Escape the Heat Indoor Marketplace Returns to the Curley School
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
2nd Saturdays: June 13, July 11 & August 8, 2026
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Curley School Creative Campus
Free and open to the public
When the summer temperatures rise in Ajo, the Curley School Creative Campus is bringing the community indoors for a little art, music, food and fun.
The Escape the Heat Indoor Marketplace returns this summer on the second Saturdays of June, July and August, transforming the historic Curley School into a lively indoor gathering place filled with local artists, makers, musicians, food vendors, demonstrations and community activities.
It’s a chance to get out of the sun, explore the Curley campus and spend the day discovering some of the creative people and organizations that make Ajo such a special place.
Art, Music, Food & More
Each Escape the Heat marketplace will offer something a little different, with activities and programming taking place throughout the Curley School.
Visitors can look forward to:
Local art, handmade goods and treasure vendors
Food, sweet treats and refreshing drinks
Live music and performances
Live art and artist demonstrations
The ongoing Curley Creative Campus Collective Art Show in the Curley Gallery
Presentations and programs in the Curley Library
Ajo Poet Ring poetry sessions
Art and creative demonstrations
Opportunities to explore more of the historic Curley School campus
Pianist/Composer: Bobby Q. Narcho Guitarist/Volcalist/Songwriter: Curtis August Bonzai Studio: Instructor Teresa Cooper Pianist/Composer: Sharyl Williams Wind Instrument performance: Keith Hood and Hop David Ajo Music Academy: Pianist Raven McClure
The June marketplace will feature live art by Kai Brio, musical performances from local musicians, demonstrations from Ajo Fitness and Bonzai Studio, and special programming in the Curley Library.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument will join us for a presentation exploring the remarkable organ pipe cactus and the Sonoran Desert landscape, while the Ajo Poet Ring presents Poetry in Process.
Come hungry, too. Food offerings are expected to include Sonoran dogs and aguas frescas from Dion Vega, chicken salad sandwiches, lemonade and baked goods from The Bunny Burrow, and Mexican ice cream from Betty’s Mexican Ice Cream.
Programming, vendors and entertainment will continue to evolve throughout the summer, so each second Saturday will bring another reason to visit.
Explore the Art of the Curley
The Curley Gallery will also be open during Escape the Heat, featuring the ongoing Curley Creative Campus Collective Art Show celebrating nearly 20 years of artists and artisans who have been part of the Curley community.
Visitors may even find themselves exploring beyond the gallery, with art, performances and creative surprises appearing throughout the historic campus.
Bring a Can, Help the Community
A food donation box will be available during the event to support the Esperanza Food Pantry. Visitors are encouraged to bring one or two canned or bagged nonperishable food items and help support neighbors in the Ajo community.
Save All Three Saturdays
Escape the Heat isn’t just one event. It’s a summer series.
June 13 | July 11 | August 8
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Come for an hour or make a day of it. Browse the marketplace, meet local artists, listen to music, enjoy something delicious and discover what’s happening inside one of Ajo’s most historic and creative landmarks.
Cool venue. Warm vibe.
Escape the Heat Indoor Marketplace is made possible with support from ISDA, ReImagine, Olsen’s IGA and Free Range Internet, along with the artists, volunteers, performers and community partners who bring the event to life.
Interested in participating as a vendor, entertainer or volunteer? Contact Vicki at vicki@isdanet.org or 520-300-3512.
Event programming and participating vendors are subject to change.
