Welcome to Nogales-Santa Cruz County, where vibrant culture, rich history, & exciting events await!

Every Friday and Monday

Guided bird walks are back!​ Join park rangers at the Birding Trail kiosk (next to campsite #12) for a ranger-led hike to learn about the diverse avian wildlife at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek.

The event repeats each Friday and Monday at 9:00 a.m.​ For more information, please visit https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/events/bird-walk-patagonia​

Every Saturday and Sunday, $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under)

• 9 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
• 10:15 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
• 11:30 a.m. Lake Discovery Tour
• Twilight Tour on Saturdays only. Time varies.

Please call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791.

Boat rentals are available at the Patagonia Lake Marina. 

For more information, please visit https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/on-the-water/boating

Join us for this new program with weekly hikes ranging from moderate to advanced on the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area trails. Meet at the Sonoita Creek parking lot. 

Hikes are limited to 15 people. Please call the Visitor Center in advance at 520-287-2791 for information about which hike will be taking place and to sign up.

The Tubac Nature Center invites the community to join its weekly Bird Walk, held every Tuesday.

Participants meet at the Nature Center, 50 Bridge Road in Tubac, and sign in upon arrival. Birders of all experience levels are welcome, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Guided by knowledgeable leaders, attendees will explore local habitats while observing resident and migratory bird species in the area.

For more information, please visit this link.

The Tubac Nature Center hosts weekly Thursday Hikes, offering participants an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Tubac area.

Hikes typically meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise instructed, and registered participants receive weekly details by email. Each guided outing highlights local landscapes, wildlife, and seasonal changes while encouraging outdoor discovery and community connection.

For more information, please visit this link. 

The National Park Service invites the public to join a ranger-led Anza Trail Guided Walk at Tumacácori National Historical Park along the historic Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

Participants will meet in front of the mission church at 10:00 a.m. and walk toward the Santa Cruz River, following the same route traveled by the Anza expedition more than 250 years ago. The walk concludes around 11:30 a.m.

This easy 1–2 mile roundtrip hike takes place on uneven, unpaved surfaces. 

Sonoita, Arizona 

Starting at 10:00 a.m.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the Sonoita Labor Day Jr. Rodeo, where young cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in a variety of exciting rodeo events, including mutton bustin', steer riding, barrel racing, wild ass riding, and team roping.

Hosted at the Sonoita Fairgrounds, this family-friendly tradition highlights the next generation of rodeo talent and Arizona's rich Western heritage.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Sonoita, Arizona 

Starting at 10:00 a.m.

The community is invited to experience the excitement of the Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo, returning to the Sonoita Fairgrounds from September 5–7, 2026.

Hosted at the Sonoita Fairgrounds on Highway 83, the event brings together rodeo fans, families, and the community for a weekend celebrating western heritage, tradition, and entertainment in Southern Arizona.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Rio Rico, Arizona 

Starting at 5:00 p.m.

The Rio Rico Community Center invites the community to its Fall 2026 Bingo Nights for an evening of fun, prizes, and community connection. Guests can enjoy 15 bingo games, cash prizes, raffles, and concessions, with 3-game, 6-game, and 9-game bingo packages available.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m., the Early Bird Game begins at 5:45 p.m., and regular bingo starts at 6:05 p.m.

For more information, please visit this link.

Sonoita, Arizona 

Starting at 7:00 a.m.

Experience authentic ranching traditions at the 26th Annual Sonoita Ranch Rodeo & Ranch Horse Competition. Watch working cowboys and cowgirls showcase the skills they use every day on the ranch through exciting team competitions and ranch horse events.

Held at the Sonoita Fairgrounds, this annual event celebrates Arizona's ranching heritage and offers a weekend of Western action for the whole family.

For more information, please visit this link.

Noglaes, Arizona 

Starting at 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate Mexican heritage, culture, and community at Fiestas Patrias 2026 at Karam Park in Downtown Nogales. Under the theme “La Independencia Nos Une” (Independence Unites Us), the community is invited to come together for this special celebration honoring Mexican Independence and the rich cultural traditions shared throughout the border region.

Join the community for an evening celebrating culture, heritage, & binational friendship in the heart of Nogales.

Green Valley, Arizona 

Starting at 8:00 a.m.

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona invites the community to take part in Hunger Walk 2026 on Saturday, September 12. This family-friendly event brings together neighbors, friends, and local organizations to raise awareness and funds in the fight against hunger across Southern Arizona.

For more information, please visit this link.

Rio Rico, Arizona 

Starting at 6:00 p.m.

The Rio Rico Historical Society invites the community to a special presentation by guest speaker Dan Judkins, exploring the Anza family’s history in the Upper Santa Cruz River Valley from 1740–1760.

The presentation will explore Juan Bautista de Anza Jr.’s childhood, his mother María Rosa Bezerra Nieto, Rancho El Divisadero, and the family’s six ranches, six children, three mines, and store.

For more information, please visit this link.

Rio Rico, Arizona 

from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Triple Crown Events invites the community to the Fall Festival & Pet Adoption Pop-Up at Christus Rex Lutheran Church in Rio Rico.

Enjoy local vendors, delicious food, and pet adoptions in partnership with the Humane Society and Animal Care & Control. This family-friendly event celebrates local businesses while helping pets find their forever homes.

For more information, please contact (520) 841-3686.

Sonoita, Arizona 

Starting at 9:00 a.m.

This annual tradition will feature exciting fair attractions, livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. 

Families, visitors, and fairgoers of all ages are invited to enjoy a weekend of fun, tradition, and community in Southern Arizona.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Sonoita, Arizona 

Starting at 7:00 p.m.

Get ready for the 2nd Annual Sonoita Smash Demolition Derby on September 19, 2026! Start prepping your cars and trucks now for an action-packed day of crashing, competition, and community fun. Don’t miss this high-energy event at the fairgrounds—save the date and get ready to smash!

For more information, please visit this link. 

Santa Cruz River, Arizona 

from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Join the Sonoran Institute and local experts for a family-friendly adventure searching for dragonflies throughout Santa Cruz County as part of the Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival. No prior knowledge or experience is required, making this an enjoyable opportunity for participants of all ages to explore the outdoors and learn more about local dragonfly species. 

For more information, please visit this link. 

Patagonia, Arizona 

from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us at Borderlands Nursery & Seed on Saturday, September 26, from 9 AM to 2 PM, to shop our selection of native plants, organically grown from locally sourced seed, with vendors and music.

Enjoy a 10% discount on all plants and seeds, and a 20% discount for Restoration Partners & Founders Circle members. 

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona 

Starting at 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate island style at Tubac Jack's Annual Luau Party! Enjoy an evening of delicious food, live music, and tropical fun featuring a traditional pig roast buffet, limbo, and a performance by Los Nawdy Dawgs. 

Hawaiian attire is encouraged, and the band begins at 6:30 p.m.

Bring your friends and family for a festive night of great food, music, and aloha spirit.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Sonoita, Arizona

Starting at 9:00 a.m. 

The Sonoita Quarter Horse Show returns this fall under the production of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association (AzQHA), continuing AQHA's longest-running Quarter Horse Circuit.

The three-day event features Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) classes and a complete two-judge AQHA show, welcoming exhibitors and equestrian enthusiasts from across the region.

For more information, please visit this link. 

from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate the magic of fall in the Sky Islands with two days of art, music, food, and small-town charm. For more than 35 years, the Patagonia Fall Festival has welcomed visitors to Patagonia Town Park to enjoy over 120 artisan vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and delicious local flavors in the heart of Southeast Arizona.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Green Valley, Arizona 

Starting at 7:00 a.m. 

This exciting four-person scramble brings golfers together for a day of friendly competition while supporting the Real Wishes Foundation. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., followed by an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. Participants will enjoy green fees, a golf cart, and lunch as part of their registration.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Nogales, Arizona 

Starting at 6:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic School invites the community to Gala Night, an elegant evening dedicated to celebrating the school and its community. The event will be held at 207 W. Oak St., Nogales, AZ 85621. Guests are asked to RSVP by September 17, 2026, by calling (520) 287-2223 or emailing asuarez@diocesetucson.org. A formal invitation with additional details will follow.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Tubac Center of the Arts invites participants to explore their creativity during the Patchwork Pendant Workshop with Lyle Rayfield. Attendees will learn to create a unique patchwork pendant using bronze metal clay, experimenting with designs ranging from simple to intricate patterns.

All are welcome. Members: $125 | Non-Members: $140.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona 

from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Join the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County for the 16th Annual International Wine Festival, an evening celebrating regional flavors, live entertainment, and community spirit while supporting programs that make a difference in the lives of local children and teens.

For tickets or additional information, call (520) 287-3733 or  please visit this link.

Rio Rico, Arizona 

from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Explore the history and heritage of Santa Cruz County during the Rio Rico Historical Society’s 2026 Fall Bus Tour. This all-new itinerary features guided visits to the Rio Rico History Museum, Patagonia Museum, Bowman-Stradling History Center, and Empire Ranch, along with stops at historic monuments and lunch in Patagonia.

• Members: $69 | Non-Members: $89
• Lunch and the Empire Ranch donation are included.

For more information, please visit this link.

Rio Rico, Arizona 

from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Halloween meets horsepower at Nickel's Diner's 12th Annual Motor Classic Car Show!

The community is invited to Garrett's Plaza on Saturday, October 31. for a day of classic cars, local vendors, great food, and family-friendly Halloween fun. Guests can explore 60+ classic and custom vehicles, shop from 40+ vendors, enjoy a costume contest, and bring the kids for Trunk or Treat.

Car owners are encouraged to register their vehicles for $25.

Patagonia, Arizona 

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

Experience an afternoon of captivating flamenco guitar as Juanito Pascual opens the 2026–2027 Benderly Concert Series in Patagonia. Set inside the intimate Benderly–Kendall Opera House, this performance offers audiences an opportunity to enjoy exceptional musical artistry in one of Santa Cruz County's unique cultural venues.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona 

from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Día de los Muertos is a beautiful tradition that brings the community together to celebrate life and honor those who have passed. The day will include a procession through the village, altars, offerings, and a bonfire finale.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Sonoita, Arizona 

from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate the history and traditions of the American West at the 2026 Cowboy Festival at Empire Ranch. Surrounded by the sweeping grasslands of the Sonoita area, this annual event invites visitors to experience the historic Empire Ranch and connect with Southern Arizona's rich ranching heritage.

Additional festival details and programming are expected to be announced by the organizers.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Patagonia, Arizona 

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of music in the intimate setting of Patagonia's Benderly–Kendall Opera House as the Butter Quartet takes the stage as part of the 2026–2027 Benderly Concert Series.

The performance is part of a season showcasing artists and a wide variety of musical traditions. The historic and intimate setting of the Opera House provides a backdrop for experiencing chamber music in the heart of Patagonia. 

For more information, please visit this link. 

Sonoita, Arizona 

from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Welcome to the Arizona Wine Founder’s Day Festival! Join us November 14th, 2026 from 10am-5pm, for a day of fun, wine, and celebration at 290 Elgin Canelo Rd. Get ready to taste the latest releases from our local wineries, enjoy live music, and savor delicious food from our vendors. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts. 

For more information, please visit this link. 

Patagonia, Arizona 

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

Discover the artistry of Solistas de Sonora, a woodwind ensemble performing as part of the 2026–2027 Benderly Concert Series. Guests are invited to spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying live music inside Patagonia's intimate Benderly–Kendall Opera House.

The performance is one of several concerts throughout the season designed to celebrate artistry and create memorable cultural experiences in Santa Cruz County.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona 

from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The International Society of Experimental Artists invites submissions for Innovations 2026, its annual open juried exhibition celebrating creativity and innovation. Artists worldwide may enter June 1–30, 2026, for a chance to compete for $14,000 USD in awards. Selected works will be exhibited at the Tubac Center of the Arts in Tubac, Arizona, from November 6, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Awards announced December 4, 2026.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Takes place the first Friday and Saturday in December, lighting up the Historic Village with beautiful luminarias! Come enjoy delicious treats, shopping, music, and more.

Patagonia, Arizona 

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of piano and saxophone featuring Daniel Linder and Don-Paul Kahl at the Benderly–Kendall Opera House in Patagonia.

Part of the 2026–2027 Benderly Concert Series, the performance brings together two instruments in the Opera House's intimate setting, offering visitors another opportunity to experience live music and the arts while spending the day in Patagonia.

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The 68th Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts is a free event celebrating creativity, community, and inspiration! Join us for five exciting days of art, culture, and entertainment in Tubac, Arizona.

For more information, please visit this link.

Sonoita, Arizona 

Starting at 10:00 a.m.

Celebrate the holiday season surrounded by history and the beautiful grasslands of Southern Arizona during Christmas at the Empire Ranch. The historic Empire Ranch House welcomes visitors for a festive day featuring holiday cheer, shopping, and activities at the ranch.

The annual celebration welcomes vendors and nonprofit organizations and includes trail rides among its planned all-day activities. 

For more information, please visit this link.

Patagonia, Arizona 

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

Experience the sounds and musical traditions of the Americas with El Surco at the Benderly–Kendall Opera House. Featuring Folk Music of the Americas, the concert is part of Patagonia's 2026–2027 Benderly Concert Series.

Spend a December afternoon discovering music in an intimate venue while experiencing the arts and culture that make Patagonia a distinctive Southern Arizona destination. 

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Tubac Center of the Arts invites artists of all levels to “Can This Painting Be Saved?” with Barbara A. Mulleneaux. Participants can bring a challenging painting and discover ways to improve its composition, color, values, cropping, and overall impact.

All are welcome. Members: $185 | Non-Members: $200.

For more information, please visit this link.

Patagonia, Arizona 

Starting at 3:00 p.m.

Continue the holiday season with an afternoon of live music featuring the Aomori-Kang Trio at Patagonia's Benderly–Kendall Opera House.

The December 27 performance is part of the 2026–2027 Benderly Concert Series, which brings local and international musical artists to this intimate Southern Arizona venue. It's an inviting way to close out the year with music while enjoying a winter visit to Patagonia.

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Tubac Center of the Arts invites guests to explore the beauty of winter in art, from the landscapes of Pieter Bruegel the Elder to the snow scenes of Monet, Pissarro, and the Wyeths.

The presentation will also highlight breathtaking winter landscapes by lesser-known Japanese, European, and Russian artists, offering a fascinating look at how painters have captured the magic and mystery of the season.

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

Starting at 4:00 p.m.

The Tubac Center of the Arts invites artists to build confidence and spontaneity in plein air landscape painting. Using photo references and studio practice, participants will develop skills for painting on location while focusing on intentional choices in composition, values, and color.

The workshop is open to beginners and experienced plein air painters alike. 

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Tubac Center of the Arts welcomes the Redhouse Family Jazz Band, members of the Navajo Nation and widely known as Arizona’s First Family of Jazz. Their original music blends Latin, fusion, contemporary jazz, funk, and Traditional Native American influences, creating a dynamic performance rooted in culture, creativity, and spirituality.

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Tubac Center of the Arts invites artists of all skill levels to a watercolor workshop series focused on building confidence and developing a bold, expressive painting style. Through gestural brushwork, strong composition, and vibrant color, participants will learn to trust their instincts and strengthen their unique visual voice.

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Don't miss an unforgettable evening hosted by the Rotary Club of Tubac, celebrating the perfect pairing of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and lively entertainment! Tickets will be on sale at Tumacookery, Donna’s Salon, and Jane’s Attic beginning in March 2027.

For more information, please visit this link.