The Tucson Festival of Books is not just for avid readers; it’s a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun-filled weekend! Beyond the Author Grid, a treasure trove of entertainment and engaging activities awaits visitors of all ages. This guide highlights the must-do family-friendly events at this year’s festival, ensuring a memorable experience for every member of your family.
While the main Author Grid is a central attraction, the festival thoughtfully curates a special selection of entertainment and activities specifically designed to captivate families and children. These events offer a delightful break from book browsing and author talks, providing interactive and engaging experiences.
To help you navigate the numerous options, we’ve compiled a list of highlighted family activities. Each event is marked with a star, allowing you to bookmark your favorites and create a personalized festival itinerary. Simply click the star next to an event to save it, and click again to remove it. Once you’ve made your selections, you can view and print your customized schedule here, making it easy to keep track of your planned family fun.
It’s important to remember that this list represents just a portion of the overall festival offerings. To fully maximize your experience and discover even more, be sure to explore the comprehensive Author Grid and the Other Author Events sections of the festival website. These resources will provide a complete picture of all the events and activities happening throughout the weekend.
For the most up-to-date information, including any last-minute changes or participant updates, please refer to our Schedule Changes page. This page lists any entertainers or participants who may have had to cancel their appearance after March 1st.
Get ready to immerse yourselves in a weekend brimming with literary discoveries and family entertainment at the Tucson Festival of Books!
Saturday, March 15th: Family Activity Highlights
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Children’s Storybook Parade
Location: The Canyon
Kick off your Saturday at the festival with a whimsical Children’s Storybook Parade. Watch as beloved storybook characters come to life in a colorful procession that’s sure to enchant children and adults alike.
9:15 AM – 9:20 AM: Star Spangled Banner – Please Join In!
Location: USS Arizona Memorial Plaza
Start the day with a patriotic moment as everyone is invited to join in singing the Star Spangled Banner. A wonderful opportunity to teach children about national pride in a communal setting.
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM: Art for All brought to you by Make Way For Books
Location: Tent for Tots
Unleash your child’s creativity with “Art for All,” presented by Make Way For Books. This interactive session encourages kids to explore their artistic talents through various engaging art projects.
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM: Creativity Corner brought to you by Children’s Museum of Tucson
Location: Creativity Corner
The Children’s Museum of Tucson brings its expertise to the festival with the Creativity Corner. Drop in anytime throughout the day for hands-on activities that spark imagination and learning through play.
10:00 AM – 10:25 AM: Stone the Poet
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Introduce your family to the magic of spoken word with Stone the Poet. His performances are captivating and thought-provoking, offering a unique literary experience.
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM: Musical Performances at The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, and Children’s Stage
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Enjoy a variety of musical performances throughout the morning. Catch Oms at The Canyon, DC and Company at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at the Children’s Stage. A diverse range of sounds to please every musical taste.
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM: Meet Pete the Cat
Location: Story Blanket Tent
Don’t miss the chance to meet the groovy Pete the Cat! A favorite among young readers, this meet-and-greet will bring smiles and photo opportunities for fans of this cool feline.
10:30 AM – 10:55 AM: Ron Pandy & The Wildpitch Band
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Experience the lively tunes of Ron Pandy & The Wildpitch Band at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage. Their energetic performance is sure to get your family tapping their feet.
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: Busy Builders
Location: Tent for Tots
For the little engineers in your family, “Busy Builders” in the Tent for Tots provides a hands-on construction experience that encourages problem-solving and teamwork.
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Buskers: Lotus the Bubble Fairy & Havin’ a Blast
Location: Buskers Area
Be enchanted by the whimsical performances of the buskers. Lotus the Bubble Fairy will create mesmerizing bubble displays, while Havin’ a Blast offers high-energy, fun-filled entertainment.
11:00 AM – 11:25 AM: Annie Anna
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the soulful sounds of Annie Anna at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage. Her music provides a relaxing and enjoyable interlude to your festival day.
11:00 AM – 11:40 AM: Diverse Performances at The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage, and Circus Grounds
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage, Circus Grounds
Choose from a wide array of performances. Two Cent Revival at The Canyon, Saguaro Stompers Clog Dance Company + Sonoran Sol Cloggers at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Mariachi Los Toritos at the Children’s Stage, and The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson at the Circus Grounds. Something for every interest!
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Nightstand Matt’s One-Man Band
Location: Friends and Volunteers Dining Plaza
Enjoy a unique musical experience with Nightstand Matt’s One-Man Band. His versatile performance is perfect for enjoying during a lunch break.
11:30 AM – 11:55 AM: Eric Douglas
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Catch the performance of Eric Douglas at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage. His songwriting offers a blend of storytelling and music.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Con Cuentos Crecemos/Bilingual Storytime
Location: Tent for Tots
Immerse yourselves in stories with “Con Cuentos Crecemos/Bilingual Storytime” in the Tent for Tots. This bilingual session celebrates language and literacy in a fun and engaging way.
12:00 PM – 12:40 PM: Afternoon Music and Entertainment at Various Stages
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
As lunchtime approaches, enjoy more musical performances. Dani Halversen at The Canyon, Goonsville at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, University of Arizona Jazz Ambassadors at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Stories that Soar! at the Children’s Stage.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM: Dry River Band
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Experience the sounds of the Dry River Band at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage. Their music provides a great backdrop to the afternoon festival atmosphere.
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Dino-Mite Dogs
Location: Tent for Tots
“Dino-Mite Dogs” in the Tent for Tots combines fun and learning with a dinosaur theme that kids will adore.
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Buskers: George & Georgia and Gwen Ryan
Location: Buskers Area
Enjoy the afternoon performances of buskers George & Georgia and Gwen Ryan, adding to the festive atmosphere throughout the grounds.
1:00 PM – 1:25 PM: Brett Dooley
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the musical stylings of Brett Dooley at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage as you continue your festival exploration.
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM: Cultural Performances and Music Across Stages
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Experience a range of cultural performances and music. Ryan Learned at The Canyon, Dine’Tah Navajo Cultural Program at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Las Azaleas at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Mariachi Las Aguilitas de Davis at the Children’s Stage.
1:30 PM – 1:55 PM: Inner Space Orchestra
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Experience the unique sounds of Inner Space Orchestra at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage, offering a different musical vibe.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson
Location: Circus Grounds
Be amazed again by The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson at the Circus Grounds, showcasing incredible aerial and circus arts.
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM: Mellow Moments
Location: Tent for Tots
“Mellow Moments” in the Tent for Tots provides a calming and relaxing activity for younger children in the midst of the festival excitement.
2:00 PM – 2:25 PM: PJ Bidwell
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the musical performance of PJ Bidwell at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage as the afternoon progresses.
2:00 PM – 2:40 PM: Afternoon Entertainment Variety
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
More entertainment options include Küf Knotz & Christine Elise at The Canyon, Ballet Folklorico Los MexTucAz at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Steven Sera Band at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Tucson Girls Chorus Bumblebee Singers at the Children’s Stage.
2:30 PM – 2:55 PM: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage Performances
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy back-to-back performances at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage with [To be announced] and Darrell Rodgers Trio.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Once Upon a Time brought to you by Make Way For Books
Location: Tent for Tots
“Once Upon a Time” presented by Make Way For Books offers another session of engaging storytelling and literary fun for children.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Buskers: Marty Province & Havin’ a Blast
Location: Buskers Area
Enjoy extended busker performances in the afternoon with Marty Province and Havin’ a Blast, providing continuous entertainment.
3:00 PM – 3:25 PM: Bob Streit
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Catch the musical performance of Bob Streit at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage as the festival day winds down.
3:00 PM – 3:40 PM: Diverse Performances as the Day Continues
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Enjoy a diverse range of acts including Nelly Hawley-Hayes at The Canyon, EarthPicks of Cochise County at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Pineross at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Kids Unlimited at the Children’s Stage.
3:30 PM – 3:55 PM: Mitzi Cowell
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Experience the music of Mitzi Cowell at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage as the late afternoon approaches.
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM: STEAM through Stories
Location: Tent for Tots
Engage in “STEAM through Stories” in the Tent for Tots, blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math with captivating storytelling.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Meet Rainbow Fish
Location: Story Blanket Tent
Meet the shimmering Rainbow Fish at the Story Blanket Tent! Another wonderful character meet-and-greet opportunity for young children.
4:00 PM – 4:40 PM: Late Afternoon Entertainment Selections
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage, Circus Grounds
As the day nears its end, enjoy final performances including Pullman Road Project at The Canyon, Zuzi! Intergenerational Performing Group at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Chalako the Band at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Maguire Academy of Irish Dance at the Children’s Stage, and The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson at the Circus Grounds.
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM: W.I.L.D. Cats
Location: Tent for Tots
Wrap up Saturday’s family activities with “W.I.L.D. Cats” in the Tent for Tots, promising an engaging and fun finale.
Sunday, March 16th: Family Activity Highlights
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM: Art for All
Location: Tent for Tots
Start Sunday with another session of “Art for All” in the Tent for Tots, providing more creative opportunities for children.
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM: Creativity Corner brought to you by Children’s Museum of Tucson
Location: Creativity Corner
The Creativity Corner continues on Sunday, offering all-day hands-on activities provided by the Children’s Museum of Tucson.
10:00 AM – 10:25 AM: Mikayla Williams
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Begin Sunday’s musical journey at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage with Mikayla Williams.
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM: Sunday Morning Performances
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Enjoy a variety of performances to start your Sunday. Gary Rodriguez at The Canyon, Celtic Steps Irish Dance at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, School of Rock House Band at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Danzacultura Mexicana at the Children’s Stage.
10:30 AM – 10:55 AM: Ben Tully
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Continue the musical morning with Ben Tully at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM: Busy Builders
Location: Tent for Tots
“Busy Builders” returns on Sunday in the Tent for Tots, offering more construction fun for kids.
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Buskers: Marty Flashman & Kyle McCourt
Location: Buskers Area
Enjoy Sunday busker performances from Marty Flashman and Kyle McCourt, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere.
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM: Meet Bluey and Bingo
Location: Story Blanket Tent
Exciting news for Bluey fans! Meet Bluey and Bingo at the Story Blanket Tent for hugs and photos.
11:00 AM – 11:25 AM: Ron Jorgensen & Ed Lannon
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the duo Ron Jorgensen & Ed Lannon at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
11:00 AM – 11:40 AM: Mid-Morning Entertainment Options
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage, Circus Grounds
Mid-morning entertainment choices include The Wild Swans Irish Music at The Canyon, Lajkonik – dances of Poland at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Miana y la Musica at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Zin, Zin Suzuki violins and friends at the Children’s Stage, and The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson at the Circus Grounds.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Wendy Landers
Location: Friends and Volunteers Dining Plaza
Wendy Landers provides musical entertainment at the Friends and Volunteers Dining Plaza throughout lunchtime.
11:30 AM – 11:55 AM: Patrick Kelly
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the music of Patrick Kelly at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Con Cuentos Crecemos/Bilingual Storytime
Location: Tent for Tots
Another session of “Con Cuentos Crecemos/Bilingual Storytime” in the Tent for Tots for bilingual story enjoyment.
12:00 PM – 12:40 PM: Lunchtime Entertainment Choices
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Lunchtime entertainment includes All in Achord at The Canyon, Micki Fuhrman at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Conjunto Compadre at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Cuerdas Guitar Ensemble at the Children’s Stage.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM: The Broke Down Boys
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the sounds of The Broke Down Boys at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage during lunchtime.
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Dino-Mite Dogs
Location: Tent for Tots
“Dino-Mite Dogs” returns to the Tent for Tots on Sunday, offering more dino-themed fun.
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Buskers: Seneca Drive & Clio
Location: Buskers Area
Afternoon busker performances feature Seneca Drive and Clio, keeping the festival atmosphere lively.
1:00 PM – 1:25 PM: Jerry Martín & Slim Rost
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy Jerry Martín & Slim Rost at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage in the early afternoon.
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM: Early Afternoon Entertainment Variety
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Early afternoon entertainment includes Bookish Songs Collective at The Canyon, Permafrost Road at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Tucson Chinese Cultural Center at the Children’s Stage, and Roth D’lux at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage.
1:30 PM – 1:55 PM: Lizzie
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Catch the performance of Lizzie at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson
Location: Circus Grounds
Enjoy another performance by The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson at the Circus Grounds.
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM: Mellow Moments
Location: Tent for Tots
“Mellow Moments” provides a relaxing activity in the Tent for Tots for a Sunday afternoon break.
2:00 PM – 2:25 PM: Carol Markstrom
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the music of Carol Markstrom at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
2:00 PM – 2:40 PM: Mid-Afternoon Entertainment Lineup
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Mid-afternoon entertainment includes Rendezvous at The Canyon, Grupo Tradiciones at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, The Sapiens Music Collaborative at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Stephen the Spectacular at the Children’s Stage.
2:30 PM – 2:55 PM: sonyajade
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the performance of sonyajade at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Once Upon a Time
Location: Tent for Tots
“Once Upon a Time” returns to the Tent for Tots for another storytelling session on Sunday afternoon.
3:00 PM – 3:25 PM: Carmina Robles
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the music of Carmina Robles at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
3:00 PM – 3:40 PM: Late Afternoon Entertainment Variety
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage
Late afternoon entertainment includes David Michael Kirk at The Canyon, Outer Horizons at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Ruta Verbena at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, and Momentum Dance Company at the Children’s Stage.
3:30 PM – 3:55 PM: Act 3
Location: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage
Enjoy the musical stylings of Act 3 at the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriter Stage.
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM: STEAM through Stories
Location: Tent for Tots
“STEAM through Stories” returns to the Tent for Tots on Sunday, offering another session of educational fun.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Meet Pete the Cat
Location: Story Blanket Tent
Pete the Cat is back! Meet Pete the Cat again at the Story Blanket Tent for more groovy greetings.
4:00 PM – 4:40 PM: Closing Entertainment Performances
Locations: The Canyon, West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Children’s Stage, Circus Grounds
Closing entertainment performances include R B at The Canyon, Tucson Women’s Chorus at the West Food Court & Entertainment Stage, Cat Mountain at the Vantage West Main Entertainment Stage, Olivia Naomi Sings Disney at the Children’s Stage, and The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson at the Circus Grounds.
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson
Location: Circus Grounds
One last chance to see The Circus & Aerial Academy of Tucson at the Circus Grounds.
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM: W.I.L.D. Cats
Location: Tent for Tots
The final family activity of the festival is “W.I.L.D. Cats” in the Tent for Tots, a fun way to end the weekend.
