Welcome back ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥! Whether you're new to Tucson, or a returning student, here's 30 exciting events happening this weekend, to start your semester off right!
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, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals.Ìý
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 the for 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.Ìý
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson,
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the for more information.
A woman walks her dog around the Barrio Garden at the Tucson Botanical Gardens Wednesday, July 24.
$5 Fridays at the Tucson Botanical Gardens
Enjoy $5 admission to the Tucson Botanical Gardens every Friday through September 26.Ìý
When: Fridays through September 26 (except July 4)
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens,
Cost: $5
Visit their for 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.Ìý
When: 7:30 p.m. on FridaysÌý
Where: Tanna's Botannas,
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for snacks
Visit their for 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 the for 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!Ìý
When: 6-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Where: Reid Park Zoo,
Cost: $0-$11.25
Visit the for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.Ìý
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays
Where: Dante's Fire,
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the for 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: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays
Where: Di Luna,
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their for more information.Ìý
The Sabino Canyon Night Crawler stops at the end of the road during this year’s first summer night tour on June 28. The crawler is offering night tours on Saturdays through Oct. 25.
Sabino Canyon Night Crawler
The Sabino Canyon Crawler's night tour returns on Saturdays, now through October 25!
When: 7:30- 9 p.m. on Saturdays
Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area,
Cost: $15 for adults, $8 for children
Visit their for more information.Ìý
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 through August 31
Where: ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥-Sonora Desert Museum,
Cost: $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ residents
Visit the for more information.
Steampunk Dessert & Crafts Night At Poppin' Off
Join Poppin’ Off for a whimsical steampunk-themed night featuring sweet treats, and DIY fun! Put together your best steampunk outfit, or come as you are.
When: 6:30 p.m., Friday, August 22
Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More,
Cost: $25
Visit their for more information.Ìý
Tios & Tias
DJ Chris Villa is throwing a party where you can dance your heart out to all kinds of tunes at the Hotel Congress Plaza.Ìý
When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, August 22
Where: Hotel Congress,
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Visit their for more information.Ìý
Watermelon Crawl
Enjoy watermelon-themed drinks and dance the night away to live music at this Trail Dust Town event.Ìý
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, August 22
When: Savoy Opera House,
Cost: $5
Visit the for 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: 8:15 p.m. Friday, August 22
Where: Sky Bar,
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the for more information.
KPop Demon Hunters- Sing Along Event
Bring your friends or your whole family and sing along to the hit movie of the summer with other Kpop Demon Hunters fans!
When:ÌýSaturday, August 23 and Sunday August 24
Where:ÌýSelect Theatres across Tucson
Cost:ÌýCosts vary
Visit the , and websitesÌýfor more information.
College Day Out
Park Place Mall is welcoming back U of A wildcats with a high-energy afternoon of free activities. Climb a 25-foot rock climbing wall, or compete in a scavenger hunt with free food, giveaways and a $300 shopping spree grand prize!Ìý
When: 12-2 p.m. Saturday, August 23
Where: Park Place Mall,
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the for more information.
Chad Lacy pets Joey while he rests on a book shelf at Hunter's Kitten Lounge on July 6 2024.
Trivia Night- Hunter's Kitten Lounge
Snuggle with rescue kitties and enjoy some exciting animal themed trivia! The night will consist of 4-5 rounds of trivia, each with prizes for winning teams.Ìý
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 23
Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge,
Cost: $20
Visit the for more information.
Tucson 250+ Block Party
Celebrate Tucson’s birthday at this block party, featuring performances, food and drinks that highlight the city’s history, demonstrations and more.Ìý
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, August 23
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, Ìý
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the for more information.
The Desert Haze Market typically features more than a dozen vendors selling vintage clothing.
Desert Haze Market
Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress. This month, they are celebrating their 2nd birthday with flash tattoos, a DJ set and extra goodies.Ìý
When: 6-11 p.m., Saturday, August 23
Where: Hotel Congress,
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the for more information.
All Things Disney Trivia Night At Poppin' Off
From classic animated films to Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks magic—this is your chance to sing, laugh, and test your Disney knowledge! Come solo or bring your team. Prizes, surprises, and a whole lot of magic await!
When: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, August 23
Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More,
Cost: Free to attend, snacks and beverages available for purchase
Visit their for more information.Ìý
Beastie Boys Laser Lights Show
The Beastie Boys mix rap with humor and rock. Laser Beastie Boys channels the energy of their 80s and 90s hits into a stunning visual experience.
When: 6:30- 7:30 p.m., Saturday, August 23
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium,
Cost: $20
Visit the for more information.
Laser Schism (Tool) Show
Tool produced some of the most complicated and powerful heavy metal rock ever created. Now, Laser Schism picks up where Tool leaves off and scorches your retinas with visuals you can't remember, but will never forget.
When: 8-9 p.m., Saturday, August 23
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium,
Cost: $20
Visit the for more information.
An individual enjoys the Laser Taylor Swift show at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium in Tucson, 2023.
Laser Taylor Swift
Experience the music of Taylor Swift in a way you never have before as Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium takes her biggest hits and brings them to life in dazzling laser light!
When: 9:30- 10:30 p.m., Saturday, August 23
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium,
Cost: $20
Visit the for more information.
Dog Days of Summer- 72 Aquatics
Cool off and hang out with fellow dog lovers! Bring your dog, and chow down on a hotdog!
When: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: 72 Aquatics,
Cost: Free
Visit the for more information.
Dancers twirl on the floor during Wildcat Wednesday at The Maverick King of Clubs. On Wednesdays, Tucson’s legendary country music nightclub attracts college students with drink specials and the opportunity to get their country on.
Mariposa Market at The Maverick- Back to School Sip & Shop
Welcome back ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥! Celebrate the start of the new school year with brunch, a few drinks, and spend a Sunday Funday shopping some of Tucson's favorite local shops and artists. Vendors include live tattoos by Michael Albert, lashes and tooth gems by Clarissa from Moe Lashes, jewelry, clothes, art, accessories, and a full service hat bar hosted by Desert Mariposa Boutique.
When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: The Maverick,
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors
Visit the for more information.
Tie Dyed T-Shirt Workshop
Transform your old t-shirts and create your own tie dyed masterpiece! Bring your own t-shirt canvas, (please no polyester style shirts) to learn how to tie-dye with acrylic dyes.Ìý
When: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: Colliope Co.,
Cost: $35
Visit the for more information.
Yoga & Pints- Bawker Bawker Cider House
Start your Sunday off right with a relaxing yoga session followed by refreshing pints with friends!
When: 11:45 a.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House,
Cost: $17
Visit the for more information.
Ducky’s 4th Annual Bake Sale
This sweet event will feature delicious treats from local vendors like Ducky’s, Ate Kei Filipino Treats, 1989 Bakehouse, Tucson Chocolate Factory and more.Ìý
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: Brick Box Brewery,
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the for more information.
Ravensburger Puzzle Race Mini Tournament- Snakes & Lattes
Bring your competitive spirit and pair up with your friends to compete against other teams, and fight for first place! If you love puzzles, you won't want to miss the fun. Your ticket includes a refreshing soda or iced tea for each team member, a shareable treat, and a captivating 500-piece puzzle to take home.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: Snakes & Lattes,
Cost: $25
Visit the for more information.
Sunday Sips- Wine Tasting and Candy Making
Make your own delicious candies with Dirty T Tamarindo, while sipping on 6 wines and sampling some light bites from vertigo wines.
When: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: Vertigo Wines,
Cost: $55
Visit the for more information.
"Past Dense"- One Rehearsal Short
One Rehearsal Short, A Musical Montage Revue presents "Past Dense!," a historical musical featuring songs spanning centuries of dysfunctional decades!
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, August 24
Where: Live Theatre Workshop,
Cost: $10
Visit the for more information.