Where Art, Nature, and Community Bloom: Inside Oro Valley’s Fling into Spring Festival

Now in its fourth year, Tucson Cactus and Koi’s Fling into Spring Art Festival has grown into a beloved Oro Valley tradition by intentionally designing an experience that goes far beyond a typical market. Under Haley Stevenson’s leadership, the three-acre nursery transforms into a gathering place where local artists, live music, food trucks, and the calming presence of cacti rows and koi ponds invite guests to slow down and truly connect. By blending thoughtful curation, natural beauty, and a deep commitment to supporting local makers, the festival has become a celebration of discovery, creativity, and community — one that leaves first-time visitors surprised by what’s been in their neighborhood all along and reminds returning guests why Oro Valley’s local spirit continues to thrive.

Hi Haley, thank you so much for taking the time to share what’s happening at Tucson Cactus and Koi with our readers. We’re excited to spotlight this community-driven event and the role your nursery plays in Oro Valley — so let’s jump right in.

This year marks the 4th Annual Fling into Spring Art Festival, which has grown from a small gathering into a premier local event. Looking back, what do you think has been the key to its growth and continued success?
The key has been a commitment to plus-ing the experience every year. We never wanted this to feel static, so we’ve intentionally scaled—adding more vendor spots while introducing layers like live music and diverse food options. By leveraging our marketing resources, from our extensive email list to high-visibility street banners, and combining them with the draw of our annual plant sale, we’ve created an event that people truly want to attend. A major turning point was last year when we introduced an auction of high-quality products, including our large specimen cacti; it was a huge hit and added a new level of excitement to the day. Once people visit, they see the quality and energy, which has led to an incredible retention rate for our vendors and a growing reputation among locals.

With over 20 vendors, live music, and local food trucks, the festival offers much more than shopping. How do you intentionally design the event to feel like a true community experience rather than just a market?
It’s about creating an experience. If you just have tables and products, it’s a transaction; if you have food carts, live music, and shaded seating, it’s an afternoon. We design the layout to encourage movement and conversation. By curating a mix of local talent and experiences, we shift the focus from buying to belonging. We want our guests to grab a bite, enjoy the music, and chat with their neighbors while they browse.

Tucson Cactus and Koi’s three-acre nursery provides a unique setting for the festival. How does the natural environment shape the atmosphere of the event and the way guests engage with artists and vendors?
The nursery isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active participant. Our three-acre property provides a serene environment that a parking lot or a community center simply can’t replicate. Walking through rows of cacti or sitting by the koi pond slows people down. That slower pace leads to deeper engagement—guests take the time to hear the stories behind the art and connect with the vendors on a personal level. The natural beauty of the nursery lowers the stress barrier and invites creativity.

Oro Valley is known for being a tight-knit community. Why is supporting local artists and small businesses so important to your team, and how does Fling into Spring help strengthen those connections?
We are proud to be a part of Oro Valley, and we are excited to bring people here who haven’t yet experienced this wonderful community. For us, Fling into Spring is a way to bridge the gap between the talented makers in our backyard and the neighbors who want to support them. By hosting this at Tucson Cactus and Koi, we act as a community hub. We see vendors who started with us four years ago now thriving, and we see neighbors making new friends. It’s about keeping the local in local business and ensuring Oro Valley remains a vibrant, self-sustaining community.

As the festival continues to evolve each year, what excites you most about this upcoming April 11th event, and what do you hope first-time attendees walk away feeling after spending the morning at the nursery?
I’m most excited about the sheer energy of this year’s lineup—our vendor list is the most diverse it has ever been, and we are incredibly grateful that the festival has become so popular that we now have a large, talented pool of applicants to choose from. For first-time attendees, I want them to walk away feeling inspired and surprised. I hope they leave thinking, “I had no idea this was right here in my neighborhood.” Ultimately, we want them to feel a sense of discovery—not just for a beautiful piece of art or a new plant, but for the community spirit that makes Oro Valley so special.