Free museum days, a big book fest, Easter egg hunts, a St. Patrick's Day parade and a star party — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy localÌýevents in Tucson.
Here are 35 events that are free to attend this March.
Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon
Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon opens its doors for free this Saturday. Pack a picnic and chat with a fairy.Ìý
When:Ìý1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 2
Where:ÌýValley of the Moon,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attendÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
First Saturday ArtWalk
The Warehouse Arts Management OrganizationÌýis hosting its First Saturday ArtWalk this weekend, where you can walk through several local galleries and artist studios.
When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 2
Where:ÌýSee the mapÌý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Tucson Orchid Society's Orchid Show and Sale
Tucson Orchid Society is hosting its annual show where you'll get to see orchid displays and have the chance to purchase orchids of your own.
When:Ìý9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3
Where:ÌýMesquite Valley Growers,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money forÌýshoppingÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor moreÌýinformation.
"Whispers in the Wind" Opening Reception
Join five Indigenous artists for an opening reception of their art show that expresses "ideas on mental health, impact on border security and facets of modern life."
When:Ìý4-9 p.m. Saturday, March 2
Where:ÌýUntitled Gallery,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor moreÌýinformation.
Beer + Bikes
This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a ride back to Button Brew House.
When:Ìý11 a.m. Saturday, March 2
Where:ÌýButton Brew House,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for brewsÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
All Artist Show
One of the biggest shows at Madaras Gallery is officially here. Head to the gallery this Saturday for an artists' reception for the show that spotlights small works from artists like Tessa Nicole and Ray Del Muro.
When:Ìý11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2
Where:ÌýMadaras Gallery,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Community Time on Deuce Nine
Local organization A Hand Up Not Hand Out is teaming up with the City of Tucson to introduce the 29th Thrive initiative to the community, which is an area of town selected to receive federal grant funding. Provide your feedback at this event, plus enjoy free food, music, raffles, inflatables, kickball and games.
When:ÌýNoon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3
Where:ÌýFreedom Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
PJ Library 18th Birthday Bash
PJ Library, which provides free books to Jewish families, is hosting its 18th birthday celebration at the Tucson Jewish Community Center this Sunday. Expect crafts, face painting, carnival games, music, food and more.Ìý
When:Ìý3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3
Where:ÌýTucson J,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Auguste Rodin's Adam stands on the lowest level of the Tucson Museum of Art, in one of several galleries utilizing underground space.
First Thursday at Tucson Museum of Art
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every first Thursday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission, gallery activities, live music and a cash bar. This month's event will also feature aura photo readings and food from You Sly Dog, Butter Lover and Sin Fronteras Coffee.Ìý
When:Ìý5-8 p.m.ÌýThursday, March 7
Where:ÌýTucson Museum of Art,Ìý
Cost:ÌýPay what you wish
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
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.Ìý
When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where:ÌýChildren's Museum Tucson,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor 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:Ìý3-6 p.m. Thursdays
Where:Ìýµþ±õ°ä´¡³§,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donation suggestedÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Tasting History: Cardoon
Learn about the origins behind cardoon plants and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations are part of the fun.
When:Ìý9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, March 8-9
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Thousands of people on the UA Mall for the Tucson Festival of Books on March 4, 2023.
Tucson Festival of Books
Book lovers, it's almost the best time of year: the annual Tucson Festival of Books is back! Find hundreds of authors, presentations and vendors at the beloved book fest.Ìý
When:Ìý9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 9-10
Where:Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Plant Swap
Head to the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space for a plant swap, plus enter a raffle to benefit the Pima Animal Care Center.Ìý
When:Ìý11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9
Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring plants to swap
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Egg Hop Hunt
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting an egg hunt with crafts, games, face painting and other activities.Ìý
When:Ìý8 a.m. Saturday, March 9
Where:ÌýQuincie Douglas Center,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
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!Ìý
When:Ìý5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9
Where:ÌýChildren's Museum Tucson,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor 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:Ìý4-8 p.m. Saturday, March 9
Where:ÌýXerocraft Makerspace,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Evening closes in over the Sweet Rolls & More rolled ice cream food trailer, one of the vendors keeping the crowd fed during 2nd Saturdays downtown, Tucson, Ariz., March 11, 2023.
2nd Saturdays
Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When:Ìý5-10 p.m. Saturday, March 9
Where:ÌýDowntown Tucson alongÌý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theÌýÌýfor 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, a bike swap, demonstrations led byÌýArchaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.
When:Ìý9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 9
Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Second SundAZe at TMAÌý
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities, family yoga and a performance by Ballet Rincon's Youth Ensemble.Ìý
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 5 p.m.ÌýSunday, March 10
Where:ÌýTucson Museum of Art,Ìý
Cost:ÌýPay what you wish
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
House Party at Thunder Canyon Brewery
Dance the night away to a fusion of hip-hop and R&B, alongside brews from Thunder Canyon.
When:Ìý8-11 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Where:ÌýThunder Canyon Brewery,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Marana Founders' Day
It's a day to celebrate Marana! There will be a parade, car show, performances, art station, food trucks, vendors, inflatables and more.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16
Where:ÌýTown of Marana,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Movie at the Ranch
Watch a free outdoor screening of "Back to the Future" at Steam Pump Ranch this month. The sequel will be played in April!
When:Ìý6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16
Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor 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 Native American crops.
When:Ìý8-10 a.m. Saturday, March 16
Where:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn aboutÌýrain gardens and planting native edible plants.Ìý
When:Ìý9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 16
Where:ÌýWatershed Management Group,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Archery Expo Day
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting an expo for all things archery! You'll find archery equipment and other items, basic archery instruction, raffles and more.
When:Ìý9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 16
Where:ÌýOro Valley Archery Range,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
St. Patrick's Day Festival of Tucson
This festival kicks off with a parade in downtown Tucson, followed by live Irish music, dancers, an area for kids, food and vendors.Ìý
When:Ìý10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17
Where:ÌýArmory Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.
Ìý
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, plus food, drinks and KXCI DJs spinning tunes.
When:Ìý5-9 p.m. Thursday, March 21
Where:ÌýMuseum of Contemporary Art Tucson,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.Ìý
When:Ìý8:15 p.m. Friday, March 22
Where:ÌýSky Bar,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
EGGstravaganza with Tucson Parks and Rec
Celebrate Easter early with Tucson Parks and Recreation! Enjoy egg hunts, music, food vendors, games and prizes. The Easter Bunny will be there!
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Egg hunts are at various times, organized by age.Ìý
Where:ÌýMansfield Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Park Fest at Palo Verde Park
Inspired by Porch Fest in the Garden District neighborhood, the Palo Verde Park neighborhood is hosting a family-friendly community event featuring two stages for live music and food trucks. Bring a chair or blankets for seating!
When:Ìý1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where:ÌýPalo Verde Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Mujerx Chingonas
Galeria Mitotera is looking for art pieces now through March 15 for a new art show that will open on March 24.
When:Ìý1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Where:ÌýGaleria Mitotera,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichÌýadvocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.Ìý
When:Ìý6-8 p.m. Friday, March 29
Where:ÌýEl Pueblo Center,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Tucson Astronomy Festival
It’s almost time for Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association’s annual Tucson Astronomy Festival! Head to Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in the afternoon for solar observing, followed by stargazing after dark. There will be astronomy-themed family-friendly activities and prizes!
When:Ìý3-9 p.m. Saturday, March 30
Where:ÌýBrandi Fenton Memorial Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attendÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Starlit Skies
Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is hosting a night of stargazing. Learn about the stars and planets, all while gazing through telescopes and other equipment.
When:Ìý6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30
Where:ÌýGabe Zimmerman Trailhead,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.