Making a Life in Photography — Rollie McKenna
ONGOING
Through May 16, the Center for Creative Photography is presenting “Making a Life in Photography,” featuring the work of Rosalie “Rollie” Thorne McKenna. The late photographer, 1918 to 2003, graduated from Vassar College in 1940 and worked independently as a sought-after architectural and portrait photographer. Her work has been praised as a unique and underrecognized contribution to American modernism and documentary photography. The gallery is closed on Sundays.
Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Road, Tucson, free admission, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ccp.arizona.edu
‘Petals and Prickles’
ONGOING
The Tucson Desert Art Museum’s “Petals and Prickles” exhibit showcases botanical art from the desert southwest. Through April 18, the show features a collection of work from 18 artists — each presenting pieces inspired by desert blooms, cacti and other flora in the region. Their work celebrates the rich colors, intricate textures, and dramatic forms found in the Southwest landscape.
Tucson Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road, Suite 16, Tucson, free admission, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., tucsondart.org
TENWEST
MARCH 24 to MARCH 29
For six days in Downtown Tucson, creators and innovators will come together across multiple venues, and experiences to connect, learn and move their work forward. 2026 shared themes that unify all summits and keep TENWEST on the pulse of what’s next, including AI and emerging tech, marketing and branding, wellness and resilience, navigating a changing economy and world, and arts and community. The headliner for the event will be Jason Feifer, who is the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and host of Build for Tomorrow. He’ll deliver the keynote and serve as a judge for the IdeaFunding Showcase, bringing his insight on navigating change and growth.
Downtown Tucson, 33 S 6th Ave, Tucson, various prices, various times, tenwest.com
‘Inside Out: Men Behind Bars’
MARCH 26 to MARCH 29
Betsy Kruse Craig’s adaptation of “Inside Out: Men Behind Bars” lands at the Invisible Theatre for the venue’s 54th Season. Based on the writings of incarcerated students at The Bureau of Prisons Federal Corrections Institution — the play is based on months-long engaged ethnographic research funded by an Anthropological Research Grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation awarded to Linda Green, an anthropologist at University of Arizona.
The Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, $28-$30, various times, invisibletheatre.com
2026 Silver Spike Railroad Jubilee
MARCH 28
The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is celebrating its 21-year anniversary and the 146th Celebration and Reenactment of the Arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad into Tucson. The ceremony will include the Original Silver Spike of 1880 and include a Mayoral Proclamation, a performance from the 4th US Cavalry Band, a craft show, the induction to the Silver Spike Hall of Fame and a reenactment by the descendants whose forefathers participated in the historical event of March 20, 1880. It will conclude with the dedication of the Arrival of the Railroad mural.
The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N Toole Ave, Tucson, free admission, Music starts at 9:30 a.m., Event starts at 10:00 a.m., tucsonhistoricdepot.org
EGGstravaganza
MARCH 28
Tucson Parks and Recreation and Raising Canes are having their 27th annual EGGstravaganza. There will be music, games, prizes, field activities, egg hunts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event offers a sensory-friendly adaptive egg hunt for youth that have disabilities, highlighting accessibility and inclusive participation. Pictures of the Easter Bunny will be available at varying times. The easter egg hunts are divided by age group. Participants are recommended to bring their own baskets. A variety of foods will be available for purchase through local food vendors.
Doris J. Thompson Park, 2000 N 4th Ave, Tucson, free admission, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., tucsonaz.gov
Battle of the Bands
MARCH 29
Reid Park is hosting the Battle of the Bands event, where young talented bands and artists compete in the High School Battle of the Bands. These artists and bands are between the ages of 13 through 18. Grand Prize winners will receive an appearance on KXCI’s “Locals Only” radio show and a full home recording package, including a copy of Ableton Suite.
Gene C. Reid Park’s DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, 800 S. Concert Place, Tucson, free admission, start time is noon, tucsonaz.gov
William K. Hartmann
Art Collection Opening
MARCH 29
The Planetary Science Institute will debut a collection of paintings at the intersection of art and science by PSI co-founder William K. Hartmann and other space artists. The collection spans more than 60 years of art. His current science research involves history of surface features on Mars, origin of the moon and the widely accepted paradigm of a cataclysmic “late heavy bombardment” at 3.9 billion years ago. Hartman’s paintings include astronomical scenes and plein air landscapes. Many completed during his international travels.
Planetary Science Institute, 1700 E. Fort Lowell Rood, Tucson, free admission, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., psi.edu
The War And Treaty with support from Barnaby and the Butcher
MARCH 31
The War And Treaty will be performing at the Fox Tucson Theater on March 31. They were nominated for the Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards and have also been nominated for Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards two years in a row and for Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards. They will be joined on stage with Barnaby and the Butcher. They make alternative country and Americana music while shifting towards rock.
Fox Tucson Theater, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, various prices, Start time is 7:30 p.m., Doors open at 6:30 p.m., foxtucson.com