AZ Fall Art in the Park makes its debut this month at Rillito Raceway Park. The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15. More than 100 Arizona artisans, two days of live music, and hands-on art activities fill the park’s grass fields.
Art State Arizona presents the inaugural festival at 4502 N. 1st Ave. Admission and onsite parking cost nothing. Organizers say visitors can “meet working artists, discover creative businesses,” and try making art themselves.
An outdoor marketplace of Arizona art and craft
More than 100 artisans, makers, and creative businesses bring original work to the park. Visitors can browse painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, leatherwork, fashion, home décor, artisan foods, and natural bath and beauty products. The marketplace also offers a head start on holiday gifts. Find the full artist list here.
Participating visual artists include:
Sandra Parker Watercolor Art
Chris Chamberlain Photography
Catherine Eyde Art & Design
Ceramics and sculptural work comes from:
M3 Studio Arts
Melissa Henshaw Ceramics
Sonoran Joy Pottery
Ironhorse Salvage Art
Ceramics By James
Handcrafted jewelry and accessories come from:
Maude Pods
Sky Island Jewelry
Carlsen Infinity Jewelry
Oak & Squirrel Leather
Artisan food producers and creative businesses include:
Knead More Bakery
The Spice Jam
Untamed Confections
Carolina’s Chocolate
Tia’s Sourdough
The Lost Quail Co.
Quirky Decor
Field of Wonder offers hands-on art and culture
The Field of Wonder anchors the festival’s interactive programming. It features four discovery areas where visitors of all ages explore art, culture, food, and music. Select activities run only on designated days.
Glass, imagination, and storytelling: Sonoran Glass School introduces glassmaking. Artist Delaney Wamer’s The Dreaming Desert invites visitors into poetry, storytelling, and a community-created art experience.
Clay, color, and cultural traditions: Ceramic artist Hiro Tashima leads hands-on clay activities. Tucson Chinese Cultural Center offers calligraphy and traditional Chinese activities. Koru Multicultural Library hosts multicultural storytelling and collage-making.
Food, gardening, and sustainability: Community Gardens of Tucson, Pinnacle Prevention, Pima County Public Library Seed Library, and Tucson Family Food Project share lessons on local food systems, gardening, and sustainability.
Music and artmaking: Tucson Museum of Art, Bravissimo Art Center, and BASIS Tucson Primary offer hands-on artmaking. On Sunday, Tucson Girls’ Chorus and community music education partners help visitors explore musical instruments.
Live music and cultural performances
Live entertainment brings a wide range of styles to the festival stage. Saturday’s lineup runs as follows:
10 a.m.-noon: Aria Ratcliff & Rafe Centuori (neo-soul, jazz, R&B, and Motown)
12:30-1 p.m.: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dance (traditional Chinese cultural performance)
1:10-2:10 p.m.: Laura Jean (country, folk, and Americana)
2:30-4 p.m.: Kyklo (Balkan and Mediterranean folk music)
Sunday’s lineup includes jazz, folklórico dance, and Southwestern Americana:
10 a.m.-noon: Noethenbutjazz (jazz, blues, Latin, Brazilian, and contemporary music)
12:15-1 p.m.: Ballet Folklórico Tapatío (traditional Mexican dance)
1:15-2 p.m.: Ballet Folklórico Los Mextucaz (traditional Mexican dance)
2:15-4 p.m.: Sparrows Trio, featuring Liz Cerepanya, Petie Ronstadt, and Tyrus Watson (Southwestern Americana)
Food and drink at AZ Fall Art in the Park
Local and international vendors serve Sonoran favorites, festival fare, handmade desserts, and specialty drinks. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The culinary lineup includes:
Col. Mustard’s Hot Dogs
Haus of Brats
I & C Kitchen (Fry Bread)
Kneller’s Delicatessen
La Bufadora (Mexican Seafood)
Moreno’s Roasted Corn
Quesadillas & More
Yum Yum Pocha (Asian Cuisine)
Mr. Ice Guy Italian Ice
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Oh Wow Mini Donuts
Real Fruit Raspados
Wild West Kettle Korn
Maui Wowi of Tucson
The Scented Leaf
The Arizona Beer & Wine Garden highlights three regional producers. Guests 21 and older can buy alcohol with valid identification.
Nonprofits and community partners
Nonprofit exhibitors share their work throughout the weekend. Visitors can meet representatives and learn how to get involved in local arts, education, and community programs. Participating groups include Ben’s Bells, CASA of Pima County, Sonoran Art Foundation, Tucson Classic Car Show/Tucson Rotary, BASIS Tucson Primary, and Tucson Loves Music. Crest Insurance supports the festival.
Plan your visit
AZ Fall Art in the Park takes place on the grass fields at Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ 85718. All ages are welcome. Admission and parking are free.
Art State Arizona, a nonprofit, also produces the Fall Foodie, Art & Wine Festival in Oro Valley. Find more ways to spend the weekend on the Tucson Foodie events calendar.
