The Art on the Lake Festival is back for its fourth year, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever! On Saturday, January 10, 2026, 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, “A Splash of Color, Culture and Creativity”, this year’s festival promises something for everyone, blending the beauty of art, the vibrancy of local cultural traditions, and the joy of live painting.

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 – Arizona Folklórico Dance Co.: Based in Tucson and led by Maestro Bruno A. Loya III, this company preserves and shares Hispanic performing arts across Arizona through traditional and innovative folkloric dance works shaped by diverse styles including jazz, ballet, and hip hop.
• 11:00 AM – Tucson Highlanders: Founded in 2013, the Tucson Highlanders are a Scottish-style bagpipe and drum band based in Arizona, offering performances and learning opportunities while welcoming new members and audiences alike.
• 12:00 PM – Jaliya: Led by Elijah Ndoye, Jaliya blends traditional West African drumming with modern influences to create vibrant live performances that share the spirit and rhythms of West Africa with audiences across Arizona.
• 1:00 PM – Philippine Mabuhay Cultural Foundation: Founded in 1989 and based in Tucson, the Philippine Mabuhay Cultural Foundation promotes intercultural understanding through traditional Filipino music and dance performances, cultural events, and exchange programs with visiting artists from the Philippines.
• 2:00 PM – Tesoro: Tesoro fuses rumba flamenco with rock, funk, and jazz to create a distinctive sound marked by Spanish guitar and compelling rhythms, captivating audiences across Arizona with dynamic live performances.
• 3:00 PM – Odaiko Sonora: Based at the Rhythm Industry Performance Factory in Tucson, Odaiko Sonora is Southern Arizona’s leading taiko ensemble, blending traditional Japanese drumming with innovative approaches to foster cultural connection through performances, workshops, and youth education.

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

• Plein Air Painting Competition: Art State Arizona’s Plein Air Painting Competition at Sahuarita’s Art on the Lake invites artists of all ages to capture nature, architecture, and community in real time—celebrating creativity in the open air with $2,000 in prizes and endless inspiration.
• Expanded Floating Art Installation: Witness stunning, innovative colorful 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 Eliza Plumlee: Leave your mark on this collaborative community artwork destined for La Villita Community Center.

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

• 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. Featuring acroyoga and hula hooping, as well as a hula hoop workshop in the KidsZone at 1:00 PM!

Cultural and Youth Art Activities

• Friends of the Pima County Public Library: Enjoy readings of children’s stories in the KidsZone from Friends of the Pima County Public Library, as well as a book sale.
• The Comic Bookmobile: Kids can meet a “human cartoon” and learn the basics of drawing their own comics with Frank Powers. 
• Learn more about Los Ninos de Valle Preschool and the Border Community Alliance at their booths.

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, Sweet Cakes, Salvadorian pupusas, and more.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Where: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629
• Admission: Free
• Learn More: https://artstateaz.org/sahuarita-art-on-the-lake-festival/

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 Art State Arizona (formerly called SAACA) in partnership with the Town of Sahuarita. 

Media Partners:

High-resolution images, performer bios, and interviews are available upon request. Contact kate@artstateaz.org to help share the story of Sahuarita’s dynamic Art on the Lake festival.

Marketing Kit with Hi Res Photos Available Here

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About Art State Arizona
 Art State Arizona is a statewide nonprofit reimagining how the arts drive healing, innovation, and connection across all communities. Formerly known as the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), we continue our legacy of cultural leadership while expanding our mission to make the arts essential to everyday life across Arizona. Through festivals, public art, creative health partnerships, and artist-led initiatives, we embed creativity into education, business, health, and civic life. Our work uplifts artists, sparks local economies, and strengthens the social fabric of the state—one creative collaboration at a time. Learn more at artstatearizona.org.

Town of Sahuarita Parks and Recreation

The Town of Sahuarita is the 6th youngest incorporated town in the State of Arizona and celebrated its 25th birthday on September 20, 2019. Sahuarita is a regional partner with other municipalities, educational institutions, non-profits, and business leaders in Southern Arizona, and recognizes the importance of arts and culture in creating and sustaining well-rounded communities. For more information on the public art partnership between the Town of Sahuarita and SAACA, please visit www.sahuaritaaz.gov/parks.