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Tucsonians know all too well that April is really the last month you can enjoy the outdoors before the daytime temp has you cranking down your A/C thermostat. At this point, you may be wanting to fit in as many outdoor activities as you can.
Luckily, there’s always something to do around Tucson, so take advantage of the beautiful weather while it’s still comfortable. Here are just a few of our favorite events and things to do in April around the Old Pueblo.
Not looking to spend much money on an activity with the family? Well then, how does free sound? Because that’s how much it costs to get into the Tucson Folk Festival. This year is the 37th edition of the annual festival, and it promises to be as big and as grand as it ever has been.
There will be five stages with over 125 musical acts, which range from local performers to international headliners. The festival will run from April 1 until April 3.
Of course, because it’s free, it makes it far easier to bring in your own food. At most of the gated activity events the restrictions on what you can bring are a little more strict, but at the Tucson Folk Festival, you can bring in your own goodies, like a few eegee’s grinders and maybe an order of fries.
The Fox Theater is now over 90 years old, and if you haven’t caught a show at the theater you’re missing out. Few other theaters in the region have the same kind of southwestern charm and design. This year, there are a number of shows taking place throughout the month of April. The month kicks off with the music of trumpeter Chris Botti.
If you’re a fan of Sting you probably already know all about Botti, but if not, now’s the chance to catch him live in performance. On April 22, you can experience An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth, and then to close out the month there’s the Martha Redbone Roots Project as well as Keb’ Mo’.
There are also movie nights and other screenings that take place throughout the month, so even if you don’t want to pay the higher rates to take in a live performance, you can plunk down a few bucks to see a movie in the iconic theater. Check the Tucson Fox Theater website for additional updates, or to purchase tickets for the show of your choice.
This isn’t specific to April, but the second Saturday of every month transforms downtown and 4th Avenue into an all-day activity that has a little bit of something for everyone. You can grab a drink on one of the many local patios (many of the downtown and 4th Avenue locations do have special deals on Second Saturdays), or you can buy goodies from street merchants and arts and crafts shops.
The activities don’t stop there, as the specials for dinner and drinks continue well into the night. Even some of the local dance studios offer walk-in live group dance lessons, which is perfect for anyone that wants to learn some salsa or bachata steps. It’s also a solid way to get the night started before heading out for other activities.
There’s just something about taking in a ball game. The way the grass looks under the desert sun and how the crack of the bat brings everything to life. Sure it’s a metal bat in college, but that doesn’t diminish from the enjoyment.
Yes, metro Phoenix is the meca for spring training, but as of right now it doesn’t look like there’s going to be much of a spring training this year, so why not enjoy an Arizona game and grab an eegee after from one of the friendly eegee’s locations nearby?
Arizona’s softball team is also looking pretty good this year. Catch a game at the newer stadium on campus this April and cheer on every one of your Wildcat ballplayers.
This is the longest running film festival in Arizona, and it marks it’s 30th rendition this year. So if things are already starting to get a little too hot for you outside, don’t worry, because the festival takes place inside theaters around town, plus there are a few showings at night. During the festival you’ll be able to catch unique movies from around the world. It’s a great opportunity to catch a flick you likely wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
The festival runs from April 20 until April 30 with a number of viewing locations, including The Screening Room in downtown Tucson, Hotel Congress, as well as the Mercado Annex (over on the Westside). There will also be several other venues to host events, although these locations will be announced in the coming weeks.
If you’re interested and want to purchase tickets ahead of time, or find out more about what’s playing, check out the official Arizona Film Festival website.
Is there anything that can beat a local fair? There’s a simple thrill experienced walking through the fair grounds, taking in the arts and acts, the food and the games. It’s a great time for the entire family. This year, the Pima County Fair kicks off April 21 and runs until May 5.
You’ll find the same kind of rides, including a roller coaster and ferris wheel (which gives off the best view of the fair at night, when everything is lit up). The fair will have all of your favorite snacks and games, so make sure to stop by. The fair gates open 3 PM Monday through Friday, and 11 AM Saturdays and Sundays.
April is a beautiful time of year here in Tucson. There are so many things to see and do. While the temperature is starting to creep up it’s still comfortable most of the day. From movie showings at night to college baseball games in the early afternoon, there’s something for everyone. And if you want a restaurant that has something for everyone, stop by one of the many eegee’s locations here in Tucson.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before the game, want to take a few grinders to the outside screening, or would rather sit back and relax inside the restaurant with a frozen eegee, you’ll find something for the entire family. Enjoy eegee’s this weekend, the month of April, or really anytime.
