The Tucson International Mariachi Conference (TIMC) is an annual event that celebrates mariachi music and Mexican culture.
From Wednesday, April 23 to Sunday, April 27, TIMC is hosting performances by renowned mariachi bands, workshops, competitions, and more.
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 take a look at our “Where to Eat” guide — a few of our favorite spots near the TIMC venues.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
El Mariachi Canta
Wednesday, April 23 at 6 p.m.
MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
National vocal competition for participants aged 8 and older. Cash award for the finalist.
Student Showcase
Thursday, April 24 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
The Tucson International Mariachi Conference proudly presents The “Armando C. Gonzales Student Showcase.” Mariachi and Folklórico groups come together from many cities across the Southwest. Their parents, nanas, tatas, tios, tias, padrinos, friends, and many family members proudly watch the students perform!
Espectacular Concert
Friday, April 25
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
A legacy of Excellence for over 40 years, The Espectacular Concert has been a platform for the finest mariachi artists, fostering appreciation and understanding of this treasured art form. Join us for an evening with Nuevo Tecalitlán.
Fiesta de Garibaldi
Saturday, April 26
Jacome Plaza, 10 W. Pennington St.
Show-stopping mariachi performances and dazzling Baile Folklorico dancers that bring the festival to life with their colorful costumes and intricate choreography. Food vendors offer traditional and nontraditional Mexican cuisine. Arts and Crafts showcase the work of local artisans. The overall atmosphere is one of joy, celebration, and cultural exchange.
Mariachi Mass
Sunday, April 27 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.
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.
