The Tucson International Mariachi Conference (TIMC) is an annual event that celebrates mariachi music and Mexican culture.
From Wednesday, May 1 – Sunday, May 5, TIMC will be hosting performances by renowned mariachi bands, workshops, competitions, and educational sessions.
Founded in 1982, the conference has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious mariachi events in the world, attracting participants and audiences from across the U.S. and beyond. TIMC provides a platform for musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts to come together, share their talents, and celebrate the rich traditions of mariachi music.
Additionally, the conference often collaborates with local schools and community organizations to promote cultural education and awareness.
Keep scrolling to see this year’s schedule and also take a look at our “Where to Eat During the Tucson International Mariachi Conference” guide.
Schedule of Events
El Mariachi Canta
Wednesday, May 1 at 6 p.m.
MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
This vocal competition celebrates the music and vocal performances of this year’s Tucson International Mariachi Conference. Students will be performing while you enjoy an evening of food and fun.
Early bird tickets ($20 per person) are available now through Wednesday, May 1 at noon.
Student Showcase
Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m.
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Students, transformed by the workshops of the past days, take center stage to showcase their newfound musical and dance talents. Each group brings its own unique energy to the stage, captivating the audience with vibrant performances for nine electrifying minutes.
Espectacular Concert
Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Performances by Mariachi Sol De Mexico and special guest Jonathan Palomar. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. The Espectacular Concert has been an integral part of The Tucson International Mariachi Conference and promises to continue to have outstanding entertainers to enhance our culture, music, dance, and education for years to come.
Ticket prices start at $40 per person.
Fiesta de Garibaldi
Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Jacome Plaza, 10 W. Pennington St.
Noche de Garibaldi celebrates the music and dance of this year’s Tucson International Mariachi Conference. Students perform while you enjoy an evening of food and fun.
Mariachi Mass
Sunday, May 5 at noon
St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.
“You are cordially invited to participate in this spiritual and colorful celebration. This traditional Catholic Mass is a beautiful fusion of culture and faith. This solemn celebration is performed by our local Catholic Priest, featuring local mariachi and Folklorico performers. The Mariachi Mass attracts a diverse segment of the community in a wonderful celebration that is open to all denominations.”
For more information about this year’s conference, visit tucsonmariachi.org. Where to Eat During the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
