Instars & Casbah Noir

ONGOING

Through late November, the Etherton Gallery is presenting the works of Jim Waid and Lawrence Gipe with Instars and Casbah Noir. Opening the 2025-2026 season, the exhibit features each artist’s exploration of landscapes, representation and cultural identity. The inclusion of these works speaks to the gallery’s interest in contemporary conversations and the voices of the southwest. Coupled with Alejandro Macias’ “In the Cases,” each of the three artists have deep ties with the University of Arizona School of Art. 

Etherton Gallery, 340 S. Convent Avenue, Tucson, free admission, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., ethertongallery.com

‘Moriarity’

NOV. 6 to NOV. 9

Ken Ludwig’s “Moriarity” is a comedic twist on classic “Sherlock Holmes” characters. In the Tony Award winner’s play — directed by Nancy Davis Booth — Holmes and Wattson are led into a high-stakes mystery of spies, blackmail and international intrigue after encountering a stolen letter. The dynamic duo teams up with Irene Adler to thwart the antagonist,  Professor Moriarity. The show stars Josh Parra, David Alexander Johnston, Alison Akmajian, Lori Hunt and Steve Wood — playing over 30 roles in this comedic adventure.   

The Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, tickets start at $25, various times, invisibletheatre.com

Dia de Los Muertos + Tribute to Frida Kahlo

NOV. 6 to NOV. 16

The De La Vega Gallery is celebrating Dia de Los Muertos and the life of the talented Frida Kahlo. Guests and other community members are free to contribute their own photos, mementos, and offerings to the Community Ofrenda. The local and regional artists’ installations feature paintings and sculptures that explore themes of memory, ritual and identity. On Saturday Nov. 8, Tucson-based dance company ZUZI! Dance will perform excerpts from “Blood and Gold” — inspired by Kahlo’s life and work.  

De La Vega Gallery, 1918 E. Prince Road, Tucson, free admission, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., delavegagallerytucson.com

Music and Morsels

NOV. 7

Music and Morsels is an event that features curated pairings of music and cuisine to the theme of “borderland.” The Fox Tucson Theatre partnered with Tucson City of Gastronomy to bring this event to life, with the theatre selecting the musicians and the culinary organization selecting the chefs. The evening will begin with Fox’s curated cocktails and mocktails, including the Prickly Patron Margarita and Sol de Sonora Mango Mule. 

The Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, $300, $500 for pairs, 6:30 to 10 p.m., foxtucson.com

Tunes Under the Moon

NOV. 7

Tucson Village Farm is hosting its Tunes Under the Moon event on Friday, Nov. 7. Attendees have the opportunity to listen and dance to live music under the starry night sky. Food will be available at the event as well, inviting families and friends alike to enjoy the evening. Patrons can bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs as well. 

Tucson Village Farm, 2201 E. Roger Road, Tucson, various pricing, 5 to 9 p.m., tucsonvillagefarm.arizona.edu

Fall Artisan Market

NOV. 8

Tanque Verde Market is bringing the Fall Artisan Market to the east side of Tucson, offering various handmade gifts, homemade goods and seasonal decor. Over 60 local artists, makers and curators will be in attendance, along with a live performance from Eugene Brown — a local musician. In addition Inflate Tucson will contribute a bounce house for the children.  

Tucson Country Day School, 9239 E. Wrightstown Road, Tucson, free admission, tanqueverdemarket.com

PlayPalooza

NOV. 9

The Play District is hosting its PlayPalooza family-friendly festival on Sunday, Nov. 9. The event will feature over 40 local vendors and organizations, free face painting, dance parties, a community craft project, live entertainment and meet-and-greets with various characters. PlayPalooza serves to celebrate Tucson’s families and small businesses alike, offering activities and appeal for all ages. 

Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, free admission, $8 unlimited rise bracelet, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., theplaydistrict.com  

Lea Salonga

NOV. 11

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, multiple-award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga will perform at The Fox Tucson Theatre. Perhaps best known for her Tony-winning performance as Miss Saigon, Salonga’s most recent achievements include the release of her latest album, “Sounding Joy,” and her role in the new musical, “Here Lies Love,” at the Broadway Theater. Additionally, she is the first Asian actress to perform the role of Eponine in the musical “Les Miserables.”   

The Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $56, 7:30 p.m., foxtucson.com

Barn Dance Fundraiser

NOV. 14

Tucson Village Farm’s Barn Dance Fundraiser features farm chili, beer and wine and dancing under the stars. For the less experienced, the team is including a line dancing lesson to get everyone started. The event will also feature performances from the Rillito River Band, as well as boots, denim and overalls crafted by local artists that will be up for auction. 

Tucson Village Farm, 2201 E. Roger Road, Tucson, $80.12, 6 to 9 p.m., tucsonvillagefarm.arizona.edu

Vailfest

NOV. 16

This year marks the 16th annual Vailfest by The Greater Vail Chamber of Commerce. Located at the Pima County Fairgrounds, the event offers 14 food trucks, raffle prizes, live music and entertainment, a parade, the kid’s Adventure zone and over 140 local and regional vendors. Tucson Dusty from the Roadrunner Hockey Team will be in attendance as well, taking photos. 

Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, free admission, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., greatervailchamber.com