The Future of Agave - Our panel of influential scientists and farmers is made up of Greg Barron-Gafford, Ph.D , Valeria Cañedo, biologist from the University of Sonora, and Yadi Wang co-founder of Development of Regenerative Yields Cooperative will discuss how agave could be a drought-tolerant crop of the future – a source of not only food and drink, but also clothing, fuel, and more.

Come experience an agave roast and learn about these plants’ many uses! Members of the Hualapai tribe will demonstrate their methods of roasting agave hearts, then share samples of this sweet, unique food. Talk to environmental and cultural organizations from around the region about agave’s unique uses, including how agave fiber can be used for ropes, shoes, and clothes. Experience a panel discussion about how agaves may make a comeback as a crop of the future.

FREE. Due to the Agave Heritage Festival happening on this day, the Traditional O’odham Agriculture program will consist of an information table where you can talk to representatives of the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture, near Sells, AZ. Ask them about aspects of traditional O’odham agriculture. (Click photo for event details)

There are nearly 300 mescal agave species in the world, native to the Southwest United States and Mexico. The agave plant has been used by Native peoples for numerous utilitarian items. Mescal is served as a valuable food source still being harvested and prepared to this day by many Indigenous groups.

A perennial favorite of festival attendees, the Mexican Fermented Beverage Workshop is a delicious and informative exploration of an often overlooked part of the gastronomic patrimony of Mexico. Exploring fermentations allows us to consider connections between people and place in fresh ways.

Come plant agave in our Tomorrow’s Garden, in the style of traditional Hohokam-era agave plantings on nearby Tumamoc Hill. These agave will feed bat pollinators in the garden, then might just be roasted in our pit at a future festival. No experience necessary, and families are welcome! All tools and gloves will be provided. Long pants and hats are recommended.

Join us for the unveiling of two new murals at Mission Garden, designed by local teens and artists. Hear from muralists who worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse. Learn about the construction of the wall from recycled materials created by By Fusion.

Enjoy beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden's birding guides. We'll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for beginning and intermediate birders to learn about many of the birds common to the greater Tucson area. (Click photo for event details)

$10. Each month an herbalist leads this walk in Mission Garden's Michael Moore Medicinal Garden, describing medicinal herbs native to the greater Southwest Deserts. (Click photo for event details & ticket purchase)

Archaeologists come to Mission Garden with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Archaeology Southwest's Hands-on Archaeology program, hosted by Allen Denoyer, and folks from Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, give people opportunities to explore many ancient technologies and techniques. (Click photo for event details)

FREE. Maegan Lopez from Mission Garden and DeAnndra Porter from Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture (both O’odham tribal members) discuss and demonstrate O’odham agricultural techniques and traditions. (Click photo for event details)

All are invited to a discussion about the role of microbes in soil health, the soil food web, and a closer look on the soil microorganisms that help Mission Garden grow. Mery Touceda-Suárez is a 5th year PhD student at the Department of Environmental Science at the UofA. (Click photo for event details)

Enjoy beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden's birding guides. We'll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for beginning and intermediate birders to learn about many of the birds common to the greater Tucson area. (Click photo for event details)

$10. Each month an herbalist leads this walk in Mission Garden's Michael Moore Medicinal Garden, describing medicinal herbs native to the greater Southwest Deserts. (Click photo for event details & ticket purchase)

$35. This class will teach the best ways to harvest & dry herbs, infuse dried herbs into oils, and make the salve from our infused oils. Join local herbalist Raven Gentner for this informative class. (Click the photo for event details & ticket purchase)

$145. An intimate and intensive class for those serious about learning grafting techniques. Jesús García demonstrates and teaches you to do a hands-on graft to take home. Participation limited.

Archaeologists come to Mission Garden with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Archaeology Southwest's Hands-on Archaeology program, hosted by Allen Denoyer, and folks from Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, give people opportunities to explore many ancient technologies and techniques. (Click photo for event details)

FREE. Mission Garden’s Maegan Lopez and Ajo CSA agriculturalist DeAnndra Porter, O’odham tribal members, discuss and demonstrate O’odham agricultural techniques and traditions. (Click photo for event details)

$60. Have you ever wondered how to grow heritage fruit trees like those at Mission Garden for your own yard? Every year in February Jesús García teaches about these trees and how to grow them from cuttings.

Enjoy beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden's birding guides. We'll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for beginning and intermediate birders to learn about many of the birds common to the greater Tucson area. (Click photo for event details)

Lunar New Year is the beginning of an annual calendar year whose months are moon cycles. Mission Garden partners with the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center (TCCC) for this event, which will take place in Mission Garden’s Chinese Garden. Event is free. (Click photo for event details)

$10. Each month an herbalist leads this walk in Mission Garden's Michael Moore Medicinal Garden, describing medicinal herbs native to the greater Southwest Deserts. (Click photo for event details & ticket purchase)

Archaeologists come to Mission Garden with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Archaeology Southwest's Hands-on Archaeology program, hosted by Allen Denoyer, and folks from Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, give people opportunities to explore many ancient technologies and techniques. (Click photo for event details)

FREE. Mission Garden’s Maegan Lopez and Ajo CSA agriculturalists Sterling Johnson and DeAnndra Porter, O’odham tribal members, discuss and demonstrate O’odham agricultural techniques and traditions. (Click photo for event details)

Enjoy beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden's birding guides. We'll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for beginning and intermediate birders to learn about many of the birds common to the greater Tucson area. (Click photo for event details)

$10. Each month an herbalist leads this walk in Mission Garden's Michael Moore Medicinal Garden, describing medicinal herbs native to the greater Southwest Deserts. (Click photo for event details & ticket purchase)