Día de los Muertos Exhibit
ONGOING
Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens will be presenting its Dia de los Muertos Exhibit starting in late August through early November. The display will feature pieces from artists that reflect both traditional and contemporary celebrations of the holiday that have become ingrained in Tucson’s history and cultural heritage. On Aug. 26 and Aug. 28, the exhibit was accompanied by a Curator Talk with director of arts James Schaub.
Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens & Galleries, 7366 N Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, free admission, 10 a.m., tohonochul.org
Signs of Community
ONGOING
Jorge Ruiz is a former architect based in Tucson who now dedicates his time to creating miniatures. His artwork focuses on depicting the sights of his hometown in Nogales — old-fashioned buildings and structures. “Signs of Community” is Ruiz’ first museum exhibition.
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for museum admission and additional information, visit theminitimemachine.org
‘The Cake’
TO SEPT. 21
The Invisible Theatre’s “The Cake” explores faith, family and the complicated ties that bind when a small southern bakery becomes the center of an unexpected cultural clash. The Invisible Theatre production brings fresh emotional nuances. The Invisible Theatre’s community partner for this production is Tucson’s Senior Pride. A portion of the proceeds will go toward its work in the community.
Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Avenue, Tucson, $45, various times, invisibletheatre.com
Dragonfly Festival
SEPT. 18 TO SEPT. 30
Through the end of September, the Sonoran Institute will engage the community in learning about the dragonflies that live along the Santa Cruz River. The Dragon Fly Festival includes various events and workshops across downtown Tucson and Marana, including the community science bioblitz, a dragonfly craft session and several tours at the Mission Gardens — all hosted by local experts.
Various locations along the Santa Cruz River, free admission, various times, for information on all events, visit sonoraninstitute.org
Chastity Brown
SEPT. 18
Chastity Brown is an Americana-soul artist, who is also inspired by folk and blues. Brown will perform at Rialto Theatre’s 191 Toole on Thursday, Sept. 18. Her setlist includes songs from her album titled “Sing to the Walls,” including the titular track “Sing to the Walls,” “Wonderment,” “Golden” and “Like the Sun.”
191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Avenue, Tucson, tickets start at $29, doors open at 7 p.m., rialtotheatre.com
‘Silent Sky’
SEPT. 19 TO OCT. 12
Live Theatre Workshop presents “Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson, a show that explores the life and work of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. She is credited with illuminating the cosmos and changing the course of science. Through the comedic and heartfelt retelling of Leavitt’s story, the play highlights the power of perseverance and untold stories of women in STEMM.
Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, tickets start at $27. various times, livetheatreworkshop.org
Community Art Fest
SEPT. 20
The Southern Arizona Artist Guild hosts the Community Art Fest on the third Saturday of the month. Local artists lead the event, engaging patrons in an arts and crafts workshop. This session’s craft is yarn-wrapped sticks embellished with beads and feathers to be displayed on a wall or placed in a vase.
SAAG Gallery at La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, Space 141, Tucson, free admission, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., southernarizonaartsguild.com
Story of Steam Pump Ranch
SEPT. 20
Discover the story behind Steam Pump Ranch before it became town property — and the effort it took to bring its historic buildings back to life. This exhibit highlights the vision, persuasion, and countless hours of work by volunteers and town staff who preserved this community treasure. Also, be part of the “Be Our Ranch Guest” collaboration with other nonprofits, Gap Ministries will be on site also from 9 a.m. to noon collecting new or gently used shorts and pants (sizes 6 to 16) for kids in foster care.
Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, free, 9 a.m. to noon, orovalleyaz.gov
Oktoberfest
SEPT. 20
Residents are invited to Casa Marana to celebrate German heritage during its Oktoberfest celebration. The event features authentic German food and beer, games, a costume contest and live music performances. Additionally, the vendors market will run from 3 to 6 p.m., and tattoos will be offered from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. A complete event schedule is available online.
Casa Marana, 8225 N. Courtney Page Way, Suite 191, Marana, free admission, casamarana.com
El Tour Loop de Loop
SEPT. 20
El Tour Loop de Loop is a cycling event around the Chuck Huckleberry Loop with an after party. Cyclists have the opportunity to meet with various nonprofit partners and sponsors. After the ride has concluded, the team will host an after party at Rillito Park Racetrack, from 10 a.m. to Noon. The celebration will feature live music, food, drinks and various prizes for a raffle.
Rillito Regional Park, 4502 N. 1st Avenue Tucson, admission is free, 7 a.m. to Noon, eltourdetucson.wpenginepowered.com
Autumn Equinox Tour to Los Morteros amd Picture Rock Petroglyphs Sites
SEPT. 22
The Old Pueblo Archeology Center presents the Autumn Equinox Tour to Los Morteros and Picture Rocks Petroglyphs Sites. Archeologist Allen Dart is the tour guide, leading the group to Los Morteros — an ancient village site where petroglyphs include a solstice and equinox calendar marker that depicts dancing humanoid figures. The purpose of the tour is to celebrate Equinox Day by exploring the ancient people’s recognition of calendrical events.
Old Pueblo Archeology Center, departing near Silverbell Road and Linda Vista Boulevard, $45, $36 for center members, 8 to 11:30 a.m., oldpueblo.org
The Gold Basin Adventure
SEPT. 24
Twink Monrad, a board member and longtime supporter of the society, will give a presentation at the Oro Valley Public Library about The Gold Basin Adventure in Mohave County. One might expect to find gold in an area called Gold Basin, but there were other treasures there. This exploratory group also discovered meteorites, some of which Twink will bring to her presentation. Her colleague, Larry Lebofsky, will discuss the findings. He is a senior education and communication specialist with the Planetary Science Institute, a member of the Education and Engagement Advisory Board with the Vatican Observatory Research Group, and on the Council of Advisors with the Vatican Observatory Foundation.
Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive, Oro Valley, free, 1 to 2 p.m., orovalleyaz.gov