All Entries in the "Destinations" Category

Gem Show a Tucson Treasure

The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase began in 1955 as a small exhibition held at a local school. Now, more than 4,500 vendors bring some of the world’s finest gemstones, minerals, meteorites, fossils, beads and jewelry to the city each February.

Exhibits will be on display through Feb. 12 at the downtown Convention Center and at dozens of other sites throughout Tucson. Most offer free admission.

This year’s show spotlights Arizona minerals, in honor of the state’s centennial celebration.

For additional information, go to visittucson.org/visitor/events/gemshow.

–By Celeste Orendain

Crystals are on display at the 22nd Street gem show.

The white tents are a signature sign of the gem show, seen here at the show set up at Kino Stadium.

The Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show is best known for selling jewelry but it also showcases fossils, such as this dinosaur at 22nd Street show.

BEST BETS: Catch White Denim or comedy routine

LIVE MUSIC:

Feb. 15:

White Denim with My Empty Phantom at Plush, 340 E. Sixth St. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. 21+. $8 in advance/$10 at door. Details: plushtucson.com.

Thus far, February hasn’t offered much as far as live music gems go. However, White Denim should break that trend Feb. 15 at Plush.

To pin the group down in one classification would be a crime. Often the trio weaves a web of psychedelic and blues, then slaps together some bouncy and progressive riffs for good measure.

White Denim has the attitude and stage presence of a ‘60s garage jam band while remaining progressive with their lyrics and overall sound. Tracks range from lackadaisical acoustics rivaling Bon Iver to fast-paced, bass-ruffled ballads mimicking the surf-rock stoners Wavves.

They have the potential to creep in among your favorites.

Jesse Beaman makes up My Empty Phantom, a one-man exploration into post-rock ambience with heavy drums and catchy melodies. Don’t miss a decent night of new wave jams.

If you’re smart, pencil Lindy’s in after the show.

-Compiled by Kyle Wasson

MIC NIGHTS:

Whether you’re looking for the stand-up routine variety of humor or the kind that comes with setting music to inebriated warbles, we have you covered.

Laffs Comedy Cafe

2900 E. Broadway Blvd.

Laffs will host four upcoming nights of comedy performances.

Freddy Charles, who calls himself the “chameleon of comedy,” comes to Tucson Feb. 10 and 11.

Jose Sarduy and Tyler Boeh will co-headline on Feb. 17 and 18. Sarduy, a former Air Force officer, and Boeh, a beat boxing comic, have both won comedy competitions around the country.

Tickets for both sets are $10 for normal seating or $15 for preferred seating.

Want to take part in the action? Laffs offers an amateur night on Thursdays at 8 p.m. It’s free to sign up.

Check out their website at laffstucson.com.

Sky Bar

536 N. Fourth Ave.

If you’re hoping for a musical microphone experience, Sky Bar offers Wednesday Night Wonder, an open mic night every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to midnight. Watch what could be Tucson’s upcoming talent, and golf clap for the not-so-talented.

Sky Bar claims to have “all styles, all sounds” during these events. Their website boasts about a full PA system that enables the utmost in musical expression.

Bands are welcome, as are individual performers. Each participant is allotted 15 minutes. Sign up by calling 622-4300 or walk in to snag an empty time slot.

Check out the website at skybartucson.com.

KARAOKE:

Everywhere!

For those seeking a more casual musical experience, an assortment of Tucson bars and restaurants offer karaoke nearly every evening. Locations include May’s Counter, the Biz, Redline Sports Grill, the Bashful Bandit and Famous Sam’s.

YNot Entertainment lists songs, dates and locations at its website, ynotkaraoke.com.

-Compiled by Miki Jennings

SPRING FESTIVALS: History, art, rodeo await

By VANESSA AVILA

 History, renaissance fun, native art and rodeo traditions lead the list of upcoming festivities.

Fort Lowell Day

Feb. 11

Arizona’s centennial celebration takes on special importance at this year’s Fort Lowell Day, held annually to commemorate the 19th century fort’s importance to Tucson history.

Park free at Fort Lowell Park, 2900 N. Craycroft Road, to enjoy events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Highlights include a vintage baseball game at 10 a.m. and walking tours of historic neighborhoods from noon to 4 p.m. The Old Arizona Brass Band will perform songs from the 1800s at 2 p.m.

Visitors can watch cavalry drills, make adobe bricks or discuss history with re-enactors. A Sibley Army tent will be displayed.

For details, visit http://oldfortlowellneighborhood.org.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival

Feb. 11-April 1

The 24th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival just outside of Phoenix bills itself as a 30-acre medieval amusement park with 12 stages, a jousting tournament and craft booths.

The festival will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday from Feb. 11 through April 1. It will also be open on Monday, Feb. 20, the President’s Day holiday.

Parking is free. Admission is $22 with discounts available.

From Tucson, take Highway 70 to Florence Junction. Go west seven miles on Highway 60 to Festival Village. For more information, visit royalfaires.com/arizona.

Southwest Indian Art Fair

Feb. 18-19

The Arizona State Museum, 1013 E. University Blvd., hosts “Southern Arizona’s premier American Indian art show and market” with 200 native artists and their wares, a rug auction, performances, demonstrations and food. For more information, call 626-8381 or visit statemuseum.arizona.edu.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros

Rodeo Parade – Feb. 23

Rodeo – Feb. 18-21 and Feb. 23-26

The 87th annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros parade will start at 9 a.m. on Feb. 23. The parade begins at Park Avenue and Ajo Way, and proceeds south on Park to Irvington Road. Tickets for the Irvington Road grandstand cost $7 for adults and $4 for children under 13.

The rodeo will take place Feb. 18-21 and Feb. 23-26. Ticket prices range from $12 to $22. For details, visit tucsonrodeo.com or call 741-2233.

Pima Community College will cancel classes Feb. 23-26 due to the rodeo holiday.

From gems to art, festivals abound

By VANESSA AVILA

Every spring, a variety of Tucson-area festivals and celebrations fill the calendar. From a massive gem show to art festivals, there are events that appeal to everyone’s interests and schedule.

Arizona SciTech Festival – Jan. 25 – March 14

From Jan. 25 to March 14, numerous science and technology displays will take center stage at the statewide Arizona SciTech Festival. Events are free and are located in several areas. For more information, visit azscitechfest.asu.edu.

Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase – Jan. 28 – Feb.12

The largest gem show in the United States takes place Jan. 28 through Feb. 13 with more than 40 sites around town featuring mineral, gemstone, jewelry and fossil retailers. Most exhibits are free to the public and hours vary. See details at visittucson.org/visitor/events/gemshow.

Horse Racing at Rillito Park Race Track – Jan. 28 – March 25

Tucson’s landmark Rillito Park Race Track is the scene of live Quarter Horse and thoroughbred horse racing on weekends through March 25, excluding Feb. 4-5. Gates open at 11 a.m. and racing begins at 1 p.m. Rillito Park is located at 4502 N. First Ave. Admission to the clubhouse is $800, grandstand is $5 and children under 12 are free. For more details call 293-5011 or visit pima.countyattractions.com.

Lunar New Year – Feb. 4

The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center will ring in the Year of the Dragon with a family festival featuring traditional Chinese arts, crafts, performances and food. Festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road. Admission is $1. For details, visit tucsonchinese.org or call 292-6900.

Tubac Festival of the Arts – Feb. 8-12

The 53rd annual Festival of the Arts will bring hundreds of artists, crafters and musicians to Tubac. Activities include horse-drawn trolleys, roving entertainment and a food court. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tubac, an artist community, is located south of Tucson off Interstate-19. For more information, visit tucaz.com/festivals.asp.

Arizona Centennial Celebration – Feb. 10-12

This celebration marking the 10th anniversary of Arizona’s statehood on Feb. 14, 1912 will include free concerts, firework displays, street musicians, food vendors, rides and a historical re-enactment in downtown Tucson. Events will take place on West Congress Street. For details, visit downtowntucson.org.

See Aztec Press Issue 2 for additional spring festivals.

Pima County Fair opens April 14

By RACHAEL ROBINSON

aztecpress@pima.edu

The Pima County Fair will hold its centennial celebration April 14-24 at the Pima County Fairgrounds.

Eight concerts will be featured during the 10-day event. Bands playing are Neon Trees, Anberlin, Cheap Trick, Boyz II Men, Foghat, Michael Salgado, Easton Corbin and Los Tigres Del Norte.

All concerts are included with fair admission.

General admission costs $8, and parking is $5.

For the attendee on a tight budget, tickets will be sold for $2 on April 18. On April 20, one free admission will be available for people arriving between noon and 3 p.m. with any Wendy’s combo meal receipt.

Admission presale tickets can be purchased online at pimacountyfair.com and at Fry’s through April 13.

Weekly discount coupons are also on sale. The coupons, good Monday through Friday, cost $10 and may be exchanged for 10 rides.

Popular acts include Ambassador of Good Wheel, Asian Elephants, Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, Wild About Monkeys and Live Shark Encounter.

On April 22 and 23, 4/H, FFA and horse shows will be held.

Monday through Friday, gates open at noon and carnival activities begin at 3 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 10 a.m. and carnival activities begin at 11 a.m.

Fair officials say Thursdays through Sundays have highest attendance. There can be traffic delays both coming in and going out of the fairgrounds.

For additional information, visit pimacountyfair.com.

Carnaval gets Tucsonans ‘Dancing in the Streets’

By CHELO GRUBB

aztecpress@pima.edu

Many Tucsonans spent Feb. 19 at the fourth annual Tucson Carnaval atop stilts, listening to steel drums and participating in capoeira circles.

The theme of the event, held at Armory Park, was “Dancing in the Streets.”

The entertainment began at 1 p.m. on a main stage with an “opening spoken word groove” led by To-Ree-Nee, followed by folk, Latin and Reggae performances.

The final performance group was Batucaxé, the non-profit drum and dance ensemble that founded Tucson Carnaval in 2008.

Across the street, the Tucson Children’s Museum set up booths for kids to make masks and crowns.

A “Dancing in the Streets” stage on Sixth Avenue between the Children’s Museum and the park hosted belly dancing, hip hop, zumba and contra dance groups. Many performances welcomed audience members to join the dancing.

At 2 p.m., participants lined streets to watch a parade. Batucaxé lead the procession, but members of the community were also invited to take part.

The parade included performances by a steel drum band, belly dancers, samba bands and capoeira groups.

The event also offered free workshops, such as lessons with Ecstatic Dance Tucson, a ZaBoomBa community drum jam and a modern dance theater. At 7:30 p.m., Flam Chen, a circus and fire theater group closed the event.

Pima Community College student Matt Stanley participated in the event with Capoeira Brasil, the studio where he trains in capoeira and samba.

Stanley got involved with capoeira after meeting studio owner Junior Btalha at work. Stanley had done jujitsu before meeting Btalha, and decided to try capoeira.

After going on a trip to San Diego with Capoeira Brasil, and seeing people who had been doing capoeira their entire lives, Stanley decided it was something he wants to stick with.

“It’s not just a martial art, it’s a healthy lifestyle,” Stanley said. “It’s something I’m probably going to do for the rest of my life.”

PCC student Violeta Coronado, who is engaged to Btalha, said Capoeira Brasil offers classes for children and teens.

The group’s inviting community is one reason people should get involved, Coronado said.

She listed the fitness benefits of capoeira as another reason. “It’s fun, not like pumping iron at the gym.”

For more information about becoming a part of a group that performed at the event, see the websites below, or visit tucsoncanaval.org.

Photo by Chelo Grubb, Aztec Press

Tucson Carnaval

Batucaxé: Batucaxe.org

Capoeira Brasil: Capoeirabrasilaz.com

Capoeira Mandinga Tucson: Capoeiratucson.com

Kathryn Ferguson Belly Dancing: Kathrynferuson.net

Tucson West and Central African Dance Class: Jadebeall.com

Lunar new year: event offers ‘Taste of China’

BY D.J. OCHOA

During February, Tucsonans can indulge themselves in an assortment of holidays.

One celebration comes from the eastern hemisphere, China, which celebrates its new year.

The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center rang in the new year Feb. 5 by offering activities for the entire family.

Unlike western celebrations, China celebrates its new year for 15 days, due to the lunisolar calendar.

The calendar is divided into 12 signs, similar to zodiac signs, each represented by a different animal. This year marks the year of the rabbit.

“People who share this sign are entertaining, wise and carefree,” emcee Tina Liao said.

During the two-week celebration, red clothing is a fashionable color because it brings good luck and fortune.

At the Feb. 5 celebration, volunteers greeted visitors entering the cultural center, ready to guide them through each activity.

Some activities were mainly for children, such as arts and crafts, jumping castles and interactive games.

Children playing games filled a center room. Along a wall, vendors sold authentic Chinese goods such as jewelry. Food for sale included shrimp-flavored chips.

Grown-ups weren’t left out of the fun. Crowds enjoyed outdoor stage performances despite

cold conditions that afternoon.

Students from the Cultural Center performed a traditional Lion and Dragon dance.

A Chinese drum sounded as beginner and intermediate classes opened the dance. The advanced class performed a “drunken lion” dance, jumping off the stage and stumbling around to portray a lion that drank too much sake.

Liao said the event’s popularity continues to grow.

“When we first started this celebration five years ago, we were not very known but each year the crowds keep growing,” she said. “Many people who come are interested in Chinese culture, and we offer classes here at the Center to learn more.”

Liao believes food is a main attraction. Tents sold Chinese cuisine including Pork Mapo Tofu, Mu Shu Pork and Salt and Pepper Chicken.

“American people love to eat Chinese food and we make sure that we have different food from all over China,” Liao said with a laugh. “The people enjoy all the performances, but they love to come for the food.”

‘Me Day’ options abound

By STEPHANIE MISSOURI

Valentine’s Day is a funny time of year.

For those in relationships, Feb. 14 is a time when men battle to fulfill long-established romantic ideals for their loved ones.

For those who know love, have been well acquainted with loneliness and always seem to be somewhere in between the two, Valentine’s Day garners more spite than spirited celebration.

Anti-Valentine’s Tasting

A perfect way to savor being single might be “I Love You but I’ve Chosen Cocktails: An Anti-Valentine’s Tasting” at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Copper Hall foyer.

Mixologist Aaron DeFeo will serve “the perfect antidote to pre-Valentine’s anxiety” featuring “three amazing original cocktails guaranteed to make you forget about any amorous misadventures.”

Tickets cost $15 and attendees will receive discounts toward future tastings. See details at hotelcongress.com.

Valentine Four Miler

Conversely, if you’d prefer to spend your time focusing on physical fitness while keeping an eye out for someone to spend a future V-Day with, perhaps “A Fine Valentine Four Miler” is more your speed.

The Feb. 12 run starts at 4 p.m. from Main Gate Square, on University Avenue between Euclid and Tyndall avenues.

The entrance fee of $25 provides an opportunity to run the four miles as an individual. For no extra charge, University of Arizona business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi will pair you with a blind-date running partner.

Other running options and more information can be found at azroadrunners.org.

Ritz-Carlton Ignite

Any woman could salve her V-Day woes by relaxing at the Dove Mountain Ritz-Carlton’s Ignite lounge, sampling goodies such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, Mexican hot chocolate and coconut-chocolate ganache cake.

Ignite will offer this chocolate goodness Feb. 12-14 for $12 per person.

All pertinent information, along with an extended listing of delicacies offered, can be found at ritzcarlton.com.

Boycott bike ride

Men usually try to avoid an evening of chocolate-dipped this-and-that on Valentine’s Day. Tucson Sport Bikes recognizes this by offering a “Valentine’s Day Boycott Ride” to Arivaca.

“Instead of buying candy and flowers for your significant other, wax and polish your bike,” reads a posting by host Brian Baldwin.

Riders will meet on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. at a Shell station on West Ajo Way, and take a pre-determined route. After eating lunch, participants can head home at their own convenience. They’re encouraged to go at their own pace, as the road can be tricky.

For details on enjoying an adrenaline-filled Valentine’s Day, visit tucsonsb.com.

Keep options open

Regardless of how you decide to celebrate, remember to keep your heart and mind open.

You never know when you’ll find love sitting right in front of you, running beside you or soundly outdoing you on an afternoon ride.

Arizona Renaissance Festival opens Feb. 12

By APRIL GEORGE

Looking for a way to go back in time? Head to the Arizona Renaissance Festival.

Running Feb. 12 through April 3, the festival is a celebration of food, fun and medieval attractions.

Visitors can enjoy medieval cuisine, watch entertainment such as swordplay displays and interact with the many characters walking the streets.

Entertainers include returning stunt performer Dextre Tripp, the kilt-wearing Scottish musical group Tartanic and a musical act called Cast in Bronze that plays the carillon, an instrument of bronze bells most commonly found in church towers.

Don’t forget to check out the jousting arena, where you can watch three jousts that increase in intensity before culminating in a battle to the death. Cheer for your champion and boo his rival. After the jousts, head to the stables to meet your knight.

The Renaissance Festival grounds are on Highway 60, east of Apache Junction. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 21.

Tickets are $22 at the gate, with discounts available. For more information and directions, visit royalfaires.com/arizona.

FYI

Arizona Renaissance Festival

When: Feb. 12-April 3, 10 a.m-6 p.m.

Where: Take Highway 79 to Florence Junction. Go west 7 miles on Highway 60 to the Festival Village.

Tickets: $22 adults, $12 children; discounts available.

Website: royalfaires.com/arizona

Check out these top spring concerts

By STEPHEN REAL

aztecpress@pima.edu

It’s 2011 and a new year means new concerts.  Here’s a sampling of top concerts coming to the Tucson/Phoenix area:

Feb. 10 – Plain White T’s

The Plain White T’s will perform at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe at 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 – Snoop Dog

Snoop Dog will perform with special guest Pilot at the Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St., at 8 p.m.

Feb. 22 – 311

311 will perform with Katastro at the Marquee Theater in Tempe at 6:30 p.m.

March 11 – Disturbed, Korn

The Tucson Convention Center Arena will host the Music as a Weapon Tour with co-headliners Disturbed and Korn. Also performing on the tour are Sevendust, In This Moment and Stillwell.  Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or the TCC box office.

March 22 – The Ready Set

The Glamour Tour, which stops by The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave. Headliners The Ready Set will perform with All Star Weekend, The Downtown Fiction, We Are the In Crowd and You Me and Everyone We Know.

March 26 – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga will perform at the US Airways Center in Phoenix.

March 27 – Senses Fail

The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave., will play host to the PMA Tour, which features Senses Fail as its headlining band. Also on the tour are The Ghost Inside, Man Overboard and Transit. Doors open at 6 p.m., so get there early.

April 1 – A Rocket to the Moon

A Rocket to the Moon’s On Your Side Tour, will come to The Rock. Also on the tour are Anarbor, Valencia, Runner Runner and Go Radio. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

April 15-24 – Pima County Fair

The Pima County Fair, 11300 Houghton Road, will host artists ranging from Cheap Trick to Boyz II Men this year. Dates and bands include:

April 15: Anberlin, 8 p.m.

April 16: Cheap Trick, 8 p.m.

April 17: Boyz II Men, 7:30 p.m.

April 20: Foghat, 7:30 p.m.

April 22: Neon Trees, 8 p.m.

April 23: Easton Corbin, 8 p.m.

April 24: Los Tigres del Norte, 7:30 p.m.

The concerts are included with the $8 fair admission. Parking costs $5. Details: pimacountyfair.com.

April 16 – Club Crawl

Last, but not least, is Tucson’s biggest event: Club Crawl. The popular event features 25 stages of live music all over downtown Tucson and along Fourth Avenue.

Public Enemy No.1 returns to Tucson

Gary Hayes shows off his handmade steampunk machine gun during Dillinger Days. Photo by Ana Ramirez

By D.J. OCHOA

aztecpress@pima.edu

The year was 1934. Tucson was a small pueblo that was a whisper among small folks, until Public Enemy No.1 John Dillinger decided to come and lay low from the law.

Hotel Congress proudly celebrated its annual Dillinger Days, which pays homage to the capture of Dillinger and his gang. This year is the 77th anniversary of Dillinger’s arrest.

Dillinger Days offered a variety of fun activities. From a vintage car show to a live reenactment of Dillinger’s capture, Hotel Congress guaranteed an afternoon of entertainment.

The vintage car show was held on Toole Street, behind Hotel Congress. Watching the vintage cars flood the street as a live jazz band performed in the background seemed to place Tucson back in the 1930s.

Ray and Sandy Feierstein were the event coordinators for the vintage car show.

“This has been the seventh year that we have done this event, and people seem to enjoy the wide range of classic cars,” Ray Feierstein said. “Many of the cars that are on the street are cars that Dillinger and his gang drove during that time period. It makes the event more authentic and historically accurate.”

Dillinger Days also offered tours of the hotel, with a brief history lesson.

Hotel Manager Dara Oseran led a tour explaining the history of Hotel Congress, and how Dillinger and his gang were apprehended.

“Dillinger and his gang came to Tucson to ‘lay low’ after the robbery of the First National Bank,” Oseran explained. “They checked into the hotel under aliases. While being guests at the hotel, a fire broke out on the third floor. The gang were later recognized and arrested. The most interesting part was that not one single shot was fired.”

Oseran also explained that there would not be a gunfight, unlike previous Dillinger Days, due to the shooting on Jan. 8 that killed six people and injured 13, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

The audience responded most to a reenactment held in the hotel’s courtyard. Hired actors kept the audience glued to their seats with robberies, fighting, drinking and humor.

Actors also got audience members involved by picking them out of the crowd, and teaching them popular dances from that era.

Jonathan Mincks, who portrayed Dillinger, stole the show with his confidence and appeal.

Mincks believes Tucsonans enjoy the show because it happened in their own backyard.

“The historic aspect of what happened 77 years ago is something that the public shares. Most of the movies that cover Dillinger seem to leave out when he was arrested in Tucson, or just skim over it,” Mincks said. “It’s a very important part of the story of John Dillinger, and many of the people enjoy the history of the show.”

Actor Jonathan Mincks portrays John Dillinger during a reenactment. Photo by D.J. Ochoa

A Dillinger Days band wearing 1930s-era clothing performs in the open-air courtyard at Hotel Congress on Jan. 22. Photo by Ana Ramirez

Dillinger Days video by D.J. Ochoa

Tucson celebrates holidays with luminarias

By MARIE RODRIGUEZ

aztecpress@pima.edu

Numerous holiday events will feature luminarias, a popular Southwestern tradition. Google images.

Families in Mexico celebrate a tradition called Las Posadas during the nine days leading up to Christmas. Based on passages in the New Testament, celebrants visit a succession of homes to reenact Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem.

Venues throughout Tucson celebrate adaptations of Las Posadas by arranging luminarias (brown bags lit by candles or electric light) along walls, rooftops, entranceways and garden paths to illuminate the night.

Celebrations filled with food and music will take place at the following locations:

Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul Park

Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 3-4

Stroll among 500,000 lights illuminating the park’s 49 acres. Sip wine or hot cider as you enjoy live music from performers as diverse as Way Out West and the Southern Arizona Women’s Chorus.

Address: 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, just west of Oracle/Ina intersection

Tickets: $10 adults, $2 ages 12 and under

Details: 742-6455 or tohonochulpark.org

Luminaria Nights/Fiesta de Navidad, Tubac

Dec. 3-4

Enjoy complimentary refreshments while listening to live holiday music. Santa Claus will also make an appearance both nights. More than 100 shops, galleries and artists’ studios will extend hours to 9 p.m. A tree lighting ceremony will take place Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. near the entrance sign.

Directions from Tucson: Take I-10/I-19 south to Exit 34.

Details: tubacaz.com

Luminaria Nights at Tucson Botanical Gardens

Dec. 3-5

Roam through gardens lit by thousands of luminarias from 5-8 p.m. while listening to music and nibbling on food. More than 30 performing groups range from Irish music and desert bluegrass to Jewish folk music and hand bell choirs. Trader Joe’s will provide hot cider and cookies. Other vendors include the Gardens Café featuring Acacia, Café Italiano, Sweet Rustler Treats and Eclectic Pizza.

Address: 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Admission: $9 adults (ages 13+), $5 children

Details: 326-9686 or tucsonbotanical.org

Luminaria Night at Tucson Presidio

Dec. 18

Celebrate the Presidio’s 4^th annual Luminaria Night from dusk to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the downtown Parade of Lights. Volunteers will serve cookies and hot beverages. You’ll find free parking on nearby streets.

Address: 133 W. Washington

Details: tucsonpresideotrust.org

Tucson haunts offer a scary good time

By April George

Looking for a good scare this Halloween season? Tucson offers three distinct opportunities to frighten yourself while having fun.

Two are Tucson staples and one is a new haunt that seems destined to become a local favorite.

Nightfall 2010

Nightfall, the annual horror fest held at Old Tucson during October, promises an extra spectacular edition as it celebrates “20 Years of Terror!”

Dr. Jebediah Hyde, the unbalanced overseer of the Goulliard Asylum for the Perpetually Insane, has ruled since Nightfall began in 1980. In the name of “science,” Hyde terrorizes both inmates and visitors.

Events this year include a terrifying descent into the Inferno and a haunting trip to Death Row where you are the one sentenced to death. New shows include “The Final Judgment,” in which Dr. Hyde takes his ghoulish experiments to a new level.

Nightfall runs Wednesdays-Sundays in October. Hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the asylum is open from 6 p.m. until the stroke of midnight. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 4-11, with discounts available.

Old Tucson is located at 201 S. Kinney Road on the city’s far west side. Visit www.nightfallaz.com or call 883-0100 for further details.

Buckelew Farm – Haunted corn maze

Buckelew Farm hosts two corn mazes during October: regular and haunted.

The regular maze is a relaxing stroll through the corn, while Terror in the Corn lets visitors test their tolerance for fear with monsters, bloody scenes and spooks galore.

Terror in the Corn is open Fridays and Saturdays in October from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Buckelew Farm will also host College Nights Out on two Thursdays, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, and on Halloween night.

The $20 admission includes both mazes. Students with college ID will receive $5 off on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. Bring your own flashlight, or purchase one for $5.

Buckelew Farm is located south of Tucson at 1700 W. Ajo Way. Visit www.buckelewfarm.com or call 882-2277 for further details.

The Slaughter House

The Slaughter House, a new attraction by Tucson Screamers, pledges to scare visitors senseless.

Located in the old Farmer John’s Meat Factory at Grant Road and Interstate 10, the Slaughter House features four haunted houses, each more terrifying than the last.

Adding to the terror: the factory building is rumored to be haunted. Spirits are said to roam the halls along with visitors.

The Slaughter House is open Thursdays through Sundays in October. Hours vary by day. The facility opens at 7 p.m. most days, with early start times on Oct. 16 and 31. Closing times range from 10 p.m. to midnight.

All-inclusive general admission costs $21. Family Fear Days offered on Sundays and Thursdays cost $15 per person for parties of four or more. Other options include a $55 VIP pass for front-of-the-line privileges.

Visit www.slaughterhousetucson.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Downtown’s Second Saturdays drawing crowds

People pound the pavement on Congress Street during Second Saturdays. The next gathering will be Oct. 9.

Story and photos by David Mendez

When people think of nightlife in Tucson, most think of Fourth Avenue and the half-mile stretch of bars and restaurants between University Boulevard and Ninth Street.

Tucson’s Second Saturdays Downtown aims to change that, bringing interest to the oft-forgotten area at least one night a month.

Many long-time Tucsonans see Second Saturdays as a successor to Downtown Saturday Nights, a similar event that ran as often as once a week during the early ‘90s, then trickled away into obscurity in the early 2000s.

To date, Second Saturdays show no signs of slowing.

“Ever since we’ve started this, it’s just been growing and growing,” said John Flanagan, owner of Flanagan’s Celtic Corner.

The most recent Second Saturdays event, on Sept. 11, had the challenge of competing with the University of Arizona’s first home football game of the year. By most accounts, the event held its own against the game.

The sidewalks weren’t constantly filled with pedestrians, but getting up and down the street took a bit of time. People were walking into and out of shops, looking at vendor wares and watching street performers, including a group of stilt-walkers on Congress Street.

Other attractions included a concurrent Santa Muerte Art and Music Festival, which hosted an exhibition opening at Sacred Machine Museum on Sept. 10, and a musical event at the Rialto Theatre.

Part of the goal in luring people downtown, according to 2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com, is to encourage residents to visit shops, bars and restaurants that have opened recently.

Flanagan opened his Celtic store in late 2007, despite advice to the contrary. It turns out, it was a good call on his part.

“My research said to open up either on the east side, or in Marana,” Flanagan said. “I ignored it, and I’m glad I did.”

Art lovers admire displays at the Sacred Machine Museum during Second Saturdays Sept. 11. The museum hosted an exhibit opening as part of the monthly downtown festivities.