Happy 2026 Tucson! From weekend markets to festive light displays, and live music shows, you can start the new year off right with any of these 20 fun events happening in Tucson January 2-4!
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.
When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events
Visit the event page 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.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
State Park Ranger Isaiah Ortiz uses a laser pointer to pick out a target in the starry skies for his group of hikers out on Catalina Nights at Catalina State Park on June 20.
Catalina Nights
Experience Catalina State Park after dark with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail!
When: First and Third Fridays of the month
Where: Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Road.
Cost: Park entry fee ($10-20)
Visit their event page for 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, 2526 E. Grant Road.
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event 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.
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.
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.
Amaya Hernandez, seated, enjoys her ride provided by Adriel Torres as they skate during an early session of the Tucson Holiday Ice, an outdoor skating rink set up at 260 S. Church Ave., outside the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Ariz., on December 1, 2025.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink is back for the holiday season! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.
When: The skate rink will be open through Sunday, Jan. 4. Through Dec. 12, the rink will be open 4-8 p.m. weekdays and 12-8 p.m. weekends. From Dec. 13 through Dec. 21, the rink will be open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays and weekends, with additional sessions offered daily after Dec. 22. The rink will be closed on Christmas.
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.
Visit the event page for more information.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through 3,000 luminarias at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be "artfully sequenced series of illuminated experiences" through the gardens, featuring more than 1 million twinkling lights, plus art pieces and installations.
When: 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, through Jan. 11
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $21-$50 for adults and $17-$45 for kids, depending on the day. children younger than 4 get in free.
Visit their event page for more information.
An LED giraffe is one of the first displays inside the gates of Reid Park Zoo for the annual ZooLights exhibition, December 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
ZooLights 2025
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is back! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2 - Sunday, Jan. 4
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $14.50 for general admission, $9.50 for kids ages 2-14
Visit the event page for more information.
Winter White Owl Painting – Paint & Create with Tegan
Paint a serene winter white owl perched against a soft, wintry background. This guided, step-by-step paint class is beginner-friendly and perfect for a cozy evening of creativity.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2
Where: 3618 E Pima St.
Cost: $40
Visit their event page for more information.
It: Chapter 1- Cult Classics at The Loft Cinema
Based on the Stephen King novel, It: Chapter One follows seven young outcasts in the small town of Derry, Maine as they face their worst nightmare – an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’s children.
When: Various times Friday, Jan. 2 - Sunday Jan. 4
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd
Cost: $9
Visit their event page for more information.
Murder on the Orient Express- The Loft Cinema
This clever Agatha Christie whodunit, boasts an international cast of some of the most wonderfully eccentric characters ever created. Solving this baffling mystery isn’t going to be easy, and danger lurks behind every twist and turn of the fiendish plot.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd
Cost: $10.50
Visit their event page for more information.
Comedy Happy Hour
Start your Saturday night with the funniest happy hour in town! Sip on your favorite drinks while talented improvisers serve carefully crafted comedy.
When: 6:30- 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E 9th Street
Cost: $5
Visit their event page for more information.
Retro Game Show Night Presents: The Family Fuss
Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress Street
Cost: $19.06
Visit the event page for more information
80s Dance Party at The Surly Wench Pub
Dance the night away to all of your favorite retro hits including Prince, Madonna, QUEEN, Michael Jackson, and more. Dress in your favorite 80s attire, or come as yourself!
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Where: The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N 4th Ave
Cost: $5
Visit their event page for more information.
Late Night With Autumn Dominguez
Autumn Dominguez is a versatile saxophonist, vocalist, and songwriter. Her latest original project, is an alternative blend of jazz and indie pop.
When: 10:30 p.m. -12:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3
Where: The Century Room, 311 E Congress St #1811
Cost: $10-15
Visit their event page for more information.
Yoga at the Museum
Start your Sunday with a peaceful hour of all-level yoga in the quiet beauty of the miniature galleries! Stay after class to explore the museum at your leisure!
When: 8-9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4
Where: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E Camp Lowell Dr.
Cost: $5-10
Visit the event page for more information.
Solar Observing at Saguaro National Park East
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, for an afternoon of solar observation. Through solar viewing telescopes, you can see sunspots, prominences, flares, and more.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4
Where: Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail
Cost: Event is free but NPS admission fees apply.
Visit the 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: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4
Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Jazz Sunday- Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
Tucson Jazz Society Presents Les Paul Roque. Les is a seasoned entertainer, an accomplished pianist and keyboardist. His musical styles include jazz, rhythm & blues, standards, and top 40.
When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4
Where: Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, 1801 N Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Girls & Goals- Party in the Park
Tucson ladies, start the year off right at Girls & Goals Party in the Park! Make your own vision boards, enjoy a tea ceremony by Her Haven Healing, and shop lipgloss from emiliaxocosmetics, as well as clothes and art from Crow's Cavern.
When: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4
Where: 2001 S Avenida Del Sol.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
