Tubac Festival of the Arts

For four days in early February the population of the tiny historic village of Tubac swells tenfold as hundreds of roaming artists and artisans set up their white tents and offer their unique and often strange visions and creations to the masses. Thousands flock from all around Tucson, Green Valley, and Nogales to stroll through the village’s few streets, ducking in and out of all the crafty shops, eating grilled and fried food, kettlekorn and generally enjoying a 70-degree blue-sky day in late winter. Today, we've never seen it so crowded. It was so crowded, we were ushered so far back to park that we ended up driving through a farm and onto a local playground to find a spot. The parking attendant felt so bad, they didn't even want to take the $6 parking fee. While they did have a shuttle, we chose to hoof it past the farm animals and take some pictures. Tubac is only 50 miles south of Tucson, Arizona off I-19 heading toward Nogales. An easy, scenic drive, until you get there. Then, be prepared to walk your socks off...............

The Tubac Festival of the Arts is Arizona's longest-running arts festival. Year Round, the town of Tubac has a rich history dating back to the 1700's, and a vibrant arts community that visitors can explore. At the festival you will find street vendors, folk dance, music, as well as fine art and just-plain-fun art. Horse-drawn trolleys and wagons are available to shuttle people around the historic village.

Tubac was established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio (fort). It is now a destination for art enthusiasts as well as nature lovers who enjoy birding and walking along the river trail.

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