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
2026 Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Championships
APRIL 1 through APRIL 4
The University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics will be hosting for the first time the 2026 Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Championships at McKale Center at ALKEME arena. The top 12 men’s teams in the country and top 4 women’s teams are competing for the championships. All tickets get in and out privileges to all games every day.
McKale Center at ALKEME arena, 1721 E. Enke Drive, Tucson, $28 per adult while 18 and under are free, various times, adaptiveathletics.arizona.edu
Old Pueblo Playwrights
APRIL 2 through APRIL 5
The Old Pueblo Playwrights (OPP) are presenting their 37th annual new play festival with eight original works by seven Tucson playwrights at the Invisible Theater. The OPP is a writers’ group that is geared for both beginners and experienced playwrights. The goal of Old Pueblo Playwrights is to help dramatists learn and succeed at their craft. They hold a New Play Festival every year to showcase the plays their members have been working on, sometimes through many rewrites and we occasionally hold other public performances as well.
The Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, $28-$30, various times, invisibletheatre.com
The ART of Giving Back
APRIL 4
The ART of Giving Back is an opportunity to purchase original art. Beginning at 11am on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at the Tucson Symphony Center, the sale features a wide variety of creations from over 20 artists. 20% or more of all sales will benefit local non-profits Emerge, Tihan and Sister Jose’s. Local jewelry designer Barbara Farmilant founded the ART of Giving Back in 2025 as a way to help organizations that need funding to continue to serve those in need. Participating artists feel strongly about helping their community in the way they know best – through their art.
Tucson Symphony Center, 2175 N 6th Avenue, Tucson, free admission, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., theartofgivingback.com
Everyone Runs Half Marathon & 5.3 Mile Trail Race
APRIL 4
Everyone Runs is presenting an event at Catalina State Park where there are two races: the half marathon and 5.3 miler. Participants will start and finish at the park trail-head and travel the trails of this magnificent park, including the “92 and 48 Stair Climb.” The half marathon is two loops of the 5.3 mile course and an out-and-back on the Bridal Trail. Registration includes your shirt, free race photos, free breakfast, and 5-year age group awards.
Catalina State Park, 11570 North Oracle Road, Oro Valley, various prices, 7:00 a.m. start time, everyoneruns.net
Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer
APRIL 8
Bassists Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer will meld McBride’s jazz and R&B fusion with Meyer’s bluegrass and classical sensibilities for a performance of new compositions as well as timeless, American standards. Christian McBride is a nine-time Grammy-winning bassist, composer and bandleader. He is the artistic director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the TD James Moody Jazz Festival and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Meyer is the winner of numerous awards, including a 2002 MacArthur Award, and is the first bassist to receive the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Avery Fisher Prize.
The Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, various prices, 7:30 p.m. start time, foxtucson.com
Agave Heritage
Festival: Agave Planting
APRIL 9
Mission Garden will be planting agave, inspired by Indigenous plantings on Tumamoc Hill. These agave plants will provide food for bat pollinators and may even become part of a future festival’s agave roast. No experience is needed, and families are encouraged to join. Participants will be provided all tools and gloves — just bring long pants and a hat for sun protection.
Mission Garden, 946 W Mission Lane, Tucson, free admission, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., missiongarden.org
Spirit of Sonora
APRIL 10
Spirit of Sonora is a community gathering of the Agave Heritage Festival, celebrating the living heritage of the Sonoran Desert and its agave cultures. This free, open-air event highlights bacanora alongside a wide range of agave-based products that reflect agave’s deep integration into regional life. Through tastings, music, presentations, vendors and hands-on activities, Spirit of Sonora invites the community to experience agave culture, ecology and creativity in one shared space. The evening features agave tastings, screen printing, desert conservation leaders, and local makers.
Jácome Plaza, 101 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, free admission, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., agaveheritagefestival.com
2026 Gootter-Jensen
Foundation Grand Slam Dinner
APRIL 10
The Gootter-Jensen Foundation will host its 2026 Grand Slam Dinner on Friday, April 10 at 6:00 p.m. at The Westin La Paloma Resort, marking 21 years of lifesaving impact in the fight against Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2026 Gootter-Jensen Philanthropic Award to G.S. Jaggi and Reema Jaggi, recognized for their exceptional generosity and lasting contributions to the Southern Arizona community. Tickets to attend the Grand Slam Gala are $350 per person and include Cocktails, Dinner, and Silent Auction, Live Music. Sponsorship packages are also available.
The Westin La Paloma Resort, 3800 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, $350 dollars per person, 6:00 p.m. start time, gootterjensen.org