Free museum days, fall festivals and the All Souls Procession — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 34 events that are free to attend this November.
Jennifer Davila holds her homemade ofrenda filled with photos of loved ones who have passed away before the start of the 34th Annual All Souls Procession in the Barrio Hollywood neighborhood on November 5, 2023.
All Souls Procession
More than 150,000 people head to Tucson's west side each year for the annual All Souls Procession, where attendees walk in remembrance of lost loved ones. The event started in 1990 when founder and local artist Susan Johnson was grieving the loss of her father.
When: The main procession takes place 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Other events, such as a procession of little angels, will take place Friday-Saturday, Nov. 1-2.
Where: The procession is south of Speedway, along Grande Avenue to the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. The front of the procession usually arrives in the Mercado District between 7 and 7:30 p.m.
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Cost: Procession is free to attend, other events may have a fee.
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: Midnight to 2 a.m. Fridays
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.
Park Place Street Art Festival
A community ofrenda is the centerpiece of this festival hosted by SAACA. Live art, chalk murals, mariachi music and a kids zone are all part of the fun. Attendees will also see the unveiling of Jessica Gonzales' new mural, which is the largest in the state.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
VailFest
Head to this family-friendly festival featuring vendors, food trucks, a petting zoo and more activities geared toward kids.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food; parking is $8
Visit the event page for more information.
Día de los Muertos Movie Night
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a free screening of "The Book of Life" at Evergreen Mortuary. While you're there, enjoy folklorico dancing, mariachi music, vendors and food trucks.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Free First Saturday
Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday for one last time to go trick-or-treating.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Retro Trunk-or-Treat
Halloween isn't over until the last trunk-or-treat! Kids can build their own car and participate in costume contests, too. There will also be pet adoptions, games, food and raffles.
When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: St. Francis in the Foothills UMC, 4625 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Oracle Artist Studio Tour
Take a road trip to Oracle and get to know more than a dozen artists in the area. You'll be able to tour artists' studios and purchase original artwork in 12 different Oracle locations.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 2-3
Where: Multiple locations in Oracle
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for artwork
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.
People participate in the 3-mile roundtrip hike up Tumamoc Hill on Aug. 29, 2024.
Conquer the Hill 2024
This event brings the community together to hike up Tumamoc Hill, representing that "while we all have unique challenges, we are not alone." Money raised through raffle tickets and apparel sales will benefit organizations I Am You 360, Teen Challenge Arizona, Tucson Veterans Serving Veterans and Masterpiece International.
When: 5:45-9:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3
Where: Tumamoc Hill
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
First Thursday at TMA
The Tucson Museum of Art offers pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Thursday of the month. Expect a cash bar, live music, gallery activities, a death cafe and a history social.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
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.
Craft Night with The Stitching Hour
Bring a craft to work on and mingle with other makers during this casual art night at Celestia Collective.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7
Where: Celestia Collective, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring a craft to work on
Visit the event page for more information.
Arts Foundation Open Studio Tours
Meet more than 100 Southern Arizona artists when they open their studios during a weekend of tours. Support local artists as you get a behind-the-scenes look at their processes.
When: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 8-10
Where: Locations across Tucson
Cost: Free to attend, bring money to shop art
Visit the event page for more information.
Tasting History: Pumpkins and Squash
Learn all about pumpkins and squash! Head to Mission Garden for this interactive program that includes recipes and tastings.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 8-9
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Club Country
Put on your cowboy boots and dance the night away as DJ Du spins country hits.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, Nov. 8-15
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn
Catch a free outdoor screening of "The Emperor's New Groove."
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The late Truly David Nolen's favorite car, his 1957 Chevy Bel Air, was on display at the 2023 Community Car Show.
Truly Nolen Community Car Show
Truly Nolen is bringing back its car show for the sixth year. Expect to see Truly Nolen cars, in addition to entries from local car clubs.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Truly Nolen Training Center, 432 S. Williams Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Saturdays Family Fest
The Play District is hosting a free family-friendly event at Trail Dust Town, slated to feature music from Mr. Nature, family yoga, bilingual story time, crafts and resources.
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Second SundAZe at TMA
This month's Second SundAZe at the Tucson Museum of Art is a special one — the museum is throwing a party to celebrate their 100th birthday! Expect pay-what-you-wish admission, music, food vendors, art activities and lots more.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
PlayPalooza
The Play District, a local resource on kid-friendly things to do in Tucson, is hosting PlayPalooza at Trail Dust Town, set to feature family-friendly vendors, crafts and face painting.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, $5 wristbands for rides
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: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Nov. 10; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Nov. 29
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
2024 Rockin' 4 Heroes Concert
This free concert honors first responders, military, veterans and Gold Star families. Food trucks and an appearance by Smooch, a donkey from local nonprofit TRAK, are part of the fun.
When: 12:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Where: James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Fall Family Festival
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a full day of festivities on Nov. 16, kicking off with the Turkey Trot. The day continues with the pumpkin derby, where participants race pumpkins that have been transformed into makeshift cars. You can also expect a scavenger hunt, a s'mores bar, a pumpkin catapult, food trucks, games and live entertainment.
When: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Reid Park, 22nd Street and Country Club Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food trucks; pre-registration is required for pumpkin derby
Visit the event page for more information.
PBS Kids Day
This reimagined version of the Children's Museum Tucson's annual Love of Literacy Festival features book readings, performances and a book mobile, all in collaboration with AZPM. Kids can read to a dog, explore interactive exhibits, meet PBS Kids Characters and participate in educational activities.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
13th Annual Thanksgiving Festival
Arizona Bilingual Newspaper will be giving away up to 1,000 gift cards to help community members prepare for Thanksgiving. There will also be music, raffle, food and other resources available.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Clinica Medica Familiar, 3770 S. 16th Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Behind the Scenes: Restoring a Historic Landmark
Learn about Valley of the Moon's restoration efforts, including plans to save the wizard's tower and preservation work in the garden.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays, this time to learn about the return of beavers to Tucson rivers and how you can help. Kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Traditional O'odham Agriculture
Learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.
When: 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
La Familia
This free event is designed to give adults the chance to experiment with technology, from the very basics of computer functions to how to use technology in your profession.
When: 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Harvill Building on the University of Arizona campus
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Injury attorneys Lerner and Rowe will be giving away 1,000 packages with ingredients to make a Thanksgiving meal. Expect a jumping castle and games while you're there!
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission, music from KXCI DJs, food from Sushi Hana and beer from Brick Box Brewery.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
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, Nov. 22
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
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.
Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨
Gloria Knott
#ThisIsTucson Editor
