Oro Valley Arts & Culture

The beautiful town of Oro Valley also has a thriving arts & culture community. From a vast array of public art dotted around the town to the many outdoor festivals and concerts it is clear that the Town has a leg up on other small towns in the nation.

Without the support and amazing work of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, many of the following offerings would not be in existence. Please visit their website to learn more, and also to volunteer for or donate to this fabulous organization. Thanks, SAACA! – Hilary & Jay

The ever proactive Town of Oro Valley adopted a code in 1997 which would require all commercial and public projects to allocate 1% of the budget to create public art. This mandate has resulted in an astonishing array of public art at large commercial sites, such as the massive bronze Oro Valley Sundial in Innovation Park and summer youth art projects like the elaborate mosaic resting spot with benches “Path of Dreams (Paseo de los Sueños),”. Two of my favorites are the “Tree of Knowledge” located at the Oro Valley Public Library entrance (you can see a photo on the RanchoVistoso.com Oro Valley Public Library page), and the Solar Lions, on display at the Oro Valley Town Hall. I love how these majestic bronze cats sculpted by Joseph Lupiani light up at night from the embedded solar lights within. Even as you drive around the town, you will encounter all sorts of different displays of public art, so keep your eyes peeled! Want to see it all?? The Town of Oro Valley just created this amazing map function to pinpoint all the public art with the corresponding photos. It is so cool!! Check it out and take a tour right from your computer, Ipad or cell phone. Wow! Want to see it all in person with a helpful guide? Never fear, your fantastic town has a way for you to do that, too! Click here for a link to the Tour registration.

Indoor art, including paintings and works by famous artists, can be found at Toscana Studio & Gallery, located at 9040 North Oracle Road in Oro Valley, Ventana Medical/ Roche’s by appointment only gallery, and on display at the Oro Valley Library and other Town buildings.

Events in Oro Valley are prolific, ranging from classic car shows to the enormous twice yearly Oro Valley Festival of the Arts in spring and fall, boasting hundreds of artists, food, live music and all sorts of activities. There is also a holiday festival with tree lighting during the holiday season.

For those with music in their heart, be certain to check out the Oro Valley Concert Series at the Oro Valley Marketplace on the second Thursdays of the month, October through April. Folk rock, Piano, Jazz, Blues, Country—you will hear these genres and more. You will find the concerts starting at 6 pm in the Century Theatre courtyard, and you are encouraged to bring your own seating. Enjoy dinner at Charred Pie or the Keg, and treat yourself to some frozen gourmet yogurt with all the toppings you could ever want at Peachwave, right next door. There is also a concert series at Steam Pump Ranch (home of the farmer's Market) on the first Friday of the month in the evening, and the middle of the day on second Saturdays. See who is slated to perform here.

The Gaslight Music Hall is now open just off of E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and Oracle Road, bringing plenty of entertainment with live music shows and other performances.

More arts and culture that you think should be included? Just drop us an email or fill out one the contact forms located around the site. We are thrilled to be able to help spread the word about the wonderful arts & culture community in Oro Valley!