Best Gallery
Philabaum Glass Gallery
2840 E. Skyline Drive, Tucson
520-884-7404
philabaumglass.com
Philabaum Glass Gallery invites art lovers to discover contemporary handmade glass from more than 70 nationally recognized artists. Located in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills, the gallery offers striking blown, fused, flameworked and sculptural creations, from distinctive jewelry and gifts to statement-making collectible works for the home.
Reader Recommended
DeGrazia
6300 N. Swan Road, Tucson
520-299-9191
degrazia.org
Etherton Gallery
340 S. Convent Avenue, Tucson
520-624-7370
ethertongallery.com
Best Art Museum
Tucson Museum of Art
140 North Main Avenue, Tucson
520-624-2333
tucsonmuseumofart.org
Discover art, architecture and Tucson history at the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. Located downtown, the museum showcases nearly 12,000 works spanning more than 3,000 years while inviting visitors to explore rotating exhibitions and historic buildings, including the mid-1840s La Casa Cordova.
Reader Recommended
The Mini Time Machine Museum
of Miniatures
4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson
520-881-0606
theminitimemachine.org
Center for Creative Photography
1030 N. Olive Road, Tucson
520-621-7968
ccp.arizona.edu
Best Visual Artist
Joe Pagac
520-490-2794
joepagac.net
Bring bold, imaginative art to your space with Tucson artist Joe Pagac. Known for large-scale murals blending surrealism with Sonoran Desert inspiration, Pagac transforms buildings, stages and private spaces with his distinctive style. His talents also extend to fine art and custom illustrations for clients.
Reader Recommended
Jessica Gonzales
jessicagonzalesart.com
Diana Madaras
3035 N. Swan Road, Tucson
520-615-3001
madaras.com
Best Movie Theater
The Loft Cinema
3233 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson
520-795-0844
loftcinema.org
Discover something different at The Loft Cinema, Tucson’s nonprofit destination for independent, foreign, classic and documentary films. With three screens, including 35 mm and 70 mm projection, The Loft delivers a distinctive moviegoing experience alongside exciting festivals, live events and engaging filmmaker Q&As.
Reader Recommended
RoadHouse Cinemas
4811 E. Grant Road, Tucson
520-209-2728
roadhousecinemas.com
Galaxy
100 S. Houghton Road, Tucson
888-407-9874
galaxytheatres.com
Best Art Classes
Sonoran Glass School
633 W. 18th Street, Tucson
520-884-7814
sonoranglass.org
Discover the art of glassmaking at Sonoran Glass School, Tucson’s hands-on nonprofit glass arts education center. Beginners and experienced artists can explore glassblowing, torchworking, kiln-fusing and coldworking through classes and workshops. Make Your Own Experiences invite visitors to create personalized glass art with expert guidance.
Reader Recommended
Drawing Studio
2760 N. Tucson Boulevard, Tucson
520-620-0947
thedrawingstudio.org
Arizona Institute of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson
520-883-3024
desertmuseumarts.com
Best Musical
Instrument Store
Chicago Music Store
Multiple locations
chicagomusicstore.com
Make some noise at Chicago Music Store, serving Tucson musicians since 1919. Shop a wide selection of new and used instruments, audio gear and accessories, or take advantage of rentals, lessons and repairs. From beginners to seasoned performers, every musician can find something here.
Reader Recommended
Bookman’s
6230 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson
520-748-9555
bookmans.com
Instrumental Music Center
7063 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson
520-733-7334
imc-az.com
Best Theater Company
Gaslight Theatre
7010 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson
5208869428
thegaslighttheatre.com
Enjoy an unforgettable night of laughs at Gaslight Theatre, entertaining Tucson since 1977. Catch musical comedy melodramas, Westerns, sci-fi spoofs and holiday favorites in an intimate theater setting. Complete the experience with pizza, popcorn and root beer floats served right at your table.
Reader Recommended
Arizona Theatre Company
330 S. Scott Avenue, Tucson
833-282-7328
atc.org
Rogue Theatre
300 E. University Boulevard, Tucson
520-551-2053
theroguetheatre.org
Best Author
Lydia Milet
lydiamillet.net
Discover the thought-provoking work of Tucson-based author Lydia Millet, whose award-winning writing explores nature, society and human relationships with sharp wit and environmental insight. A 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Millet has built an acclaimed literary career spanning novels, essays and opinion writing.
Reader Recommended
Byrd Baylor
byrdbaylor.org
A.J. Flick
facebook.com/writerAJFlick
Best Dance Studio
Ballet Tucson
200 S. Tucson Boulevard, Tucson
520-903-1445
ballettucson.org
Discover the joy of dance with Ballet Tucson, offering classes for children and adults in ballet, jazz, contemporary and tap. With an emphasis on strong technique and artistic expression, dancers can develop their skills while enjoying performance opportunities and engaging community programs.
Reader Recommended
Breakout Studios
5811 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson
520-275-1085
breakoutstudios.online
Viva Performing Arts
3708 S. 16th Avenue, Tucson
520-544-9543
vivaperformingarts.com
Best Dance Company
UA School of Dance
1713 E. University Boulevard, Tucson
520-621-4698, dance.arizona.edu
Take your passion for dance further at the University of Arizona School of Dance, where professional training meets academic study. Explore ballet, modern and contemporary dance through degree programs and community classes, while experiencing dynamic performances featuring talented students and guest artists.
Reader Recommended
Ballet Tucson
200 S. Tucson Boulevard, Tucson
520-903-1445
ballettucson.org
ZUZI!
650 N. Sixth Avenue, Tucson
520-629-0237
zuzimoveit.org
Best Outdoor Art
Installation
Joe Pagac’s Murals
520-490-2794
joepagac.net
Experience Tucson through the colorful murals of local artist Joe Pagac. Inspired by the Sonoran Desert, his large-scale works transform public spaces with surreal scenes featuring native wildlife, plants and vibrant sunsets, bringing the beauty and character of the desert to life.
Reader Recommended
Ben’s Bells
40 W. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson
520-622-1379, bensbells.org
Jill Rosenzweig Memorial
Sculpture Garden at the Tucson
Jewish Community Center
3800 E. River Road, Tucson
520-299-3000, tucsonjcc.org
Best Music School
School of Rock
6586 E. Grant Road, Tucson
833-887-7625
schoolofrock.com
Turn up the volume at School of Rock, where students of all ages and skill levels can build confidence through music. Performance-based programs combine private lessons, group rehearsals and live concerts, giving aspiring musicians hands-on experience with rock, pop and contemporary styles.
Reader Recommended
Tucson Jazz Institute
3233 S. Pinal Vista, Tucson
520-514-0935
tucsonjazzinstitute.com
Chicago Music Store
Multiple locations
chicagomusicstore.com
Best Place to Donate Your
Time and/or Money
Community Food Bank of
Southern Arizona
3003 S. Country Club Road, Tucson
520-622-0525
communityfoodbank.org
Celebrating 50 years of fighting hunger, the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona serves communities across five counties with emergency groceries and much more. Its programs include prepared meals, culinary job training, community gardens, nutrition education and support for local growers, helping address hunger and its underlying causes.
Reader Recommended
PACC
4000 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson
520-724-5900
pima.gov
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
635 W. Roger Road, Tucson
520-327-6088
hssaz.org
Best Mariachi Band
Pueblo High School
Mariachi Band
520-440-3200
mariachiaztlandepueblohs.com
Celebrate Tucson’s musical heritage with the Pueblo High School Mariachi Band. Founded in 1992, the acclaimed student ensemble showcases authentic mariachi traditions and skilled musicianship under director John Contreras, giving young performers opportunities to strengthen their musical talents while connecting with cultural traditions.
Reader Recommended
Las Azaleas
520-381-9771
lasazaleasmusic.com
Desert View High School Mariachi Band
4101 E. Valencia Road, Tucson
520-545-5100, susd12.org
