December 12-14, 2025 marks the 56th Annual Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair, transforming Tucson’s historic Fourth Avenue into one of the Southwest’s most celebrated community gatherings. This iconic neighborhood, which has served as Tucson’s cultural heartbeat for decades, welcomes visitors from across Arizona and beyond for three days of authentic artistic expression, culinary exploration, and community celebration. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as December’s mild Sonoran Desert climate creates ideal conditions for outdoor festivities, with comfortable daytime temperatures encouraging leisurely strolls through the extensive vendor displays.
World-Class Artists and Handmade Arts
The festival showcases over 350 artists from around the world, presenting an extraordinary range of handmade arts and crafts that span from fine art to contemporary folk crafts. Visitors can expect to discover unique jewelry, handcrafted soaps and salves, artisan foods, musical instruments, children’s toys, and distinctive apparel that reflects both traditional techniques and modern innovation. The event’s commitment to promoting original, handmade art ensures that every purchase supports independent artists and craftspeople who have dedicated their lives to their creative pursuits. The fair operates on a juried system, maintaining high quality standards while encouraging artistic diversity and creative expression.
Diverse Food and Entertainment
Beyond the artistic displays, the festival features over 40 food vendors presenting an eclectic mix of culinary offerings, from carnival-style street food to local specialties served by Tucson’s finest food trucks. The diverse food scene reflects Arizona’s multicultural heritage, with flavors spanning Mexican, American Southwest, and international cuisines. Two dedicated performance stages host rotating local musicians and community performance groups, creating a soundtrack that ranges from traditional folk music to contemporary acoustic performances. Families particularly appreciate the dedicated children’s activities area on 7th Street between 4th Avenue and Herbert Avenue, ensuring entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Essential Event Information
🗓️ Dates & Times: December 12-14, 2025
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Historic Fourth Avenue, University Boulevard to Eighth Street, Tucson, AZ 85705
💰 Admission: Free to the public
Transportation & Parking
🅿️ Getting there: Free shuttle service operates every 15 minutes from Pennington Street Garage (Northwest corner of Pennington Street and Sixth Avenue) from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM Friday-Saturday and until 4:30 PM Sunday. Visitors can also utilize Tucson’s Sun Link Streetcar system, with convenient parking available at various garages and lots along the four-mile streetcar route. Street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods, with regular parking restrictions suspended during the fair.
Contact Information
📞 Phone: (520) 624-5004
Email: events@fourthavenue.org
Website: fourthavenue.org
Social Media: Follow for updates and announcements
🏢 Organizer: North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association (Nonprofit organization)
Authentication & Permits: The event operates under City of Tucson Economic and Workforce Development Special Events Grant support, ensuring proper permitting and public safety measures. The nonprofit status of the organizing association demonstrates community commitment and transparent financial management.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Accessibility: The event features wide aisles and is entirely pedestrian-friendly, with all activities taking place on one level with automobile traffic restricted during fair hours. The shuttle service provides accessible transportation options for visitors with mobility considerations.
Special Considerations
📋 Important details:
- No pets allowed for safety and comfort of all attendees
- Cash and major credit cards accepted by most vendors
- Sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes recommended
- Bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated
Community Impact and Cultural Significance
The Fourth Avenue Street Fair represents more than just a shopping and entertainment opportunity—it embodies Tucson’s commitment to supporting independent artists, fostering community connections, and celebrating the creative spirit that defines the Old Pueblo. This Top 100 event, recognized both nationally and internationally, attracts more than 350,000 visitors who contribute to the local economy while experiencing authentic Arizona culture. The December timing offers visitors the opportunity to discover unique holiday gifts while supporting artists directly, creating meaningful connections between creators and collectors that extend far beyond the three-day event.
Historic Fourth Avenue District
The historic Fourth Avenue district itself tells the story of Tucson’s evolution from territorial outpost to modern southwestern metropolis. The neighborhood’s eclectic architecture, independent shops, and locally-owned restaurants provide the perfect backdrop for this celebration of creativity and community. Regular attendees often describe the fair as an essential part of their holiday traditions, returning annually to reconnect with favorite artists and discover new creative voices. The event’s enduring success over more than five decades demonstrates its deep roots in Tucson’s cultural landscape and its continuing relevance for new generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
