Arizona Folklórico Dance Company

Arizona Folklórico Dance Company Logo

Arizona Folklórico Dance Company LogoArizona Folklórico Dance Company LLC was established in December of 2022 under the direction of Maestro Bruno A. Loya III in Tucson, Arizona.

Arizona Folk (AZ Folk) seeks to preserve and promote the Hispanic performing arts throughout the greater Arizona community by presenting traditional & innovative Mexican folkloric dance works infused with techniques from a variety of dance disciplines including jazz, ballet, modern, ethnic dance, salsa, merengue, hip hop, and more.

Arizona Folklórico Dance Company provides dance and performance opportunities to students beginning at 4 years old. We invite you to become a part of the AZ Folk family by enrolling today!

Social Media Links
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/azfolklorico
Google Plus:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azfolklorico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azfolklorico/

Gay Friendly Hotels

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What To Expect from the Gay Friendly Hotels we recommend:

  • Get A Feel for the Local LGBT Scene
  • Clean and Secure Rooms
  • Fun and Courteous Staff
  • Reasonable Prices

Check out a few of these great Tucson Gay-Friendly Hotels to see what we mean!

Arte Bella on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th Ave.
Arte Bella on 4th Ave.
340 N. 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705 520-526-2588 www.artebellaon4th.com

Art, Entertainment, and Inclusivity at Arte Bella on 4th + Bella’s on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans. It has blossomed into a one-of-a-kind bar, restaurant, live music venue, painting studio, and 420-friendly haven. That’s right, Arte Bella on 4th is not your mother’s paint and sip! It’s the only venue in the country that rounds up live music, art-inspired cocktails, painting classes, drop-in-and-paint options in a 420-friendly atmosphere. Enter the Arte Bella on 4th door and walk through the art gallery back to the event space, or come in through the Bella’s on 4th restaurant after ordering a bite to eat. Arte Bella on 4th has somehow encapsulated all that is awesome about Tucson’s 4th Avenue and put it under one roof!

Offerings

Arte Bella on 4th aims to be a safe gathering place for all 21+ patrons. As allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Arte Bella on 4th is truly a “come as you are” establishment, and a “choose your own adventure” experience. Schedule a fun, guided art class or drop-in to freestyle a canvas or decorate a wine glass— whether your skill level is Van Gogh or color-by-numbers. Popular classes include Puff + Paint Date Night, Blacklight Puff + Paint, and Acrylic Pour. Those who don’t have time to paint can stop by for a puff on the patio or a drink from the bar and enjoy live music. Arte Bella on 4th hosts local musicians throughout the week and is always adding special events to their calendar. Bella’s on 4th will serve up an array of munchies, including delicious vegan options. Puff, paint, party time!
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio while vaping and dabbing are allowed inside. Ordering a cocktail at Arte Bella on 4th is an art show in itself! Bella’s bartenders’ craft signature cocktails inspired by art pieces and artist bios. The result is delightful drinks that are sure to color you impressed. Try the spicy Frida Rita made with mango jalapeño tequila or the Starry Night vodka cocktail that *shimmers* with edible glitter! You’ll also find an extensive list of wine, craft beers, ciders, meads, and seltzers as well as non-alcoholic CBD seltzers and mocktails.

Arte Bellas Colorful Backstory

Artist, Air Force veteran, LGBTQ advocate, and cannabis activist Jen Christiansen opened the 4th Avenue location in April 2021. Jen saw an opportunity to fuse some of her favorite worlds together when Prop 207 passed. Further nudging her mission to go mainstream with her ‘Puff and Paint’ concept. Jen shakes her fist at the cannabis stigma. She opens her doors to all 21+ customers with the liberating reminder that “Moms smoke weed, too!”
  • Arte Bella on 4th Ave (21 + 420 friendly bar, live music venue, puff and paint art studio) &
  • Bella’s on 4th Ave (new restaurant expected to open within a few weeks)

The Tucson Museum of Art

the Tucson Museum of Art
Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art exterior
The Tucson Museum of Art has been a leader in the fine arts and education in Southern Arizona for nearly a century. It was established in 1924 and is in Tucson’s historic downtown and moved to its current location in 1975. TMA features permanent and traveling exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary, Indigen
Patrick Martinez work at the Tucson Museum of Art
Patrick Martinez’ neon signs on view in the Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art
ous, American West, Latin American, European, and Asian art. The museum resides on a four-acre campus, and its exhibits and arts education programs are central to its mission. In addition, the museum hosts events serves as a steward of five historic properties and has a 6,800-square-foot art education center and research library. It has a permanent collection of over 12,000 works spanning continents, centuries, and media.
TMA
View of the gallery for Latin American Folk Art
The museum will take you on a journey through art, history, and culture and with artwork ranging from ancient to contemporary, there is something for everyone! Thousands of lives have been enriched by the museum’s programs and exhibitions including: an award-winning outreach program serving Tucson’s refugee community, robust k-12 programs, one of the state’s longest-running biennial exhibitions, public programs, and lifelong learning programs like TMALearn! Docents. The museum provides numerous opportunities to connect and engage with the arts and local community, such as free First Thursday and Second SundAZe, lecture series, annual spring and fall artisans market, youth studio programs, K-12 field trips, and more!
The Tucson Museum of Art Summer Camp Class
Teacher leading a group of students during summer camp

Reviews 

“This place is a quiet gem. It was so much more than what we expected. Masterful artworks on careful display. I’m no art expert but I found this museum to be an excellent way to spend a relaxing few hours. Although as an introvert I found myself exhausted after exploring the many displays. Go if you haven’t been!  We also enjoyed salad for lunch at the attached café.” Paul H on Yelp 9/27/2021 “The Tucson Museum of Art was a great stop. We took three generations of our family to visit it. The layout of the museum is expansive. We covered a lot of ground (not all of the buildings were open, so we didn’t get to see everything) over a two-hour period. The exhibits on display were definitely thought-provoking and got us talking about topics that may not have come up otherwise. I’m glad we made the trip there for the discussions it invoked. Wear comfortable shoes and plan enough time to really soak everything in!” Karl A on Yelp—1/11/2019
Tucson Museum of Art
North Entrance to TMA
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block Office Address: 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701 Contact Name (s): Marianna Pegno Phone (s): 520-624-2333 As of July 1, 2023 the following will go into effect for hours and pricing related to admissions: HOURS Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm First Thursday of every month 10 am – 8 pm ADMISSION General $15 Senior/ Educator $12 College Students $10 17 and under/ Veterans and Military/ Members – Free TOURS PreK – 12 Student $7 Art-making $5 ($12 total) NOTE: Discounts for College and Senior tours will no longer be offered.

Tucson Trolley Tours

Looking for a fun, unique, and totally entertaining way to experience Tucson? Tucson Trolley Tours is the city’s most exciting way to explore the Old Pueblo, and it’s owned by none other than Tony Ray and Darren, the dynamic duo behind GayTucson.com! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a longtime local wanting to see Tucson from a fresh perspective, this tour is packed with history, hidden gems, and plenty of laughs. Hop aboard and discover why everyone is raving about this one-of-a-kind adventure!

A Fun & Fabulous Way to Explore Tucson

Forget boring, run-of-the-mill tours—Tucson Trolley Tours is all about fun, storytelling, and unforgettable sights! This open-air trolley takes you through Tucson’s most vibrant neighborhoods, showcasing historic sites, iconic landmarks, and hidden treasures you might never find on your own. Whether you’re into historic architecture, colorful street art, or Tucson’s legendary foodie scene, this tour has something for everyone. Plus, with lively commentary from your hosts, you’ll get the inside scoop on Tucson’s best-kept secrets!

Perfect for LGBTQ+ Travelers & Locals Alike

Tucson is one of the most welcoming cities in the Southwest, and this tour highlights the charm, diversity, and rich culture that make it so special. Owned and operated by two proud members of the LGBTQ+ community, Tucson Trolley Tours is a safe and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway, celebrating with friends, or just looking for a fun date idea, this tour is a must-do!

More Than a Tour—It’s an Experience!

This isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s a rolling adventure through Tucson’s past, present, and future. You’ll hear fascinating stories, get insider tips on the best local spots, and enjoy plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way. Plus, with stops at some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and attractions, you’ll leave with a whole new appreciation for Tucson.

Book Your Trolley Adventure Today!

Ready to experience Tucson in a way you never have before? Visit TucsonTrolleyTours.com to book your spot today! Whether you’re flying solo, planning a group outing, or looking for the perfect way to entertain out-of-town guests, this tour is guaranteed to be a highlight of your time in Tucson. Seats fill up fast, so don’t wait—hop on board and let the adventure begin! 🚋🌵

Aloft Tucson University Hotel

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1900 E Speedway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 908-6800
ALoft Website

The hotel is within walking distance from the U of A stadium, making it the perfect choice for a place to stay after the next big basketball or football game or to check out the area.

Antigone Books

Exterior of Antigone BooksAntigone Books was founded in 1973 as a predominantly lesbian-owned feminist bookstore. This was at a time when there were more than fifty independent bookstores in Tucson. In the decades since the number of indie bookstores in the city has dwindled. Still Antigone Books has remained a pillar of the local book-loving community, expanding our mission to be a community bookstore with feminist roots. Although ownership has changed hands a couple of times since we originally opened in the 70s, we’ve remained women-run from the start. The current owners and long-time Antigone Books employees Kate, Melissa, and Morgan took over in 2018. They have expanded the store’s selection of books, gifts, and cards while remaining true to the store’s original focus on the recently-published boundary-pushing literature.

The Store

We keep a circulating stock of Pride supplies on hand throughout the year. From flags representing all identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to dog- and cat-themed rainbow stickers. We also maintain a thriving queer literature section (see photos!), where we keep classic gay, trans, lesbian, and ace titles in stock. Readers can find everything on our shelves from LGBTQIA+ children’s books and YA fiction to queer graphic novels and LGBTQIA+ non-fiction. We also get regular issues of Sinister Wisdom and RFD as well as the latest lesbian romances from Bella and Bold Stroke Books. Whatever we don’t have in stock we’re happy to order for our customers at no extra charge! You can place orders in our store, over the phone, or online and we can get most titles in within a week.

Though our events program is on hold indefinitely due to COVID-19, pre-pandemic we were home to seven local book clubs and we featured regular book signings, author readings, and we had just begun to host Drag Queen Story Hours. We look forward to supporting our community with these and more exciting options in the near future; keep an eye on our website for updates! We also run a local authors consignment program for Tucson writers whose books are self-published or not available through major book distributors. We’re always looking for new voices, so definitely reach out if you’re interested after checking out the “Consignment” page on our website. In addition, we proudly carry local free periodicals of the Tucson queer community such as the 55+ LGBT newsletter Senior Forum and the Tucson Pride guide. Whether you’re new to town or a regular search for that perfect book, we’re excited to welcome you!

REVIEW:

“LOVE Antigone Books! This is generally my first stop if I’m looking for gifts or a physical book. Love their selection of adult coloring books, blank journals, cookbooks, and local authors. Their feminist and LGBTQ+ selection is also pretty impressive. And, they host a few book discussion groups. The staff is always friendly, and I like the sense of community.”

-Ginger, ***** Google Review

STORE INFO:

Company Name: Antigone Books

Office Address: 411 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

Phone (s): (520) 792-3715

Website: www.antigonebooks.com

Office hours: Tues-Sat 10-5; Sun 11-4; closed Mondays

Velvet & Shadow Photography

Velvet & Shadow Photography in rainbow colors
Velvet & Shadow Photography in color
Welcome to Velvet & Shadow Photography, a rainbow color explosion for the eyes. But, not in an ‘it hurts my head to look at’ kind of way. The lighting is dreamy and the sets are custom to elicit ethereal emotions, perhaps a dream half-forgot…
Velvet & Shadow photography
Look like a dream with Velvet & Shadow Photography
If you’re a regular to 4th Avenue you may have wandered into &Gallery or deliberately gone to their art openings. And if that’s the case there’s a good chance you’ve glimpsed the work of this incredible photographer who makes every shoot memorable. Velvet & Shadow Photography is a Tucson, AZ-based experimental boudoir photography business founded by Isabella Laos that offers personalized photoshoot sessions inside visually stunning hand-crafted sets with rainbow explosions of colorful lights. You can take part in a staging shoot where different models get to use the same set or a completely custom set you and Isabella decide on. For instance, if you want to be a fairy princess she creates the illusions to make it so.

Background

Model Bri posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Model Bri poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Having worked as a venue and event photographer for many years, Isabella is deeply inspired by the theatrical lights and special effects of the dimly lit stage. Isabella provides positive affirming direction and encouragement throughout each session which cultivates a truly therapeutic journey of self-discovery & empowerment. Boudoir photography makes a lot of people nervous but you don’t have to worry about that with Isabella. She makes every subject feel like the only person in the world. As a result, she guarantees genuine and touching photographs.
We like Velvet & Shadow Photography because she actually listens. Whether you’re having a conversation about your favorite restaurant or coming up with the perfect pirate shoot she’s paying attention and making sure that you feel heard. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a review from local artist Sophie McTear.
Sophie poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Sophie posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography

Client Review: Google Sophie McTear

 “I love working with Bella. I feel comfortable and at ease when I’m in front of the camera with her, even when I’m in lingerie! She makes me feel confident, and her photos have such a gorgeous, dreamy quality that she’s honed in on and made completely her own. I love her work and encourage anyone in Tucson to book a shoot with Velvet & Shadow!”

The Details

Company name: Velvet & Shadow
(velvet.and.shadow – Insta)
Contact Name: Isabella
Phone: 5203073775
Pricing: $150+
Website: Velvetandshadow.com

Sarah Baracks, Structural Energetic Therapist

Sarah Baracks (she/they) is a Tucson queer Structural Energetic Therapist, herbalist, and educator who really wants to build a business that is mostly working with queer clients! That is where you come in…. Would you like to try out what they have to offer? 

What is Structural Energetic Therapy?

Sarah Baracks holding a log stump in the forestSET is a style of bodywork that combines cranial/structural techniques, myofascial/soft tissue protocols, and energy healing to release both physical and emotional trauma from the body and restore alignment throughout the whole self. This style of bodywork is based on the idea that most everyone presents with a core distortion that causes a rotation of the pelvis and other imbalances in our structure. Accidents, illness, stress, emotional challenges, injuries, and other life activities cause the body to collapse further into this distortion resulting in pain and dysfunction. Structural Energetic Therapy uses a unique protocol that will balance your structure and allow for your body to heal its dysfunctions. 

What can SET help with?

  • Brain Fog
  • Executive Function Difficulties 
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries 
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • TMJ
  • Concussions (old or new) PTSD
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Sports Injuries
  • Shoulder Injuries
  • Neck Pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Whiplash
  • Scoliosis
  • Poor Posture
  • Muscle Spasms
…and more!!  Sarah Baracks holding a clear bowl with purple flowers in itYou can read more about SET and book an appointment on Sarah’s website: www.sarahbaracks.com   Use the Promo Code LGBTQ20 to receive 20% off your first appointment. Cell: 520-369-7347 Review: Jenn H. Sarah Baracks sitting at a wooden table smiling“Sarah was extremely intuitive, friendly, and careful with me during our session. An accident 20 years ago left me with some lasting nerve damage and I’m always keen to try different therapies. I plan on returning for multiple reasons and I’m glad I can support someone in the Qcommunity while doing so.”