The Best of Tucson: 12 Things to Do in November 2023

Chelle Peterson

We’re approaching the end of 2023 quickly, but there’s still a full calendar of events to take advantage of! From holiday outings to craft fairs, and festivals to date nights, there are lots of things to keep you busy this month. Here are 12 awesome things to do in Tucson in November 2023. 

1. Tucson Film Festival

Date and Time: November 2-5

Location: The Screening Room, 127 East Congress Street

Cost: Tickets start at $10.00

What’s going on: Celebrate local filmmakers and enjoy unique and engaging films that make you think, laugh, cry, and everything in between. Perfect for a night out with friends or a loved one.

2. Day of the Dead Procession

Day of the dead processional; women wearing cultural costumes

Date and Time: November 4 at 11:00 a.m.

Location: Starts at Tubac Presidio Historical State Park

Cost: Free

What’s going on: Get in the spirit and join in on this unforgettable spectacle. The annual Día de los Muertos celebration remembers loved ones who have passed and celebrates Mexican culture. The day includes a procession, food and drink vendors, an art show, and more. 

3. La Encantada Fine Art Festival

La Encantada Fine Art Festival graphic

Date and Time: November 4 from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and November 5 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Location: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Drive

Cost: Free

What’s going on: Hosted on three weekends throughout the year (other dates are January 27-28 and April 20-21), the La Encantada Fine Art Festival curates a diverse group of artists—sculptors, jewelers, painters, mixed media artists, and more. Come out and enjoy something unique and new!

4. TENWEST Festival

TENWEST festival graphic, an event in Tucson

Date and Time: November 4-10

Location: Multiple venues

Cost: General Admission starts at $75.00

What’s going on: Kicking off with a free all-ages TENWEST Street Fest with live music and food, the TENWEST Festival is a week-long event dedicated to innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. 

5. Fall 2023 Student Art Exhibition

Date and Time: November 4, 2023-January 14, 2024 

Location: Baldwin Gallery, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute, 2021 N. Kinney Road

Cost: Free

What’s going on: The bi-annual student exhibition features the work of talented students from all over the region. Explore the creativity of our community and support students in art. 

6. Scrooge! A New Holiday Musical

Date and Time: November 7-December 2

Location: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue

Cost: Tickets start at $25.00

What’s going on: Adapted from the Oscar-nominated film “Scrooge” comes this musical spectacular. Based on Charles Dickens’s classic “A Christmas Carol,” this version has impressive song and dance routines you won’t forget. 

7. Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

Quilts on display

Date and Time: November 9-11

Location: Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E Irvington Road

Cost: Free

What’s going on: Calling all crafters! This festival is a great place to be inspired for your next project and pick up quality sewing, quilting, needle art, and craft supplies. 

8. Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More

Woman playing piano surrounded by candellights

Date and Time: November 910

Location: Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Cost: Tickets start at $25.00

What’s going on: Candlelight concerts create a magical environment to experience classical music. It’s a beautiful night out for a date or special occasion with a loved one! 

9. Dusk Music Festival

Promotion for the Dusk music festival

Date and Time: November 10-11

Location: Jácome Plaza

Cost: Single-day tickets start at $70.00

What’s going on: The DUSK Music Festival features 40 artists on three stages including headliners Louis the Child, Seven Lions, 311, and more. The festival features the best of music, art, and food in downtown Tucson.

10. Veterans Day: Free National Park Access

People hiking in a national park in Arizona

Date and Time: November 11

Location: All national parks—here are some national parks in Arizona

Cost: Free

What’s going on: Many national parks have direct connections to the military, including battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that remember American veterans. So, this Veterans Day, honor those who served through a visit to a national park, which has free entrance for the day. 

11. El Tour de Tucson

El Tour de Tucson event photo with a large group of bikers

Date and Time: November 18

Location: Routes start at finish at the Tucson Convention Center

Cost: Registration fees start at $125.00 for adults

What’s going on: Join over 7,500 cyclists and participate in a ride, run, or walk of your choosing. Proceeds from the event support charitable agencies and nonprofits. 

12. Native American Arts Fair

Graphic promotion for Native American Arts Fair, an event in Tucson

Date and Time: November 18 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Location: Mission Garden, 946 W Mission Lane

Cost: Free

What’s going on: See the artwork from Native American artists of many tribal affiliations, including Tohono, O’odham, Hopi, Navajo, Apache, and Yaqui. Their work includes ceramics, basketry, jewelry, carvings, and more. 

So, what are you looking forward to this November? Have fun exploring this awesome city! 

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