Happening in April
Get ready to enjoy fried food, cotton candy and thrilling rides because Spring Fling is about to return to the UA Mall.
But that's not all that's happening on campus during the month of April. There also are musical performances with dance legend Ben Vereen, baseball and softball matchups against Arizona State University and a red-carpet screening of the UA's most talented filmmakers. You might also want to check out Arizona State Museum's newest exhibit, or join in on special Earth Month events planned at Biosphere 2. April also brings a Nobel laureate to campus and a chance to learn about drones.
Whether you're looking for entertainment, intellectual stimulation, family-friendly programs or other interesting ways to spend your free time, be sure to visit the UA Master Calendar [1].
Earth Month at Biosphere 2 | April 1-29 [2]
When you have as much to share and celebrate as Biosphere 2, a single day isn't enough. So Earth Day has become Earth Month at the UA's living laboratory north of Tucson. Each Saturday in April, Biosphere 2 will explore sustainable ecosystems with events like a "Hopi Farming Practices" presentation, a special rainforest tour and a ladybug release. On Earth Day, April 22, there will be a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the UA's research program at Biosphere 2 with food trucks, music and activities for children throughout the day. In addition to the regular tours, there will be speaker presentations and panel discussions along with live demonstrations and activities on the lawn.
Musical Performances | April 1-2, 9 and 13 [3]
Three unique musical performances are happening in April. First, enjoy an evening of singing and dancing with Ben Vereen, a Tony Award-winning performer, UA College of Fine Arts alumnus and longtime friend of the UA dance program. Vereen's show will feature hit songs such as "Defying Gravity," "Stand By Me" and "My Way." Audiences will also be dazzled by dance, stories of his life and a lot of humor. Vereen will perform at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre on April 1 and April 2. Then be sure to check out rock rhythms performed with nothing more than common household items and trash as Recycled Percussion [4] takes the stage at Centennial Hall. You might also want to listen to the distinctive multigenre sound when classical music meets hip-hop during a performance by Black Violin [5] on April 13. For show times, more information and to purchase tickets online, please visit the UA Presents website [6].
Arizona Baseball vs. ASU | April 4 [7]
Put on your UA gear and get ready to cheer on the Wildcats this month as they play rival Arizona State University. The baseball team will take on the Sun Devils at Hi Corbett Field at 7 p.m. on April 4. At the end of the month, the Arizona softball [8] team will go up against ASU in three games, April 28-30, at Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium. Game tickets are $8 and can be purchased here [9].
Exhibit Opening Celebration – 'Woven Through Time' | April 8 [10]
Come celebrate Arizona State Museum's new permanent exhibit "Woven Through Time: American Treasures of Native Basketry and Fiber Art." Be among the first to experience the exhibit and meet Native basket weavers, who will share their cultural traditions and artistry through demonstrations, conversations and sales. Bring the whole family for music, dance performances and hands-on basket-weaving activities. Light refreshments will be served, and museum admission is free for the day.
Tucson's favorite tradition is back again for its 43rd year. Be sure to check out Spring Fling, the largest student-run carnival in the nation, which attracts more than 32,000 people to the UA Mall. The carnival, run by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, will feature more than 35 carnival rides and games and musical performances, as well as more than 20 food booths, offerings options ranging from fried Oreos to Indian tacos. Admission is $5, or free for those with a CatCard or military ID. For information about ticket pricing and special promotions, visit the ASUA Spring Fling website [12].
Friday Tech Talk – 'Teaching and Learning With Drones' | April 14 [13]
Want to learn how to fly a drone? In this Friday Tech Talk, Mike McKisson, assistant professor of practice in the School of Journalism, will discuss when, where and how to fly a drone to avoid fines from the Federal Aviation Administration. Attendees will also learn the ins and outs of piloting unmanned aerial vehicles, including insights into obtaining a small-UAV pilot's license. This Friday Tech Talk will be held at 12 p.m. in the iSpace room in the Science-Engineering Library.
2017 UA Awards for Excellence Ceremony | April 28 [14]
Help celebrate the best of the best UA employees at the 2017 UA Awards for Excellence Ceremony, which will recognize employees who are dedicated to the UA, who are always ready to help and who make the University a great place to work. Awards include the University Award for Excellence [15], the Billy Joe Varney Award for Excellence [16], the Department Award for Excellence [17] and many others. The ceremony begins at 3 p.m.
I Dream in Widescreen | April 29 [18]
Experience the glamour of a red-carpet premiere at "I Dream in Widescreen," the annual screening of shorts created by graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts students in the theatre, film and television program. Be moved by a story about an undocumented immigrant mother in "Dios Nunca Muere," or get in a laugh with a mystery-comedy about cheating students and a teacher who is determined to discover their method in a film called "Pizza." Learn about all of the films here [19]. Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the Fox Tucson Theatre and the screenings will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the UA Fine Arts Box Office or online at tickets.arizona.edu [20].