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. 

Tubac, Arizona

from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee were not only two of the most well-known abstract artists in the early 20th century but were also legendary teachers at the Bauhaus School in Germany in the 1920s. This talk will explore their unique approaches in connecting visual compositions, architectural designs, and musical arrangements.

• $5 for Members
• $10 for Non-Members

For more information, please visit this link. 

Sonoita, Arizona 

from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sonoita Vineyards invites Arizona wine lovers to celebrate the 48th Annual Blessing of the Vines with the official blessing taking place at Noon.

Held at 290 Elgin Canelo Road, this beloved annual tradition welcomes guests for a full day of wine, community, and celebration. Attendees can enjoy tastings of the latest releases from local wineries, live music, and delicious food.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona 

from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County invites the community to take part in its Shred-A-Thon: Paper & E-Waste Recycling Fundraiser at the Tubac Community Center, 50 Bridge Road, Tubac, Arizona. 

This community-focused event offers a safe, secure, and environmentally responsible way to dispose of confidential documents and recycle unwanted electronics, all while supporting local youth programs.

Tubac, Arizona 

from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Discover the rich history and culture of the Tohono O’odham, whose deep connection to the Sonoran Desert spans generations of agriculture and tradition. Join Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan of the Tohono O’odham Nation—Education Liaison for Kitt Peak National Observatory and instructor at Tohono O’odham Community College—as she shares her community’s enduring knowledge and heritage.

For more information, please visit this link.

San Rafael Valley, Arizona 

from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Arizona State Parks invites the public to an Arizona250 celebration at San Rafael Ranch Historic District. Enjoy self-guided tours, exhibits, and a 10 AM Important Bird Area dedication while exploring Arizona’s ranching and conservation legacy.

For more information, please visit this link.

Patagonia, Arizona 

from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

With unique arrangements and a deep respect for the rich traditional music of Mexico and Latin America, these super talented musicians who make up Grupo Arizona pay homage to the original composers while performing their works with amazing creative flair.

This is a new foray into the world of classical fusion. Mark your calendar for this event.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Rio Rico, Arizona

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

The Rio Rico Rotary Club invites the community to Community Days on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 389 Avenida Coatimundi. Enjoy a free pancake breakfast, carnival games, dunk tank, tug-of-war, live music, food vendors, raffles, and family fun for all ages.

Community Days is open to all ages and designed to celebrate connection, service, and fun in the heart of Rio Rico.

Nogales, Arizona

from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Join the community for the annual Charles Mingus Jazz Festival! Presented by Santa Cruz Advocates for the Arts, this free event celebrates jazz with live performances by Borderline 7 Dixieland Band, Rio Rico High School Jazz Band, Apache Jazz Ensemble, Jazzology, and NHS Alumni Jazz.

Held at OneAZ Credit Union in Nogales, the festival offers an afternoon of vibrant music, local talent, and cultural celebration in honor of jazz legend Charles Mingus.

Tubac, Arizona

from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Join public historian Alex La Pierre for this presentation featuring Arizona's own architectural style and original air conditioning unit, the adobe Sonoran Row House.

This presentation will uncover the origins of the Adobe Sonoran Row House, explore examples and their qualities, discuss their historic preservation as well as explain the efforts to make Tucson's Barrio Viejo a National Historic Landmark.

For more informtion, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona

from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Stretching 850 miles from Utah to Mexico, the Arizona Trail highlights how climate change is transforming the Southwest. In fall 2025, Arizona Republic reporter Joan Meiners biked the entire trail, documenting impacts and solutions alongside scientists, tribes, and local experts. This free program is made possible by AZ Humanities; space is limited. Park admission not included.

For more informtion, please visit this link.

Nogales, Arizona

from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County hosts its 45th Annual Fiesta at Palo Duro Golf Course in Nogales. 

Enjoy food, beer, live music, and an auction. Proceeds support local youth programs.

Guests are encouraged to gather their friends, enjoy great entertainment, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of local youth. For tickets and more information, call (520) 287-3733.

Rio Rico, Arizona

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

Families can experience free fishing, outdoor activities hosted by local partners, a guided nature walk, and special appearances by Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Fishing poles and bait will be available for registered participants, and a variety of food trucks will be on-site with options for purchase.

This family-friendly event offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and spend quality time together. 

Patagonia, Arizona

from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us at Borderlands Nursery & Seed on Saturday, April 25, from 8 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. 

Nogales, Arizona

from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This exciting event features a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run, along with a community health fair. The race begins and ends at the OS3 Youth Center on Morley Avenue, guiding participants through a scenic route along the Nogales border area with water stations and support along the way.

Open to runners, families, and spectators, this event promotes health, wellness, and community spirit for all ages.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona

from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Route 66 is one of North America’s most iconic highways, famous for roadside diners, historic hotels, and quirky attractions. It also holds remarkable space heritage, passing birthplaces of space pioneers, astronaut training sites, centers of exploration, the world’s best-preserved asteroid impact site, a famous UFO sighting, and museums celebrating its cosmic legacy.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Patagonia, Arizona 

from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Our Benderly Concert series 2025-2026 ends with the quartet of Elaine Chao, Juan Mejia, Rafael Lizama and Fanya Lin, presenting a thoughtfully curated program – the muse and the artist – two works by life long devoted friends, Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms, whose mutual respect and admiration became legendary.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Nasib Karam Park, Nogales, Arizona 

from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The community is invited to celebrate Fiestas de Mayo on May 2, 2026, at Karam Park on Morley Avenue.

Hosted by the City of Nogales, the Consulate General of Mexico in Nogales, and the Cultural Arts Committee of Nogales, this vibrant event will feature live music, delicious food, and the crowning of the queen.

With free admission, attendees can enjoy an evening of culture, entertainment, and community celebration.

Patagonia Lake State Park, Arizona 

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

Celebrate more than 30 years of music, culture, and fun at the Mariachi Festival at Patagonia Lake State Park! 

Join the festivities on May 16, 2026, from 9 AM to 6 PM for a day filled with vibrant mariachi performances, folkloric dancers, delicious food vendors, and Arizona wines. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Patagonia Lake while experiencing the rich traditions of mariachi music.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Nogales, Arizona 

from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Nogales International Film Festival (NOGAIFF) returns with support from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Film Tucson, Santa Cruz County, and regional partners. 

Presented by the Southern Arizona Film Society, the festival features its signature Film on the Fence experience, projecting films on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border, uniting communities through art. 

For more information, please visit this link. 

Rio Rico, Arizona 

at 6:00 p.m.

Guest speaker Dr. Hunter M. Claypatch presents “The Precolonial Archaeology of Rio Rico,” exploring thousands of years of human history in Rio Rico and Santa Cruz County, highlighting key sites, discoveries, and ways the community can support preservation.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Patagonia, Arizona 

from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us at Borderlands Nursery & Seed on Saturday, July 18, from 8 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. 

Tumacacori, Arizona 

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

Join us for an informative class to learn about all things related to running and managing a native plant nursery, such as propagating native plants from both seeds and cuttings, seed and plant sourcing, plant lists, dormancy, mechanical scarification, temperature stratification, transplanting, pot sizes for retail vs. restoration needs, irrigation, soil type, timelines, and more. 

For more information, please visit this link. 

Patagonia, Arizona 

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

Join us for an informative class to learn about all things related to running and managing a native plant nursery, such as propagating native plants from both seeds and cuttings, seed and plant sourcing, plant lists, dormancy, mechanical scarification, temperature stratification, transplanting, pot sizes for retail vs. restoration needs, irrigation, soil type, timelines, and more. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.