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Artist Frank Powers fires off a bunch of bubbles from his bubble gun while working with the crowd outside his Comic Bookmobile at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Festival of Books on the UA Mall in 2024.

From a massive book festival to a parade celebrating St. Patrick's Day, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is packed with festivities this weekend.

Also on the calendar: a Japanese festival, a giant celebration for the town of Marana, two plant sales, a market filled with unusual vendors, an outdoor roller disco and lots more.

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

A couple in the planetarium looking up at the dome.

Starlight Date Night

Flandrau is hosting a date night featuring a star talk and curated laser music show, followed by stargazing and a look at the science exhibits.

When:Ìý5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13

Where:ÌýFlandrau Science Center & Planetarium,

Cost:Ìý$25 per person

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Spring Ikebana Festival

Ikebana is known as the "meditative art of Japanese floral arrangements." This festival at Yume Japanese Gardens of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ celebrates the arrival of spring with floral arrangements around the gardens.Ìý

When:Ìý9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 13-15; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16

Where:ÌýYume Japanese Gardens of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$20 for adults, $5 for kids under age 15

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.


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Enjoy cookie-themed desserts and drinks while supporting Girl Scouts!

°ä±ð±ô±ð²ú°ù²¹³Ù±ðÌý's innovative youth programming at their signature event this year at Corbett's!Ìý, spin the wine wheel, buy raffle tickets and ensure thatÌýÌýhave access to incredible skill-building opportunities here in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.


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.

Gather A Vintage Market

Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this market.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 13-15; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16

Where:ÌýGather A Vintage Market,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý


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ATC Presents: “Bob & Jean: A Love Storyâ€

Lightning strikes and sparks fly when Bob and Jean meet in New York City, 1941. But their instant attraction is cut short as World War II drives the pair thousands of miles apart.ÌýÌýas they navigate battle, Broadway and the complexities of the human heart. AÌýÌýwritten by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated playwright Robert Schenkkan,ÌýÌýis a stirring and romantic world premiere that tells the remarkable story of an exhilarating courtship.


Art Cart with Caroline Martin

Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete!Ìý

When:ÌýVarious dates

Where:ÌýVarious locations

Cost:Ìý$5-$15

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Queer Goth Nite

Head to 191 Toole where Nitecall is hosting a queer goth party featuring DJs, drag, vendors and raffles.

When:Ìý9 p.m. Friday, March 14

Where:Ìý191 Toole,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$8-$14, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý


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Make your tax dollars matter!

Ìýfor a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow, and your gift may qualify for a tax credit!ÌýÌýfeeds families, seniors and individuals living right here in our community, plus supports our local growers, farmers market, community gardens, school pantries and more.Ìý!


TJs and PJs

Throw on your favorite pajamas and bring your favorite Trader Joe's snack to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wine Collective for a bookish night. Chat with fellow book lovers about their most recent reads and create your own bookmark. Tickets include a glass of wine!

When:Ìý7-9 p.m. Friday, March 14

Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wine Collective,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$25 for general admission, $60 for VIP

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý

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


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ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Parks and Recreation to host summer job fairÌý

Ìýon Friday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the department’s administration building, 900 S. Randolph Way. TheÌýÌýwill highlight a variety of seasonal opportunities, including positions for KIDCO, lifeguards, sports and therapeutic recreation workers. These roles provide valuable experience and a chance to make a difference in the community while earning a paycheck. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend to learn more andÌýÌý´Ç²Ô-²õ¾±³Ù±ð.


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

Glow in the Dark Pickleball

Ace Pickleball Club is hosting a space-themed glow-in-the-dark night with open play. Players will receive glow-in-the-dark pickleballs during the matches and will be gifted a glow-in-the-dark shirt to take home. Bring your own paddles!

When:Ìý8 p.m. Friday, March 14

Where:ÌýAce Pickleball Club,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$15

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý


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Classic Hard Rock/Hair Metal Night

Surly Wench Pub is hosting a party featuring hard rock and metal jams of the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s.

When:Ìý9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, March 14

Where:ÌýSurly Wench Pub,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$5. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

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.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.Ìý

When:Ìý6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 14-15

Where:ÌýDante's Fire,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

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.

Love bugs walk in the annual Founders’ Day parade during Founders’ Day at Ora Mae Harn Park in Marana in 2017.

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.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Japanese Festival 2025

The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Japanese Festival is back this month to celebrate Japanese culture through taiko drumming, traditional dancing, mochi pounding, games, origami, martial arts and food.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Chinese Cultural Center,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$5; free for kids ages 5 years and under

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Desert Haze Market

Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress.Ìý

When:Ìý11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýHotel Congress,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Spring Plant Sale at Tohono Chul

Tohono Chul is hosting their annual spring plant sale featuring native and landscape-ready plants.

When:Ìý9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16

Where:ÌýTohono Chul's main parking lot,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for plants

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Spring Plant Sale

Pick up herbs, veggies, wildflowers and landscape plants for your garden, thanks to local nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH.

When:Ìý9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýNative Seeds/SEARCHÌýConservation Center,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for plants

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Founded just this year, An Unuzual Market has quickly become a favorite for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ans.

The Unuzual MarketÌý

Shop all things strange and unusual from 30 vendors. You'll find apparel, jewelry and oddities.Ìý

When:Ìý11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$1 cash for entry, bring money for shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Retro Game Show Night

Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy thatÌýpays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.

When:Ìý6 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýClub Congress,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$19.06. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Clover Club Weekend

Hotel Congress is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a three-day celebration featuring Irish drink specials, music and giveaways.Ìý

When:ÌýSaturday-Monday, March 15-17

Where:ÌýClub Congress,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food and drinks

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.

Ryan Madden uses a dangler wand to play with some of the cats during the grand opening of Hunter’s Kitten Lounge on July 6.

Movie Night with Cats

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s newest cat lounge is hosting two movie nights in March! Watch "Twilight" on March 15 and "Freaky Friday" on March 29.

When:Ìý7-9 p.m. Saturdays, March 15 and March 29

Where:ÌýHunter's Kitten Lounge,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$25, includes a drink and candy

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

'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire!

When:Ìý9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýSurly Wench Pub,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$5. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Salon & Saloon Lecture

This lecture will discuss the importance of the Apache people in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s history.Ìý

When:Ìý2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýMonsoon Room at JoJo’s Restaurant,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$5

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Buds & BloomsÌý

Local garden center Eco Gro is hosting Buds & Blooms, an event featuring food and art vendors.

When:Ìý6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýEco Gro,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

41st Anniversary Party

Celebrate Wooden Nickel's 41st birthday with a DJ, vendors and 50-cent wings.

When:ÌýNoon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýWooden Nickel,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Wine and Craft FairÌý

Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring local artists, music and wine tastings.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýOld Pueblo Cellars,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks. Reservations are required for wine tastings.

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Maya Moffett, right, and Madeline Bosshardt browse the jewelry and candle tables while Di Luna Candles and Goods employee Josefina Cortes stamps logos onto shopping bags.

Pressed Flower Workshop

Create your own pressed flower candle during this workshop at Di Luna Candles. A decorative flower flame is also part of the fun.

When:ÌýNoon on Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýDi Luna Candles,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$60

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Afternoon Tea at The Lavender Manor

The Lavender Manor, the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ sister of Oracle's Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, is hosting a tea party with lavender-themed tea and treats.

When:Ìý2 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýThe Lavender Manor,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$50 for adults, $20 for kids ages 5-12

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Manifesting Everyday Magic

It's never too late to create a vision board! Create your own board during this class led by Meela Hill.Ìý

When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýBICAS,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$30-$45, sliding scale. RSVP throughÌýart@bicas.org

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Tomato Tips

Harlow Gardens will teach you tips and recommendations for growing tomatoes in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

When:Ìý2 p.m. Saturday, March 15

Where:ÌýHarlow Gardens,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Goat yoga

Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats during these classes!

When:Ìý10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16

Where:ÌýUdall Park,Ìý, on Saturday; and Silverbell Park,Ìý, on Sunday

Cost:Ìý$25

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:ÌýBICAS,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donation suggestedÌý

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays

Where:ÌýFoothills Mall,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Sue Buckner, left, uses pink and white paint to decorate Emma Shannon’s face during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Armory Park in 2024.

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.

Spinnin’ Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco

DJ Herm will be rocking beatsÌýat this outdoor roller disco and dance party.

When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Sunday, March 16

Where:ÌýMSA Annex,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$15 for adults, $5 for kids under 12 years old. Bring your own skates!

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.

Sip: Speakeasy in Prohibición

Roux Events is hosting its next "Sip" event inside Sonora Moonshine's speakeasy Prohibición, featuring performances and black attire.

When:Ìý10 p.m. Sunday, March 16

Where:ÌýSonora Moonshine Company,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$25 for table seating, $10 for bar seating, must RSVP in advance. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Blues and Vines

During this celebration at Medella Vina Ranch, guests can expect live blues music, local wine, food trucks and art vendors.Ìý

When:ÌýNoon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16

Where:ÌýMedella Vina Ranch,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$6-$25, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo.

When:Ìý6-7 p.m. Sunday, March 16

Where:ÌýEl Jefe Cat Cafe,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$14, reservations required

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.


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Gloria was born and raised in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and is a 2018 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨