Cyclovia 2022 (copy)

Maria Moreno of El Rio Health blows bubbles as cyclists ride down North Stone Avenue during Cyclovia on March 27, 2022.

Cyclovia, live music, Halloween festivals and free museum days — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.

Here are 44 events that are free to attend this October.

On this particular Free Film Friday, July 21, the pool was off limits due to the night’s lightning and monsoon storm but the movie, “Clueless,†was still shown on the outdoor projector.

Free Film Fridays

Catch a poolside movie every Friday this month at Hotel McCoy! 

When: 8-11 p.m. Fridays

Where: Hotel McCoy, 

Cost: Free to attend and open to the public. Swimming is for hotel guests only, but day passes for the pool are available for $20.

Visit the  for more information.

Art Corner with BICAS

Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.

When: 4-6 p.m. Fridays

Where:Ìýµþ±õ°ä´¡³§,Ìý

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the  for more information.


Sponsored

Get ready for a mesmerizing and interactive art installation that will transport you to a world where color collides with motion.

 features larger-than-life, three-dimensional spinning tops in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and intricate designs as traditionally woven by Mexican artisans. Great for all ages, this installation is sure to awaken your sense of wonder and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. .


Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch

Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert with Rainy Daze. Food trucks will be onsite.

When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!

Visit the  for more information.

Female Friday Self-Defense

These Female Friday self-defense classes were on pause, but now they're back through December. These classes are for women, taught by a woman. 

When: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Where: Combat Krav Maga, 

Cost: Pay what you can

Visit the  for more information.

Free Screening of "The Addams Family"

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of "The Addams Family" this Saturday, thanks to the Palo Verde Park Neighborhood Association and The Loft Cinema. Enjoy a costume contest and family-friendly activities before the movie starts.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Palo Verde Park, 

Cost: Free to attend

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Movie at the Ranch

Catch an outdoor screening of "Homeward Bound" at Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley. Bring your own chairs and blankets!

When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon

Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday. Beyond roaming the grounds, you'll be able to shop for your Halloween costume and create your own mask.

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Valley of the Moon, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

First Saturday Art Walk

The Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center is hosting its First Saturday Art Walk this weekend, set to feature the work from six participating galleries.

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Second SundAZe at TMA 

Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities and performances. You'll also find food from Ate Kei and Phatboiis BBQ, plus vendors like Drutopia and Lower ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Jewelry.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the  for more information. 

Book Swap with the Pima County Public Library

Swap books with other literacy-loving community members during this event on Sunday. 

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: The Coalition Space, 

Cost: Free to attend, bring books to swap

Visit the  for more information.

Members of FUGA roll out on a monthly ride. With their rides, they hope to promote safer streets and representation for Tucson’s south-side and west-side communities.

Ride with FUGA

Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities. 

When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27

Where: Ward 1, , on Oct. 8; El Pueblo Center, , on Oct. 27.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information. 

Community Visions of Tucson's Food Future: A Presentation and Discussion

Hear from Eden Kinkaid and Ellen Platts about their research on the impacts of Tucson's UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Topics include social justice and community engagement. Attendees will have the chance to partake in the creation of a vision board to show their hopes for Tucson as a gastronomy city.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 12

Where: Mission Garden,

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

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Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson

Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments. 

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

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Gardening Hour

Learn about gardening and bring home clippings all while connecting with The Garden Kitchen team. 

When: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays

Where: The Garden Kitchen, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Tucson Meet Yourself

Folklife festival Tucson Meet Yourself is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The annual event has brought hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Tucson to celebrate the food, music, dance and arts of our city's many cultures. 

When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 (no performances between 2-5 p.m.). 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15.

Where: Jacomé Plaza, 

Cost: Free to watch performances and demonstrations, bring money for food and shopping

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Trunk-or-Treat

Go trunk-or-treating and walk through a haunted house, both of which will happen at the Quincie Douglas Center, courtesy Tucson Parks and Recreation. Costumes are encouraged!

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýQuincie Douglas Center, 

Cost: Free to attend 

Visit the  for more information. 

Mission Garden is located at the base of “A†Mountain, at 946 W. Mission Lane.

Tasting History: Quince

Learn about the origins behind quince and how it became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.

When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 13-14

°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýMission Garden, 

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the  for more information.

Tucson Humanities Festival

Hosted by the University of ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥, the 14th annual Humanities Festival highlights the theme of "style" with talks, fashion and film. Tim Gunn will be there on Oct. 11!

When: Select dates through Oct. 24.

Where: Various locations on the University of ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ campus.

Cost: Most events are free.

Visit the  for more information.

Aqua Pumpkin Patch

It's a pumpkin patch — poolside! Kids 17 and under can plunge into what's being described as an aqua pumpkin patch, then paint and decorate the pumpkin they pick. Kiddos in diapers must wear tight-fitting waterproof pants over a swim diaper.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 14-15

Where: Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, 

Cost: Free to attend, limited spots available. Pre-registration is required.

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Chicano Vibez

With a goal of bringing the community together to celebrate Chicano history and Hispanic Heritage month, Chicano Vibez will feature performances, food trucks, drinks, vendors, a fashion show and a car show. 

When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14; 1-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Where: MSA Annex, 

Cost: Free to attend, though tickets are needed for the Grupo Medal concert ($45) and meet-and-greet ($50).

Visit the  for more information.

Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson

Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Tucson Repair Cafe

Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.

When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 

Cost: Free to attend

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2023 Annual Show: "Amore"

Madaras Gallery will soon debut 15 new paintings ranging from scenery of Italy to the desert we all know and love. A free artist reception takes place on Oct. 14.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Madaras Gallery, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch

The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, demonstrations led by Archaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the  for more information.

Concerts in the Courtyard

Head to Marana for this monthly concert series, with food trucks onsite. This month, enjoy music from Blondie All Over. Bring your own chairs or blankets!

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19

Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the  for more information.

Volunteers helped clean up the Santa Cruz River for the United Way’s Days of Caring event in 2021.

United Way Days of Caring

Join this giant two-day community volunteer event hosted by United Way. Projects include clean-ups, painting, buffelgrass pulls, organizing and more.

When: Oct. 20-21

Where: Various locations.

Cost: Free to volunteer, sign up online.

Visit the  for more information.

Boo Bash

Tucson Parks and Recreation is throwing the upcoming Boo Bash, a family-friendly Halloween party where you'll find carnival games, trunk-or-treating and food trucks.

When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Lincoln Park soccer fields, 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the  for more information.

Marana Fall Festival

Celebrate fall in Marana! The annual festival is home to carnival rides, mutton busting, live music, a beer garden, a sunflower field, historic exhibits, artisan vendors and more.

When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Marana Heritage Farm, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Foul Fest

In a career spanning 30 years, the late Al Foul left his mark as a musician but it’s his legacy as a “remarkable human being†that his friends remember most. This second annual festival celebrates Foul with performances from nine musicians.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Che's Lounge, 350 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

A Night Under the Stars

Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is hosting a night of stargazing. Learn about the stars and planets, all while gazing through telescopes and binoculars. 

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, 

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the  for more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays to learn all about rain gardens! Attend a free workshop and you'll get to take home a rain garden kit of your own. Kids can meet the hens, enjoy story time and make a worry stone. 

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Watershed Management Group, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden

Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about traditional crops like corn, beans and squash.

When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Mission Garden, 

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the  for more information.

Free Third Thursdays at MOCA

Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission — and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing and there will be talks and activities surrounding the publication of the 2023 Sonoran Desert School Gardener's Almanac. 

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Spooktacular in Sahuarita

This all-ages Spooktacular event in Sahuarita features trunk-or-treating, food trucks, a kids' zone and a DJ. 

When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27

Where: Sahuarita Town Hall, , Sahuarita 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl, center, is greeted Thursday by a performer in a lion dance costume near the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston.

Walk with Amal

Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian refugee girl, who has traveled to 15 countries with a "message of hope and solidarity." She’s now made her way to the United States, stopping in Tucson at the end of the month with several events at locations including Tumamoc Hill, Galeria Mitotera, Children’s Museum Tucson and the University of ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Mall.

When: Four events in Tucson on Saturday, Oct. 28. The first event begins at 6 a.m. The last event begins at 1 p.m.

Where: Various locations.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

HallOVeen Spooktacular

Oro Valley is celebrating Halloween with an evening of vendors, music, jumping castles, crafts, food trucks and trunk-or-treating. 

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Trunk-or-Treat with Catalina Brewing Company

Take the kiddos to a trunk-or-treating event at Catalina Brewing Company. Beer and wine will be available for adults, and snacks and drinks will be available for the kids. There's a small haunted walk-through inside the brewery, too!

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28

Where: Catalina Brewing Company,

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit the  for more information.

Poetry Workshop with Jodie Hollander

Poet Jodie Hollander is hosting two poetry workshops in Saguaro National Park West this month. The Saturday workshop will focus on narrative poetry and the Sunday workshop will focus on humans in relation to nature.

When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 28-29

Where: Saguaro National Park West

Cost: Free to attend. Space is limited. RSVP by emailing jordan_chadwick-camp@nps.gov with the subject line "Poetry in the Parks."

Visit the  for more information.

Cyclovia

Enjoy a day of car-free streets, where you can walk, bike or skate your way through Tucson neighborhoods. It's essentially a big block party where you'll find activity hubs and food vendors along the route.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

Where: From the downtown area to Fort Lowell and Stone area. See the route .

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the  for more information.

'90s vs. '00s Halloween Party

Head to this dance party on Halloweekend, where a DJ will be spinning music from the '90s and '00s. There will also be a '90s- and '00s-themed costume contest, plus throwback video games, drink specials, Halloween candy and photo ops.

When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

Where: The Royal Room, 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the  for more information.

Howl-oween

It's a Halloween party for dogs! Bring your four-legged friends to St. Philip's Plaza for a pup parade, a costume contest and giveaways.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information. 

Trick-or-treat the Avenue

Head to North Fourth Avenue for a family-friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating down the historic street. There will be a costume contest at 1 p.m., plus merchant specials all day.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

Where: North Fourth Avenue. Costume contest is at Haggerty Plaza, , at 1 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the  for more information.

Mr. Heads Official Halloween Party

Celebrate Halloween dressed as your favorite TV or movie villain, all while enjoying DJ music at Mr. Heads.

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31

Where: Mr. Heads, 

Cost: Free to attend. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the  for more information.


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