School is back in session, the days are getting shorter, and even though it might not feel like it outside, the fall season is almost upon us. So break out your cardigans to wear inside in the AC, grab your favorite fall drink, and kick off the season with these events happening in September:
Sonoran Restaurant Week
More than 100 local restaurants are participating in this year's Sonoran Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will offer prix fixe menus discounted by 20%. Through Sept. 14. Menus are priced at $15-$55. Details .
9/11 Tower Challenge
The 9/11 Tower Challenge honors those who lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attacks, in addition to first responders and military. The Twin Towers had 110 floors; each year, thousands of people across the state walk, climb and run the same amount of stairs in remembrance. 7 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. Cost: $50 for stair climbers, free for non-participants.
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Haunted Hotel Tours
On this 30-minute walking tour, you’ll explore Hotel Congress’ scary legends, including the lady of the staircase, the Victorian gentleman in Room 214 and other spooky ghosts. Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. throughout Oct. 29. 311 E. Congress St. Cost: $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
Ghost Tours at Old Tucson
Old Tucson Studios, which is said to be haunted, is hosting a guided 90-minute ghost tour. 6:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. 201 N. Kinney Road. Cost: $31.71.
$5 Fridays at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Enjoy $5 admission to the gardens every Friday through Sept 26. 2150 N. Alvernon Way.
Dream Night at the Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is hosting DreamNight, a private event for kids with specialized health-care needs, chronic illnesses and disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings. Expect a lineup of popular characters and activities for all. 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. 3400 E. Zoo Court.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Mexican history and heritage with Ballet Folklorico, mariachi performances, a lecture and the traditional cry for independence, El Grito! 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave. Cost: Free to attend.
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson to perform the consulate's annual Mexican Independence Day Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. Cost: Free through Ìý.
Grease Sing-A-Long
Sing along with the Rydell High crew while you watch this classic musical. Each viewer will receive a Grease Goodie Bag filled with interactive props. Don’t forget to dress in your best 50’s outfits for the costume contest. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway. $15 general admission, $12 for Loft members and for children under 12.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop and support local artisans and small businesses. Vendors will have handmade crochet plushies, soaps, candles, art, home decor, jewelry, bags and more. 12-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13. Catalyst Creative Collective, Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road Suite 110.
Retro Game Show Night Presents: The $9.95 Pyramid
An evening of off-the-cuff comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist. 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Cost: $19.06.
Paper Flower Making Workshop
For Pascua Yaqui Recognition Day, members of the Yoeme Garden Committee will teach participants how to make paper flowers in honor of the rich cultural traditions of the Pascua Yaqui people. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane. Free to attend. Banned Books Club- Poppin' Off
Jumanji: The Game Begins!
Drop in for Jumanji-themed games, crafts, and snacks. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Gibson-Esmond Station Library, 10931 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Free to attend.
Gimme Gimme Disco
Dance the night away to your favorite ’70s and ’80s hit at this ABBA-inspired disco dance party. 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. The Rock, 136 N Park Ave. Cost: $21-$25.
Kitty Yoga
An hour-long yoga class for all levels of experience. 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway. Cost: $20.
Desert Haze Market
Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress. Expect about 15 vendors, food and music. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. 311 E. Congress St.
Tucson Poké Fest
Pokémon enthusiasts can meet other fans, trade cards, and take in the Pokémon-themed festivities at this two-day event. You’ll find everything from Pokémon, anime and magic to comics, sports cards and collectibles. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Tucson Marriott University Park, 880 E. Second St. Cost: Various ticket prices.
The Game Show Show
Join Tucson Improv Movement for a night of gameshow-style fun pitting contestants for prizes. 7:30- 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. Ninth St. Cost: $9.
Paint Day
In honor of National Batman Day, paint your own Batman rocks and show off your bat-art skills. 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E. Broadway. Cost: $5- $10.
Summer Night Market
Shop from around 60 local makers at the MSA Annex the fourth Friday of the month. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Join Cirque Collective Fire Troupe on the patio of Sky Bar for their fire flow spectacle. 8:15 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26. 536 N. Fourth Ave. Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks.
Dragonfly Day at Mission Gardens
Take a guided tour with expert Doug Danforth to discover the dragonflies thriving in the garden, and participate in crafts and stories while you explore the insects living in the acequia. 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 27. 946 W. Mission Lane. Free to attend.
Cultura X Chicano Vibez Festival
Enjoy a family-friendly weekend of food, shopping and entertainment. Featuring a car show, fashion show, food trucks, live graffiti art, vendors, music, live performances, a break dance battle, and more. 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28. MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento.
The top stories from the ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Daily Star’s Caliente section for this week.