8 fun festivals and conventions happening in Tucson this weekend, Nov. 13-15🎤✨

Tucson residents looking for something to do Nov. 13 through 15 have a wide range of options, from downtown concerts and independent films to neighborhood history, local art, vintage toys and science fiction. The weekend’s lineup includes events for people who want to spend an afternoon browsing, an evening listening to music or several days exploring Tucson’s creative communities.

One of the largest gatherings is Dusk Music Festival, a two-day event returning for its 10th year at Jácome Plaza. The downtown festival combines electronic dance music, pop and hip-hop, and has drawn thousands of attendees in previous years. This year’s listed headliners are BigXthaPlug, Fetty Wap and Phantogram. Two-day general admission tickets start at $155, while single-day tickets start at $91. The festival’s popularity has been visible in past years, when fans crowded against the guardrails to get closer to performers.

For moviegoers, the Loft Film Fest is celebrating its 16th year with a program centered on independent, international and classic cinema. The festival also highlights the people behind those productions, including established and emerging directors, writers, producers and actors. It offers Tucson audiences a chance to see films that may not receive the same exposure as major commercial releases, while also celebrating the broader work of filmmakers. Event details, including the full schedule and ticket information, are available through the festival’s event page.

Tucson’s food history will also be part of the weekend through a festival dedicated to Chinese chorizo, a dish described as a lost historic food symbol. Restaurants and food vendors will serve dishes featuring Chinese chorizo throughout the month, giving diners multiple opportunities to try different interpretations. Prices vary by event and menu item. The celebration connects Tucson’s food scene with the city’s multicultural history, and provides a way for residents to learn about a food tradition while supporting participating restaurants and vendors.

At the Tucson Convention Center’s Alva B. Torres Plaza, Borderlands Theater will present “Barrio Stories: 10 Year Celebration.” The program features 10 plays focused on neighborhood histories, including the story of the Beehive Bar, family experiences and Tucson cultural traditions. Live mariachi music and poetry readings are also planned. The event takes place at 260 South Church Avenue, with admission set as a suggested donation of $25. Separate Barrio Viejo walking tours will be available for people interested in connecting the performances with the historic neighborhood that helped inspire the work.

Fans of speculative fiction can head south to TusCon 53, a science fiction, fantasy and horror convention at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tucson Airport, 7051 South Tucson Boulevard. The convention will include panels, discussions, gaming and craft workshops, along with a drag show and other activities. Its format gives attendees several ways to participate, whether they prefer listening to conversations, playing games, making something or joining the convention’s social events. The hotel location also places the gathering near Tucson International Airport and makes it distinct from the downtown festival events.

Artists across Southern Arizona will open their studios for a weekend of tours, allowing visitors to meet more than 300 artists and see how their work is made. The studio tours are free to attend, although guests should bring money if they plan to purchase art. For Tucson residents, the event offers both a behind-the-scenes look at creative processes and a direct way to support artists. Rather than visiting a single market, attendees can use the weekend to explore participating studios and encounter a broad range of work and working styles.

Another arts-focused option is the artisan festival at Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 North First Avenue. More than 250 artists and makers are expected, along with live entertainment and culinary experiences. Admission is free, but visitors should plan to spend money if they want to shop for handmade items or buy food. The event combines browsing with performances and dining, making it an option for people who want a more traditional festival atmosphere while supporting small-scale creators and vendors.

Collectors and fans of pop culture can browse vintage toys and related finds at the Tucson Expo Center, 3750 East Irvington Road. Items listed for the event include Pokémon, G.I. Joe, Monster High dolls, comics and video games. The selection gives visitors a chance to look for childhood favorites, collectible pieces or items tied to current fandoms. With eight events spread across Tucson, residents can choose a single stop or build a weekend itinerary that moves from downtown music and film to neighborhood history, local art, food and collectibles.