Diana Katz during the 18th annual Peach Mania at Apple Annie's Orchard.
Before the summer is over, take the drive out to Willcox to pick fresh peaches at Apple Annie's orchard. Enjoy a slice of fresh peach pie from the country store and stock up on goodies to take home. On the the weekends you can fill up on an all-you-can-eat peaches and pancake breakfast before you go out and pick some fruit for yourself.
Find more information .
Where: Apple Annie's You-Pick Orchard, 2081 W. Hardy Road
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3-4; 10-11; 17-18
Cost: Free to attend, but bring some money for peaches and baked goods.
Summer Safari Nights
A giraffe lumbers around the enclosure while visitors enjoy the late afternoon at Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo
Have a cool night with the family at Reid Park Zoo. Experience live music, games, animal encounters, keeper chats, carousel rides, giraffe feeding, face painting, inflatables, artifact stations and glitter tattoos. Remember to bring a blanket for the concert!
Find more information .
Where: Reid Park Zoo,
When: Every Saturday till Aug. 17
Cost: $6.50-$10.50, free for zoo members. Some activities might cost more.
Cool Summer NightsÌýat the Desert Museum
Jacob Shingles gets a real good look at a beaver showing off in the observation window of its enclosure during Cool Summer Nights at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sonoran Desert Museum.
Experience the magic of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥-Sonora Desert Museum under the night sky. The museum is open Saturdays until 10 p.m. now through Aug. 31. Each week they have a different theme and fun activities to keep people learning about the desert.
Find more information .
Where: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥-Sonora Desert Musem,
°Â³ó±ð²Ô:ÌýMuseum hours are extended every Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., till Aug. 31.Ìý
Cost: General admission is $21.95 for adults and $8.95 for kids ages 3-12. Go for more info.
🃠SeptemberÌýðŸƒ
First UA Football home game of the season
Wilbur gets a little off kilter during his crowd surf up the ZonaZoo section as the Wildcats take on Stanford at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Cheer on the Wildcats as they take on Northern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in their first home game of the season.
Find more information .
Where: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium,
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 7:45 p.m.
18th Annual Roasted Chile Festival
Tatiana Scott picks out freshly roasted green chiles .Ìý
Head to this festival for some fresh roasted green chilies and the SMELLS. The festival will be hosted around several Heirloom Farmers Markets and have organic fresh produce, crafts, prepared food, fun activities and more.
Find more information
Where: for Heirloom Farmers Markets locations
When: Wednesday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Sept. 22
Cost: Free to attend.
#ThisIsÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Baby Mama Papa Fair
It's our first-ever baby fair for new and expecting parents! Bring the whole family over to the newly-renovated Hotel ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ City Center for lots of activities, classes and connections to the people and resources you'll need.Ìý
Where: Hotel ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ City Center,Ìý
When: Saturday, Sept. 28
Cost: Free to attend
More info .
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Greek Festival
Pam Andros, left, grabs plates of Spanakopita (a spinach soufflé) to serve out while Jim Ruboyianes, right, keeps them coming during the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Greek Festival.
Eat your way through Greece.ÌýBuy platters of gyros, chicken, lamb and so much more. Greek beer, wine and drinks will also be available. Enjoy live performances and shop baked goods and market items.
Find more information Ìý
When:ÌýThursday, Sept. 26, 5-10 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 27, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 28 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 29, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church,
Cost: Prices to be determined.
🎃 OctoberÌý🎃
Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival
James Jolly lifts a pumpkin for 22-month-old daughter Adalyne to examine for its worthiness at the 7th Annual Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival at Post Farms, 14901 N. Wentz Road, on Oct. 7, 2017.
Find the perfect pumpkin and then go do a bunch of other fun fall activities at theÌý.
Admission into the festival gives you access to the corn mazes, Straw Mountain, petting zoo, kids' play area and a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch.Ìý
Find more informationÌý.Ìý
When:ÌýFestival starts Saturday, Oct. 5 and ends Wednesday, Oct. 30.ÌýOpen Monday-Thursday, 3-7 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.Ìý
Where:ÌýMarana Pumpkin Patch Festival,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$11 per person, plus tax, Monday-Thursday admission; $13 per person, plus tax, Friday-Sunday admission. Kids 34-inches-and-under get in free.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Reptile & Amphibian Show and Sale
Kadence McMinn, 6, leans in to pet an American alligator at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Reptile and Amphibian Show and Sale on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Expo Center, 3750 East Irvington Road, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
The is a can't-miss event for reptile and amphibian lovers to meet their favorite animals. There will be a petting zoo with an alligator; food and opportunities to meet and buy from breeders.
Find more information .Ìý
When: Saturday, Oct. 5,Ìý9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Expo Center,Ìý
Cost: $10 admission for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, kids under 5 get in free.
Marana Farm Festival
Calling all cowgirls and boys to a fun fall evening in Marana. Everyone will love the carnival rides, petting zoo, rodeo demos, live music and more.
Find more information
Where: Marana Heritage River Park, Ìý
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Meet Yourself
Eat wonderful food from around the world and soak up that perfect October weather at — an annual folk festival in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ that celebrates the living traditional arts of Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and expressions of everyday life.
Did we already mention the food? Because there's a reason why people call this event "ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ EAT Yourself."
Find more information .
When: Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-13, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Find the event in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Jacome Library Plaza, Pennington Street, Church Avenue, and Stone Avenue.
Cost: Free to attend. Bring cash for food.Ìý
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Insect Festival
Kids with insects at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Insect Festival.
The annual festival hosted by the features more than 20 booths where attendees will be able to engage in interactive exhibits, hold insects, and learn about insect-based research taking place at the UA.
Find more informationÌý.Ìý
When:ÌýSunday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: ENR2 building on the UA campus, . Pro tip — park for free in the Sixth Street Garage. It's closest to the festival.
Cost: Event is free to attend
University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Homecoming
Wilbur and Wilma wave to the crowd during the 2018 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ homecoming parade on campus, Oct. 27, 2018, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Bear Down and celebrate your wildcat pride with other UA alums during the 2019 homecoming weekend. Activities include the lighting of "A" Mountain, a parade, tailgating party and a football game.
Find more information .
When:ÌýSunday-Saturday, Oct. 27 to Nov. 2
Where: University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus
🦃 NovemberÌý🦃
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Comic-Con
Aptly-named Steven Rogers, right, as Captain America "fends off" an eight-foot-tall Thanos.
Get dressed up as comic book character and hang out with other superhero and pop culture fans at the 12th annual ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Comic-Con. There will be costume contests, celebrity guests and chance to meet some of your favorite artists and authors.Ìý
Find more information .Ìý
When: Friday Nov. 1, to Sunday, Nov. 3
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center,Ìý
Cost: Full weekend memberships are $35 for adults and $10 for kids. Find more pricing options .
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Celtic Festival
While entertainment such as the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ & District Pipe Band is popular and visible at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s annual Celtic festival, there’s a lot for volunteers to do behind the scenes.
Experience the traditions of Celtic culture — including music, food, arts and performances at this year's ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Celtic Festival.
Find more informationÌý.
When:ÌýFriday, Nov. 1, to Sunday, Nov. 3
Where:ÌýRillito Raceway Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýPrices vary on day, find ticket informationÌý.
Procession of Little Angels
Children and families gather to paint wings, create paper flowers, get their faces painted and approach grief from a child's point of view. There are live performances, a children's altar and a small procession around Armory Park.Ìý
Find more informationÌý.
When:ÌýNov. 2,Ìý3-7 p.m.Ìý
Where: Armory Park,
Cost: Event is free to attend.
All Souls Procession
Brittany Canfield, left, holds a photo of her grandmother, Angelita Lara, while Steven Rodriguez holds a photo of Debby Jean Stephens at the All Souls Procession in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ on Nov. 4, 2018.
This event is huge. More than 150,000 people gather near downtown, some in costume, some carrying memorials or altars to celebrate, mourn and reflect on those who have died.
Find more informationÌýÌý
When:ÌýSunday, Nov. 3,Ìý 4-10 p.m.
Where: The parade route starts in Barrio Hollywood and send at the Mercado San Agustin. Find a map of the route .
Cost:ÌýEvent is free to attend.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Veterans Day Parade
Maya Saylor, kneeling in the middle, waves to the parade participants with her children (from left) Sheppard Jones, 8, Keanu Loch, 6, Khmer Loch, 2, and Gypsy Jones, 5. Grandma DeBora Saylor is in the back with signs.
The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Veterans Day Parade is hosted by the American Legion Morgan McDermott Post 7. This annual event is on its 100th year and honors former and current members of our Armed Forces.
Find more information .Ìý
Where:ÌýDowntown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý
When:ÌýSaturday, Nov. 11,Ìý at 11 a.m.
Cost: Event is free to attend
Thanksgiving Cross Country Classic
The course is a grass and dirt with hay bales and water jumps. Shoes, "turkeys" and pies will be awarded to winners and runners-up. Break the course record and win prize money. This year the pot is $350 for women and $450 for men.
Find more information .
Where: Reid Park, Ramada 10
When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2018, 7-10:30 a.m.
Cost: $15-$30.
â›„ï¸ December ⛄ï¸
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Mary Hudson carefully makes her decision while looking to buy just the right wind spinner from American Windspinners on the opening day of the 2017 Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
This is ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s largest street market of the season with more than 400 vendors from all over the world and 500,000 visitors — you're sure to find something for everyone on the gift list.
Find more information here.
When: Friday, Dec. 13 to Sunday, Dec. 15
Where:ÌýFourth Avenue, between Eighth Street and University Boulevard.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
The President's Choice Award home and display on Kleindale for the 69th Annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights , Wednesday, December 19, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
This is your go-to holiday light viewing destination. The whole neighborhood is transformed into a lit up wonderland. Plus there are food trucks, hot chocolate and fake snow.Ìý
Find more information .Ìý
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, to Sunday, Dec. 29
Where: Neighborhood is located near Ìý
Cost: Free. The Community Food Bank of Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ will be collecting food and money at the event.
Parade of Lights and Festival
Lighted parade floats headed down Pennington Street during the 2017 Parade of Lights. This year’s parade is on Saturday.
The festival starts off with a festival, live music, food and other family activities. It's followed by ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s annual parade of all things lit up. You'll see dancers with lit up dresses, Santa, cars with holiday lights and more.
Find more informationÌý.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Cost: Event is free to attend
Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Come see Santa, watch live performances, and enjoy the biggest Christmas tree light show in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
Find more information
°Â³ó±ð²Ô:ÌýSaturday, Dec. 7, 3-8 p.m.
Where:Ìý
Cost: Event is free to attend
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Regional Ballet's "A Southwest Nutcracker"
Artificial snow falls around dancers as they work on their performance during a dress rehearsal for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Regional Ballet's production of Southwest Nutcracker at the TCC Music Hall, Wednesday, December 12, 2018, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
Be transported to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in the 1800s with a southwest version of "The Nutcracker", complete with dancing rattlesnakes, cavalry and coyotes.Ìý
The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphony Orchestra will also be providing live music for the performances.
Find more information .
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, to Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Music Hall,
Cost: Find ticket information .