Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts to Host Over 150 Artists, Acoustic Traditions Band Contest and Interactive Art Experiencesfor the Whole Family

The partnership between Oro Valley Marketplace and Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance continues with this community-minded event that celebrates Southern Arizona

On March 30 & 31, the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Oro Valley Marketplace, in partnership with the Town of Oro Valley and sponsored by Pima Federal Credit Union, continues their series of arts experiences with the annual Spring Festival of the Arts. This FREE two day festival will feature over 150 local artists selling a variety of unique art pieces ranging in style from hand blown glass and delicately carved wooden statues to intricately woven shawls and towering metal saguaros. Attendees can also enjoy the inaugural Acoustic Traditions Band Contest on Saturday, which will feature 5 local bands battling it out for $700 in cash prizes and a chance to play at the 2020 Marana Bluegrass Festival. Sunday will also featured a full line up of live performances and guests can enjoy an array of food trucks and plenty of exciting free art activities for the whole family throughout the weekend.

"Southern Arizona is rich with extraordinary talent and passion," says SAACA Executive Director, Kate Marquez. "As Tucson's creative industries continue to develop, these festivals are a natural way to cultivate continued growth within the community. The arts encompass a broad spectrum of our local economy, and SAACA is dedicated to investing in their advancement."

Live Entertainment Schedule:

SATURDAY MARCH 30 

Acoustic Traditions Band Contest 
Presented by SAACA and the Desert Bluegrass Association
11 AM – 11:30 AM Southern Comfort Band (Tucson, AZ)  
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM Nick and Luke (Baltimore, MD / New York, NY) 
12:30 PM – 1 PM Copper Wren (Tucson, AZ) 
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM Grupo Riken (Tucson, AZ) 
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Fair Black Rose (Chandler, AZ) 
4:00 PM Awards Announcement 

SUNDAY MARCH 31 

10:45 AM – 11:15 Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance 
11:30 AM – 12 PM Tucson Chinese Cultural Center (Featuring a traditional Lion Dance, Yo-Yo Showcase, and Chinese Fashion Show) 
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM Saguaro Stompers Clog Dance Company
1 PM – 1:30 PM Lajkonik Polish Dance Group 
1:45 – 2:45 Incidental Bluegrass  
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Ballet Folklorico Tapatio 

What to Expect at the Event:

• Virtual Reality (VR) Station with 3D art design experience, utilizing Oculus and Laptop technologies presented by The University of Arizona Center for Digital Humanities. Try painting in a 3D immersive landscape with Google’s TiltBrush software. Throughout the festival, you can also learn about artistic methods and SAACA programs with a new mobile Augmented Reality (AR) experience designed by UA students.
• Delicious food trucks serving flavors from across the country, 
• Family activities for all ages including crafts & painting activities with Lucky Cat Social Art, mini escape room experiences from Mystery Escape Room, jumping castles by JumpMaxx, face painting, balloon animals and more!
• Over 150 local artists selling something for every taste and style, whether you're looking for a gift, new home decor or even a new wardrobe, you'll find it at the Spring Festival of the Arts.
• The inaugural Acoustic Traditions Band Contest on Saturday, March 30.

Spring Festival of the Arts
When:  Saturday, March 24, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday March 25, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Cost: Free Admission
Online:  www.saaca.org
Phone:  (520) 797-3959

Note to Media: Photos Available

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.