The Best of Tucson: 12 Things to Do in January

Chelle Peterson

Hoping to kick off 2024 in an exciting way? Look no further! 

Here we’ve rounded up 12 of the best events and things to do in Tucson in January 2024. Get out there and enjoy the city!

1. Paranormal Cirque

Paranormal Cirque

Date and Time: January 4-15, 2024

Location: Tucson Mall, 4500 North Oracle Road

Cost: Tickets start at $20.00

What’s going on: Thrilling, wicked, sexy, and even a little dangerous… This show is for mature audiences only! Paranormal Cirque combines theater, circus, and cabaret to create an exciting and memorable night out. 

2. Zoppé Family Circus

Zoppe Family Circus poster

Date and Time: January 6-21, 2024

Location: Mercado District, 125 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: $15.00 for general admission or $30.00 for ringside

What’s going on: Come join the circus! Wowing audiences since 1842, the Zoppé Family Circus is bringing 24 performances to the Mercado District. You’ll love the music, the costumes, the stunts, and more. 

3. Tucson Jazz Festival

Tucson Jazz Festival

Date and Time: January 12-20, 2024

Location: Multiple venues

Cost: Various prices

What’s going on: IKt’s the 10th anniversary of the Tucson Jazz Festival, and this year’s lineup has many memorable performances to check out! Enjoy music from 10-time Grammy award winner Arturo Sandoval, Neo Free Jazz, Isaiah J. Thompson Trio, and more. 

4. Japanese New Year Festival 2024

Japanese New Year Festival

Date and Time: January 13, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Location: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N Alvernon Way

Cost: $18.00 for adults, $10.00 for members, and $6.00 for children

What’s going on: Enjoy live performances of Japanese music and the flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine at this fun, family-friendly event to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. 

5. Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival

Woman painting at the art on the lake event

Date and Time: January 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Location: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd.

Cost: Free

What’s going on: This second annual event features immersive and experiential activities throughout Sahuarita Lake Park. There are 25 artisans, including air painting, installation art, community chalk mural competition, food trucks, live music, and more. 

6. Drunk Shakespeare

Drunk Shakespeare performance

Date and Time: January 18, 2024

Location: Arizona Rose Theatre, 4500 N Oracle Road

Cost: Tickets start at $131.00

What’s going on: One professional actor downs five shots of whiskey while four sober actors try to keep the script on track! Each show is different depending on who’s drinking and what they’re drinking. Craft cocktails are available at this 21+ show. 

7. Savor Food & Wine Festival

Savor food and wine festival in Tucson

Date and Time: January 20, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Location: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way

Cost: $115.00 general admission or $150.00 VIP

What’s going on: Calling all foodies! This collaborative culinary festival brings together the region’s best food and beverage creators. There will be over 50 of the area’s best chefs, wineries, breweries, local foods, and restaurants highlighting exceptional menu tastings. 

8. Zoom Zoom at the Children’s Museum

Zoom Zoom at the Children's Museum event poster

Date and Time: January 20, 2024 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Location: Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul, 7366 N Paseo Del Norte

Cost: Pay-what-you-wish museum admission

What’s going on: Bring out your little ones to this fun event at the Children’s Museum. Zoom Zoom celebrates all the ways transportation connects us and features popular specialty vehicles like classic cars and fire trucks. 

9. Tucson Fringe Festival

Performers in front of a red curtain

Date and Time: January 24-28, 2024 

Location: Various locations

Cost: Various options available, including two-show or five-show passes

What’s going on: Back again for its 12th year, the Tucson Fringe Festival is a performing arts festival that includes comedy, music, and more. There are over 20 shows throughout the weekend taking place across venues in the city. Bring out your family and friends—it’s’ sure to be a good time!

10. Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Shows

Purple and white gems and minerals

Date and Time: January 27-February 11, 2024

Location: Various locations

Cost: Free entrance

What’s going on: This event happens twice a year and is back again with the winter showcase! It attracts nearly 65,000 visitors to view amazing collections of unique gems, minerals, and fossils. 

11. La Encantada Fine Art Festival

painting supplies

Date and Time: January 27-28; Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Location: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Drive

Cost: Free entrance

What’s going on: Check out one of the most beautiful fine art festivals in Southern Arizona. The festival curates a diverse group of jewelers, painters, mixed media artists, and more. 

12. Paw Patrol Live

Paw Patrol characters

Date and Time: January 28, 2024 at 11:00 p.m.

Location: The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S Church Avenue

Cost: Tickets start at $48.00

What’s going on: Win “Parent of the Year” by bringing your kids to this exciting Paw Patrol Live Event! There are also VIP ticket options to meet your favorite Paw Patrol characters. 

So, what’s being added to your calendar to kick off the new year? These events and things to do in Tucson are a great way to start 2024! 

We regularly host fun events for our community at The Post—contact us today to learn more and get set up with a tour!