Annual Events

O'Odham Tash Celebration, a gathering of tribes, is held in mid-February and features Native American arts and crafts, ceremonial dances, rodeos, powwows and parades.

Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
There are more than 40 different shows throughout the Tucson area for two weeks in February. Details

AZ State Open Chili Championship
Held in March in Casa Grande, the event features arts, crafts, car show, entertainment, and of course....Chili! Details

Sight Seeing

Picacho Peak State Park (8miles)
Enjoy the view as you hike the trails that wind up the prominent 1,500 foot peak. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance.  In the spring, the desert comes alive with wildflowers. 

In March the park is home to the annual Civil War re-enactment of the farthest western battle fought in the war. The event bringing as many as 200 re-enactors from around the country who spend the weekend living in authentic camps. Spectators get a glimpse of the past, and learn about history as they watch the battle and tour the camps.

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch (9 miles)
At the foot of Picacho Peak, Rooster Cogburn's is a family owned and operated working ostrich ranch that offers something for everyone. See ostrich, deer, miniature Sicilian donkeys, Boer goats, and rainbow lorikeets. Also has Monster Truck Tours!

 Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (22 miles)
A National Park Service Monument, the park protects the ruins of an ancient dwelling of the Hohokam tribe. The visitor center offers excellent exhibits that interpret the history of the area and the people that inhabited it. Ranger-led tours as well as self-guided visits to the “Great House” ruins are available. The monument is located on 1100 West Ruins Drive in Coolidge.

Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park protects some of the most impressive stands of the Saguaro, a giant columnar cactus found only in a small part of the Sonoran Desert. The park consists of two sections (East and West) that are located 30 miles apart from each other. Both sections offer a visitor center with exhibits, hiking trails, gift shop, and scenic drives (the 8-mile loop in the East section is paved, the loop roads in the West section are dirt roads.)

Biosphere 2
 Now open to the public, this giant glass enclosure was originally designed for a research experiment that was centered around the possibility and obstacles of self-sustaining space colonization. Inside Biosphere 2, it only takes about one hour to visit many of the Earth’s different ecosystems, from dry desert to lush green rainforest. Biosphere 2 is located at mile marker 96.5 on Oracle Rd/Hwy. 77.

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (35 miles)
This mostly outdoors museum combines natural history exhibits with a zoo and a botanical garden. Located in a beautiful setting in the Sonoran Desert (near Saguaro Park West) the Desert Museum is a must see for anyone visiting the region. The museum is located on 2021 N. Kinney Rd. west of Tucson.

Old Tucson Studios (35 miles)
Step back in time, and bring back memories of the many classic westerns filmed on this location. Nicknamed “Arizona’s Hollywood in the Desert, you can roam the streets with cowboys and gunslingers, or maybe catch the filming of current new productions. Located at 201 South Kinney Rd. in Tucson.

Ironwood Forest National Monument (30 miles)
Explore one of the few remaining dense stands of Ironwood trees in the Sonoran Desert, but come prepared for travel on sandy roads that will lead you deep into the back country. Four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle recommended. This area is remote, undeveloped, and offers no facilities of any kind.

Activities and Attractions

Golf
Tucson Area Golf Courses
Casa Grande Area Golf Corses

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch (5 miles)
The  ranch offers an up-close and personal look at the ostriches that are raised here. Visitors can hand-feed these critters (feed is for sale.) There is also a gift shop, and a lorikeet enclosure was recently added for the enjoyment of the visitor. The ranch also offers “monster truck” tours that proceed through the ostrich enclosures and into the desert around Picacho Peak. Take I-10 to exit 219 and follow the eastbound frontage road to the ranch.

Shopping
Nearby in Casa Grande you will find a new shopping mall with major retailers, and the Outlet Mall.