It's your 242nd birthday, Tucson, so let's put on party hats and go dance with some cactus.Β
Here are a few events where you can go to wish your favorite city a happy birthday. Tucson's birthday is Sunday but the celebrations stretch into next week. Most of these parties have cake so get excited!Β
Nandi Bubble Birthday Party
Mabu and Nandi at the Reid Park Zoo.
Did you know Nandi the elephant at the Reid Park ZooΒ and the city of Tucson share a birthday?
Our favorite pachyderm is turning three and is celebrating by throwing a big bubble bash. There will be a bubble blizzard in the Tanzania part of the zoo followed by even more bubbles throughout the park.
Watch Nandi unwrap (or sit) on present boxes. Kids can take home a free elephant lollipop while supplies last.
Find more information here.
When: Sunday, Aug. 20, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Reid Park Zoo
Cost: Regular admission applies. Check here for rates.
Botanas, Bebidas and Birthday Cake at Mission Garden
Sentinel Peak, commonly known as βAβ Mountain, stands watch over the Mission Garden at 929 W. Mission Lane, west of downtown.
Spend an evening in Mission Gardens eating, drinking and treating yourself to some cake.Β
This annual fundraiser celebrates Tucson's 4,000+ years of history and is hosted by the Friends of Tucson's Birthplace, which supports the development of the gardens. Β
Find more informationΒ here.Β
When:Β Sunday, Aug. 20, starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 West Mission Lane
Cost:Β General admission isΒ $40 or $12 for children 12 and under. Get your ticketsΒ online.
Tucson Birthday Celebration at Β Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson
Flag presentation of all the flags that have flown over Tucson during a previous Tucson Birthday Celebration at Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson Museum.
We guarantee this is the only Tucson birthday event with an old-timey cannon firing.Β
The Presidio Museum and the Tucson-Pima Council Historical Commission are showing their Tucson love with mariachi music by Los Changitos Feos, folklorico dancing by DanzaCultura Mexicana and birthday cake.Β
You will also be able to see a cannon firing and sample cuisine that represents 4,000 years of food in the Sanoran Desert as part of Tucson's destination as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.Β
Find more information here.Β
When:Β Monday, Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Where:Β Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson, 196 North Court Avenue
Cost:Β Event is free to attendΒ
We guarantee this is the only Tucson birthday event with an old-timey cannon firing.Β
"Can't Buy Me Love" at The Loft
Photo of Patrick Dempseyon the set of the 1987 movie "Can't Buy Me Love" filmed at Tucson High. This is scanned from a 1987 THS yearbook.Β
Did you know that Patrick Dempsey made a movie in Tucson?
If you already knew this, get excited because you'll get to see "Can't Buy Me Love", a totally 80s teenage rom-com, on the big screen to celebrate Tucson's birthday.
Oh, and there will be free birthday cake (while supplies last).
Find more informationΒ here.Β
When:Β Tuesday, Aug. 29, 7:30-9:15 p.m.
Where:Β The Loft Cinema,Β 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Cost:Β General admission is $9.50, $7.75 for students (with ID) and $6.50 for children.
