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. 

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. 

Nogales-Santa Cruz County, Arizona

from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Celebrate culture, remembrance, and community during the 13th Annual Santa Cruz County Día de los Muertos Altar Tour, presented by the Nogales–Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and community partners.

This cultural experience invites visitors to explore meaningful Día de los Muertos ofrendas created by participating businesses, schools, nonprofits, organizations, and community partners.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona 

Starting at 5:00 p.m.

Tubac Center of the Arts hosts an opening reception on Friday, November 6, at 5 p.m. The International Society of Experimental Artists (ISEA) brings its annual INNOVATIONS Exhibition and Symposium to Arizona for the first time. Also featured are original works by five outstanding Members’ Open award winners and Shay Lopez’s Homegrown Eclectic exhibition, showcasing mobiles, paintings, sculptures, and wearables.

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. 

Nogales, Arizona 

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

Get ready for a day of wings, wheels, and community fun at Copper Mountain Air’s first-ever Wings & Wheels event! Explore cars, motorcycles, and airplanes on display while enjoying activities for all ages.

The event will feature raffles, a flight simulator, games, local vendors, and more. Bring the family, explore the displays, discover aviation, and enjoy a community event celebrating a passion for flight.

For more information: (520) 287-9120.

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. 

Tubac, Arizona 

Starting at 5:00 p.m.

Tubac artist David Simons, a self-taught artist, will explain how he studied and strived to master both watercolor and oil painting. He will discuss his approach and methods, as well as the joy he experiences while painting.

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 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Local artists have only 90 minutes to create a completed work of art for the charity auction to benefit the Tubac Center of the Arts Hi-Art Program. This program encourages and supports area high school students interested in exploring fine art. A live auction by famed professional auctioneer Gary Corbett will take place at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit this link.

Rio Rico, Arizona 

Starting at 2:00 p.m.

The Rio Rico Historical Society invites the community to a special presentation featuring award-winning author and historian Doug Hocking.

Discover the story of the Butterfield Overland Mail, which carried transcontinental mail to San Francisco beginning in 1858. Hocking will explore the challenges, bravery, and history of the mail route as it traveled through Chiricahua Apache Country.

Free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit this link.

Tubac, Arizona 

Starting at 5:00 p.m.

The Cucaracha is a brave woman soldier who leads a group of similar women into the fray against the forces of the Villa colonel, Zeta. Free to the Public - suggested donation of $10. Concessions will be provided. Limited seating, please reserve in advance. Optional: Bring your own chair!

For more information, please visit this link. 

Tubac, Arizona 

Tis' the Season! The perfect opportunity to shop locally and support the arts. Don't miss this wonderful event just in time for the holiday season!

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.

Rio Rico, Arizona

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

This festive, family-friendly celebration brings the community together for an afternoon and evening filled with holiday cheer, live music, local vendors, delicious hot cocoa, and activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy a special appearance by the Grinch, explore local shopping opportunities, and experience the joy of the season as Rio Rico comes together for its annual Christmas tree lighting.

Celebrate the season, support local, and make memories!

Tubac, Arizona 

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

Experience the magic of the holiday season during this beloved annual tradition, held the first Friday and Saturday in December! The Historic Village comes alive with the warm glow of beautiful luminarias, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages. 

Enjoy delicious seasonal treats, shopping, live music, and entertainment while exploring the charming shops and galleries. 

Nogales, Arizona 

Starting at 6:00 p.m.

Downtown Nogales will sparkle with holiday cheer as the Christmas Light Parade brings the festive spirit of “Nogiville” to life! Families and friends are invited to enjoy an evening of dazzling lights and community celebration. 

Make plans for a magical holiday evening in the heart of Nogales! 

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.