Tucson has never had a shortage of places to lose yourself in art, music, dance or theater — and this fall is no exception. From the intimate 80-seat house at Invisible Theatre to the grand restored marquee of the Fox, from classical ballet to border-rooted storytelling to contemporary dance in a converted YMCA, the city’s arts scene is as eclectic as the city itself. Here’s your guide to what’s happening this season.
Theater
THE ROGUE THEATRE
A Doll’s House
By Henrik Ibsen
Adapted by Amy Herzog
Directed by Cynthia Meier
Sept. 4–27, 2026
The classic 19th-century drama is streamlined into sharp, contemporary dialogue that highlights Nora’s awakening. Preserving Ibsen’s core themes of autonomy, marriage and societal constraint, Herzog’s adaptation makes Nora’s struggle for self-liberation immediate and urgent.
All My Sons
by Arthur Miller
directed by Christopher Johnson
Oct. 30–Nov. 22, 2026
Arthur Miller’s modern tragedy tells the story of an American businessman and his family caught in the discovery that he sold defective aircraft engines to the military during World War II. The plays asks us to consider the dark underbelly of capitalism.
Equus
by Peter Shaffer
directed by Cynthia Meier
Jan. 8–31, 2027
A psychiatrist in a provincial English hospital takes on the assignment of treating a 17-year-old boy who has blinded six horses with a spike. An unsettling mystery story, the play incorporates stunning theatrical devices to tell the story elegantly through actors playing the horses with sculptural heads. A disturbing blend of sex, delusion and religion.
UA SCHOOL OF
THEATRE, FILM & TELEVISION
The Rocky Horror Show — Oct. 11–25, Marroney Theatre
Just in time for spooky season, UA TFTV brings the cult classic to the Marroney Theatre. A fully staged production by graduate directors and student performers — these performances will prove to be especially poignant in the wake of Tim Curry’s passing.
Stop Kiss — Nov. 15–Dec. 6, Tornabene Theatre
Diana Son’s quietly devastating play follows two women in New York City who fall in love — and the violent incident that changes everything. A tender, important story, staged in the intimate Tornabene Theatre.
BORDERLANDS THEATER
Barrio Stories 10 Year Celebration
With plays by Elaine Romero, Martin Zimmerman, Milta Ortiz, Veronica Weatherbie, Chanel Bragg, Marc David Pinate and Lydia Otero
Directed by Julian Cardenas
Nov. 12–15, 2026
Tucson Convention Center – Alva B. Torres Plaza
Blame of Thrones
A Chicano Murder-Mystery Dinner Theater
Written and directed by Jonathan Heras
Jan. 28–31, 2027
Borderlands Theater at El Pueblo Center
Tradition Turned on Its Head
Dinner murder-mystery theater, à la Chicano, is back by popular demand. Blame of Thrones returns with telenovela-style theatrics, family drama, a side of mal ojo and plenty of laughs. This wildly entertaining evening invites audiences into a world where secrets are served with dinner, drama is always on the menu, and everyone has something to hide.
BROADWAY IN TUCSON
The Who’s Tommy — Oct. 20–25, 2026 — Centennial Hall
In 1969, The Who created a rock opera that changed the course of music history. And now, it’s back in a dazzling all-new production that feels more relevant than ever. Myth and spectacle combine in this fresh reinvention that includes the unforgettable anthems “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “The Acid Queen” and “Pinball Wizard.”
Elf The Musical — Nov. 10–15, 2026 — Centennial Hall
“Elf The Musical,” inspired by the hit film, is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, who embarks on a journey to New York City and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Bluey’s Big Play — Nov. 17–18, 2026 — Centennial Hall
This is “Bluey’s Big Play, For Real Life.” When Dad feels like a little bit of time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.
Hadestown — Dec. 4–6, 2026 — Centennial Hall
Welcome to “Hadestown,” where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, this acclaimed new musical by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today… and always.
A Magical Cirque Christmas — Dec. 11–12, 2026 — Centennial Hall
For more than five spectacular holiday seasons, “A Magical Cirque Christmas” has captivated fans and welcomed families, making it part of their seasonal celebrations.
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Neverland: The Lost Shadows — Oct. 1–4 — Pima Community College West Campus Center for the Arts
In this original work written and performed by Pima Theater students, and directed by Chris Will, the story of Neverland continues after Peter Pan and the Darlings have returned to London.
Frankenstein’s Monster — Oct. 22–Nov. 1 — Pima Community College West Campus Center for the Arts
Written and directed by Maryann Green, this fresh approach to the classic gothic horror story brings new humanity to the Creature and greater depth to the women in Victor Frankenstein’s life.
DANCE
BALLET TUCSON
Steps Forward — Sept. 11, Berger Performing Arts Center
Ballet Tucson opens its 40th anniversary season with a contemporary showcase spotlighting the company’s range and its resident dancers. A first look at the bold season ahead.
Spirit Garden — Oct. 23–25, Temple of Music and Art
Choreographer Chieko Imada’s gorgeous Día de los Muertos tribute returns, set to music by Tucson’s own Calexico and guitarist Misael Barraza-Diaz with artwork by Lawrence Lee. One of the most distinctly Tucson evenings in the city’s fall arts calendar.
The Nutcracker — Dec. 18–20, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
The annual holiday tradition from Ballet Tucson. A perennial draw for families and first-time ballet audiences alike, staged with the full company at the Music Hall.
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA DANCE
Jazz ‘N’ AZ — Oct. 6–8 — Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
A one-hour celebration of jazz dance, Jazz ‘n’ AZ features high-energy performances by faculty, students and guest artists.
Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase — Oct. 9–11, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
The UA Dance Ensemble brings high-energy jazz, tap and contemporary works to the Stevie Eller stage, alongside invited collegiate companies competing in the invitational concert. Scholarship auditions are also open to prospective UA Dance students.
ZUZI! DANCE
Mapping the Moment — Oct. 24 — Arizona Dance Hall — Arivica, Ariz.
No Frills Dance Happenin’ — Nov. 1 — ZUZI! Theater at the Historic Y
ZUZI!’s beloved open-mic for movement artists returns — an informal, welcoming showcase where Tucson’s dance community shows work in progress, finished pieces and everything in between.
Frida Kahlo: Blood and Gold — Nov. 21 — Tucson Botanical Gardens
ZUZI! Dance returns to Frida Kahlo: Blood and Gold, the work that first premiered at ZUZI! Dance Theater in 2012, and brings it into the open air of the Tucson Botanical Gardens for two performances in a single day.
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Fall Dance Concerts — Dec. 4–5 — Pima West Campus Center for the Arts
Dance lead Julie Andrews guides Pima Dance students in delivering captivating performances.
MUSIC
TUCSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Symphony Showcase — Sept. 19, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Music Director José Luis Gómez presents a curated preview of the 98th season — a first look at the year’s programming before the full run of concerts begins.
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto — Sept. 25–27, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
The TSO opens its fall concert season proper with one of the most beloved works in the orchestral canon. Friday evening and Sunday matinee performances available.
Latin Sizzle — Oct. 23 and 25 — Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
José Luis Gómez welcomes Alexis Cárdenas (violin), Jorge Glem (the Venezuelan ukulele-like cuatro venezolano) and Elvis Martínez (the Mexican guitar-like bajo) for the third installment of ¡Fiesta Latina! celebrating the music of Venezuela.
Beethoven Triple Concerto — Nov. 13 and 15 — Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Trio con Brio’s performances of Beethoven’s too-rarely encountered tour-de-force, the Triple Concerto, have captivated audiences everywhere.
Howdy Tucson! Music of the Southwest — Nov. 21 — Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
The newest TSO chapter of pops programming. The selection of songs has been carefully crafted by TSO’s new Principal Pops Conductor Evan Roider; composers who have been inspired by the unique landscape of Arizona and the rich cultural history of the region.
ARIZONA ARTS LIVE
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: The Hard Road Tour — Sept. 18, Rialto Theatre
The Grammy-winning blues guitarist returns to the Rialto after selling it out last year. Ingram’s raw guitar work and commanding stage presence have made him one of the most exciting live acts in music today. Don’t sleep on this one.
Fiesta del Maíz — Sept. 26, Kennedy Park, Free
An annual free community celebration honoring the cultural legacy of maíz in the Sonoran Desert. This year’s headliner is Los Apson, one of the most beloved banda and cumbia acts in the history of Mexican popular music. Food, artisan vendors, art installations and a genuinely great evening — at no cost.
FOX THEATRE
José González: Against the Dying of the Light Tour — Sept. 17
The Swedish-Argentine singer-songwriter and guitarist brings his hushed, arresting folk to the Fox for an intimate evening. For fans of sparse, emotionally precise songwriting.
The Righteous Brothers — Oct. 11
The legendary duo performs an evening of their iconic catalog — Unchained Melody, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ and decades more.
Direct From Sweden: The Music of ABBA — Oct. 30
A full ABBA tribute concert straight from Stockholm, performed by Swedish musicians in full regalia. Dancing queens welcome.
Laurie Berkner: The Greatest Hits Solo Tour — Nov. 8
The beloved children’s musician brings her solo greatest hits show to the Fox. A morning performance — bring the small ones.
The Fab Four: A Hard Day’s Night Tribute — Nov. 28
One of the most acclaimed Beatles tribute acts in the world recreates the iconic 1964 album in full. Mop-tops, Rickenbackers and all.
RIALTO THEATRE
The Wailers — Sept. 10
Protege — Sept. 11
Get the Led Out — Sept. 22
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra — Oct. 5
The Wallflowers — Oct. 6
Toadies and Local H — Oct. 8
Ingrid Michaelson — Oct. 9
Jonathan Van Ness — Oct. 11
Hannibal Buress — Oct. 17
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Fall and Music Showcase — Oct. 18 — Pima West Campus Center for the Arts
Experience an afternoon immersed in the melody, harmony and rhythm of Pima’s diverse music ensembles.
FILM & LECTURE
ARIZONA ARTS LIVE
Ancient Beacons Long for Notice — Oct. 28, Marroney Theatre
Houston-based artist and filmmaker Dario Robleto presents the third installment of his trilogy exploring the Golden Record — the gold disc attached to NASA’s Voyager probes in 1977 containing sounds and images of Earth. The film weaves together space exploration, the first recorded sounds of warfare and the ethics of how humanity chooses to represent itself. Q&A with Robleto follows.
THE LOFT TUCSON
Loft Film Fest 2026 — Nov. 11–16 — The Loft
Celebrating its 16th year in 2026, the Loft Film Fest (located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona) is dedicated to showcasing the best independent, foreign and classic films, as well as celebrating the work of established and emerging directors, writers, producers and actors.
EXPERIENCES
ZOOcson
Reid Park Zoo, Fall 2026
Reid Park Zoo’s signature after-hours social fundraiser returns — an evening under the stars with Tucson’s best restaurants, specialty cocktails, live music and animal ambassador visits. Premium Experience tickets include early entry and animal encounters. Date and tickets at reidparkzoo.org.
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
4th Avenue Merchants Association, Dec. 11–13
The Avenue’s beloved biannual block party closes out the year with three days of artists, craftspeople, live music and food vendors transforming Fourth Avenue into an open-air festival. Free and open to all.
ZUZI! Fall Open House Week
ZUZI! Dance, Sept. 7–10, ZUZI! at the Historic Y
Preview ZUZI!’s full fall class schedule — aerial trapeze, modern, contemporary and ballet — for free during open house week. A welcoming entry point for anyone curious about the city’s most community-centered dance space.
