40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Aug. 29-Sept. 1 🛍🎶

We're saying goodbye to August with a bang — Tucson Comic-Con, a dive-in movie, a record fair, a musical lottery and tons of artisan markets. 

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

Tucson, Gem, Mineral and Fossil Shows

The massive gem showcase happens in January and February each year, but a smaller showcase takes place this time of year. A handful of shows will return to Tucson on Aug. 29 with beads, minerals and jewelry.

When: Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 29-Sept. 1

Where: Various locations

Cost: Some shows may require an admission fee; bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Pixar Trivia at Caps & Corks

Test your knowledge in all things Pixar during this trivia night at Caps & Corks!

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29

Where: Caps & Corks, 3830 W. River Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Viva La Quebradita Tour 2024!

Viva La Quebradita Tour is coming to AVA Amphitheater on Oct. 18 with special guests Banda Machos, Banda Maguey and Banda Zeta. Get tickets here!

Cyclovia Turns 21

The beloved car-free block party Cyclovia is turning 21! Celebrate with a happy hour celebration at Pueblo Vida, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Living Streets Alliance, the nonprofit that hosts Cyclovia.

SHRIEK! A Tale of True Love and OGRE-acting

The Gaslight Theatre is debuting its new musical, a spoof of Shrek! The show runs through early November.

When: Various times Aug. 29 through Nov. 3

Where: The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway

Cost: $27 for adults, $15 for kids ages 2-12

Visit the event page for more information.

Win prizes for the books you read! 

We put together a list of 28 books — 3 for kids, 25 for adults — that are written by local authors or touch on regionally-relevant themes. To make things more fun, we have prizes for those who read one or more books on our list and we're planning a bookish happy hour to take place Sept. 19! Find more info here. 📚

Tucson Family Food Project Documentary Screening

This free screening documents Tucson Family Food Project founder Steven Cota-Robles' mission to end childhood food insecurity.

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend 

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: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Comic-Con

Thousands will flock to the Tucson Convention Center for the 15th annual Tucson Comic-Con, many donning costumes or paying homage in some way to their favorite fictional characters. Expect gaming, cosplay, interactive experiences and celebrity sightings.

When: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 30-Sept. 1

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

Cost: Starting at $10 for kids, starting at $20 for adults

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer Night Market

Shop from around 60 local makers when the Summer Night Market takes over the MSA Annex once a month through September!

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

"Beetlejuice"-themed Emo Night

Celebrate the upcoming "Beetlejuice" movie during this emo dance party organized by Desert Goth Club. Expect vendors, drink specials and tattoos while you're there.

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Music Box Lounge, 6951 E. 22nd St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors and drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

'90s Alternative Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party featuring all alternative music. 

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

ATC Cinema Series: "Frankenstein"

Courtesy Arizona Theatre Company, catch a screening of 2011's "National Theatre Live: Frankenstein." 

When: 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31

Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.

Cost: $15

Visit the event page for more information.

Metal Fest 

The Rialto is hosting Metal Fest as part of its Local Love Presents series. The concert features a local lineup of musicians.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

Cost: $5-$8

Visit the event page for more information.

Chocolate Factory Tour

If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," this might be your dream come true. Though not as extravagant as Willy Wonka's facility, take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to learn how the chocolate is made.

When: Noon and 2 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31

Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

La Peña del SurCo

The University of Arizona's Applied Intercultural Arts Research is hosting a free gathering of Latin American folk music. Empanadas will be available for purchase!

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

Pop Nights

DJ Bex is spinning all the pop hits of your dreams, from Britney Spears and Madonna to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish. 

When: Typically 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, this week's event will start at midnight 

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

Chillin at the Chul

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

When: 6-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31

Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Ride with FUGA

Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities. 

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Tucson Rock Lottery

On Saturday morning, 25 Tucson musicians will draw random names out of a hat to form brand-new bands. They'll have less than 12 hours to write and learn three original songs and one cover, and then they'll perform their creations at Hotel Congress. Tucson Rock Lottery benefits community radio station KXCI.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15

Visit the event page for more information.

Making Black History Market

This market is making its seasonal return to highlight the work of 17 Black-owned businesses and creatives. You'll find jewelry, candles, baked goods and more, in addition to trap yoga and a meet-and-greet with TUSD board member Sadie Shaw. A portion of the sales from Z Street International Market will be donated to the African American Museum of Southern Arizona.

When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31; afterparty with DJ Herm is 10-11 p.m.

Where: Z Street, 2731 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Movies in Marana: "Sing" 

You've heard of drive-in movies, but what about dive-in movies? Catch a poolside screening of "Sing." Bring your own towel!

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

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Where: Ora Mae Harn District Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

HOCO Record Fair

Shop from thousands of vinyl records ranging from vintage rock to music from local bands. 

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: 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 Hotel Congress.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Green Chile Festival

Four Arrows Garden is bringing back its Green Chile Festival, where they'll be roasting green chiles on site. The schedule for the day also includes live music, food trucks, a recipe booth, plant specials and games.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Four Arrows Garden, 13499 E. Success Dr.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping; chiles will be sold in gallon-size Ziplock bags for $15, bring a box or cooler to transport your chiles

Visit the event page for more information.

Dirty T Market

Local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo is hosting a bash for the one-year anniversary of their brick-and-mortar. Expect food, music, games and a mechanical bull.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Dirty T Tamarindo, 1211 W. St Marys Road

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado

Las Mujeres Verdes is back with another monthly market, this time Summerween-themed! Expect about 20 local vendors, plus food from Odd Dogs Hot Dogs.

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Desert Artisans Market

Desert Artisans Market is celebrating its first birthday! Shop from 31 local artists, plus enjoy face painting and raffles while you're there.

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

The Good Thistle Market

Local earring brand The Good Thistle is changing owners! One last hurrah is in store before current owner Annette departs: a market featuring eight local vendors ranging from flash tattoos to paintings.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: 939 S. 10th Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Sabino Canyon Night Tours

Take a ride through Sabino Canyon after dark! The tour features a narrative program in English and Spanish with details about Sabino Canyon's history, fauna and flora.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31; tours run on Saturdays through October with varying times

Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road

Cost: $15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 12

Visit the event page for more information. 

Pageant For The People Preview Party 

Enjoy a night of performances by pageant contestants and former Tucson Pride royalty during this preview party and show at Club Congress. A portion of the proceeds go toward local nonprofit Tucson Pride.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

Grand Opening of The Sound Post

Tucson is now home to The Sound Post: Tucson Folk Center, which offers a rotating inventory of musical instruments and accessories, in addition to a repair shop. The center also serves as a community space featuring jam sessions, concerts and workshops. The grand opening includes several performances!

When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: The Sound Post inside the Labor Temple, 267 S. Stone Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Cards at Libra & Thorn

Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting two events this weekend: a workshop where you'll learn how to use oracle and tarot cards for journaling, and a social where you can mingle with like-minded individuals and get guidance on card spreads.

When: Saturday, Aug. 31; 1 p.m. for journaling, 3:30 p.m. for workshop

Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road

Cost: $35 for journaling; $10 for social

Visit the event page for more information.

Music on the Mountain

For years, Mount Lemmon was home to a weekly concert series. The series went on hiatus in 2013, but it's back for the season and beyond, featuring live music Saturdays through October. 

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31; 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1; 5-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2

Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Local Metal Series at The Rock

Head to The Rock for a metal and rock show this Saturday, set to feature three local bands.

Goat yoga

Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats during this class!

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information.

Nuestro Tianguis Tucson

Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Flowers & Bullets' Midtown Farm for a swap meet featuring vendors, food and music. 

When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 

Where: Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Medella Vina Antique and Vintage Fair

Once a month, Medella Vina Ranch hosts an antique fair where you can shop vintage items from more than 100 vendors, plus take a break at an onsite food truck.

When: 7 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 1

Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Fulta & Friends Cocktail Cabaret

From the team behind the LGBTQ+ cocktail hour Fruit Cocktail Lounge comes Fulta & Friends Cocktail Cabaret, an afternoon of music and comedy hosted by queen Fulta Burstyn. 

When: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1

Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

TKMA Presents: Sunday Brunch

The Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the Tucson Folk Festival each spring, are hosting a concert featuring songwriters Ron Pandy & Greg Rogan and Way Out West.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1

Where: Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

By The Pool Summer Finale

DJ Impeccable is throwing a pool party at The Tuxon.

When: 4-10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1

Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway

Cost: $10 in advance; tickets sold at the door will be a "slightly higher price"

Visit the event page for more information.

End of Summer Bash

The Coronet is saying goodbye to summer with a dance party featuring ice cream from Okashi and free hot dogs and fries.

When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1

Where: The Coronet, 198 W. Cushing St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for ice cream and drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul

CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!

What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.