tucson events

Tucson EventsIn addition to its many cultural and historic landmarks, this destination hosts a number of outstanding festivals and events that may coincide with your visit.

In February the city boasts a superlative: the world's largest gem and mineral show with more than 40 shows across town. The focal point of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is at the Tucson Convention Center, which is filled with some 250 dealers selling to the public.

If you like horses and cowboys, Tucson is the destination for you mid- to late February during La Fiesta de los Vaqueros , held at the rodeo grounds. This classic professional rodeo event features a parade with people on foot, on horseback and in every size and shape of horse-drawn vehicle. The fiesta ends with the rodeo finals, in which some of the best riders and ropers on the circuit compete.

In March and again in December Tucson's 4th Avenue holds a huge street fair filled with artisans selling and demonstrating their crafts. Enhanced by music and food vendor booths, these weekends attract visitors and residents alike. The annual Tucson International Mariachi Conference and music festival comes to town in late April. Mid-month brings the Pima County Fair . In May, the Tucson Folk Festival attracts thousands of traditional music fans for a weekend of entertainment by the genre's top acts.

Tucson's fall activities begin in late September and early October with Oktoberfest on Mount Lemmon . In early November, a Tucson artists' organization presents the annual All Souls Procession . Inspired by Mexico's Día de los Muertos, thousands of people walk 2 miles through the streets of Tucson to commemorate the passing of loved ones, carrying photos of the deceased, wearing the departed's clothing or dressed in skeleton costumes.

See all the AAA recommended events for this destination.