Wanderlust World Wanderlust World With springtime temperatures around the mid-70s and abundant sunshine, March and April in Tucson, Arizona can be a perfect time to enjoy a wide variety of cultural, arts and outdoor events. This desert city, with its blend of Hispanic, Native American and Anglo cultures, hosts activities ranging from book and mariachi festivals to arts events, wine tastings and butterfly exhibitions in these mild months before the summer heat sets in.
From September to May, the Tucson Botanical Gardens hosts the Butterfly Walk, an annual exhibition of local and exotic butterflies. Visitors can walk among the butterflies and photograph them, as well as learn gardening practices to attract butterflies. The gardens are open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children, with free admission for members.
The Tucson Festival of Books, hosted by the University of Arizona, takes place annually in March. Featuring more than 400 authors and a variety of staged events and entertainment, the event is sponsored by the Arizona Daily Star newspaper and is free to the public. The festival attracts internationally known writers such as J.A. Jance and Elmore Leonard and includes book sales and writer’s workshops. A complete schedule of events is available on the festival website.
Arts in the Park hosts a variety of artisans, food vendors and prominent jazz musicians from around the country. The three-day event in March includes a juried art exhibit and several stages for performances. Held at Riverfront Park overlooking the Rillito River, the festival is free. A complete calendar of events and other information is available on its website.
In mid-April, Tucson hosts the International Mariachi Conference, a celebration of mariachi music and culture from the U.S. and abroad. The conference includes student workshops, presentations on the history and culture of mariachi music, and several public concerts featuring prominent mariachi musicians and folklorico dancers from around the world. Information and a schedule of events is available from its website.
For wine lovers, late April is a great time for a short trip outside Tucson into Southern Arizona’s wine country for the Annual Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards Festival. Less than an hour away from the city on scenic State Route 83 in Elgin, the daylong festival includes music, wine tasting and food, with the Blessing of the Vineyard at noon. The festival and blessing are free and no reservations are required; wine tasting is $7 and includes a souvenir glass.