*Winterhaven Festival of Lights Lavish displays of Christmas lights at the neighborhood near East Fort Lowell Road and North Tucson Boulevard draw 100,000 visitors each holiday season. Private companies offer wagon and trolley rides. Some nights, vehicles are allowed; other evenings are reserved for walkers. Nonperishable food donations are appreciated. December

*Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase Rock on! Actually, the two-plus weeks of events that are capped by the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show feature a lot more than rocks: jewelry, meteorites, beads, fossils, pottery and just about anything else that has a connection to minerals. Some shows are open just to dealers; others welcome the public, and the motels lining Interstate 10 access roads are particularly dense with shows. The big event is at the Tucson Convention Center Feb. 13-16. Events leading up to it begin Feb. 1. http://www.tgms.org/tgms/

*La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Go native - take Rodeo Parade day off. Most kids are out of school. If you must work, be sure to wear cowboy duds. The parade, on South Park Avenue, is held on Thursday; a week's worth of events starts Feb. 16 with the Women's Championship Rodeo. The main rodeo runs Wednesday through Sunday at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.

*Spring training Catch the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox and Colorado Rockies, plus other teams of the Cactus League, at Hi Corbett Field and Tucson Electric Park.

*Fourth Avenue Street Fair You'll be trippin' at this opportunity to watch people, listen to music and buy unusual gifts. On Fourth Avenue between University Boulevard and Ninth Street. Dec. 13-15, March 21-23.

*Garibaldi Night at the Mariachi Festival

*Tucson International Mariachi Conference A week's worth of workshops, clinics and concerts, culminating with the Espectacular concert at TCC on Friday night, followed by the Fiesta de Garibaldi Saturday at Armory Park. April 21-27P>

*Spring Fling Eat cotton candy and enjoy rides on a spring night. This is the Associated Students of the University of Arizona's carnival, held at Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave. 621-5610

*Sahba Home/Garden Show Experience the difference in new ideas that you've come to expect at Southern Arizona's premier Home Show. Over 300,000 square feet, 350 exhibitors, and 30,000 attendees! http://www.sahbahomeshow.com/

*Arizona International Film Festival Ten days of innovative films, documentaries and shorts, at various locations. April 3-13

*Waila Festival Tohono O'odham dance, food and music. At the University of Arizona's Bear Down Field. 628-5774. May 17

*Juneteenth Food, crafts and music are featured at this event celebrating the freeing of slaves during the Civil War. At Kennedy Park. Mid-June

*'A' Mountain fireworks Stake out your spot early. Finding a parking space downtown is half the fun. July 4

*Norteño Festival A street party in South Tucson featuring Tex-Mex tradition. Bands and food. On South Fourth Avenue from 36th Street to Interstate 10. Aug. 22-23

*Greek Festival St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E. Fort Lowell Road, raises money at this festival to feed the hungry on Thanksgiving. The place is always packed. Dancing and tons of food. 888-0505. September

*Tucson Meet Yourself Be sure to bring your appetite to "Tucson Eat Yourself," as it's sometimes known. A great place to polish off some pirogi, bratwurst and Thai barbecue. But save room for dessert. Music and dance also celebrates Tucson's ethnic diversity. At El Presidio Park, the plaza outside Tucson City Hall and the county complex. 882-3060. Oct. 18-19.

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