The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Sky Islands Tourism Association (SITA) are teaming up to present the 34th annual fall celebration at Patagonia Town Park.
The Sky Islands Artisan Market (formerly the Patagonia Fall Festival) will take place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 14 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 15. This year’s market is free to attend and will feature more than 100 artisans, food vendors, craft food makers, and live music at 325 McKeown Ave. in Patagonia.
For over three decades, this event, which is said to be one of Arizona’s most well-attended rural community art gatherings, has been a flagship for community outreach in Patagonia and throughout Southern Arizona.
Food Court & Picnic Areas
Festival attendees can enjoy a variety of food offerings from Patagonia Fire Department’s hotdog and hamburger cookout to numerous food trucks. Gyros, lemonade, barbecue chicken, Filipino food, vegetarian options, Italian Ice, oh my! There’s a lot to try over the weekend.
Participating Food Vendors
- Hungary Express
- Gus’s Gyros and Lemonade
- BlackJack Citrus
- Kettlelicious
- Sparky’s Cantina
- Fiesta Filipina
- I & C Kitchen
- Colonel Mustard’s & Mr. Ice Guy
- Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue
Fun for all ages
Aside from the food and artisans, the festival will have plenty of entertainment suitable for all ages.
There’s a South 32’s Kid Zone, which will offer interactive activities and grab-and-go options throughout the entire weekend, as well as balloon animals and face painting. The Friends of the Patagonia Library Book Sale is returning with a selection of books, DVDs, and literary arts merchandise available for purchase.
Live Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, October 14
- 10 – 11 a.m. – Jam Pak Blues ‘N Grass (Youth Blues and Bluegrass)
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Zach Farley & Friends (World / Folk)
- 1 – 3 p.m. – Bessett and Callahan (Alt-Country)
- 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Sunny Gable & The Whiskey Machine (Americana)
Sunday, October 15
- 10 – 11 a.m. – Jam Pak Blues ‘N Grass (Youth Blues and Bluegrass)
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Mr. Boogie Woogie (Classic R&B)
- 2 – 4 p.m. – Znora (Blues Rock)
The event typically attracts more than 15,000 visitors and is a tourist destination that makes for a great weekend trip. Overall, the celebration highlights tourism to the Sky Islands region including local wineries, shops, outdoor spaces, and restaurants — it’s a perfect day trip.
Sky Islands Fall Artisan Market will be at the Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Ave., Patagonia, Arizona. For more information, visit skyislandsartisanmarket.com.
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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.
