November Calendar

Tucson residents have a full slate of ways to spend time in the community this November, from Día de los Muertos observances and the All Souls Procession to concerts, theater, outdoor service projects, farmers markets and volunteer opportunities. The month’s calendar stretches across central Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, the Catalina Mountains and the surrounding region, offering both free activities and ticketed events for families, music fans, outdoor enthusiasts and people looking to support local organizations.

The month opens Sunday, Nov. 1, with a Día de los Muertos celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. Admission is $19, and the event is open to all ages. Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. 9th St., will host an Improv 101 and 401 student showcase at 1 p.m. for $5. Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte, continues its Sundays in the Garden fall concert series from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with admission listed at $20. Other Sunday choices include Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter SkyNights, The Séance Experience at the Wyndham Viscount Suite Hotel, jazz performances at The Century Room and free karaoke at Big Bad Wolf Bar and Grill and the BrandyLion bar.

Regular weekly activities give residents low cost options throughout the month. Birders can meet at El Rio Preserve in Marana for a guided outing from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., with registration required and admission listed at $6.56, or $5.25 for Marana residents. The Flowing Wells Library hosts Tucson Random Acts of Crochet Kindness from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Archaeology Southwest presents “Neither Mischievous nor Mysterious: Humans Hooked on Devil’s Claw” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 281 N. Stone Ave., free with registration. The calendar also includes free trivia at Corbett’s, a Tuesday comedy open mic at the BrandyLion, and evening karaoke and meditation programs.

Music and performances fill many of the city’s established venues. November listings include Armand Hammer at 191 Toole, Paul Cauthen at the Rialto Theatre, Grupo Arizona and Holy Wave at Hotel Congress, and Eric Michael Hernandez’s “Courage in Motion” at the Fox Tucson Theatre. Other performances include a Willie Nelson tribute by Shotgun Willie Live, Presto! Magic, Comedy and Illusions, a Soul Train dance party, a tribute to the Everly Brothers, Voyager’s Journey tribute and bluegrass at Gaslight Music Hall. The Rialto also lists appearances by Rodrigo y Gabriela, Brandi Carlile and Nick Shoulders, while The Century Room continues its jazz and Latin music programming.

Several November events connect Tucson’s arts calendar with seasonal traditions. Dance of the Dead events at the MSA Annex include a night featuring SORNE and another called Flow for the Soul, each listed from 6 p.m. to midnight. The 37th Annual All Souls Procession and Ceremony is scheduled at the MSA Annex from 4 to 10 p.m. and is free for all ages. Tohono Chul will host “Terruño: Flavors of the Desert,” a ticketed event for adults, as well as more Jazz Under the Stars performances. Yume Japanese Gardens will present Tōrō Nagashi, a floating lantern festival, and the Loft Film Fest will screen “Desperately Seeking Susan” with director Susan Seidelman at The Loft Cinema.

Families can choose from theatrical productions and community festivals. The Rogue Theatre presents “All My Sons,” Broadway in Tucson brings “Elf The Musical” to Centennial Hall, and the Oro Valley Theatre Company stages “The Odd Couple, Female Version” at Gaslight Music Hall. The Tucson Greek Festival at Jacome Plaza offers multiple days of food and cultural programming. Other options include the Finding True Southwest Art Show at the Tucson Desert Art Museum, Tucson Artwalk at Wilde Meyer Gallery, Arts and Crafts Night at Tucson Games and Gadgets, and free or low cost concerts at Tohono Chul and Catalina State Park. The Heirloom Farmers Market and Pusch House Museum tours return to Steam Pump Ranch, while the Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival takes place in Sonoita.

Outdoor activities also appear throughout the calendar. Volunteers can register for Trail Crew for a Day at Wild Burro Trailhead, a free project for participants age 16 and older. The Desert Museum lists a buffelgrass removal project at Tucson Mountain Park, where strenuous work is required and all ages are welcome. Catalina State Park hosts the TMC Veterans Day trail races, and its Music in the Mountains series features the Marana Big PHAT Band. These events provide opportunities to explore the region while helping maintain trails, protect desert habitat or support local recreation programs.

November also offers several direct ways to help Tucson residents and animals. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, which is marking 50 years of service, lists a Holiday Harvest Food and Fund Drive on Nov. 12 at the Bashas’ on West River Road. The food bank says each dollar supports three meals, and it accepts donations and volunteer signups. Interfaith Community Services is collecting items such as canned meat, peanut butter, soup, pasta, cereal, diapers, wipes and travel size hygiene supplies. Its offices close on Thanksgiving, and a volunteer orientation is scheduled online for Nov. 11.

Other organizations have specific needs. The Primavera Foundation seeks volunteers to prepare meals, distribute hygiene kits and mail, and support people experiencing homelessness through its shelters and drop in center. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona lists a Pet Pantry from 2 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 4 and accepts pet food and financial donations. Pima Council on Aging supports Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors and adults with disabilities, with drivers providing both meals and wellness checks. Tu Nidito, which offers grief support for young people and families, is seeking volunteers for support groups, outreach, events and its Therapy Dog team. Habitat for Humanity Tucson lists volunteer roles on construction sites, at the ReStore and in administrative work. Because schedules, admission policies and donation needs can change, residents should confirm details with each organization before attending or volunteering.