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
Dragonfly Festival
SEPT. 25 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
‘Where Words Once Were’
SEPT. 25 to OCT. 12
Finegan Krukemeyer’s play, “Where Words Once Were,” is set in a dystopian world where language is rationed to 1,000 approved words. The protagonists Alli and her son Orhan lead a normal life until the words “I think I see a city that rues words” are plastered on the wall over Alli’s bakery. As the city begins a manhunt for the perpetrator, the story’s hero, Orhan, discovers that a single word can change the world.
The Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre, 738 N. 5th Avenue, Suite 131, Tucson, $38 for adults, $35 for seniors, $25 for students, teachers and theatre artists, various times, scoundrelandscamp.org
Make & Take Fall Container Garden
SEPT. 26
At this garden event, patrons can grow seasonal flowers or food. A local garden teacher will help guests to choose plants and soil that are well suited to the desert. Various containers will be available to choose from to match each participant’s style. Because the class will take place outdoors in the stables or pole barn, patrons should wear closed-toed shoes and bring water.
Heritage River Park Brad DeSpain Stables, 12375 N. Heritage Park Drive, Marana, $50, $40 for residents, 6 to 8 p.m., discovermarana.org
‘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
Oktober Foodie Fest
SEPT. 27
Tucson Foodie and CORBETT’S will host its Oktoberfest celebration — an evening of food, drinks, live music and fun. The event will feature authentic German cuisine paired with locally-produced craft beers and polka music performed by the Musik Meisters. Activities include the classic German stein-holding contest, bratwurst toss, polka limbo and best-dressed competition — featuring contestants donning dirndls and lederhosen. Admission includes entrance and beer samples from participating breweries.
CORBETT’S, 340 N. 6th Avenue, Tucson, $25, 6 to 11 p.m., corbettstucson.com, oktoberfoodiefest.eventbrite.com
Butterfly Magic
OCT. 1
Daily through next year, the Tucson Botanical Gardens will open its tropical butterfly house. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., patrons can see over 30 species of butterflies at the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion. For the course of the season, the gardens will feature over 100 species of butterflies along with tropical plants and orchids. Botanical Gardens staff and veterans will be nearby as well to answer any questions guests may have.
Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, included with general admission, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., tucsonbotanical.org
Nightfall
OCT. 2
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
Fall Southern AZ Home Show
OCT. 3 to OCT. 5
Fall Southern AZ is the region’s largest home show, featuring over 200 home improvement, interior design and outdoor living professionals. “America’s Test Kitchen” cooking experts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davison will be on site as well. Tucson artist Ignacio Garcia will work on a large-scale painting, while Iron Chef Tucson Anthony Dromgoole will share a delicious recipe. Other activities include informative presentations and demos, live entertainment and special rescue pet and artisanal market areas.
Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, $8 for adults, free admission for children under age 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., southernazfallhomeshow.com
Reptile and Amphibian Show & Sale
OCT. 4 to OCT. 5
The 23rd Annual Reptile and Amphibian Show and Sale will run from Saturday, Oct. 4, to Sunday, Oct. 5. Exotic reptilian animals, including snakes, lizards, tortoises, frogs and turtles will be on display in a 60,000 square-foot area. Cages, supplies, reptile art, jewelry, clothing and books will be available for purchase as well.
Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, free admission for children under 5, various times, tucsonreptileshow.com