Something Is Happening Here Every Season
Guided Birding Walks at Patagonia Lake State Park
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
Boat Tours at Patagonia Lake State Park
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
Explore Sonoita Creek State Natural Area with a Ranger
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.
Bird Walk at the Tubac Nature Center
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.
Thursday Hikes at the Tubac Nature Center
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.
Anza Trail Guided Walk
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.
Experience the Best of Santa Cruz County – 2026 Events & Festivals
Nogales Film Fest
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.
May 2026 General Membership Meeting for the Rio Rico Historical Society
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.
The Precolonial Archaeology of Rio Rico: Exploring Years of History
Rio Rico, Arizona
Starting at 6:00 p.m.
The Rio Rico Historical Society invites the community to a special presentation, “The Precolonial Archaeology of Rio Rico: Exploring the Past Several Thousand Years of Occupation Along the Santa Cruz,” featuring guest speaker Hunter M. Claypatch, PhD.
Attendees will learn about the rich archaeological history of Rio Rico and Santa Cruz County, including ancient cultural traditions, trade networks, and more.
For more information, please visit this link.
Sonora's Spirit: Bacanora Presentation
Green Valley, Arizona
from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dive into the distillation process of Sonora’s Sierra Madre with Borderlandia Director Alex La Pierre during this special presentation.
Borderlandia is a binational organization committed to building public understanding of the borderlands.
For more information, please visit this link.
City of Nogales Independence Day Celebration: America 250
Nogales, Arizona
from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
This patriotic community celebration will feature live music, fireworks, local vendors, food, drinks, and family-friendly entertainment honoring 250 years of freedom, unity, and independence.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to come together for an unforgettable evening celebrating community spirit and America’s 250th anniversary.
For more information, please visit this link or call 520-287-6571.
Monsoon Plant Sale
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.
Native Plant Propagation and Nursery Management Workshop
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.
Native Plant Propagation and Nursery Management Workshop
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.
111th Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo
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.
Sonoita Smash
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.
Fall Plant Sale
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.
Arizona Wine Founder’s Day Festival
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 Dia de los Muertos 2026
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.
Innovations 2026: ISEA International Juried Exhibition
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.