Craft Shows & Fairs in Tubac, Arizona
Tubac is built differently from every other arts destination in Arizona.
A small village, it holds many galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops within a few walkable blocks. Founded in 1752 as a Spanish presidio, it markets itself as "the place where art and history meet," and the description holds.
Tubac's Craft Show Scene
The Tubac Festival of the Arts has been running since 1959 and is billed as Southern Arizona's longest-running art festival.
The festival is held each February (February 10–14 in 2027). It is hosted by the Tubac Chamber of Commerce with promotions by Vermillion Promotions, and booths line the streets, plazas, and art spaces of the Historic Village.
About 250 fine artists and craftsmen fill the streets, plazas, and courtyards:
- Painters, sculptors, jewelers, photographers
- Ceramicists, leather workers, textile artists
- Native American-influenced craft and Southwest design
Ranked top 10 nationally by Sunshine Artists, the festival also offers artisan food, live entertainment, and a wine and beer garden.
What separates Tubac from most craft destinations is that the festival is built into a community that already functions as a year-round open-air artisan market. The galleries and shops are open daily (typically 10am–5pm), meaning any visit at any time of year puts you in a concentrated artisan environment.
The Tubac Center of the Arts is a member-supported nonprofit with multiple galleries, hosting rotating exhibitions, workshop programming, and opening receptions throughout the year. The TCA is the nonprofit arts institution at the center of Tubac's arts identity.
The February timing is strategically important: the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase runs simultaneously 45 miles north, drawing gem and jewelry buyers to Southern Arizona, and Tubac is an easy day trip south for Gem Show visitors.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Tubac
Tubac is in Santa Cruz County. The Santa Cruz County Fair is held in Sonoita, approximately 30 miles east of Tubac in the grassland foothills — serving the ranching and wine-growing communities of the Santa Cruz River Valley with livestock, rodeo, and craft competitions.
The nearest large county fair is the Pima County Fair (Tucson, 45 miles north).
Best Times to Visit Tubac for Craft Events
February is the peak month.The Tubac Festival of the Arts runs; the weather in the Santa Cruz Valley is ideal (65-70°F); and the Tucson Gem Show brings additional Southern Arizona visitors. Book accommodations early — the village and surrounding area fill during festival week.
October through April is the broader tourism and gallery season. Late November through December is a second strong period — the village's holiday gallery shows and the return of winter visitors create consistent foot traffic. Summer (May–September) is the monsoon season, with afternoon thunderstorms and mid-90s to low 100s temperatures. Many shops adjust hours; the pace slows. But Tubac never fully closes — the galleries remain open, and visitors willing to navigate the afternoon rains find the village at its most tranquil.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Tucson — 45 miles north; Fourth Avenue Street Fairs (March and December), TMA Artisans Market (November), Made in Tucson Market (November)
- Nogales — 18 miles south; US-Mexico border; Mexican folk art, Talavera pottery, artisan goods in border shops
- Green Valley — 20 miles north; retirement community; seasonal artisan markets
- Phoenix — about 140 miles north; Heard Museum Indian Fair (March), Scottsdale art shows
- Sonoita — 30 miles east; Santa Cruz County Fair; wine country
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Tubac, Arizona?
The Tubac Festival of the Arts (February, annual, about 250 artists, nationally ranked) is the primary event. For year-round access, the galleries and shops in the Historic Village function as a permanent craft market. The Tubac Center of the Arts maintains rotating exhibitions and workshops throughout the year.
When do craft shows happen in Tubac?
February is the peak — the Tubac Festival of the Arts runs then. October through April is the broader gallery and tourism season. The village is open year-round; galleries are accessible daily.
Are there country fairs near Tubac?
The Santa Cruz County Fair in Sonoita (30 miles east) serves the surrounding ranching communities. The Pima County Fair in Tucson (45 miles north) is the larger county fair option.
Is there a handmade market scene in Tubac?
Among the most concentrated in Arizona. The number of galleries and shops within a few walkable blocks is extraordinary for such a small village. The Tubac Center of the Arts, the year-round gallery scene, and the February Festival of the Arts together create an arts ecosystem that functions as a permanent handmade market with an annual fair as its anchor.
Find Events in Tubac
CraftShow Events lists upcoming craft shows and artisan events in Tubac and Southern Arizona. Search to find the Tubac Festival of the Arts dates, Tubac Center of the Arts exhibitions, and events across the Santa Cruz Valley.
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