The Best of Tucson: 12 Things to Do in January to Jump-Start the New Year

Chelle Peterson
overlooking tucson arizona at dusk

The new year always brings a sense of excitement and energy. It’s a great time to check out some activities and have some fun.

Luckily, Tucson is full of awesome events to help you kick off 2022 on the right food. 

Here are some of the top things we’re excited about in January.

1. Live Music at MotoSonoro

MotoSonora Brewing Company

Date and Time: Saturdays from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m.

Location: MotoSonora Brewing Company, 1015 S. Park Avenue.

Cost: Free entrance, bring money for drinks.

What’s going on: Check out some new artists each weekend at MotoSonora Brewing Company. They have live music each Saturday evening to enjoy alongside your local brews! It’s free to enter, but bring some money to enjoy some drinks.

2. Tucson International Jewish Film Festival

Tucson International Jewish Film Festival

Date and Time: January 6 to February 20, various showtimes. 

Location: Virtual

Cost: $12 for individual tickets, or $120 for a pass that includes 12 films, a mini-series and six shorts.

What’s going on: Enjoy some creative and beautiful films that strive to promote Jewish values, life, and learning. The Tucson International Jewish Film Festival is an on-demand virtual festival where viewers can choose from 20+ films throughout the months of January and February. 

3. Harry Potter Trivia

Harry Potter Trivia night

Date and Time: Tuesday, January 11, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Casa Marana, 8225 N. Courtney Page Way

Cost: Free entrance, bring money for drinks.

What’s going on: Prove you’re the biggest “Potterhead” by trying your hand at some Harry Potter Trivia! Casa Marana is hosting this wizardly competition, complete with prizes for the winning teams! Bring some friends out, enjoy some pizza and beer, and show off your knowledge.

4. Zoppé Family Circus

Zoppé Family Circus

Date and Time: January 13-23

Location: Mercado District, 221 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: $25-50

What’s going on: The circus is back! The Zoppé Family Circus has delighted crowds in Tucson for the last 11 years. After the drive-in experience last year, they are back to the big top in 2022! There are 18 different shows with a variety of performers, including clowns and acrobats.

5. Tucson Fringe Festival

Tucson Fringe Festival

Date and Time: January 13-16

Location: Various locations (in-person and virtual)

Cost: $3-20, varies per show.

What’s going on: The Fringe Festival is celebrating its 10th year as a performing arts festival in Tucson. There are a variety of shows including comedy, magic, music, and theatre!

6. Vision Board Workshop

Vision Board Workshop

Date and Time: Friday, January 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Calliope Co, 657 W. St. Mary’s Road

Cost: $35

What’s going on: Make 2022 your year by learning how to create a vision board! Vision boards are a fun and playful way to explore your goals and dreams for the new year. The cost of supplies is included in the class, as are light snacks and water.

7. Onesie Bar Crawl

group of women in Onesie Bar Crawl

Date and Time: Saturday, January 15 from 4:00 p.m. to midnight

Location: Starts at Funky Monk, 350 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15-20, depending on if it is a single or group ticket.

What’s going on: This bar crawl is sure to be the comfiest one yet! Pull out that onesie, grab some friends, and join the onesie bar crawl. The group will stop at bars throughout Tucson, including Funky Monk (starting point), Cobra Arcade Bar, Hi Fi, and Highwire Lounge.

8. Meditation with Cats

woman meditating with a cat

Date and Time: Saturday, January 15 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Location: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Avenue

Cost: $25

What’s going on: Find some zen with this meditation practice, accompanied by some sweet feline friends! Bring your own yoga mat or blanket if you have one and enjoy an hour-long session of meditation and crystal sound healing bowls.

9. Dillinger Days

Dillinger Days 1.16.22

Date and Time: Sunday, January 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. The pre-party is on Saturday, January 15 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Location: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street.

Cost: Free to attend (registration required). The pre-party is $10.

What’s going on: This event is a piece of true Tucson history! Dillinger Days remember the capture of John Dillinger, one of the most notorious criminals of the early 20th century. For 80 years, Tucson has put on a re-enactment of the event that makes you step back in time to the 1930s!

10. Native artists’ craft market and demonstrations

Native artists’ craft market and demonstrations

Date and Time: Saturday, January 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, 196 N. Court Ave.

Cost: $5 (Museum Admission)

What’s going on: Enjoy demonstrations of Native American artists showing their skill and talent in basket weaving, woodcarving, beadwork, and others. Artwork will also be available for sale during this event. 

11. Meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa

Meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa

Date and Time: Saturday, January 29 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Location: Our Play Place, 3951 W. Costco Drive.

Cost: $17

What’s going on: This one is for the whole family! Come visit the royal sisters from Frozen, Anna and Elsa! Participants will be able to make a Frozen-themed craft, spend time with Anna and Elsa for one hour, and take photographs. 

12. Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase

Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase

Date and Time: Wednesday, January 26 through mid-February

Location: Locations vary

Cost: Most shows are free

What’s going on: With over 48 different gem shows, you can check out every kind of precious stone, metal, or gem—including a magnificent crystallized rock worth $200,000! The largest show is at the Kino Sports Complex with over 200 vendors. 


We also host a ton of great social and professional events at The Post Workspaces each month. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in learning more about, or if you’d like to book a tour of our space, get in touch with us today. Our team is available to speak with you.