TUCSON, Ariz. — More than 100 Arizona artisans and makers, two days of live music and cultural performances, and opportunities to explore everything from glassmaking and ceramics to storytelling and music will come together at the inaugural AZ Fall Art in the Park this November.
Presented by Art State Arizona, the new festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, November 14 & 15, 2026, from 10 AM - 4 PM both days at Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. 1st Avenue in Tucson. Admission and onsite parking are free.
Set across the park's grass fields, AZ Fall Art in the Park brings together an outdoor marketplace of original art and handcrafted goods, live entertainment, regional food and beverages, nonprofit exhibitors, and the Field of Wonder, a collection of interactive arts experiences designed for children, teens, and adults.
The festival offers visitors an opportunity to meet working artists, discover creative businesses, experience Southern Arizona's cultural traditions, and take part in the creative process themselves.
An Outdoor Marketplace of Arizona Art and Craft
More than 100 artisans, makers, and creative businesses will fill Rillito Raceway Park with original artwork, handcrafted goods, and distinctive finds.
Visitors can explore painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, leatherwork, fashion, home décor, artisan foods, natural bath and beauty products, and other handmade creations while meeting the people behind the work.
View the full list of participating artists at the event website: https://artstateaz.org/fall-art-in-the-park/
Participating visual artists include Sandra Parker Watercolor Art, Chris Chamberlain Photography, and Catherine Eyde Art & Design.
Ceramics and sculptural work will be represented by M3 Studio Arts, Melissa Henshaw Ceramics, Sonoran Joy Pottery, Ironhorse Salvage Art, and Ceramics By James.
Handcrafted jewelry and accessories will include work from Maude Pods, Sky Island Jewelry, Carlsen Infinity Jewelry, and Oak & Squirrel Leather.
The marketplace will also feature artisan food producers and creative businesses such as Knead More Bakery, The Spice Jam, Untamed Confections, Carolina's Chocolate, Tia's Sourdough, The Lost Quail Co., and Quirky Decor.
Beyond offering a place to find original gifts ahead of the holiday season, the marketplace creates opportunities for visitors to connect directly with artists, learn about their materials and techniques, and support Arizona's creative businesses.
Field of Wonder: Interactive Arts, Culture, and Discovery
At the center of the festival's participatory programming is the Field of Wonder, featuring four creative discovery areas where visitors can explore art, culture, food, and music through hands-on experiences.
The activities bring together working artists, cultural organizations, educators, and community partners to share creative practices with festivalgoers of all ages.
Glass, Imagination, and Storytelling
Sonoran Glass School will introduce visitors to the art and process of glassmaking. Artist Delaney Wamer's The Dreaming Desert will invite participants into poetry, storytelling, and an immersive, community-created art experience.
Clay, Color, and Cultural Traditions
Ceramic artist Hiro Tashima will lead hands-on clay activities, while Tucson Chinese Cultural Center will introduce visitors to calligraphy and traditional Chinese activities. Koru Multicultural Library will offer multicultural storytelling and collage-making experiences.
Food, Gardening, and Sustainability
Community Gardens of Tucson, Pinnacle Prevention, Pima County Public Library Seed Library, and Tucson Family Food Project will introduce visitors to local food systems, gardening, growing, and sustainability through interactive educational activities.
Music and Artmaking
Tucson Museum of Art, Bravissimo Art Center, and BASIS Tucson Primary will offer creative activities and opportunities for hands-on artmaking.
On Sunday, Tucson Girls' Chorus and community music education partners will present a special opportunity for visitors to explore musical instruments.
Together, these experiences invite visitors to do more than observe art. They can experiment with materials, discover cultural traditions, learn new skills, and create something of their own.
Select activities and participating organizations will be available on designated festival days.
Two Days of Live Music and Cultural Performance
Live entertainment will bring a wide range of musical styles and cultural traditions to the festival throughout the weekend.
Saturday's lineup opens with Aria Ratcliff & Rafe Centuori, whose performances blend neo-soul, jazz, R&B, and Motown influences.
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center will present a traditional Chinese Lion Dance, followed by country, folk, and Americana performer Laura Jean. The afternoon concludes with Kyklo, exploring the folk music traditions of Bulgaria, Greece, and the Balkans.
Sunday begins with Noethenbutjazz, performing jazz, blues, Latin, Brazilian, and contemporary selections.
Two regional folklórico ensembles, Ballet Folklórico Tapatío and Ballet Folklórico Los Mextucaz, will share traditional Mexican dance through music, movement, and colorful costumes.
The festival closes with Sparrows Trio, featuring Liz Cerepanya, Petie Ronstadt, and Tyrus Watson. The Tucson-based group brings together rich vocal harmonies, folk influences, and Southwestern Americana inspired by the Sonoran Desert.
The two-day program offers visitors opportunities to experience both familiar local performers and cultural traditions representing the breadth of Southern Arizona's artistic landscape.
Local Food, Artisan Flavors, and Arizona Beverages
Festivalgoers can explore a variety of local and international food offerings throughout the weekend, from Sonoran favorites and savory festival fare to handmade desserts and specialty drinks.
Participating food vendors include Col. Mustard's Hot Dogs, Haus of Brats, I & C Kitchen, Knellers Delicatessen, La Bufadora, Moreno's Roasted Corn, Quesadillas & More, and Yum Yum Pocha.
Sweet treats and refreshments will be available from Mr. Ice Guy Italian Ice, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Oh Wow Mini Donuts, Real Fruit Raspados, Wild West Kettle Korn, Maui Wowi of Tucson, and The Scented Leaf.
The festival will also feature an Arizona Beer & Wine Garden highlighting three regional beverage producers.
Pueblo Vida Brewing Co. will represent Tucson's craft beer scene, while Tirrito Farm will introduce visitors to wines from Southern Arizona's Willcox wine-growing region.
Ray Ray's Sonoran Spirit Tea, a Tucson-born beverage business inspired by the flavors of the Sonoran Desert, will offer another distinctly regional experience.
Alcoholic beverages will be available to guests 21 and older with valid identification. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Connecting Visitors with Southern Arizona Nonprofits
Alongside the artisan marketplace and festival activities, AZ Fall Art in the Park will provide opportunities to discover nonprofit organizations and community groups working throughout Southern Arizona.
Participating organizations include Ben's Bells, CASA of Pima County, Sonoran Art Foundation, Tucson Classic Car Show/Tucson Rotary, BASIS Tucson Primary, and Tucson Loves Music, among other community-focused exhibitors.
Visitors can meet representatives, learn about their work, and explore ways to become involved in local arts, education, cultural, and community initiatives.
By bringing artists, creative businesses, cultural organizations, and nonprofits together in one public setting, the festival creates opportunities for new connections and greater visibility for the people and organizations contributing to Southern Arizona's creative life.
Special thanks to Crest Insurance for supporting AZ Fall Art in the Park and helping make these connections possible. Crest Insurance provides insurance solutions for individuals and businesses, helping clients protect what matters most.
2026 Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, November 14
10 AM – 12 PM — Aria Ratcliff & Rafe Centuori (Neo-Soul, Jazz, R&B & Motown)
12:30 PM – 1 PM — Tucson Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dance (Traditional Chinese Cultural Performance)
1:10 PM – 2:10 PM — Laura Jean (Country, Folk & Americana)
2:30 PM – 4 PM — Kyklo (Balkan & Mediterranean Folk Music)
Sunday, November 15
10 AM – 12 PM — Noethenbutjazz (Jazz, Blues, Latin, Brazilian & Contemporary Music)
12:15 PM – 1 PM — Ballet Folklórico Tapatío (Traditional Mexican Dance)
1:15 PM – 2 PM — Ballet Folklórico Los Mextucaz (Traditional Mexican Dance)
2:15 PM – 4 PM — Sparrows Trio, featuring Liz Cerepanya, Petie Ronstadt & Tyrus Watson (Southwestern Americana)
Field of Wonder activities, artisan shopping, food vendors, and nonprofit exhibits will be available throughout the festival, with select activities offered on designated days.
Festival Details
The inaugural AZ Fall Art in the Park takes place Saturday and Sunday, November 14 - 15, 2026, from 10 AM – 4 PM both days at Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85718.
The festival will be held inside the park's grass fields.
Admission is free, all ages are welcome, and onsite parking is available at no charge.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the artisan marketplace, enjoy live entertainment, participate in creative activities, and discover the participating artists and organizations throughout the weekend.
Festival Information: Website
Media Kit: AZ Fall Art In The Park Marketing Kit
About Art State Arizona
Art State Arizona is a nonprofit organization working to make the arts essential to everyday life across Arizona. Through festivals and community programs, public art, artist opportunities, cultural initiatives, advocacy, and creative-sector development, Art State Arizona connects people with creativity while supporting the artists, organizations, and creative businesses that help communities thrive.
For media inquiries, contact Jonathan Frahm at jonathan@artstateaz.org.
For more information about Art State Arizona and upcoming programs and events, visit artstateaz.org.
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