Events

Monday, July 28th, 3pm. Borderlands Ambassador Final Presentations. Join us as our six 2025 Borderlands Ambassador interns give presentations on their experiences in and reactions to the borderlands during the six-week program. Free event. Location: United Methodist Church of Green Valley, 300 W. Esperanza Blvd. The Borderlands Ambassador Program is funded in part by the AZ Community Foundation.

Friday, August 1st, 4pm - Reception; 4:30pm - Presentations. Borderlands Ambassador Final Presentations. Join us as our six 2025 Borderlands Ambassador interns give presentations on their experiences in and reactions to the borderlands during the six-week program. Free event. Location: Tubac Center of the Arts, 9 Plaza Road. The Borderlands Ambassador Program is funded in part by the AZ Community Foundation.

On this Zoom forum, we'll hear from Laurie Cantillo, Board Chair of the humanitarian aid organization, Humane Borders, based in Tucson. Ms. Cantillo will discuss the migrant death crisis, a short history of immigration policies over the last several decades, changes at the border for migrants in recent months, and a "boots-on-the-ground" nonpartisan perspective of migration

Listen and be inspired by how a small but mighty group makes a difference by modeling compassion and defending the basic human right to clean, safe drinking water for all.

Humane Borders is a Southern Arizona nonprofit with a mission to save lives by delivering water in the Sonoran Desert.
On Zoom. Register for Zoom Link. Free Event. $10 suggested Donation.

Wednesday, August 13th, 10-11:30am: Borderlands Literature & Film Circle - Interview and discussion with Tim Hernandez, author of All They Will Call You and They Call You Back. This is a Zoom event. Free event - $10 suggested donation. Register to get Zoom link.

August 14, 2025: Chinese Cultural Center. In the late 1870s and early 1880s, Chinese immigrants settled in Tucson in a racially mixed but predominately Mexican area, the barrio. Residents in this area also included other young male migrants who sought refuge alongside poor Mexican families in rundown buildings. The Chinese men of Tucson thus were not isolated from the community. There was a Chinese market on nearly every street corner. By 1885, 150 acres were under farming cultivation by Chinese farmers along the banks of the then-flowing Santa Cruz River and Tucson’s Chinese farmers became known as produce providers for the emerging city. Fast forward to today .... and the Chinese population remains a vibrant and close-knit community. We'll visit their Community Center and spend 90 minutes with Sandy Chan learning about this fascinating, and not so commonly known history.
Tour fee $20/Member $30/Non-Member
includes Transportation from Tubac, AZ (Optional)
No-Host Lunch afterward at a local Chinese restaurant
Return to Tubac approx. 2:30pm

August 27, 2025: Center for Creative Photography - Day Tour
We'll visit the world class photography gallery/museum at UofA as the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary. Additionally, we'll see another exhibition featuring recent portrait and landscape photographs by Kelli Connell along with classic figure studies and landscapes by Edward Weston from 1934–1945, one of his most productive periods and the span of his relationship with writer Charis Wilson. We'll have a 10 minute introduction to the museum and then plenty of time for everyone to see the exhibits at their own pace. We estimate 2 hours (+ or -) at the Center. Tour fee includes transportation to Tucson and a donation to Center for Creative Photography. The BCA van will depart Tubac at 9:00am. Van transportation is a courtesy and not required, the price of the tour remains the same. The van can pick up in Sonoita, Patagonia, Tubac or Green Valley; details will be confirmed 10 days prior to the tour. We'll provide "front door service" at the Center, but there is minimal walking/standing at your own pace as you view the photography.
Tour fee $25/Member $35/Non-Member includes Transportation from Tubac, AZ

September 10, 2025: BLFC with Reyna Grande, author of "The Distance Between Us"
FREE EVENT - Suggested Donation: $10/drop in or $100/year
Register to receive Zoom Link

Nogales, Sonora Day tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members
CANCELLATION POLICY: Ten or more days prior to tour - full refund, less $25 cancellation fee; OR a credit for a future equivalent tour. Less than ten days before the tour - NO refunds; a credit for a future tour may be offered.

Nogales, Sonora Day tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members
CANCELLATION POLICY: Ten or more days prior to tour - full refund, less $25 cancellation fee; OR a credit for a future equivalent tour. Less than ten days before the tour - NO refunds; a credit for a future tour may be offered.

A visit to Magdalena, a "Pueblo Mágico",  today reflects the culture of a small town in Sonora, MX as it has been for centuries.  We'll stroll around the picturesque main plaza, view Father Kino’s unearthed remains, the church of Santa Maria Magdalena, and the chapel with the venerated statue of San Francisco Xavier. You'll have time to visit and do some quick shopping at the clothes + hat shops, candy vendors, and bakeries surrounding the plaza. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch including the unique Sonoran enchiladas.We can accommodate vegetarians, but VEGANS must bring a packed lunch.  After lunch we'll walk to the nearby Municipal Palace to view the larger than life murals depicting the history of Mexico.  The murals are up stairs, and the elevator is reliably NOT WORKING.  If we're lucky we'll get the chance to meet the artist who is still painting new murals downstairs. This tour is led by Father Vicente López, who leads the Patronato de Kino de Tucson, a non-profit organization promoting the canonization and life teachings of Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit Missionary. Transportation from Tubac and lunch is included.  $195 members/$210 non-members.  
On our way home of this full day tour,  we'll stop at the village of San Ignacio to visit the Misión San Ignacio de Caborca, established as a visita in 1687, the most important of Kino missions over time. San Ignacio is famous for its quince trees producing the famous membrillo preserve where you'll have the opportunity to buy some (delicious with apple slices & cheese!). We'll visit the home of Isabel where we will have the delectable treat of hot tortillas, fresh off the comal, and yummy Mexican cheese for which the area is famed.  You will have the opportunity to buy fresh tortillas to bring home. 
This tour is such a very special and comprehensive introduction to Magdalena, a magical pueblo.  You'll be motivated to return on your own to further explore and enjoy the enchanting  ambience of Sonora, South of Nogales.  
CANCELLATION POLICY: Ten or more days prior to tour - full refund, less $25 cancellation fee; OR a credit for a future equivalent tour. Less than ten days before the tour - NO refunds; a credit for a future tour may be offered.

BCA invites you to become acquainted with the landscape, history, culture and foods of the unique Rio Sonora valley through daily field trips, lectures and conversations with the people of the area. We'll also be treated to a private performance by the nationally-awarded Folklórico Grupo Danza Masehua! Spend 5 days with cultural anthropologist & photographer, Bill Steen of The Canelo Project, getting immersed in what was once the Capitol of New Spain in the 1700's. We will stay at the Hotel Posada del Rio Sonora in Banamichi, adjacent to the historic town plaza. The price of the tour includes 5 days/4 nights lodging, all meals, and ground transportation.
$1500/BCA members; $1600/non-members, $100 discount for double occupancy
DEPOSIT DUE AUGUST 1. FINAL PAYMENT DUE SEPTEMBER 1.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel after the deadlines, we will not be able to refund your money unless there is a waiting list and your place on the trip can be filled by someone else. In this case, there is a $100 administration cancellation fee. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CASE YOU NEED TO CANCEL THIS TRIP.
BCA has the right to cancel the tour at any time based on safety or concerns in the Río Sonora area. If the trip is canceled, a full refund will be made.
To see trip itinerary, click on tour title above.

Nogales, Sonora Day tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members
CANCELLATION POLICY: Ten or more days prior to tour - full refund, less $25 cancellation fee; OR a credit for a future equivalent tour. Less than ten days before the tour - NO refunds; a credit for a future tour may be offered.

Nogales, Sonora Day tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members
CANCELLATION POLICY: Ten or more days prior to tour - full refund, less $25 cancellation fee; OR a credit for a future equivalent tour. Less than ten days before the tour - NO refunds; a credit for a future tour may be offered.

In the arid Southwest, ranching has dominated agriculture, with historically large ranches and a vibrant cowboy culture. This tour begins with a visit to the Santa Fe Ranch near Nogales, and an introduction to the many challenges of arid ranching by Dean Fish, Ph.D, Ranch Foreman. He will charm you with his humor and in-depth knowledge, with many a tall tale to tell. Next we'll travel to eastern Santa Cruz County to the Sonoita-Elgin wine appelation; where the landscape dramatically changes to vast grasslands with gently rolling hills dotted with oak trees ... and VINEYARDS. In the past 30 years the wine industry has taken a prominent place in Arizona's economy. We will visit Sonoita Vineyards where Arizona's first commercial vineyard and winery began. There you'll learn all about the history of the wine industry in southern Arizona and how it has become internationally renown; all while enjoying a catered authentic "ranchero" lunch. Optional wine tasting $20/person (not included in tour fee). Tour begins at BCA Office in Tubac, 8:15am. We will travel by van for the day, returning by 4:30pm. Parking available at the Tubac Presidio, 1 Burruel Street.

Tour price includes roundtrip transportation from Tubac, catered ranchero lunch at Sonoita Vineyards, and BCA tour guide. Wine tasting available for an additional fee): $95 (members); $105 (nonmembers). Wine tasting is extra ($20 pp)

Nogales, Sonora Day tour. Visit our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, eat lunch at Burrito Hass, learn about the city of Nogales, Sonora and have coffee & dessert at La Roca. Tour fee: $95/ members; $105/ non-members
CANCELLATION POLICY: Ten or more days prior to tour - full refund, less $25 cancellation fee; OR a credit for a future equivalent tour. Less than ten days before the tour - NO refunds; a credit for a future tour may be offered.