The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Festival of Books, a St. Patrick's Day Parade and an astronomy celebration — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy localÌýevents in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
Here are 33 events that are free to attend this March.
La Peña del SurCo
The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'sÌýApplied Intercultural Arts Research is hosting a free gathering of Latin American folk music. Empanadas will be available for purchase!
When:Ìý6-8 p.m. Friday, March 7
Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Desert Bluegrass Festival
Nine bands over three days will perform all shades of bluegrass at the Desert Bluegrass Association's annual festival, coming to Marana's Gladden Farms.Ìý
When:ÌýFriday-Sunday, March 7-9
Where:ÌýGladden Farms Community Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend on Friday; $25 each day Saturday and Sunday; $40 for a festival passÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Tasting History: Cardoon
This drop-in monthly series teaches attendees about the plants that shape our home, including agricultural traditions and tastings. This month is all about cardoon.
When:Ìý9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, March 7-8
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts
This two-day market in Oro ValleyÌýfeatures more than 120 vendors with crafts that range from photography to candles to fine art. You'll also find inflatables, live music, a painting competition, face painting, a planting station and more activities.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 9
Where:ÌýOro Valley Marketplace,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping
³Õ¾±²õ¾±³ÙÌýÌýfor more information.
Spring Plant Swap
Bring plants, cuttings and seeds and swap them for something new to you during this event at Desert Survivors.Ìý
When:Ìý10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 8
Where:ÌýDesert Survivors Native Plant Nursery,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring plants to swap
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Fort Lowell Day
Celebrating history and the Fort Lowell Neighborhood, Fort Lowell Day is a family-friendly afternoon of performances, demonstrations, tours and more.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Where:ÌýFort Lowell Museum,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Guests zoom by on the carousel during Festive Fridays at Trail Dust Town on Dec. 29, 2023.
Second Saturdays Family Fest
The Play District is hosting a free family-friendly event at Trail Dust Town, slated to feature music from Mr. Nature, bilingual story time and more.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 8
Where:ÌýTrail Dust Town,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for amusement rides
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Community STEM Expo
Families are invited to this expo to experience hands-on STEM activities, an innovators hall where you can see this year's student projects, live music, food trucks and the chance to purchase STEM-related merchandise.Ìý
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Where:ÌýReid Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, a bike swap, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.
When:Ìý9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Free Succulent Saturday
Although kids always get to plant for free at Four Arrows Garden, the nursery hosts "Free Succulent Saturday" each quarter where everyone can take home a free succulent.
When:Ìý9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Where:ÌýFour Arrows Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Janet K. Burner: 50 Year Retrospective
Mudroom Gallery's latestÌýexhibit is all about Janet K. Burner, who began her ceramics career in 1975 when the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of ArtÌýbecame a museum. You'll see work that represents her 50-plus years of ceramic experience.Ìý
When:Ìý6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 8 for opening reception; exhibit is through April 12
Where:ÌýMudroom Gallery,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Gardening Classes
Harlow Gardens is hosting five events this March, where you'll learn everything from tips on growing tomatoes to the secrets of citrus. One event is a workshop for a make-and-take spring bouquet.Ìý
When:ÌýVarious dates
Where:ÌýHarlow Gardens,Ìý
Cost:ÌýMost are free to attend; bouquet workshop is $60
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
BICAS Crafternoons
Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When:Ìý1-4 p.m. SaturdaysÌý
Where:Ìýµþ±õ°ä´¡³§,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donation suggestedÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Second SundAZe at TMAÌý
Visit the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making and family yoga.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 5 p.m.ÌýSunday, March 9
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art,Ìý
Cost:ÌýPay what you wish
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Members of FUGA roll out on a monthly ride. With their rides, they hope to promote safer streets and representation for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s south-side and west-side communities.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichÌýadvocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s south-side and west-side communities.Ìý
When:Ìý9 a.m. Sunday, March 9; 6 p.m. Friday, March 28
Where:ÌýWard 1,Ìý, on March 9; El Pueblo Center,Ìý, on March 28
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Discovery Nights at Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Visit Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.Ìý
When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where:ÌýChildren's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Book Talk: "What Side Are You On?"
Mission Garden will play host to this reading and conversation surrounding Michael Steven Wilson and José Antonio Lucero's bookÌý"What Side Are You On? A Tohono O'odham Life Across Borders."Ìý
When:Ìý10 a.m. to noon Friday, March 14
Where:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Family Game Night
Enjoy games, music and refreshments at this free event hosted by ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Parks and Recreation.
When:Ìý4:30-7 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where:ÌýRandolph Center,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert featuringÌýVindaloo Band.
When:Ìý6-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 14
Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Festival of Books
Book lovers, it's almost the best time of year: the annual ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Festival of Books is back! Find hundreds of authors, presentations and vendors at the beloved book fest.Ìý
When:Ìý9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16
Where:Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Claire Pennington, 1, gets a little help from her mother in hula hooping during Marana Founders' Day at Ora Mae Harn Park in Marana, Ariz. on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Founders' Day celebrates the history and people of Marana.Ìý
Marana Founders' Day
It's a day to celebrate Marana! There will be a parade, a car show, performances, an art station, food trucks, vendors, inflatables and more.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where:ÌýTown of Marana,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Movie at the Ranch
Watch a free outdoor screening of "Inside Out 2" at Steam Pump Ranch.
When:Ìý6-8 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn aboutÌýrain gardens.
When:Ìý9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 15
Where:ÌýWatershed Management Group,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
St. Patrick's Day Festival of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
This festival kicks off with a parade in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, followed by music, dancers, an area for kids, vendors and food.Ìý
When:Ìý10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Where:ÌýArmory Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Living Room Craft Night
Bring whatever art project you're working on and craft in a safe space among friends and community.Ìý
When:Ìý5-10 p.m. every third Sunday
Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission and beer from Brick Box Brewery.
When:Ìý5-9 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where:ÌýMuseum of Contemporary Art ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring OnesAll Band. Food trucks will be onsite, as well as various pet agencies. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 20
Where:ÌýMarana MunicipalÌýComplex,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Astronomy Festival
It’s almost time for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Amateur Astronomy Association’s annual ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Astronomy Festival! Head to Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in the afternoon for solar observing, followed by stargazing after dark. There will be astronomy-themed family-friendly activities and prizes!
When:Ìý3-9 p.m. Saturday, March 22
Where:ÌýBrandi Fenton Memorial Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attendÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
The Thunderbirds line up as they scream over the runway for a Thunder & Lightning Over ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ airshow rehearsal at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on March 24, 2023.
Thunder and Lightning Over ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is opening the gates for their free weekend-long air show. Watch aerial displays from headliner the Thunderbirds.
When:Ìý9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 22-23
Where:ÌýDavis-Monthan Air Force Base,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, tickets available for seating and VIP options at $55 and up
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Archaeology Day at Mission Garden
Kids can learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.
When:Ìý8-11 a.m. Saturday, March 22
Where:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Storytime at the Fox
The Fox is hosting story time with a very theater twist — instead of reading from a book in your hands, pages of a children's book will be shown on the movie screen.Ìý
When:Ìý10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 26
Where:ÌýFox ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Theatre,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, register online
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.Ìý
When:Ìý8:15 p.m. Friday, March 28
Where:ÌýSky Bar,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Sculpture Festival
Sculpture ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is hosting the free Sculpture ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Festival featuring works by more than 60 sculptors. The festival wasÌýfirst held in 2018 and has since become the largest outdoor juried sculpture show in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, organizers say.
When:Ìý9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 29-30
Where:ÌýBrandi Fenton Memorial Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.