March 7 & 8, 2026
Step into the vibrant world of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance’s Spring Festival of the Arts at Oro Valley Marketplace! Immerse yourself in a weekend filled with the fresh spirit of spring, featuring hands-on arts and crafts activities for all ages, mesmerizing art installations, and a delicious variety of local food trucks.
Discover the heart of creativity as you stroll through this thoughtfully curated market, showcasing the talent of small, independent artists and businesses. Each booth tells a story, offering a chance to meet the makers behind the art and learn firsthand about their craft. From stunning handmade jewelry to intricate ceramics and more, you'll find a collection of one-of-a-kind treasures. Supporting these local artisans means investing in the sustainability of our creative community – a perfect way to celebrate spring and bring home a piece of artistry.
Celebrate the vibrancy of spring at the Spring Festival of the Arts with a variety of interactive and engaging experiences for all ages! Kids can bounce into fun at the Jumping Castle Experience, while art lovers can witness creativity in action at the Plein Air Painting Competition, where artists capture the beauty of Oro Valley Marketplace in real-time.
Families can dive into storytelling and hands-on comic book fun with local celebrity Frank Powers and his Comic Bookmobile, or transform their festival look with whimsical designs at Sparkled Wings Facepainting. Explore the stunning craftsmanship of local artists at the Sonoran Glass Art Display, and get hands-on at the festival’s arts and crafts tents, where activities like Spring Planting, Wind Chime Making, Botanical Tracing, Mosaic Magnets, Paper Flower Crafting, and Wood Painting inspire creativity and celebrate the season. With so many ways to engage, create, and explore, the festival is a true springtime celebration of art, imagination, and community!
Discover the heart of creativity as you stroll through this thoughtfully curated market, showcasing the talent of small, independent artists and businesses. Each booth tells a story, offering a chance to meet the makers behind the art and learn firsthand about their craft. From stunning handmade jewelry to intricate ceramics and more, you'll find a collection of one-of-a-kind treasures. Supporting these local artisans means investing in the sustainability of our creative community – a perfect way to celebrate spring and bring home a piece of artistry.
Celebrate the vibrancy of spring at the Spring Festival of the Arts with a variety of interactive and engaging experiences for all ages! Kids can bounce into fun at the Jumping Castle Experience, while art lovers can witness creativity in action at the Plein Air Painting Competition, where artists capture the beauty of Oro Valley Marketplace in real-time.
Families can dive into storytelling and hands-on comic book fun with local celebrity Frank Powers and his Comic Bookmobile, or transform their festival look with whimsical designs at Sparkled Wings Facepainting. Explore the stunning craftsmanship of local artists at the Sonoran Glass Art Display, and get hands-on at the festival’s arts and crafts tents, where activities like Spring Planting, Wind Chime Making, Botanical Tracing, Mosaic Magnets, Paper Flower Crafting, and Wood Painting inspire creativity and celebrate the season. With so many ways to engage, create, and explore, the festival is a true springtime celebration of art, imagination, and community!
EVENT TIMESSaturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 10am-4pm |
EVENT LOCATIONOro Valley Marketplace
12155 N Oracle Rd Oro Valley, AZ 85737 |
ADMISSIONFree Admission
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PARTNERS
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LOCATION
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Oro Valley Marketplace
12155 N Oracle Rd Oro Valley, AZ 85737 We are Oro Valley’s open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, located at the corner of Oracle and Tangerine Roads. Visit us for a variety of specialty shops and national brands, popular restaurants to suit every appetite, and a Century Theatres Movie Theatre, all surrounded by exquisite mountain views. |
2025 PLEIN AIR PAINTING WINNERS
Honorable mention- Michael Norton
Architecture
1st place Kathy Wadsworth
2nd place Greg Wallace
People
1st Place Ethan Myerson
2nd place Ren Buchness
Nature
1st place Hope Ricciardi
2nd place Donovan White
Best in show
Greg Wallace
Architecture
1st place Kathy Wadsworth
2nd place Greg Wallace
People
1st Place Ethan Myerson
2nd place Ren Buchness
Nature
1st place Hope Ricciardi
2nd place Donovan White
Best in show
Greg Wallace
MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCES
Step into the harmonious world of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance’s Spring Festival of the Arts at Oro Valley Marketplace. This spring, our festival is alive with the vibrant sounds of acoustic music, spanning Irish, Latin, Americana, and more.
LIVE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 8, 2025
10 AM - 12:30 PM | The Out of Kilters (Irish)
1 PM - 2 PM | Koda Krause (Folk/Blues)
2:30 PM - 4 PM | Grupo Gardenias (Latin)
Sunday, March 9, 2025
10 AM - 12:30 PM | Baja Caravan (Surf/Reggae)
1 PM - 4 PM | Kiko de Gallo (Funk/Rock)
10 AM - 12:30 PM | The Out of Kilters (Irish)
1 PM - 2 PM | Koda Krause (Folk/Blues)
2:30 PM - 4 PM | Grupo Gardenias (Latin)
Sunday, March 9, 2025
10 AM - 12:30 PM | Baja Caravan (Surf/Reggae)
1 PM - 4 PM | Kiko de Gallo (Funk/Rock)
PERFORMER BIOS & DETAILS
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The Out of Kilters
Irish Performing Saturday 10 AM - 12:30 PM From beautiful Tucson, Arizona, the Out of Kilters play toe-tapping Celtic and traditional American music for pubs, parties, contradances and special events. Among their stockpile of classic Irish folk music, you’ll also hear some original tunes from Peter Rodgers on fiddle, Russ Healy on accordion and Tom Field on guitar. They all write and play our own music to bring you a truly unique experience. Everyone in the band sings and can play a second instrument or two when needed. And with their vital rhythm section of Reuben Vinal on bass and Liz Healy on bodhran, you are sure to never to forget them. |
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Koda Krause
Folk/Blues Performing Saturday 1 PM - 2 PM Koda Krause is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Tucson, Arizona. Starting his musical journey over 20 years ago he began studying guitar with Tucson legend Bill Ganz. Then-while receiving a degree in classical guitar-renowned Arizona guitarist Tom Sheeley. He has performed his unique mix of blues/folk standards and stylized original songs all over Arizona. Today you can find him fingerpicking all around Tucson, playing with his band Simple Existence or cooking French food for his fiancé. |
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Grupo Gardenias
Latin Performing Saturday 2:30 PM - 4 PM Gardenias is a Latin folk ensemble featuring guitar, flute, percussion, violin, and vocals. Led by flautist Melissa Medina and Victor Cruz, Gardenias gets crowds grooving with their uniquely layered acoustic stylings. |
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Baja Caravan
Surf/Reggae Performing Sunday 10 AM - 12:30 PM Baja Caravan has a unique musical style which blends folk surf reggae rock with the rhythms of Latin music. They have played all over Arizona and are quickly becoming one of the best original bands to come out of Tucson. They get their unique sound through a diverse musical background. Grab a drink and relax, they are considered Tucson's island music! |
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Kiko de Gallo
Funk/Rock Performing Sunday 1 PM - 4 PM An exciting new take on the Kiko Jacome Band formula, Kiko de Gallo brings a funky twist to the music that you know and love from the Tucson-staple blues-rockers. They bring you a mix of classic and original tunes which have been referred to as Desert Soul: a fusion of rock, jazz, blues, reggae, and folk with a Latin edge. |
INTERACTIVE ARTS EXPERIENCES
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food vendors
Come hungry to the festival and enjoy a wide variety of delicious local eats including Sonoran style raspados, spicy Korean ramyeon, pupusas, fish tacos and more!
- Cactus Jack Lemonade - Lemonade in a variety of flavors
- Friesy - French Fries with a variety of sauces and meat toppings
- La Bufadora - Fish Tacos and more
- Oh Wow! Mini Donuts - Mini donuts and coffee
- Pupuseria Rositas - Pupusas and more
- Quesadillas & More - Mexican cuisine
- Real Fruit Raspados - Mexican desserts
- Wild West Kettle Korn
- Yumyum Pocha - Korean cuisine
participating artists
The Spring Festival of the Arts welcomes over 125 artists to the Oro Valley Marketplace with works ranging from metal sculpture, jewelry and photography to handmade beauty products and artisan foods. See some of the most unique and colorful art in the Southwest and meet the artists who made it! Shop local and support independent art.