In January the multicultural Family Arts Festival (Tucson Pima Arts Council, 520/624-0595, www.familyartsfestival.org) features exhibits, concerts, and performances.

February is dominated by the biggest local event of them all, Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (520/322-5773, www.tgms.org), which brings thousands of visitors to the Old Pueblo. The busy month also welcomes the La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros (800/964-5662, www.tucson rodeo.com), Tucson’s famed rodeo and parade— the longest non-mechanized parade in the world. The Southwest Indian Art Fair and Market (520/621-6302, www.state museum.arizona.edu) in February brings the region’s top jewelers, potters, weavers, and carvers from the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and other tribes.

March brings the “Boys of Spring” back to town as MLB Spring Training (866/672-1343, www.cactus-league.com) gets under way, and civil war enthusiasts recreate the Battle of Picacho Pass during the Civil War in the Southwest (www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/ parkhtml/picacho.html). Also in March, the Tohono O’odham hold their annual gathering at Mission San Xavier del Bac during the Wa:k Powwow (520/294-5727, www.pow wows.com).

Cinephiles file into town in April to catch the Arizona International Film Festival (520/628-1737, www.azmac.org). The Tucson Kitchen Musicians put on their signature event, the always fun (and free) Tucson Folk Festival (www.tkma.org) in May.

With the heat of June comes prayers and dances for rain on Dia de San Juan, a series of festivals and rituals celebrating John Tucson and Vicinity 97 the Baptist and the saint’s historical relationship with the desert’s summer rainy season. Ski Valley on Mt. Lemmon celebrates Oktoberfest on Mt. Lemmon (520/885-1181) a month early in September.

In October the Tucson Culinary Festival (www.tucson culinaryfestival.com) features top local and national chefs and lots of good food. Also during the Halloween month, Old Tucson Studios hosts its popular annual horror show called Nightfall (520/883-0100, www.nightfallaz .com).

November features the non-motorized parade through downtown called the All Soul’s Procession, featuring giant puppets and other Mexican-inspired folk traditions.