More Independence Day shows move from fireworks to drones

An assortment of Fourth of July celebrations are planned Friday across Pima County. The show in Sahuarita is the only local event that will mostly feature drones.

Even in the dog days of summer, there's no shortage of things to do in Tucson. Check out these 50 fun events happening this month!

Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

June might bring hot temperatures to Tucson, but it brings lavender to Oracle. It's officially bloom season at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm and the owners are celebrating with tours, workshops, a fairy festival, an ode to Frida Kahlo and a lavender-themed dinner.

When:Various dates in June

Where:Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm,, Oracle. (Some workshops are available in Tucson at The Lavender Manor,)

Cost:$15 for tours and tastings, $35 to make a lavender wand, $45 to make a lavender wreath, $17 for the fairy festival, $60 for the lavender dinner, $15 for the Frida Kahlo celebration

Visit thefor more information.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar for March, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals.

When:Various dates, check out the calendar.

Where:Locations vary based on tour.

Cost:$30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.

Visit thefor more information.


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Art Cart with Caroline Martin

Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!

When:Various dates throughout June

Where:Various places

Cost:$5-$15

Visit theirfor more information.

Meru, pictured here at eight months old, is getting better at using her trunk.

$3 Ticket Tuesdays at Reid Park Zoo

Every Tuesday throughout June and July, admission to Reid Park Zoo will be $3 for everyone!

When:8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesdays

Where:Reid Park Zoo,

Cost:$3

Visit theirfor more information.

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,

Cost:Free to attend

Visit thefor more information.

One of the hikers gets a cell phone photo of a desert hairy scorpion under black light during Catalina Nights at Catalina State Park.

Catalina Nights

Experience Catalina State Park after dark with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail!

³:First and ThirdFridays of the month

Where:Catalina State Park,

Cost:Park entry fee ($10-20)

Visit theirfor more information.

$5 Fridays at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

Enjoy $5 admission to the Tucson Botanical Gardens every Friday through September 26.

When:Fridays through September 26 (except July 4)

Where:Tucson Botanical Gardens,

Cost:$5

Visit theirfor more information.

Movie Night at Tanna’s Botannas

Every Friday, Tanna’s Botannas will be hosting a free movie night under the stars at their newly renovated patio. They suggest coming early so you can grab a good seat and snacks.

When:7:30 p.m. on Fridays

Where:Tanna's Botannas,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for snacks

Visit theirfor more information.

Chillin at the Chul

Check out music, spirits and bites at Tohono Chul's summer series. On Saturdays, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play.

When:6-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Aug. 30

Where:Tohono Chul,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks

Visit thefor more information.

Summer Safari Nights 2025

Beat the heat and explore the outdoors with Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings!

When:6-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

³:Reid Park Zoo,

Cost:$0-$11.25

Visit thefor more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.

When:6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays

Where:Dante's Fire,

Dz:$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit thefor more information.

Di Luna Saturdays

Head over to Di Luna on Saturdays for a weekly market that features local vendors, food, drinks, flash tattoos and more!

When:9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays

³:Di Luna,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theirfor more information.

The lights of Tucson as seen from Sabino Canyon during the first Night Crawler tour of the season on June 28.

Sabino Canyon Night Crawler

The Sabino Canyon Crawler'snight tour returns on Saturdays, now through October 25!

When:7:30- 9 p.m. on Saturdays

³:Sabino Canyon Recreation Area,

Dz:$15 for adults, $8 for children

Visit theirfor more information.

Cool Summer Nights

Enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night — in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.

When:6-10 p.m. Saturdays June 7 - August 31

Where:ֱ-Sonora Desert Museum,

Cost:$29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for ֱ residents.

Visit thefor more information.

4th of July Pool Party

Celebrate the 4th of July at AC Hotel’s rooftop pool. This pool party will have music, live music, drinks and a view of the A Mountain fireworks.

When: 5 p.m. Friday, July 4

Where: AC Hotel,

Cost: $20

Visit theirfor more information

Evening traffic runs by Hotel Congress as dark settles over downtown on April 25, 2023.

Slip ‘N Slide Party

Club Congress is throwing a Slip ‘N Slide party on their plaza. This party will also feature DJ sets, drink specials, water balloons, water guns and more. Swimwear is encouraged!

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5

Where: Hotel Congress Plaza,

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit theirfor more information.

Movie Night with Cats

Head over to Hunter’s Kitten Lounge where you’ll get to snuggle up to some cute cats while watching a movie.

When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, July 5

Where: Hunter’s Kitten Lounge,

Cost: $25

Visit theirfor more information

Loteria Night

Stop by Crooked Tooth Brewing and play a game of Loteria for a chance to win prizes.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 8

Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing,

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit theirfor more information

Social Game Night

Stop by Snakes and Lattes and make some new friends while enjoying fun board games.

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10

Where: Snakes and Lattes,

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit theirfor more information

Summer Fridays at Lodge on the Desert

For this month’s Summer Friday, they will be holding a family friendly bookish event. Popular local pop-up, Friends to Lovers, will be there along with other small businesses and treats.

When:5-8 p.m. Friday, July 11

Where:Lodge on the Desert,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theirfor more information.

Monsoon Literacy Celebration

This fun, child-friendly event features activities like screening The Gruffalo’s Child, a Sonoran Desert sing-along, storytimes, photo ops, dancing, literacy activities, free books and more.

When: Friday and Saturday, July 11-12

Where: Fox Theatre,

Cost: Free to attend, reserve your spot on their website

Visit theirfor more information

Shimmer Body Oil + Summer Candle Workshop

At this workshop, you’ll be able to make your own shimmer body oil and a 9 ounce candle.

When: 5:15 p.m. Friday, July 11

Where: Di Luna,

Cost: $50

Visit theirfor more information

The Bandit’s Western Market: Coastal Cowgirl

This western-themed market will have bottomless mimosas, local vendors, cute photo opps and a free limited edition tote to the first 50 attendees.

When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12

Where: Whiskey Roads,

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theirfor more information

Night Ops at the Pima Air & Space Museum

The Pima Air & Space Museum is staying open late four times this summer! Watch as the sun sets over the planes and enjoy themed activities.

When:5-8:30 p.m. Saturdays, July 12 and July 26

Where:Pima Air & Space Museum,

Cost:$15 for ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 and under

Visit thefor more information.

Gather A Vintage Market — 657 W. St. Mary’s Road. Vintage and antique items for the home and garden. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 15. 878-7215. HOME AND GARDEN.

Gather A Vintage Market

Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this market.

When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 12-14; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 15

Where:Gather A Vintage Market,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Paint Your Own Mythical Creature

Join local artist Darby Hunter and paint your very own mythical creature figurine. Figurines include griffins, unicorns, manticore and more.

When: 12-5 p.m. Saturday, July 12

Where: The Desert Garden Gallery,

Cost: $20 per figure

Visit thefor more information

Charm Bar Workshop at Chappopin Cafe

Desierto Designs will be hosting a charm bar workshop where you can choose between a bracelet or necklace and pick your own charms. The workshop price includes all the supplies, a coffee and a pastry.

When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12

Where: Chappopin Cafe,

Cost: $50

Visit theirfor more information.

Social Saturdays

Spend the night with the local shops located at the Monier Building. Each shop will have a mix of complimentary refreshments, family-friendly activities and a raffle.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 12

Where: Monier Building,

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theirfor more information

Pima Animal Care has numerous dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes available for adoption. (2024 file photo)

Dog Days of Summer

Come meet your best friend! PACC is hosting an adoption event where they will be offering free adoptions for all pets along with local food trucks, games and raffles.

When: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, July 12

Where: PACC,

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit theirfor more information

Free Record Day

Heroes and Villains will be giving over 1500 records for free! Every attendee gets a free vinyl pack which includes three records that are pulled from collections across the U.S.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12

Where: Heroes and Villains,

Cost: Free to attend

Visit theirfor more information

The Wizard of Oz Screening

Escape the heat and head to the Fox Theatre where they will be showing the classic film, The Wizard of Oz.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 13

Where: Fox Theatre:

Cost: $10

Visit theirfor more information

Free Third Thursday at MOCA

The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission. Expect food from Special Eats, beer from Brick Box and tunes from KXCI DJs.

When:5-9 p.m. Thursday, July 17

Where:MOCA,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit theirfor more information.

'Twilight' Outdoor Screening

Grab some friends and watch the iconic Twilight film under the stars in Main Gate Square

When:7 p.m. Thursday, July 17

Where:oLiv Courtyard, Main Gate Square,

Cost:Free

Visit theirfor more information.

Light the Mic

Light the Mic is a curated artist showcase that centers around Black, queer and local voices.

When:7 p.m. Friday, July 18

Where:Splinter Collective:

Cost:$10 entry

Visit theirfor more information.

Sockaholics

Bring your works in progress and join sockaholics for a cozy start to your day. All stages of sock knitters and crocheters are welcomed.

When:10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturday,July 19

³:Grandma's Spinning Wheel,

Cost:$15 annual fee.

Visit theirfor more information.

Walk-in Candy Making Workshop

Make your own delicious and spicy candy confections! Get your hands messy, and leave with a full pound of your own spicy creations!

When:Walk in anytime between 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.,Saturday, July 19.First come, first serve.

³:Yolia Botanica,

Cost:$25

Visit theirfor more information.

Mission Garden grows gourds and other native plants and produce.

Summer Sunset at Mission Gardens

Enjoy the beauty of the summer sunsetand cooler evening temperatures at Mission Gardens! Bring your family and friends! Featuring food from.

When:6-8 p.m., Saturday, July 19

Where:Mission Gardens,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food.

Visit thefor more information.

Water Color Pet Portrait Class

Cuddle with adoptable kitties, and get creative at Hunter's Kitten Lounge. Paint your own cat-themed masterpiece at thiswatercolor paint class fundraiser!

When:6-8 p.m., Saturday, July 19

Where:Hunter's Kitten Lounge,

Cost:$25

Visit thefor more information.

You can find all kinds of vintage clothing at the Desert Haze Market, from tees to pants to dresses.

Desert Haze Market

Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress. Expect about 15 vendors, food and music!

When:6-11 p.m., Saturday, July 19

Where:Hotel Congress,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Movies in Marana: Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (2018)

"Movies in Marana" is returning for a second year, with feature films playing in different Town of Marana parks. These family-friendly showings are perfect for residents and visitors looking for something free and fun to do in the evening hours. July 19 is aChristmas in July themed night! Dress up like it's 25th of December!

When:6-9:30 p.m.,Saturday, July 19

³:Gladden Community Farms soccer fields,

Cost:Free

Visit thefor more information.

'Encanto' sing-along at the Fox Theatre

Bring your family and friends and sing along to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto!” The Sing-Along version of the film features on-screen lyrics, so you don't miss a beat!

When:2 p.m.,Sunday, July 20

Where:The Fox Theatre,

Cost:$12

Visit thefor more information.

Sunflowers & WildflowersArrange & Sip

Arrange your own beautiful Sunflowers & Wildflowers silk floral centerpiece, and enjoydelicious food and beverages!

When:6-8 p.m., Friday, July 25

Where:ֱ Sands Club,

Cost:$44

Visit thefor more information.

Customers browse the hanging planters for sale at Melrose Macrame’s booth during the Summer Night Market at the MSA Annex in 2023.

Summer Night Market

Shop from around 60 local makers when the Summer Night Market takes over the MSA Annex every fourth Friday of the month through September!

When:6-10 p.m. Friday, July 25

Where:MSA Annex,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit thefor more information.

Fire Show at Sky Bar

Join Cirque Collective Fire Troupe on the patio of Sky Bar for their fire flow spectacle!

When:8:15 p.m., Friday, July 25

Where:Sky Bar,

Cost:Free to attend, bring money for drinks.

Visit thefor more information.

Tiny Treasures Annual Sale

It's time again for theMini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures' annual sale.Throughout the year, the museum accepts donations of miniatures that are ready for a new life.You’ll find dollhouses, toy furniture, dolls, miniature accessories, kits, fabrics, building supplies, and more!

When:9 a.m.- 4 p.m.,Saturday, July 26

³:Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures,

Cost:Free to attend, bring cash or checks for purchases.

Visit thefor more information.

Kenneth Foy and his crew carefully plated dishes as the clock ticked down at the July 22, 2023 Iron Chef Tucson competition. Foy won his second title after defeating Devon Sanner.

Iron Chef Tucson

This is a culinary event you don't want to miss!This year's 17thannual Iron Chef Battle is between reigning Iron Chef Anthony Dromgoole andChef McKenzie from Tanque Verde Ranch.Guests can anticipate an exciting day of culinary delights withthree hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demonstrations, and classes before the showdown.

³:1 p.m. - 4 p.m.,Saturday, July 26

Where:Desert Diamond Casino And Hotel,

Cost:Various prices starting at $60

Visit thefor more information.

One Night of Queen at the Fox Theatre

Gary Mullen and The Works will be performing their world-renowned One Night of Queen live concert right here in Tucson! The Queen cover band will take the stage at the Fox Theatre for a night of the band's greatest hits.

When:7:30 p.m.,Saturday, July 26

Where:The Fox Theatre,

Cost:Various prices starting at $38

Visit thefor more information.

'The Goonies' at the Fox Theatre

Escape the heat and and enjoy this timeless classic at the Fox Theatre!

When:2 p.m.,Sunday, July 27

Where:The Fox Theatre,

Cost:$12

Visit thefor more information.

Rockin' With The Dolls- Popular tunes from the 1950's-60's

Take a trip back in time, anddance along through a tour of the songs made famous on American Bandstand and played on the jukebox in your favorite diner!

When:6 p.m., Monday, July 28

Where:The Gaslight Theatre,

Cost:$28 for adults, $18 for children

Visit thefor more information.

BookmansSummer Kids Events

Join Bookmans for a day of dancing, singing and music with 'Music Is for Everyone.' This interactive event invites kids to explore rhythm, sound, and creativity through singing, instruments, and movement!

When:11 a.m., Tuesday, July 29

Where:Bookmans,

Cost:Free

Visit thefor more information.

BookmansSummer Kids Events

Join Bookmans fora circus spectacular!Bookmans Speedway hosts the Circus Academy of Tucson for an exciting day filled with juggling, balancing, and other fun circus skills for kids to learn!

When:11 a.m., Thursday, July 31

Where:Bookmans,

Cost:Free

Visit thefor more information.


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