Fat Tuesday at Kingfisher. For the 26th year in a row, Kingfisher Bar & Grill is celebrating Mardi Gras with a blowout of music and food. Their specialty Fat Tuesday menu includes Southern classics like a fish and shrimp gumbo with Andouille sausage, deep-fried cornmeal-crusted catfish, New Orleans bread pudding, baked oysters, and Cajun red beans with rice. Kingfisher owners Jeff Azersky and Jim Murphy are allowing you one last bash before giving it all up for Lent. The evening also features New Orleans and zydeco music courtesy of Dr. Mojo, with accordion, violin and more. 8 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, Feb. 25. 2564 E. Grant Road.

Breakfast & Brunch w/ Chef Kyle Nottingham. Flying Aprons, Tucson’s newest cooking school, is inviting chef Kyle Nottingham of Prep & Pastry, August Rhodes Market and Commoner & Co. to discuss what makes the perfect brunch. But this is more than a food tasting; at this hands-on class, you can learn to prepare brunch staples at home, including poaching your own egg. It’s finally getting warm again, and that calls for embracing the brunch lifestyle! 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. 1702 N. Stone Ave. $69.

Mardi Gras Festival at The Parish. The owners of The Parish are embracing their roots for their ninth annual mardi gras celebration, which includes a crawfish boil and alligator roast. (Where did they even find an alligator to roast in Tucson?) Drinks include Hurricanes and a tap takeover from Abita Brewing Company out of Louisiana. The evening also includes plenty of music courtesy of Tiny House of Funk, Brian Dean Trio, the Muffulettas, River Road Ramblers, Mike Herbert Prison Band and many more. 2 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. 6453 N. Oracle Road. No reservations needed, first come first served.

An R-Rated Magic Show with Grant Freeman. There’s always something kind of sexy about magic shows. And, if you’re a certain type of person, there’s something spooky about magic shows, too. What the hell just happened? Where did he go? Where did that fire come from? Did she just get cut in half?! This show tries to embrace all the non-kid friendly elements of magic acts with a production they promise will have you saying, “what the *insert your profanity of choice, because there’s no kids around anyway*!” Your mind will be blown, and your stomach muscles will be sore from all the laughter. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. $20 to $36+.

A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin. The University of Arizona’s Cinematopia film club is finishing their month-long celebration of Giallo, the artsy, moody Italian horror genre, with a screening of a 1971 classic. The Lizard in a Woman’s Skin is a surreal thriller in which the daughter of a respected politician suffers from erotic and often violent hallucinations. Featuring a score by the incomparable Ennio Morricone, this blends several genres into a left-field, psychedelic mystery. Cinematopia will also be screening a pre-show of Giallo movie trailers before the film. 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25. Located on the UA campus in the Harvill building at 1103 E. Second St., room 104. Free.

Drawing from her multi-ethnic (French/Chinese/American) heritage, Jessica Fichot creates an intoxicating multilingual fusion of French chanson, 1940s Shanghai jazz, gypsy swing and international folk. Full of intrigue and playfulness, this chanteuse takes her audience on a trans-world journey. At Green Valley Social Center...

Breaking gender norms, Ezra Furman performs Twelve Nudes. At 191 Toole...

Hosted by harpist Paul Green, The Second Annual Blues Harmonica Showcase features Bob Corritore with Dave Riley and Robert Jackson. At Monterey Court...

Celebrate Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday at Westbound. Backup Brass Band, Tucson High Jazz Band and DJ Apple & Banana keep the party going. Emcee Funkle Sam hosts this family-friendly event...

Killer of Sheep. Regarded as a masterpiece of independent cinema, this 1978 drama was edited, shot, written, produced and directed by Charles Burnett and submitted as his Master of Fine Arts thesis. Without a traditional plot or character arcs, Killer of Sheep remains a highlight of the “L.A. Rebellion” film movement, wherein several young, black filmmakers at UCLA depicted racial and social problems with inspiration from European arthouse cinema. This showing at The Screening Room is the final night of their Black Renaissance Film Series. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24. 127 E. Congress St. $7.

What started as a solo home-recording project in the '90s morphs with each new album. Destroyer bends genres at Club Congress. Singer/multi-instrumentalist Eleanor Friedberger (The Fiery Furnaces) is up first...

Friday

Iberian Peninsula wine tasting. Maynards Market & Kitchen is hosting a special wine tasting event celebrating everyone’s favorite southwestern European peninsula. Home to Spain and Portugal, and the oft-overlooked Andorra, Iberia is known for its rich, full-bodied wines. But there are more than reds and whites to be found; Portugal is known for its specialty green wines, and strong ports abound. Maynards is letting you taste some of the more overlooked wines of this special region. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. 400 N. Toole Ave. $12. Free for Maynards Wine Club members.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. Stockton Heat. Head on down to the hockey rink for this week’s home games! Friday is 1, 2, 3 Night, with $1 soft drinks, $2 hot dogs and $3 beers, plus the T-Mobile 55+ night. On Saturday, the Roadrunners will be wearing their Kachina jerseys, and the first 1,000 kids (ages 14 and under) to arrive will receive their own free Roadrunners Youth Jersey! Save your ticket for the Saturday game, and, once the Roadrunners win, redeem it at the Tucson Arena box office to get a free ticket for Wednesday Feb. 26. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $12 to $61+.

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. If you’ve ever been to Mardi Gras, you probably had a blast. If you’ve ever seen photos of anyone at Mardi Gras, they probably looked like they were having a blast. So, seize this opportunity to go all-out at a masquerade ball with Cajun food, Cajun musicians, specialty drinks and—of course—plenty of beads. Your ticket includes food, two drink tickets, entertainment, dancing, a souvenir photo and some. Did we mention proceeds benefit the Hero Support Charity? Not to be missed! 7 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Tucson Mardi Gras, 1102 W. Grant Road. Tickets start at $175.

Black Renaissance: Hotel Congress Takeover. Have you been keeping up with this month’s Black Renaissance events, which celebrate the contributions of black artists to popular culture? If not you’ve totally been missing out, but here’s another chance to jump in. Head over to Congress Friday for a night full of music. El Tambo and DJ Lady Staliet have got afrobeats on the outside mainstage, while Mattea, Stevie Rose, ASKE and more artists will be playing R&B and hip hop inside. You’re gonna wanna be there, trust us. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Free.

42nd Quilt Fiesta. This sounds like exactly the kind of cozy party I want to go to. And it’s going to be beautiful, too! The Tucson Quilters Guild started with 10 women back in 1976 and has since grown to more than 450 people. They’ve got a small quilt auction! They’ve got a professional quilt appraiser (a real certification that exists!) on deck to appraise your quilt! Last year, they gave out prizes ranging from “Best Hand Applique” to “Best Use of Color.” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. $10 per day or $20 for all three days.

Sorry Party // Dirt Friends–Australian Wildlife Relief Show. Sometimes it feels like there’s so much bad stuff going on in the world that we’re powerless to do anything about. So when a chance, comes along that makes it simple to contribute to a good cause, we always get excited. When that chance involves an indie rock concert at Gentle Ben’s, by LA band Sorry Party and Tucson band Dirt Friends, even better! You get to enjoy a concert, but in lieu of a cover, they’re collecting donations for WIRES Wildlife Rescue. What could be more rock and roll? 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Blvd. No cover, but donations (obviously) welcome.

Puzzling the Past: Fossils, Minerals, and Meteorites. Planetariums are places where we look at celestial bodies thousands of lightyears away. This new exhibit at Flandrau explores the Earth’s geologic history, giving us the opportunity to look at events that happened thousands of years ago. See a giant T-Rex skull, gems and minerals and trilobites while you learn about everything from the dawn of life to the rise and fall of the dinosaurs. Test your wits with hands-on puzzles throughout the exhibit. Exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 21 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $16 adults, $12 kids 4 to 17/senior/military/college students, free for kids 3 and under.

Saturday

Donut Bar opening. The San Diego-based artisan donut shop is coming to downtown, and they’re giving away free donuts and swag throughout the day. Donut Bar is known for their wild and fancy pastries, such as the Nutella donut and the bacon and bourbon donut. The first 100 people in line will get exclusive Donut Bar bags, and there will be free donuts and balloons for kids. Doors open at 8 a.m. and close when they sell out. Saturday, Feb. 22. 33 N. Sixth Ave.

Cupping Coffee at Catalyst. SAACA’s new Catalyst art and makerspace at the Tucson mall is hosting Yellow Brick Coffee for a class teaching you how to perceive coffee like the experts. What do words like mouthfeel and acidity have to do with coffee? You’re about to find out. This tasting class features three coffees, and instructors will discuss “their origins, producers, milling process, and roasting recipe.” 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 22. Catalyst is located on the bottom floor of the Tucson mall. 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110. $15 for non-members, $13 for members.

Weekend brunch at Penca. In getting ready for the warm springtime, Penca Ristorante owner Patricia Schwabe is bringing back their weekend brunch specials. The new menu is inspired by Central Mexican dishes and includes dishes like Encacnhuatadas, which are corn tortillas filled with mushrooms, hominy, greens and garlic with a guajillo peanut sauce; Molletes, which is toast topped with refried beans, avocado and queso Menonita; and Lonche de Pancita, which is a special braised pork belly on bread with avocado, cream, salsa and beans. And it wouldn’t be brunch without some fancy drinks to start your day, in this case Penca is serving beverages like the “Solanum” with tequila, tomatoes, tomatillos, rotating chiles and lemon, garnished with pickled nopal. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. 50 E. Broadway Blvd.

How to Talk to Trees. Have you heard of Subspace Collective? Built by and for emerging artists, the collective has been around for about two years, operating a small art venue in the basement of the historic Steinfeld Warehouse. This weekend, they’ve got their very first juried exhibit, exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world. You’ll get to see multimedia works by local artists and show your support for what they do just by showing up. What a win-win! 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. 101 W. Sixth St. Free.

Apex Short Film + Music Video Festival. The Screening Room is hosting the sixth Apex Short Film + Music Video Festival, which features short films from around the world, as well as a red carpet photo shoot and Q&A panels with filmmakers from across the Southwest. Selections from this year’s festival include “Withorwithout” a home-invasion-horror meets music video starring Milla Jovovich; “Sunrise” about a city couple rebuilding their relationship during a stay in a hippie village; “The Bag” about a father on his way to his daughter’s birthday party, who discovers a taxi at an abandoned gas station with hundreds of thousands of dollars in the trunk; and “New Bronx” about a girl’s crush on a boy becoming an obsession. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. 127 E. Congress St. $8. For more information, visit apexfest.org.

The Cat Video Fest 2020. We get it: there’s a lot of videos of cats being weird and funny on the internet. But sometimes there are too many to sort through. Well, curation is coming your way in the form of the Cat Video Fest, hosted by the Loft Cinema. This collection of some of the most noteworthy cats on the net includes approximately 100 videos. A portion of ticket sales from these screenings will benefit the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary and HOPE Animal Shelter. Now that’s a cause worth going “pss-pss-pss” at! 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $10.

Cat Meditation Class. Have you been to El Jefe Cat Lounge yet? For cat lovers, it’s three stories of cuddly bliss. The lounge partners with Hermitage Cat Shelter to bring healthy, even-tempered cats to hang out with the public. If you fall in love with one while you’re visiting, they’re all up for adoption! Come have your kitty cuddles with a side of mindfulness at this event, where you can meditate right alongside the stars of the show. Bring a yoga mat or blanket (or rent one while you’re there). And hey, maybe you’ll find your Nirvana in a cat and end up taking one home. 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3024 N. Campbell Ave., Ste. 141. $20.


Sunday

Southern Arizona Transportation Museum Lecture Series. It’s time to learn more about trains in this monthlong lecture series at one of downtown’s most charming museums. This week, Mike Bording will be telling you all about the Golden State Passenger Train. This puppy operated between Chicago and Los Angeles through the first half of the twentieth century, and, at more than 2,300 miles, was one of the longest continuous passenger railroads in the United States. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave. Free.

TMC Sunrise at Old Tucson Trail Run. There’s something uniquely hopeful about getting up early and actively watching the sun rise. Like forcing yourself to do this combination of living in the moment and looking forward to the day ahead. So, watching the sunrise at Old Tucson is like living in the past, present and future all at once, right? There’s a four-mile trail run, or a one-mile version, both of which take you through the dusty Main Street of Old Tucson Studios. Then, enjoy free admission to the park for the day! First race starts at 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road. $50.

Mike Wallace is Here. This documentary tells the story of the legendary reporter and host of 60 Minutes, who interrogated the 20th century’s biggest figures in his 50+ years on the air. Not only does it show his reporting style, but tells the story of the humble beginnings of 60 Minutes. This screening is part of the Loft Cinema’s “Journalism on Screen” series, and includes a post-film discussion with Andy Rosenthal, the former assistant managing editor of The New York Times. Noon to 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival. This touring film festival highlights a selection of films celebrating nature, and ranging from “love of wild places to social justice and scientific discovery.” This screening at the Loft Cinema is a fundraiser for Tucson’s first-ever Climate Jubilee, and also includes several Arizona environmental organizations working on conservation-oriented issues. These films, both gorgeously shot and covering gorgeous subjects, showcase how the natural world is worth celebrating, and certainly worth defending. This is a rental of The Loft Cinema, presented by Defenders of Wildlife. 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $11.

Roaring ’20s Dinner Party at Sullivan’s. Celebrate the fact that prohibition is no longer relevant with a night of food and drinks at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. This multi-course evening pairs several cocktails with fancy dishes, including a French 75 cocktail with seared scallop, smoked salmon deviled eggs and grapes; the Barrel-Aged Vieux Carré cocktail with a Manhattan strip steak and glazed fingerling potatoes; and the Blood & Sand cocktail with a cheese plate of gorgonzola, fig preserve, truffle oil and much more. Here’s to a better ’20s than a century ago. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. 1785 E. River Road. $65. RSVP at sullivanssteakhouse.com 21+

Radiant Vermin. This modern morality play with a darkly comic twist has been called “nasty and energetic fun” by the New York Times. It tells the story of a young couple who is offered their dream house by a mysterious stranger, and then forced to answer the question of just how far they’re willing to go to get it. Director Maryann Green says the show is about greed but also about the slippery slope of abandoning your morals for what seems too good to be true. Preview shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, and Friday, Feb. 21. Opening night 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sundays through Saturday, March 28 (with a special matinee on closing day). Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 GA, $18 military/senior/student, $15 Thursdays and previews.

Singin’ in the Rain. If you’re a fan of the sweet love stories, technicolor costumes and showstopping numbers of classic musicals, there’s nothing quite like Singin’ in the Rain. Set in the 1920s, the show tells the story of a group of performers dealing with Hollywood’s move from silent films to “talkies.” Pima Community College’s production of the show is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. On opening night Thursday, they’ve got pre-show activities, refreshments and prizes starting at 6:30 p.m. Singalong shows are Friday, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28, and an ASL interpreter is present on Thursday, Feb. 27. Show runs through March 1. PCC Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road. GA $18 to $24, or $12 for PCC students.

Spring Ikebana Festival. If you don’t think Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging, is a gorgeous and special art form, then—no offense—you’re probably just wrong. This tradition dates back to the seventh century, and one of the translations of “ikebana” is “making flowers alive,” which is just…so sweet. Come see dozens of floral compositions in a variety of styles at Yume Japanese Gardens throughout the week for this fantastic floral festival. Thursday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb. 29. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. $15 adults, $5 kids under 15.

Astronomy Night for Little Rangers. Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a star! It’s a black hole! It’s a future career in STEM! It could be any of these things at this night full of telescope observation and hands-on activities at Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District (East). The Tucson Astronomy Association is providing the telescopes, and there are also games, crafts and information about everything from alien worlds to careers in science. Perfect for kids ages 8 to 12. REGISTER IN ADVANCE by calling the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at 733-5153. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Saguaro National Park, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail.

Medicine for Melancholy (Free screening). The Loft Cinema is screening the debut feature film from Barry Jenkins, who would later direct the acclaimed Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. A swirling odyssey of sepia tones, Medicine for Melancholy follows two young people whose one-night stand turns into a 24-hour journey through San Francisco. Between bike rides and underground dance parties, they grapple with “popular culture and black identity amid a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.” This independent film was produced on a budget of $15,000, over the course of 15 days with a cast of only two. This free screening is presented by Barrio Brewing. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.

In 1969, following the dissolution of The Mothers of Invention, legendary composer Frank Zappa released Hot Rats, self-described as a "movie for your ears," and hailed today as a masterwork of jazz-rock fusion. Keeping the legacy alive, Dweezil Zappa presents Hot Rats Live + Other Hot Stuff 1969 Tour. At Rialto Theatre...

At Club Congress you will find the polished neo-soul fusion of Street Blues Family. They promise to make you swoon...

Recently, drummer Tasha Bundy broke a hand while riding her horse, greatly limiting her ability to work. Comrades Howe Gelb, Tom Walbank, Golden Boots, Emilie Marchand, Naim Amor, Loveland, Thøger Lund, Katie Haverly and more will circle the wagons to help a cowgirl out. Bash For Tash at El Crisol...

Boasting Arizona Blues Hall of Famer Mike Blommer on guitar, blues institution Bad News Blues Band rip and tear. At Chicago Bar...

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the music that stopped World War II, The Finest Hour—featuring Davina & The Vagabonds and The Hot Club of Cowtown—showcases music from the '40s combined with modern-day stylings. At Centennial Hall...

"Born to be bad," The Other Troublemakers raise Cain. At Monterey Court...

Continuing the Singer-Songwriter Series, Jacob Acosta will perform at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort...

Southwestern Gothic soul shaker, Just Najima holds court at Crooked Tooth Brewing Co...

The Capitol Steps. There’s a lot that’s depressing about following politics. But these days, there’s also a lot that’s entertaining. The University of Arizona Hillel Foundation wants to focus on the entertaining part of things by bringing this group (founded by a group of Senate staffers back in ’81) back to Tucson. As one performer puts it, “If we insult a person you like, be assured that the next person we insult will surely be someone you do not.” They’ll be poking bipartisan fun at headlines and some of politics’ biggest personalities. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $50 to $65.

Men Are From Mars–Women Are From Venus LIVE! Ah, you remember when this book came out, and made you think, if nothing else, “Well, there’s one explanation for why my husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend seems so absolutely insane to me sometimes.” In this one-man show, Ryan Drummond presents a series of vignettes about everything from dating to marriage to the bedroom. It’s definitely for adults only, but visitors from any and every planet are welcome. Come laugh your way through date night with your favorite interplanetary visitor. 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Temple of Music & Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $60.

Tucson Rodeo. It’s rodeo season again! The first Fiesta de los Vaqueros was back in 1925, with three days full of events. Since then, it’s grown to a nine-day bonanza that’s one of the top 25 professional rodeos on the continent. Every day is jam-packed with fun stuff to do. On opening day this Saturday, gates open at 11 a.m. for a day including the Justin Junior Rodeo, the ProRodeo Competition and the Coors Barn Dance. On Sunday, Feb. 16, wear pink to support breast cancer initiatives and check out the Chicks ’n’ Chaps Women’s Rodeo Clinic starting at 8 a.m. Monday and Tuesday feature barrel racing, steer wrestling and more starting at 8 a.m. See tucsonrodeo.com for the full schedule! Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. Event ticket prices start at $16.

Cruise, BBQ & Blues Festival & Car Show. Even if you’re not very into cars, you’ve gotta admit that they’re pretty marvelous feats of engineering. They’re such an integral part of our everyday lives that it can be hard to remember to step back and appreciate just how much design and craftsmanship goes into each one. And that goes double for classic cars! This Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is here to celebrate all of this. Live music, yummy barbecue and more than 30 different classes of awards will keep your day, your heart and your belly full. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road. $5, with $1 discount for veterans and military. Free for kids 10 and under. Cash only.

Arizona Civil War Days. Every trip to Old Tucson is like going back in time, but this weekend, go back to a very specific time to see what life was like in the Arizona Territory during the Civil War. Visit soldiers’ camps and watch re-enactments of battles like the Battle of Golden Gate Peak. New this year is a chance to meet the real-life descendants of the Hatfield and McCoy families. There will be presentations about the family’s history, book signings and plenty of entertainment. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Road. $21.95 GA, $10.95 kids 4 to 11 and free for kids under 4. Discounts available for seniors, military and Pima County residents.

Family SciFest. Remember when we all had to make volcanoes with vinegar and baking soda (or maybe you were in the Mentos and diet coke camp) for science class? There’s nothing quite like hands-on experiments for getting kids excited about STEM, and that’s exactly what this event at the Children’s Museum Tucson is designed to do. Part of the Arizona SciTech Festival, it’s got activities in robotics, astronomy, biology, engineering, environmental sciences, math and physics. Guest organizations range from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center to OSIRIS-REx reps to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Hooray science! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave. Free.

Southern Arizona Transportation Museum Lecture Series. This lecture series is a great way to learn more about all of the events in Tucson’s history that brought us to where we are today. This week, you’ll hear from Gene Caywood about 140th anniversary of the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad to the Old Pueblo. The Southern Pacific built its first locomotive in Sacramento in 1873 and started expanding from there. On March 20, 1880, the first SP train reached Tucson. 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave.

Pure Prairie League with Michael Martin Murphey. If the rodeo has gotten you in the mood for an extra helping of the Wild West this week, don’t miss this event at the Fox. Country rock legends Pure Prairie League are named after a 19th century Temperance Union, and you’ve no doubt heard their huge hit “Amie.” Michael Martin Murphey is a Cowboy Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Awardee, known for pioneering the Austin music scene and forging “The Outlaw” movement in music along with Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker. Don’t even bother changing out of your cowboy boots this week. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. $29 to $79.

Adiba Nelson Book Reading & Signing. Black Renaissance and Hotel McCoy always put on good events, and this is no exception. Adiba Nelson, who has delivered TED Talks, been published in places like the Washington Post and was featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Full Nelson, just self-published her debut children’s picture book, Meet ClaraBelle Blue. The first book in a series, it’s based loosely on Nelson’s own daughter, and is about how even though she has special needs, ClaraBelle is beautiful and so much like other kids. Come on down—free juice boxes for the kids! 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road. Free.

Analog Hour at Exo Roast. When was the last time you went out without your phone? I’ll go first and say, as much as I am ashamed to admit it, that I don’t even remember. So thank goodness for events like this, a chance to leave your technology at home and commit to two hours of good ol’ fashioned relaxation. Grab a book from the book bike and dive in, listen to some music, have a quiet chat with a friend, play a game, drink a coffee, journal. The possibilities are endless! 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Exo Roast Co, 403 N. Sixth Ave. Free.

KES. In a desolate Northern England town, a 15-year-old miner’s son forms a close bond with a wild falcon for a spiritual escape from his dead-end life. As part of their Staff Selects, the Loft Cinema is screening this 1969 film that was named one of the 10 best British films of the century by the British Film Institute. Part of both the “British New Wave” and “Kitchen Sink Realism” film movements, KES remains a groundbreaking coming-of-age film featuring real locations and nonprofessional actors. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8.

Día de San Valentin at Penca. Chef David Solorzano cooked up a four-course prix fixe menu blending multiple flavors from Mexico City. Dishes include a Sunchoke soup made with Jerusalem artichokes and a light dusting of hibiscus; Madeira-braised forest mushrooms over a light cheese sauce; grilled petit center cut fillet with mole rojo, baby vegetable and house-made chorizo crumble; and for desert, a mole rosa with strawberries, raspberries and a light yogurt espuma. The center cut fillet can also be substituted with quail or Tagliatelle de Mesquite. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 50 E. Broadway. $65. Reservations can be made online at pencarestaurante.com or by calling 520-203-7681.

The Coronet. In addition to their regular dinner menu, The Coronet is also offering a few special Valentine’s dishes. Options include the seared scallop and poached shrimp with grilled chile and blood orange; grilled sea bass with strawberry skin, black garlic forbidden rice and veggies; and the beef tenderloin with sherry mushrooms, herbed pomme puree, glazed carrots and blood orange port sauce. Each of these dishes can also be paired with a wine, such as the Domaine de la Grangette or Sand-Reckoner’s “Coronet Fancy Blend” of Syrah, Petit Syrah and Zinfandel. And to really get thing’s romantic, Tucson’s favorite Parisian Gabriel Naim Amor will be playing his specialty blend of impressionistic jazz and blues. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 198 W. Cushing St. Make your reservation at (520) 222-9889 or CoronetTucson.com

Sauce Pizza and Wine. For a tasty, low-cost Valentine’s outing, Sauce is offering a 2-for-$25 deal on Valentine’s Day. This deal allows you to choose one of Sauce’s hand-tossed salads and a 12-inch pizza, plus two glasses of wine. Restrictions apply. Guests can also substitute these pairings with any entrée ($10 or less) or beverage ($7 or less). All day, Friday, Feb. 14. Multiple locations throughout Tucson. $25.

Kingfisher. Chef Jeff Azersky is sticking with Kingfisher’s seafood excellence for their specialty a la carte Valentine’s menu. This dinner features a full oyster bar, plus New England clam chowder, cedar planked arctic char, grilled sea bass, grilled Hawaiian ahi tuna and marinated grilled octopus. Beyond seafood, they’re also serving up seasonal mesclun greens, spinach polenta, grilled ribeye of buffalo, New York steak and bouillabaisse. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 2564 E. Grant Road. No happy hour offered on the holiday. Reservations are a must. Call (520) 323-7739 or visit kingfishertucson.com.

DOWNTOWN Kitchen. There are several options for a Valentine’s dinner at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails. This specialty three-course meal allows you to choose from babaganoush, zucchini curls, butternut squash; a glazed pork belly; a flight of oyster shooters; and lobster bisque for your first dish. Second dish options include New York steak, pan-seared sea bass, herb-crusted pork rack and vegetable puff pastry. For dessert, choose between triple chocolate torte, and almond and lemon curd cake. Dinner seatings start at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 135 S. Sixth Ave. $60. Reservations can be made at downtownkitchen.com or by calling 520-623-7700.

Valentine’s beer pairing. For Valentine’s Day, Craft, A Modern Drinkery is pairing Russel Stover chocolates with three beers from Clown Shoes Beer for a tasty and romantic evening. The beers are the Bluegrass Billionaire, a British Barleywine reaching a hefty 12.5 percent ABV; the Advent Party Crasher, an American Imperial stout brewed with orange peel; and the Tarheel Unidragon, an American Imperial stout with caramel and brown sugar. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 4603 E. Speedway Blvd.

Dillinger and Monsoon Chocolate. Dillinger Brewing Company is teaming up with Monsoon Chocolate for Valentine’s Day to make two local beers paired with two local chocolates. They’re pairing their “Lady In Red” chocolate cherry stout and their “OSIRIS-REx Recon” hazy IPA. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. $24.

Black Renaissance: Black Museum. In honor of Black History Month, a group of black creatives in Tucson have put together a series of events around the theme “The History of Us,” designed to remind us that black history is the history of all of us. And not to mention the present! The work of black individuals throughout history has been key in shaping popular culture. This week, the spotlight is on contemporary spoken word artists, who will be performing their work at 191 Toole. All ages are welcome, and all ages should be there! 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave. Free.

Valentine’s Day at Flandrau. Looking for a unique place to take your date this Feb. 14? Flandrau has got you covered. Send your romance into orbit with their special planetarium shows. “Lovers in the Sky,” at 6 and 8 p.m., tells the tale of star-crossed lovers immortalized in the constellations, from Cassiopeia and Cepheus, Andromeda and Perseus, and Zeus and Callisto. If you’re looking for something a little less on-the-nose, they also have two screenings of their “Laser Beatles” show at 7 and 9 p.m., where you can enjoy some of the world’s best-known songs about love. Friday, Feb. 14. Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. $16 adults, $12 kids 4 to 17. If you want to see both shows, the second is just $3!

Wondering About the Wild Things. In this event hosted by Pima County Parks & Rec and Historic Canoa Ranch, naturalist Jeff Babson will give a talk called “Owls: Masters of the Night Skies.” It’s followed by a Q&A where you’re free to ask questions about any nature topic you’re curious about—whether it’s “Can you identify this photo of a tree I took at work last week?” or “Where do snakes sleep?” 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. 1-19 Frontage Road, Green Valley. $5, & register online in advance at apm.activecommunities.com.

Catalina Organ Festival. This festival started in 2014, and has since brought in performers from all over the world to play the Rank Shirley and Ralph Morgan Memorial Organ. The theme of this concert is “Celebrating Notre Dame.” It felt like the whole world’s attention turned to Paris last year when this Catholic cathedral, home to one of the world’s largest organs, caught fire. Kimberly Marshall, Goldman Professor of Organ at Arizona State University, pays tribute to the beautiful building with this Valentine’s Day concert. 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway Blvd. $20 in advance/online and $25 at the door.

Feeling the Love. Love and art are both wonderful things that make life worth living. Celebrate them both this Valentine’s Day by heading over to the Wilde Meyer Gallery for a little party. They’ll have food, fun and works by artist such as Cathy Carey, Peggy McGivern, Jim Budish, Yvonne Mendez, Adam Thomas Rees and Ken Kasten. If this doesn’t already sound like a remarkably pleasant way to spend a Friday evening, did we mention there’s going to be a live harp performance by Vanessa Myers? See ya there. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 2890 E. Skyline Drive. Free.

Valentine’s Day at the Planetarium. It’s a night of romance among the stars! The UA Flandrau Science Center is hosting a special “Lovers In The Sky” planetarium show, telling the timeless tales found in the constellations. Love stories include the tales of Queen Cassiopeia and Cepheus, Andromeda and the hero Perseus and more. This “celestial love story” will be followed by a laser light show with Beatles’ music. “Lovers In The Sky” shows at 6 and 8 p.m., “Laser Beatles” shows at 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 1601 E. University Blvd. $16 for the first show, $3 for any additional.

The Song of Names. Starring Tim Roth and Clive Owen, this film tells of a man haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his best friend, a virtuoso violinist who vanished shortly before a 1951 concert. Thirty-five years later, the man finds out his friend may still be alive, and embarks on a massive search to find him. Of course, a film about a violinist wouldn’t be complete without a spectacular score, this one by Oscar-winning composer Howard Shore. The Loft Cinema begins screening this film on Friday, Feb. 14. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.

Let the Sunshine In. The University of Arizona’s Department of French and Italian Studies is hosting a special screening of the 2017 romantic drama directed by Claire Denis (Beau Travail, 35 Shots of Rum). This French film tells of a battle of the sexes, centering on a 50-something Parisian artist played by Juliette Binoche. It won the SACD (Authors Society) Award at the Cannes Film Festival. This screening is part of the Tournées Film Festival, and will be introduced by Ania Wroblewski. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. At the Integrated Learning Center on the UA Campus, 1500 E. University Blvd., Bldg. 70, Room 130. Free and open to the public.

The Light Princess. This show, a musical adaptation of a George MacDonald fairytale, is full of magic and delight and everything you could ask for in a fairytale. When a king and queen desperate to have a child turn to a witch for help, their daughter is born without gravity (classic witch move). If they don’t get this girl grounded before her 16th birthday, the kingdom falls into the hands of the witch. Princes, wise men and a cast of other characters take the stage in this adaptation by award-winning duo Lila Rose Kaplan (book) and Mike Pettry (music & lyrics). 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 23. Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre at the Historic Y, 738 N. Fifth Ave. $30 GA, $28 seniors 55+, $15 student & teacher.

International World Market. This gem show is new to the Mercado District this year, and will be hosted alongside the African Art Village, which is making its annual return. They’ve got wholesale and resale prices with the ambiance of the Mercado District, which is always a win. Head on down to snag a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, or perhaps take your Valentine here and let them pick out a gift themselves. (Even more perfect if you’re your own Valentine—treat yourself!) 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 19. 279 S. Linda Ave.

Asian Lantern Festival. The Reid Park Zoo, Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc, UA Global and the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center are partnering to produce this cultural festival featuring more than 400 larger-than-life, interactive lanterns. Be transported across the world with Asian-inspired cuisine and culture, as well as live entertainment including dance, music and acrobatics. There are also weekly crafts and games like Mah Jong, Chinese Checkers and an origami station! 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, to Sunday, March 29. (Thursday through Sunday until March 1, then nightly from March 5 to March 29). Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. $18 adults, $16 kids 2 to 14, free for kids 1 and younger, $2 off for members.

Romantic Comedy stars Vanessa Hollingshead

Maybe Laff’s should offer a prize for the first engagement of the evening. Valentines Day date night starts with dinner at 8, featuring dreamy “sirloin medallions with roasted garlic and bacon, smothered in a creamy Marsala sauce” or similarly salacious sounding chicken and salmon options. Sides include salad, vegetables and steamed basmati rice.

The main course, so to speak, are the laughs, delivered with style and sass by the estimable Vanessa Hollingshead. Classy and vulnerable under a veneer of New York brass, Hollingshead is an actor and playwright as well as a comedian. At age 18, she won a scholarship to study at the Lee Strasberg Theatrical Institute.

Her upbringing, though, was weird and awful, with occasional twists of psychedelic color. Spawned by self-absorbed, committed drug addicts in stereotypically hippie camouflage, Hollingshead has told interviewers that her mother rewarded her house housework with amphetamines. A tour of foster homes ensued. At least some prestige was involved: Her Father apparently introduced Timothy Leary and Sir Paul McCartney to LSD.

Once she learned she could make people laugh she worked as much as possible. Among her jokes, she’s created enough hilarious characters to populate a madhouse. Within two years, she began supporting herself with comedy. When personal tragedy took her off-track for a few years, she says, a cruise-ship booking eventually rescued her. Call it a Love Boat.

Reservations for Love and Laffter: Dinner Date at 8 are $30 via laffstucson.com/valentine. Beverages, tax and tip are added after the show, Hollingshead also performs at Laffs’ regular showtimes: 10:30 Friday, and 7:30 and 9 p.m. Reservations are $12.50 and $17.50 via Laffstucson.com

Minting Mishka

If you’ve been looking for a reason to revisit The Mint, here’s a great one. Author, guitarist, songwriter and comedian Mishka Shubaly performs there at 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 19. Admission is by donation.

The Mint's interior has benefited from some deft remodeling by its most recent owners. The bar feels lighter and roomier. The stage is smaller, but brighter and ideal for the Wednesday, 9 p.m. open mic hosted there most of the year by long-time Tucson comedian Joey Giron.

Shubaly released his 12th Amazon book last December in audiobook form,  It’s his fifth since his 2011 bestseller, The Long Run. Jeff Bezos is a fan. Titled This Van Could Be Your Life, the new work explores the meaning of family as revealed over a thousand-mile journey in a rickety van with seven family members in crisis.

Shubaly is best known in the comedy world for having composed the soundtrack for The Unbookables, a raunchy film frolic through the travails of Stanhope’s friends and acolytes on a tour of sketchy midwestern comedy clubs. Among the film's comedians is Kristine Levine, now co-host of The Frank Show on 96.1 KLPX. Levine frequents The Mint open mics, and Stanhope has made unannounced visits there to perform with friends.

Shubaly's official featured comedian is Ray Porter whose main hustle is narrating audiobooks. According to industry resource Audiofile, Porter can speak with 27 accents. That could be a whole set.

Comedy A – Z at The O

Ali Musa and Matt Ziemak, two of Tucson’s hardest working, and commensurately popular, local comedians, play on their names for the title of their show at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15 at The O. Tickets are $5. It’s a chance for Tucson comedy fans to see them stretch into much longer sets than local showcases allow.

Ziemak co-hosts, with Rory Monserrat, the monthly comedy showcase Brew Ha Ha at Borderlands Brewery. He also co-hosts, with Green Shirt Guy Alex Kack, the popular concept show, The Switch, which moves from The Hut to Skybar starting Thursday, Feb. 27 at 9 p.m. The Switch invites audience members text fun words for the night's lineup of comedians to riff on. The show is free.

Register to vote by Feb. 18!

Thank goodness for Capitol Steps. Founded in the Reagan era, they’ve continued to remind us that politics can be funny, and that without the First Amendment, we might not be able to laugh about it. On Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m., the D.C. comedy troupe performs at the Fox Tucson Theatre to benefit the UArizona Hillel Foundation’s annual campaign. Tickets are $65 to $145 via foxtucson.com, and $180, which includes a $90 donation to the Hillel Annual Campaign, at uahillel.org.

Lots More Comedy

Thursday, Feb. 13, improv showcase for Improv 101 and 201 at 7:30 ($5), and a free public improv jam at 8:30, TIM Comedy Theatre (Tucson Improv Movement), and standup

Friday, Feb. 14, standup with The Amazing Cop Comic Jim Perry with locals Chris Haughton and Allana Erickson-Lopez, 7 p.m., Coyote Trail Stage, 8000 N. Silverbell Rd. ($10); long-form improv with Harold Team Alpha and The Dating Scene at 7:30 p.m. ($5) and The Soapbox at 9 p.m. ($7) at TIM Comedy Theatre (TIM)($10 for both shows). Family-friendly improv with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed (NBOJU) at 7:30 p.m. and Freeform Friday at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8).

Saturday, Feb. 15,  improv with The Laugh Tracks and Game Show Show at 7:30 p.m., and Standup 101 Showcase and The Dating Scene at 9 p.m. at TIM ($7, both shows for $10, $2 off with Cat Card). Family-Friendly Improv with NBOJU at 7:30 p.m., and House Team Double Feature at 9 p.m., Unscrewed Theater ($5 and $8).

Free Open Mics

Sunday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m., The O, and 8 p.m., Chuckleheads in Bisbee.
Monday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., Comedy at the Wench,
The Surly Wench Pub.
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:45 p.m., Neighborhood Comedy, The Music Box Lounge.
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., The Screening Room; 8:30 p.m., The Mint; 9:30 p.m., The Rock.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m., Laffs Comedy Caffe and 8:30 p.m., Rockabilly Grill.

Blood Road. Summit Hut is honoring ultra-endurance mountain bike athlete Rebecca Rusch by screening the 2017 documentary Blood Road. This Emmy-winning film follows Rusch’s search for answers surrounding her father’s death in the Vietnam War, as she bikes the 1,200 miles of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Rusch and her Vietnamese riding partner Huyen Nguyen ride through the dense jungles of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to reach the crash site and final resting place of Rusch’s father. This screening even includes a Q&A with Rusch after the film. 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. Screening begins at 7 p.m. 5251 E. Speedway Blvd. $15. Ticket proceeds benefit The “Be Good” foundation, Rusch’s 501c3, which supports the Mines Advisory Group in their efforts to remove unexploded ordnance from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Parish specialty dinner. The Parish, known as “Tucson’s only Southern Fusion Gastropub,” is celebrating the head brewer of 1912 Brewing Company with a specialty four-course dinner. Featuring the delicious work of Chef Travis Peters, this dinner also includes two 1912 craft beers: the Sour de Salle peach sour and the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Gose with strawberries from California Giant Berry Farms, rhubarb, Mexican vanilla, and hints of graham crackers. Head over to The Parish for a blend of local beer and Southern cooking. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. 2045 N. Forbes Blvd. $40.

Second Annual San Diego Take Over. Craft, A Modern Drinkery is celebrating “America’s Finest City” by hosting four breweries out of San Diego. This second annual event features multiple one-off brews and collaborations, such as the Super Mario Tart kettle sour from Pizza Port Brewing, the Viking Space Probe double IPA from Stone Brewing, the Thimble Country lager from Modern Times Beer, and the Marine Dream hazy IPA from Coronado Brewing Co. Molecular Munchies food truck will also be on site dishing out food to go along with your beer. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. 4603 E. Speedway Blvd.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Advanced screening). The Loft Cinema presents an advanced screening of a historical drama about the “forbidden affair” between an aristocrat and the woman commissioned to paint her portrait. This is the latest film by French director Céline Sciamma (Tomboy, Girlhood). The film was the first directed by a woman to win the “Queer Palm” award at the Cannes Film Festival, and was also a contender for the Palme d’Or. The film will be presented in French with English subtitles. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. $10. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Regular screenings begin Friday, Feb. 28.

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