The Art on the Lake Festival is back for its third year, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever! On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Sahuarita Lake Park will become a dynamic cultural destination, showcasing floating art installations, more immersive arts experiences, and diverse performances from around the globe.

With the tagline, “Where Creativity Meets Community”, this year’s festival promises something for everyone, blending the beauty of art, the vibrancy of cultural traditions, and the joy of interactive activities.

Performance Highlights
This year’s Mainstage Performances will feature a world-class lineup, offering a global tour of music, dance, and culture:

• 10:00 AM – Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona: Celebrate the rich heritage of Mexican folk dance with this acclaimed troupe of over 150 dancers.
• 11:00 AM – King-Doumbya Drumming and Dance: Feel the pulse of African drumming and dance in an energetic, joyful performance.
• 12:00 PM – cVc School of Dance: Experience Bollywood rhythms with a unique fusion of dance and live sitar music.
• 12:30 PM – Tucson Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dance: Watch as tradition and storytelling come alive in this colorful and powerful Chinese folk dance.
• 1:00 PM – Siva Maia Polynesian Dancers: Be transported to the Pacific Islands with this vibrant celebration of Polynesian dance.
• 2:00 PM – Grupo Tradiciones: Journey through Latin America’s musical landscapes with this talented 7-piece ensemble.
• 3:00 PM – Halau Hula O Ualanai and Her Menehune Dancers: End the day with the grace and beauty of Hawaiian hula dance.

Immersive Art Experiences
Get hands-on with art and engage with the creative community:

• Expanded Floating Art Installation: Witness stunning, innovative reflection orbs floating on Sahuarita Lake, a breathtaking convergence of creativity and reflection.
• Community Chalk Art Competition: Create your masterpiece and compete for prizes in categories like “Best Sahuarita Landscape & Wildlife” and “Judges’ Choice Emerging Artist.”
• Interactive Mural Wall by Jesse Perry: Leave your mark on this collaborative community artwork inspired by Sahuarita’s newest mural at Wrightson Ridge Park.
• Sonoran Sound Source: Dive into interactive, hands-on musical exploration at the Lake Gazebo with local electronic music makers and creators.

Pop-Up Performances
Throughout the day, surprise performances will delight festivalgoers at every turn

• VESSEL Atmospheric Performance – FLORA: A poetic exploration of nature and flowers in motion, performed between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
• Zach the Juggler: A mobile act blending comedy and skillful juggling as he interacts with the crowd from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Cirque Collective Acrobatic Performances: Be amazed by their dynamic and awe-inspiring acts from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Cultural and Youth Art Activities

• Whimsical World Storytelling Sessions: Enjoy empowering children’s stories in the KidsZone at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM best-selling authors and inspirational speakers, Sheri Fink and Derek Taylor Kent. 
• The Comic Bookmobile: Kids can meet a “human cartoon” and learn the basics of drawing their own comics with Frank Powers. 
• AZPM Community Listening Station: Share a cup of coffee and snack as you connect directly with AZPM reporters and share your thoughts on our community's needs. Community members will have the opportunity to share their stories and be recorded for future reporting. 

Local Artisans and Culinary Delights
Discover unique creations from 25 artisan booths, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to stunning ceramics. Pair your art exploration with delicious bites from food vendors, including Egyptian Cuisine, Vegan dishes, Fry bread, Salvadorian pupusas, and more.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Where: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629
• Admission: Free
• Learn More: https://www.saaca.org/artonthelake.html 

By attending, you’ll support local artists and celebrate Sahuarita’s thriving cultural landscape. Join us for a day filled with art, culture, and unforgettable experiences. The festival is presented by Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) in partnership with the Town of Sahuarita.  

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Media
High-resolution images, performer bios, and interviews are available upon request. Contact kate@saaca.org to help share the story of Sahuarita’s most dynamic festival yet.

Kate Marquez
Executive Director, Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
Email: kate@saaca.org
Phone: (520) 240-2766

About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA)
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating, preserving, and advancing the arts and culture in Southern Arizona. Through innovative partnerships and community-driven initiatives, SAACA strengthens the creative sector and fosters economic development, cultural appreciation, and vibrant community experiences.