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, download the Calendar of Events (pdf, 1.3Mb) for the 2016-2017 season.
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
Saturday, June 24, 2017
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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From the traditional O'odham stick game, to the parkwide Amazing Race-style Padre Kino's Quest, there's a game for everyone.
Founders Day: Family Game Night
Friday, August 25, 2017
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
It's the 101st birthday of the National Park Service so we're celebrating with games and popcorn. Bring the whole family for board games, mission games, and the full-park adventure of Padre Kino's Quest.
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 30, 2017
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Free
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. Regular park admission will be free for anyone visiting the park on this day.
Harvest season generally sees the picking of pomegranate, quince, and pear.
NPS Photo
Cosecha (Harvest Party)
Saturday, October 22, 2017
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
It's harvest season in the heritage orchard. Bring your taste buds and enjoy the "fruits" of our labor! Learn how to turn a sour and gritty quince into velvety membrillo paste. Discover the difference between a commercial pomegranate and those tasted by mission residents over 200 years ago.
Meet the Authors
Friday, October 27, 2017
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Dozens of books have been written about Tumacácori and its themes over the years. Rub shoulders with some of the foremost authors and scholars.
Skeletons take on celebratory flair on Día de los Muertos.
NPS Photo
Día de los Muertos
Thursday, November 2, 2017
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Music, food, games, and treats for kids. Get your face painted and contribute to the community ofrenda inside the mission church.
Folklorico dancers and mariachi band at La Fiesta de Tumacácori
NPS Photo
La Fiesta de Tumacácori
Saturday, December 2, 2017: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 3, 2017: 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 traditional Mariachi 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.
The endangered yellow-billed cuckoo is one of many species of wildlife visible along the Santa Cruz River corridor.
NPS Photo
Park-to-Park Hike: Wildlife Watchers
Sunday, February 4, 2018
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Explore the habitats along a 4-mile stretch of the Santa Cruz River between Tumacácori and Tubac and catch the free shuttle back to your starting point. Record sightings and become a citizen scientist. Beginners welcome. Binoculars available for loan.
Bear grass, yucca, willow, and devil's claw are the primary ingredients of the famed O'odham basket weavers.
NPS Photo / M. Rawlins
O'odham Tash
Sunday, March 4, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What is a "tash?" It's a celebration of culture! Immerse yourself in O'odham art, music, food, crafts, and heritage.
Watercolor by Kenneth Michael Hoeck
Art in the Park
Submissions due March 31, 2018
Exhibition April 20-30, 2018
Over the course of National Park Week, Tumacácori will celebrate artistic expression of all kinds with an exhibition on display in its historic visitor center breezeway.
The exhibition will feature Tumacácori-related pieces submitted in the preceding weeks by artists of all ages. All media and subjects are welcome. The deadline for submissions is March 31st. Download the Call for Entries (.pdf, 839kb)
Selections will be made by a panel from Tumacácori National Historical Park, in partnership with the Tubac Center of the Arts. One piece will win "Pass Perfect" and be featured on Tumacácori's Park Specific Annual Pass for the coming year.
Bat biologists use mist nets to capture, study, and release bats in the park.
NPS Photo
Bat Night
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Spring is the season bats return from their annual migration south or begin to emerge from hibernation. This unofficial holiday is a great time to explore the role bats play in nature and how scientists are working to learn about and conserve bat populations. Park visitors on “Bat Night” will be able to explore the benefits of bats, sample some foods pollinated by bats, learn from bat biologists, create a bat craft, and go on a nature walk in search of active bats on the hunt.
Playing with mud -- always a fan favorite at Tumacácori!
NPS Photo
Junior Ranger Day
Saturday, April 21, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Kick of National Park Week with youngsters. All ages welcome to enjoy a day of play with mud and merriment! Dress for mess and go home with fabulous prizes.
Earn a collectible "I Hike For Health" pin upon completion of the trail.
NPS Photo
Park-to-Park Hike: Park Rx Day
Sunday, April 29, 2018
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Get outside to hike, explore, and be with friends. Hike the length of the Anza Trail between Tumacácori and Tubac, then rest, rehydrate, and catch the free shuttle back to your starting point.
