Tucson's annual gem show is back! Pictured is the gem show at Kino Sports Complex, 2023.

Holiday shopping got your wallet feeling a little strained? Or maybe your resolution is to spend less money this year. We've got you! Here's our list of exciting free events happening in Tucson this month, so you can live your best life without stressing your bank account. 

Dirty T Run Club

This run club meets on Thursdays for a 4 mile run at a slower pace. During the route, you’ll get to run past iconic murals and the rattlesnake bridge. Plus, they stop by a bar for after-run drinks. 

When: Thursdays at 6 p.m., rain or shine 

Where: Meeting place is at the corner of 6th Ave. and 7th Street

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Sparks fly as Meaghan Conway welds an ear onto her latest elephant sculpture over the weekend at Crafternoons at Bicas.

BICAS Crafternoons

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: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays 

Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the event page for more information.

St. Philip's Plaza Market

Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April

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

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Customers shop at the Mercado Flea, which starts up Sunday, Oct. 11 2020

Mercado Flea

The Mercado Flea is back, complete with dozens of vendors selling antique and vintage items. 

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May

Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Vision Board Workshop- Bookmans on Speedway

Doesn't matter if you've never made a Vision Board before, or if you're an old pro. It's all about visualizing your perfect life and making your dreams come true. Join Bookmans and Our Safe Space, and create your own vision boards to make your goals come to life.

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8

Where: Bookmans, 6230 E Speedway

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Cassandra Barr, Torrie Dueñas, Elyssa Gerber and Lydia Piñon, the owners of Celestia Collective, pose for a photo in front of a hand-painted mural.

Open Mic- Celestia Collective

Whatever you do, this open mic is your space to let it shine. Singing, stand-up, interpretive dance, poetry- the stage is yours.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10

Where: Celestia Collective, 1122 N Stone Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their event page for more information.

Paws Without Borders Adoption Event

Meet Paws without Borders adoptable dogs, and bring home your new best friend!

When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10

Where: Dogs-n-Donuts, 7743 E Broadway Blvd

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for adoption

Visit the event page for more information.

Paint and Sip 

Join the Monkey Bar for an afternoon paint and sip. No need to bring your own materials, paint, canvas board, and paintbrushes are included with your drink purchase!

When:  12-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10

Where: The Monkey Bar, 1120 S. Wilmot Road

Cost: Materials free with drink purchase

Visit their event page for more information.

Pokémon TCG Trading Meetup- Snakes & Lattes

Snakes & Lattes is hosting a Pokémon TCG trading meetup! Bring your binders, connect with fellow fans, and swap cards in a fun, relaxed setting.

When: 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 11, Jan. 18, and Jan. 25

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E University Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Adoption Event: AZ Rescue Life

Meet adoptable dogs from AZ Rescue Life, and bring home your new best friend!

When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17

Where: Dogs-n-Donuts, 7743 E Broadway Blvd

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for adoption

Visit the event page 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. 

When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23

Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Beats & Bubbles at The Tuxon

This daytime party features live music, drinks, food and poolside fun. 

When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24

Where: Tuxon Hotel, 960 S. Freeway Rd.

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

Visit the event page for more information. 

Community Clothing Swap 

Refresh your closet and pick up some new-to-you pieces at this free clothing swap. You can drop off your clean, gently-used items to DiLuna on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. On Sunday, you can shop the swap!

When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25

Where: Di Luna Candles, 2700 N. Campbell Ave. 

Cost: Free

Visit the event page for more information. 

Minerals on display at JG&M Expo Gem Show 2022

Tucson, Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase

The giant Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is back for yet another winter season, bringing people from all over the world to shop the dozens of shows spread out across the city. Find jewelry, rocks, fossils and more.

When: Jan. 28-Feb. 15

Where: Various locations across Tucson

Cost: Most shows are free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Desert Haze Market

Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at La Rosa

When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31

Where: La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.