http://www.barriofestival.com/

Zombie Walk / October 13, 2012 / Facebook Page / TucsonZombies.com

April 14-15 Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona (DMAFB 2012 Open House)
featuring the USAF Thunderbirds and many many many others.

Free Parking and Free Admission

Photo Credit: WNG555 (flickr)

via t-local:

something for the kiddos. 

x-ladylex-o

TUCSON GEM & MINERAL SHOW
January 28 - February 12, 2012
All over the place, Tucson, AZ 

So what’s the fuss all about? It’s the world’s biggest gem and mineral show! 

What should I expect? I’ll be honest. It’s a lot of rocks. Pretty rocks. Ugly rocks. Massive and small rocks. Rocks that used to be animals. Rocks that used to be rocks. Rocks that were pulled from the deepest, darkest places from the other side of the planet. Rocks that you cannot possibly afford. And along with the rocks will be an international cast of travelers, sellers and buyers. At the TCC you can also hear lectures and view exhibits of gems/fossils from some of the finest collections in the world. 

Alright, I’m interested, so where do I go? Where don’t you go?! The word “biggest” is a bit of an understatement. This is not just some giant convention center show. Oh no! Along with that main show at the TCC you have hundreds of several smaller shows being housed out of many many other venues, including but not limited to hotels, parks, fields, warehouses, shops, vacant lots and more hotels.  The hotel shows tend to be the weirdest, as you will find yourself meandering in and out of foreign travelers private hotel rooms, where along with their luggage you can pry at their gleaming goods.  Hit up the link below to the event website for more details on exact locations.

All in all… the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show can by extremely overwhelming and over priced for the common citizen, especially at some of the more wholesale oriented venues, but it’s just one of those things you’ve got to try and experience regardless.  It’s such a huge event that brings so many people from all parts of the world, so to not take half a day to wander through those creepy hotel rooms of friendly smiles and shiny stones would be a waste of such a unique experience.  

More info at: TGMS.org / Photo by: kimmus122

4TH AVENUE WINTER STREET FAIR
December 9-11
4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ

You know the deal here.  A couple miles of 4th Ave blocked off with endless vendors, hippies, hobos, mediocre food stands, overpriced “art”, street musicians and all other things that give Tucson character, nestled amongst the great permanent fixtures that 4th Ave has to offer. 

More info at fourthavenue.org

(Photo source: erikajean)

WINTERHAVEN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
December 10-25 (Every Night 6-10 P.M.) 
Winterhave Community, Tucson, AZ

A community tradition for over 60 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is an array of homes within the small community lit spectacularly from foundation to chimney with holiday music in the background.  Many will line up for about a mile in their cars for a slow drive through the neighborhood, but I recommend parking outside the neighborhood and walking through it instead.  Just be sure to bundle up!  Keep in mind that the festival is also an important event for the neighborhood in that it doubles as a food drive for the Community Food Bank. Please bring a non-perishable food item if you can which will be collected by volunteers on-site. 

More info at WinterhavenFestival.org

(Photo source: sukay42)

REID PARK ZOO LIGHTS
December 2-11 (Thursday-Sunday, 6-8 P.M.) 
December 15-23 (Every Night, 6-8 P.M.) 
Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ

Bring your wish list for Santa and enjoy the nearly 10 miles of lights and decor stretching across the zoo in celebration of the holiday. Though live animals will not be on exhibit during this event you may be surprised by the good chance of falling snow!  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 ages 2-14.  Bring a donation of a new/unwrapped toy through December 11 and knock $2 off the admission price.  

More info at TucsonZoo.org

(Photo source: sukay42)