Tumacácori hosts a number of special events during the year -- some with long-standing traditions and some that are brand new. Even returning visitors will find something unique to experience. Be sure to scroll all the way down the page to see the full array of special events for the coming year. Or, download the Calendar of Events (pdf, 1.3Mb) for the 2016-2017 season.
Got a question about an event you see here? Contact us!
You may also want to consult the Tubac Calendar for a listing of events nearby.
Pollinators play an important role in both wild and cultivated landscapes.
copyright Lauren Hillquist
Pollinator Bioblitz
Saturday, August 20, 2016 (rain date: August 27, 2016)
7:00 a.m. for butterflies, bees, and birds
7:00 p.m. for bats and nighttime bugs
Citizen scientists join park staff to inventory bees, bats, bugs, and butterflies in the mission grounds and along the river. No experience necessary.
What will the next 100 years look like?
Happy 100th Birthday, National Park Service!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
No birthday celebration is complete without cake, frozen treats, and games! Stop by to celebrate us and Find Your Park on this Centennial year.
Harvest season generally sees the picking of pomegranate, quince, and pear.
NPS Photo
Celebración de la Cosecha (Harvest Party)
Saturday, October 1, 2016
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
It's harvest season in the heritage orchard. Bring your taste buds and enjoy the "fruits" of our labor!
Seasonal floods destroy trails and wash debris through the Santa Cruz River corridor. Keeping it clean helps hikers enjoy nature.
NPS Photo
National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 24, 2016
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free
Celebrate our shared public lands by participating in a clean-up along the 1.5 mile section of the Anza Trail within Tumacácori National Historical Park (3 mile round trip). Volunteers will meet in the park picnic area for a brief orientation. Supplies provided include;trash bags, safety vests, and work gloves. Event volunteers can earn service hours, a reusable Tumacácori water bottle, and a coupon good for free entrance to any federal fee area. Regular park admission will be free for anyone visiting the park on this day.
Skeletons take on celebratory flair on Día de los Muertos.
NPS Photo
Día de los Muertos
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Music, food, games, and treats for kids. Get your face painted and contribute to the community ofrenda inside the mission church.
Folklorico dancers and mariachi band at La Fiesta de Tumacácori
NPS Photo
La Fiesta de Tumacácori
Saturday, December 3, 2016: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 4, 2016: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free!
Held every year during the first full weekend in December
In recognition and celebration of the many cultures that were historically and are presently associated with the Santa Cruz Valley, the Tumacácori Fiesta presents the traditional creations of these cultures. The fiesta features around fifty food and craft booths, continuous live entertainment on stage, and children's activities each day. On Sunday, the day begins at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center with a procession through the Fiesta grounds to the historic church, followed by a traditional Mariachi Mass in front of the church. The mission grounds and park are open throughout the weekend and admission is free.
For more details on vendors, performers, and activities, please visitLa Fiesta de Tumacácori.
This could be you!
NPS Photo
Volunteer Open House
Thursday, December 15, 2016
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Catch a behind-the-scenes look at how Tumacácori operates and learn about the many ways you can become a part of the park.
The endangered yellow-billed cuckoo is one of many species of wildlife visible along the Santa Cruz River corridor.
NPS Photo
Great Backyard Bird Count: Park-to-Park Hike
Saturday, February 18, 2017
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Explore the habitats along a 4-mile stretch of the Santa Cruz River between Tumacácori and Tubac and catch the free shuttle back to your starting point. Record your bird sightings as part of the Audubon Society's Great Backyard Bird Count. Beginners welcome. Binoculars available for loan.
Bear grass, yucca, willow, and devil's claw are the primary ingredients of the famed O'odham basket weavers.
NPS Photo / M. Rawlins
O'odham Tash
Sunday, March 5, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What is a "tash?" It's a celebration of culture! Immerse yourself in O'odham art, music, food, crafts, and heritage.
Playing with mud -- always a fan favorite at Tumacácori!
NPS Photo
Junior Ranger Day
Saturday, April 16, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kick of National Park Week with youngsters. All ages welcome to enjoy a day of play with mud and merriment! Dress for mess and go home with fabulous prizes.
Earn a collectible "I Hike For Health" pin upon completion of the trail.
NPS Photo
Park Rx Day: Park-to-Park Hike
Sunday, April 23, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Get outside to hike, explore, and be with friends. Hike the length of the Anza Trail between Tumacácori and Tubac, then rest, rehydrate, and catch the free shuttle back to your starting point.
