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
Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab
ONGOING
Through May 29, the University of Arizona is offering tours of the Mirror Labs. This world-class facility has revolutionized how the largest telescope mirrors on Earth are made enabling groundbreaking discoveries of the universe. The Mirror Lab is a place where expertise in physics, optics and advanced manufacturing happens and is all beneath the University of Arizona’s football stadium. Tours for the facility are offered Monday through Friday.
Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, 933 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, $25 for adults and $20 for students, various times, mirrorlab.arizona.edu
Tucson Pops Concerts Return
MAY 10 through MAY 24
The Tucson Pops Orchestra will present its 71st spring season of concerts beginning on Mother’s Day, May 10, at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park. The season opens at 7 p.m. on May 10, with additional Sunday performances on May 17 and May 24. The first half of the concert — on May 17 — will feature Toru Tagawa, who has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Tucson Repertory Orchestra since 2011 and the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Sierra Vista Symphony since 2016. The second half will feature Carly Cook who is a 16-year-old sophomore at Canyon del Oro High School and has studied the violin for ten years. Since 2022, Carly has been a member of the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra and also performs with the Tucson Repertory Orchestra.
DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, free admission, Start time at 7 p.m, tucsonpops.org
Faith in Film
MAY 16
Faith in Film is a film festival and screenwriting competition that takes place in historic downtown Tucson. The festival showcases Christian films and faith based films around the world of any genre and representing any religion. The aim is to forge a film festival and screenwriting competition that will launch the careers of faith based writers and filmmakers and facilitate established artists in transitioning into making faith based films.
The Screening Room, 127 East Congress Street, Tucson, $10 tickets, noon to 4 p.m., filmfreeway.com
Harley-Davidson Of Tucson
MAY 16
Harley-Davidson of Tucson is back for its grand reopening as people are asked to join in on the celebration. The day will be packed with community, free food and live music. They are partnering with the Foreign War Vets Motorcycle Association to make the day memorable for riders and supporters.
Harley-Davidson Of Tucson, 7355 N. I-10, E Frontage Road, Marana, free admission, 10:00 a.m., to 4:00 p.m., tucsonharley.com
Indigo Girls
MAY 16
The Fox Tucson Theatre is presenting the Indigo Girls’. Their eponymous major label debut released in 1989 sold over two million copies under the singles “Closer to Fine” and “Kid Fears.” Over a thirty-five-year career that began in clubs around their native Atlanta, Georgia, the Grammy-winning duo of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray has recorded sixteen studio albums (seven gold, four platinum, one double platinum), sold over 15 million records, and built a dedicated, enduring following.
Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress Street, Tucson, various prices, start time is 7:30 while theatre opens at 6:30, foxtucson.com
Tucson 5000 & Fitkidz Mile
MAY 17
The Tucson 5000 historically is one of the fastest 5Ks in the West. This USATF certified course provides the perfect opportunity for a 5K PR or run your first 5K on a course that is beginner friendly. This race has been a Tucson staple for over 20 years with 20+ of the current Arizona age records for the 5k being set at the Tucson 5000. The FitKidz Mile is a flat out and back course giving an opportunity to see your kids twice.
Gene C. Reid Park & Annex Fields, 900 S Randolf Way, Tucson, $35 registration, 6:45 to 9:00 a.m., runsar.org
Turquoise Trail Walking Tour
MAY 17
This walking tour covers much of the Turquoise Trail through the heart of downtown through the Barrio Streetscape. The tour then turns north on Church Avenue heading back to the Presidio Museum. This tour is a bit shorter than the full tour of the Turquoise Trail. Attendees learn about Tucson’s history while viewing some architectural gems. This tour is good for those who want a bit shorter tour than our 2.5-hour Turquoise Trail Tour. The tour begins and ends at the Presidio Museum.
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, non-member is $35 while member is $20, 10:00 a.m. to noon, tucsonpresidio.com