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
Nightfall
OCT. 30 to NOV. 1
Through November, The Nightfall festival at Old Tucson will be available, featuring scary entertainment, attractions, craft cuisine and creepy cocktails. Mary Hyde will take on a new form as the Demon Queen, with the power to summon a terrifying army of demons from the underworld. On Thursdays, ticket prices are discounted to $29.
Old Tucson 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, $44 for adults, $39 for children, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., oldtucson.com
Día de los Muertos Exhibit
OCT. 30 to NOV. 2
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
‘Moriarity’
OCT. 30 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 Watson 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
Naama: From This Moment On
OCT. 30
Naama is a New York City Vocalist who indulges in jazz music. She will perform at the century room, showcasing a collection of songs from her album, “Dream with Me.” Critics have praised Naama’s music, noting its sensitive interpretation and crisp phrasing. The vocalist’s discography and performances celebrate human connection, while exploring the impact of dreams — big and small.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Suite 1811, Tucson, $20 to $30, 6:30 p.m., hotelcongress.com
‘Magic in the Moonlight’
OCT. 31
Ballet Tucson presents “Magic in Moonlight,” a mainstage-season-opening performance of dynamic dancing, drama and theatrics. The show will feature various performances, including Paul Gibson’s “Piano Dance” and “Sense of Doubt,” as well as Chieko Imada’s “Phantom of the Opera” — inspired by the novel and silent film. The end of the performance will feature the “Clair de Lune” and “Black Swan” pas de deux — the former being choreographed by Margaret Mullin.
The Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue, Tucson, tickets start at $32, various times, ballettucson.org
Day of the Bread
OCT. 30
This year marks the 4th annual Day of the Bread celebration, slated to take place at The Monica. The bread bazaar and benefit commemorates Día de Los Muertos with food, drink and various activities. Food options include various fresh breads, pastries, cocktails, mocktails and cuisine from an array of local restaurants. As this year’s beneficiary, the University of Arizona Garden School program connects the city’s students with Tucson’s agricultural legacy.
The Monica, 40 E. Congress Street, Suite 150, Tucson, tickets start at $100, 6 to 9 p.m., schoolgardens.arizona.edu, themonica.com
Skip Heller’s Voodoo
5: All Hallow’s Eve
OCT. 31
Skip Heller’ Voodoo 5 is a group that blends noir jazz and exotica with haunting rhythms and melodies. The group will perform at The Century Room, featuring a festive soundtrack for All Hallow’s Eve. Vocalist Lena Marie Cardinale will join the band in delivering eerie grooves and cinematic sounds — evoking classic horror films and back-alley speakeasies.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Suite 1811, Tucson, tickets start at $25.24, 6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m., hotelcongress.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
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