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, browse the Calendar for events coming up.
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.
San Juan (St. John) was the patron saint of water. Many pray to him to bring rains in summer.
Día de San Juan: Splash Fest
Monday, June 24, 2019
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Día de San Juan, the day set aside to celebrate the birth of Saint John the Baptist, is also the day on which people all over Mexico welcome the summer season and celebrate the arrival of summer “monsoon” rains. This holiday is a great time to enjoy a fun-filled day in the sun with lots of games and opportunities to cool off by getting wet. Visitors to Tumacácori will be able to celebrate the day with water activities and delicious raspados. Expect games like water cup races, a sponge toss, fill the bottle, and more. Water squirters and games will be provided - come prepared to get wet!
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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 28, 2019
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fee free at all national parks today!
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.
Skeletons take on celebratory flair on Día de los Muertos.
NPS Photo
Día de los Muertos
Saturday, November 2, 2019
4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FREE
Visitors can begin setting up their own outdoor movie seating at 4:00 p.m. in front of the mission church. Ushers will be available to help make sure everyone has a good view of the screen. In addition to blankets, mats, and camp chairs, visitors may wish to bring a picnic dinner. (Pick up after yourselves, and no glass, please.)
Before the movie begins, free tickets will be available for popcorn, provided by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office. Get your face painted, make a colorful mask, or create your own nicho to remember a loved one. Candles will light the church and cemetery for those wishing to explore the mission grounds. The movie begins on the big screen at 6:00 p.m.
Folklorico dancers and mariachi band at La Fiesta de Tumacácori
NPS Photo
La Fiesta de Tumacácori
Saturday, December 7, 2019: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 2019: 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 multi-cultural 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.
As women begin to prepare a huerto (willow branch bower), the fareseos (Pharisees) make fun of them and refuse help.
NPS Photo
Yoeme (Yaqui) Ways of Today
Sunday, February 2, 2020
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Free entrance during event
Explore Yoeme (Yaqui) culture through the ritual, theater, and persistence of semana santa ceremonies.
Basketry is held in high esteem as a traditional O'odham artform.
NPS Photo
O'odham Tash
Sunday, March 1, 2020
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Free entrance during event
Art, music, crafts, and heritage. Play a round of toka, sample traditional foods, and celebrate the original residents of Tumacácori.
Morning dawns bright for participants of the Family Sleepover!
CANCELLED due to COVID-19 - Family Sleepover
Saturday, March 28 2020 - Sunday, March 29 2020
5:00 p.m. - morning
The year is 1917. Spend the night as caretakers of the ruined Tumacácori Mission. Sleep inside the church, or bring a freestanding tent to pitch in the Fiesta grounds. Camp dinner, s'mores, music, light breakfast included.
$30 per adult, $15 per child. Space limited. Registration begins November 1 at https://wnpa.org/event/tumacacori-national-historical-park-a-night-in-the-mission-family-sleepover/
Whether you run, hike, stroll, or amble, parks have a place for you to enjoy being outside.
CANCELLED due to COVID-19 - Anza Fun Run
Saturday, April 4, 2020
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Get outside to hike, explore, and be with friends. Run, walk, march, or stroll 4 miles in the footsteps of Anza's expedition to California then rest, rehydrate, and catch the free shuttle back to your starting point. Join the health fair in Tubac Presidio's picnic area from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. where you can participate in demonstrations, classes, and info sessions. Refreshments served and special appearance by Pancho the Vermilion Flycatcher.
Kick off National Park Week with youngsters. All ages welcome to enjoy a day to play, create, learn, and protect! Dress for mess and go home with fabulous prizes.
