Friday, November 30, 2018
18 Great Things to in Tucson This Weekend: Nov. 30- Dec. 2
Reveille Men's Chorus Holiday Show. It's that lovely time of year where local performance groups are putting on holiday performances, just in time to ease all your holiday stress. The local men's chorus production this year is the "Island of Misfit Toys," which tells the story of a group of misfits who learn to accept themselves—and others—for exactly who they are. But it's not just wholesome and heartwarming. With barbershop, pop, opera, holiday and uncategorizable numbers, it's also a show that will leave you thoroughly impressed. 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1. 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2. Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. $20, or free for youth 23 and under. Details Here.
Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3. When Sergei Rachmaninoff was 24, his Symphony No. 1 was critically received, and it sent him into a four-year depression during which the pianist, composer and conductor—who started playing piano at age 4—didn't do much at all. The fact that he went on to compose this gorgeous symphony, one which he himself truly believed was good, is enough to make anyone feel hopeful. This evening at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra also features Khachaturian's Concerto-Rhapsody for Cello, with soloist Nicholas Mariscal, and the world premiere of In the Kingdom of Bells, by Scott Ordway. TSO commissioned the piece from Ordway, who is known for pairing artistic disciplines with humanistic themes. 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. And 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $21 to $86. Details Here.
Menace II Society. Part of Lower Arizona's bi-monthly "On the Reel" presentation dedicated to culture, The Screening Room is showing this 1993 drama film. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Menace II Society examines the life of a young black man hoping to escape the town he grew up in for hopes of a better life. Featuring a movie discussion with the audience. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. 127 E. Congress St. $7. Details Here.
Sugar Plum Tea 2018. Supporting Ballet Tucson means supporting their annual production of The Nutcracker, which means you definitely want to support Ballet Tucson. And they're making it super fun to do: At this tea, there's live holiday music, a silent auction, delicious treats and characters from The Nutcracker in attendance. You can get some holiday shopping done at their boutique full of gifts and stocking stuffers, and even enjoy a performance by the dancers. Singer and saxophonist Jeff Haskell and singer Katherine Byrnes are providing entertainment, and so is harpist (and graduate of both Julliard and the UA) Christine Vivona. 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Marriott University Park Hotel, 880 E. Second St. $75. Details Here.
The Music Man. If you know anything about The Music Man, you know the music man really isn't a music man at all—he's a con artist who rolls into River City, Iowa one summer with a plan to con the townspeople. More specifically, he offers to train young boys in the town to play instruments and form bands, then skips town with the money. He's done it plenty of times before, but this time is different, because there's a cute little boy with a lisp, a barbershop quartet and—as there is in most any musical—a love story. There's also these really great gossip townsfolk called the "Pickalittle Ladies" who are an awful lot like a flock of birds. Don't miss Arizona Theatre Company's production of this show. Sunday, Dec.2 through Sunday, Dec. 30. With shows at either 2 p.m., 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $46 to $76. Details Here
Asteroid Ahoy! It's not just the holiday season in Tucson—it's asteroid arrival season, because the UA-led NASA OSIRIS-REx mission is reaching a major milestone this Monday when it arrives at the asteroid Bennu. To celebrate, the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is hosting a whole weekend of festivities, including a presentation at 2 p.m. on Saturday by Bashar Rizk, the guy in charge of the mission's cameras; and a 2 p.m. Sunday talk by Dante Lauretta, the mission's principal investigator. Both presentations will be followed by a screening of the fulldome planetarium show "Asteroid: Mission Extreme." There's also hands-on activities and a board game signing by Lauretta (who designs board games in addition to leading NASA missions). 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2. Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. $4 GA, free science presentations and regular price for the planetarium shows: $8 adults and $6 kids. Details Here.
La Fiesta de Tumacacori. Do you ever think about how many different cultures have lived in and influenced Southern Arizona? Because it's a lot, and it's actually kind of overwhelming to think about. But at this event, it's fun to think about, because it involves Native American, Mexican and Southwest food, crafts and performances. There's demonstrations on everything from paper flower-making to tortilla-making to O'odham basket weaving! There's piñatas, games and prizes! There are dozens of nonprofit organizations selling food and hand-crafted items! There's nonstop entertainment! And there's a procession Sunday morning. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Tumacacori National Historical Park, 1891 E. Frontage Road, Tumacacori. Free. Details Here.
Orchestra Concerts at PCC. Pima Community College students and other adults in the Tucson community are coming together to perform this repertoire of classical music under the direction of Alexander Tentser. Tentser immigrated to the U.S. from the Ukraine back in 1990, earned his doctorate in musical arts at the UA and has been performing, educating and conducting ever since. The PCC's orchestra aims to educate the community about orchestral music and provide musicians with an opportunity to perform in a group setting. Take advantage of this fantastic (and affordable!) opportunity to not only learn a little bit about classical music, but to spend an evening with peaceful music in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $6, or $5 for students/seniors/military/PCC employees and groups. Details Here.
2018 Jingle Bell Run. Some things in life are unexplainable but true, and this is one of them: It's
easier to run a 5K wearing a Santa hat, with jingle bells tied to your shoes, than it is to run a 5K without being decked out in Christmas gear. It might be that the holiday spirit makes you feel a little bit lighter, or it might be that the rhythm of the jingle bells keeps you going, or it might just be magic. You'll feel even better running this race knowing you're raising funds and awareness to cure arthritis—America's number one cause of disability. 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to the Arthritis Foundation. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Gene C. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way. $20 to $35. Details Here.
Mini Cactus Bowls & Prickly Pear Margaritas. Do you like margaritas? Have you ever had a prickly pear margarita? Green Things will give you the chance to try it (if you haven't already) during their workshop dedicated to making your very own mini cactus bowl. Recipes will also be available to take home. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. 3384 E. River Road. $5 (plus cost of supplies). Details Here.
Rillito Park Farmers Market. Sometimes it's hard to find time for Christmas shopping because life's other responsibilities get in the way. How are you supposed to do laundry, cook dinner AND find the perfect gift for Aunt Mabel? Farmers markets can help you kill at least two birds with one stone, because you can get some of your grocery shopping done while you also pick out holiday treats and gifts from small local businesses that will be well-loved by the ones you love. Plus, the live music and the treats you can buy for yourself on the spot make for a shopping experience that's low on stress and high on fun. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Rillito Park Food Pavilion, 4502 N. First Ave. Details Here.
Brew Lights. The Reid Park Zoo and Craft Tucson are joining forces to provide "the hoppiest holiday event in southern Arizona." Brew Lights will allow you to enjoy your favorite local craft beer while admiring the thousands of twinkling lights and lighted animal displays. Food from Taste Catering and more fun activities will also be available in this family-friendly event. Prices vary depending on what you want to do. 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. 3400 E. Zoo Court. Details Here.
Cat Mountain Station Winter Art Fest. If you feel like you've exhausted all of your options for Christmas shopping in central/east-of-the-freeway Tucson (you probably haven't—the options are practically endless, and you should see our holiday gift guide for a tiny sampling of them), then try heading over to Cat Mountain Station for this event. Fine arts, crafts, jewelry, iron works and photography abound, and you'll be crossing names off of your "to-buy-for" list left and right. Cat Mountain is where it's at mountain. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Cat Mountain Station, 2740 S. Kinney Road. Details Here.
Arizona National Guard Muster. This rally honors not only the service and sacrifice of all Arizona veterans, but the 100-year anniversary of the end of WWI. Highlights include military static displays, a flyover by the Arizona National Guard, and the "muster"—a tradition dating back almost 400 years to when America's first colonial militia assembled. Arizona National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen will muster in formation on the field for review by Mag. Gen. Michael T. McGuire. And there's plenty else to enjoy too, including a car & motorcycle show, the 108th Army Band, tons of vendors and a children's play area. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium 2500 E. Ajo Way. Free. Details Here.
Sips for SaveTheSaveable.com Drink wine and save animals? Yes please. Help prevent unnecessary shelter deaths in this wine sipping event hosted by No Kill County, with a portion of the event fee going to the Save the Saveable campaign. If you end up buying three or more wine bottles, Arizona Wine Collective will also donate a portion of your purchase to the cause. 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. 4280 N. Campbell Road. #155. +21, $25. Details Here.
Rio Bravo (with special guests). Turner Classic Movies announced Tucson as the winner of the second "Bring TCM to your Hometown contest." As so, TCM will host a free screening of Rio Bravo at the Fox Theatre on in celebration of the 60th anniversary of its filming in Tucson. Star of the film and iconic actress Angie Dickinson will join TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz for a special introduction and for a meet and greet with fans. Dickinson, who worked alongside John Wayne and Dean Martin, plays Feathers in the movie. Hosted by TCM Backlot and Fox Tucson Theatre. 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. 17 W. Congress St. Free. Reserve online. Details Here.
The Incredibles 2 Drive-in. The Cactus Drive-In Theatre is back! Hop in your car and head down to the Tanque Verde Swap Meet's northwest lot for a screening of this Pixar sequel. This screening is to help the Cactus Drive-In afford land, a full-sized screen, and other equipment for a permanent drive-in movie theater. Vendors for food, drinks, and snacks will be on site. 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. 4100 S Palo Verde Road. $15 per vehicle. Details Here.
Send Us Your Photos:
If you go to any of the events listed above, snap a quick pic and message it to us for a chance to be featured on our social media sites! Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @tucsonweekly.
Events compiled by Brianna Lewis, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.
Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3. When Sergei Rachmaninoff was 24, his Symphony No. 1 was critically received, and it sent him into a four-year depression during which the pianist, composer and conductor—who started playing piano at age 4—didn't do much at all. The fact that he went on to compose this gorgeous symphony, one which he himself truly believed was good, is enough to make anyone feel hopeful. This evening at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra also features Khachaturian's Concerto-Rhapsody for Cello, with soloist Nicholas Mariscal, and the world premiere of In the Kingdom of Bells, by Scott Ordway. TSO commissioned the piece from Ordway, who is known for pairing artistic disciplines with humanistic themes. 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. And 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $21 to $86. Details Here.
Menace II Society. Part of Lower Arizona's bi-monthly "On the Reel" presentation dedicated to culture, The Screening Room is showing this 1993 drama film. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Menace II Society examines the life of a young black man hoping to escape the town he grew up in for hopes of a better life. Featuring a movie discussion with the audience. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. 127 E. Congress St. $7. Details Here.
Sugar Plum Tea 2018. Supporting Ballet Tucson means supporting their annual production of The Nutcracker, which means you definitely want to support Ballet Tucson. And they're making it super fun to do: At this tea, there's live holiday music, a silent auction, delicious treats and characters from The Nutcracker in attendance. You can get some holiday shopping done at their boutique full of gifts and stocking stuffers, and even enjoy a performance by the dancers. Singer and saxophonist Jeff Haskell and singer Katherine Byrnes are providing entertainment, and so is harpist (and graduate of both Julliard and the UA) Christine Vivona. 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Marriott University Park Hotel, 880 E. Second St. $75. Details Here.
The Music Man. If you know anything about The Music Man, you know the music man really isn't a music man at all—he's a con artist who rolls into River City, Iowa one summer with a plan to con the townspeople. More specifically, he offers to train young boys in the town to play instruments and form bands, then skips town with the money. He's done it plenty of times before, but this time is different, because there's a cute little boy with a lisp, a barbershop quartet and—as there is in most any musical—a love story. There's also these really great gossip townsfolk called the "Pickalittle Ladies" who are an awful lot like a flock of birds. Don't miss Arizona Theatre Company's production of this show. Sunday, Dec.2 through Sunday, Dec. 30. With shows at either 2 p.m., 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. $46 to $76. Details Here
St. Philip's Plaza Farmers Market. This local market took a little hiatus for the summer, but this fall it opened up with more variety, extended hours and live entertainment. Whether you're there to buy handcrafted pottery, local baked goods, a new plant, some fantastic spice blends, artisan jewelry or tonight's dinner, you can now do it to the beat of the live music, and for longer! (Don't worry, admission is still totally free). St. Philip's Plaza is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon anyway, but throw in the opportunity to support local art, get some holiday shopping in and treat yourself to a snack? You'd be a fool to miss it. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave. Details Here.
Asteroid Ahoy! It's not just the holiday season in Tucson—it's asteroid arrival season, because the UA-led NASA OSIRIS-REx mission is reaching a major milestone this Monday when it arrives at the asteroid Bennu. To celebrate, the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is hosting a whole weekend of festivities, including a presentation at 2 p.m. on Saturday by Bashar Rizk, the guy in charge of the mission's cameras; and a 2 p.m. Sunday talk by Dante Lauretta, the mission's principal investigator. Both presentations will be followed by a screening of the fulldome planetarium show "Asteroid: Mission Extreme." There's also hands-on activities and a board game signing by Lauretta (who designs board games in addition to leading NASA missions). 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2. Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. $4 GA, free science presentations and regular price for the planetarium shows: $8 adults and $6 kids. Details Here.
La Fiesta de Tumacacori. Do you ever think about how many different cultures have lived in and influenced Southern Arizona? Because it's a lot, and it's actually kind of overwhelming to think about. But at this event, it's fun to think about, because it involves Native American, Mexican and Southwest food, crafts and performances. There's demonstrations on everything from paper flower-making to tortilla-making to O'odham basket weaving! There's piñatas, games and prizes! There are dozens of nonprofit organizations selling food and hand-crafted items! There's nonstop entertainment! And there's a procession Sunday morning. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Tumacacori National Historical Park, 1891 E. Frontage Road, Tumacacori. Free. Details Here.
Orchestra Concerts at PCC. Pima Community College students and other adults in the Tucson community are coming together to perform this repertoire of classical music under the direction of Alexander Tentser. Tentser immigrated to the U.S. from the Ukraine back in 1990, earned his doctorate in musical arts at the UA and has been performing, educating and conducting ever since. The PCC's orchestra aims to educate the community about orchestral music and provide musicians with an opportunity to perform in a group setting. Take advantage of this fantastic (and affordable!) opportunity to not only learn a little bit about classical music, but to spend an evening with peaceful music in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $6, or $5 for students/seniors/military/PCC employees and groups. Details Here.
2018 Jingle Bell Run. Some things in life are unexplainable but true, and this is one of them: It's
easier to run a 5K wearing a Santa hat, with jingle bells tied to your shoes, than it is to run a 5K without being decked out in Christmas gear. It might be that the holiday spirit makes you feel a little bit lighter, or it might be that the rhythm of the jingle bells keeps you going, or it might just be magic. You'll feel even better running this race knowing you're raising funds and awareness to cure arthritis—America's number one cause of disability. 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to the Arthritis Foundation. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. Gene C. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way. $20 to $35. Details Here.
Mini Cactus Bowls & Prickly Pear Margaritas. Do you like margaritas? Have you ever had a prickly pear margarita? Green Things will give you the chance to try it (if you haven't already) during their workshop dedicated to making your very own mini cactus bowl. Recipes will also be available to take home. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. 3384 E. River Road. $5 (plus cost of supplies). Details Here.
Rillito Park Farmers Market. Sometimes it's hard to find time for Christmas shopping because life's other responsibilities get in the way. How are you supposed to do laundry, cook dinner AND find the perfect gift for Aunt Mabel? Farmers markets can help you kill at least two birds with one stone, because you can get some of your grocery shopping done while you also pick out holiday treats and gifts from small local businesses that will be well-loved by the ones you love. Plus, the live music and the treats you can buy for yourself on the spot make for a shopping experience that's low on stress and high on fun. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Rillito Park Food Pavilion, 4502 N. First Ave. Details Here.
Brew Lights. The Reid Park Zoo and Craft Tucson are joining forces to provide "the hoppiest holiday event in southern Arizona." Brew Lights will allow you to enjoy your favorite local craft beer while admiring the thousands of twinkling lights and lighted animal displays. Food from Taste Catering and more fun activities will also be available in this family-friendly event. Prices vary depending on what you want to do. 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. 3400 E. Zoo Court. Details Here.
Cat Mountain Station Winter Art Fest. If you feel like you've exhausted all of your options for Christmas shopping in central/east-of-the-freeway Tucson (you probably haven't—the options are practically endless, and you should see our holiday gift guide for a tiny sampling of them), then try heading over to Cat Mountain Station for this event. Fine arts, crafts, jewelry, iron works and photography abound, and you'll be crossing names off of your "to-buy-for" list left and right. Cat Mountain is where it's at mountain. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Cat Mountain Station, 2740 S. Kinney Road. Details Here.
Arizona National Guard Muster. This rally honors not only the service and sacrifice of all Arizona veterans, but the 100-year anniversary of the end of WWI. Highlights include military static displays, a flyover by the Arizona National Guard, and the "muster"—a tradition dating back almost 400 years to when America's first colonial militia assembled. Arizona National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen will muster in formation on the field for review by Mag. Gen. Michael T. McGuire. And there's plenty else to enjoy too, including a car & motorcycle show, the 108th Army Band, tons of vendors and a children's play area. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium 2500 E. Ajo Way. Free. Details Here.
Sips for SaveTheSaveable.com Drink wine and save animals? Yes please. Help prevent unnecessary shelter deaths in this wine sipping event hosted by No Kill County, with a portion of the event fee going to the Save the Saveable campaign. If you end up buying three or more wine bottles, Arizona Wine Collective will also donate a portion of your purchase to the cause. 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. 4280 N. Campbell Road. #155. +21, $25. Details Here.
Rio Bravo (with special guests). Turner Classic Movies announced Tucson as the winner of the second "Bring TCM to your Hometown contest." As so, TCM will host a free screening of Rio Bravo at the Fox Theatre on in celebration of the 60th anniversary of its filming in Tucson. Star of the film and iconic actress Angie Dickinson will join TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz for a special introduction and for a meet and greet with fans. Dickinson, who worked alongside John Wayne and Dean Martin, plays Feathers in the movie. Hosted by TCM Backlot and Fox Tucson Theatre. 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. 17 W. Congress St. Free. Reserve online. Details Here.
The Incredibles 2 Drive-in. The Cactus Drive-In Theatre is back! Hop in your car and head down to the Tanque Verde Swap Meet's northwest lot for a screening of this Pixar sequel. This screening is to help the Cactus Drive-In afford land, a full-sized screen, and other equipment for a permanent drive-in movie theater. Vendors for food, drinks, and snacks will be on site. 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. 4100 S Palo Verde Road. $15 per vehicle. Details Here.
Send Us Your Photos:
If you go to any of the events listed above, snap a quick pic and message it to us for a chance to be featured on our social media sites! Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @tucsonweekly.
Events compiled by Brianna Lewis, Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot and Jeff Gardner.
Tags: things to do , tucson events , holiday events , weekend , friends , family , fun , zoo , music , animals , film , movies , shows , theater , Image
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