Free movies and music in the park, a dog-friendly festival and the Tucson Pride parade — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 35 events that are free to attend this September.
Hello Saturn: Deep-Space Quest
Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is breaking out the telescopes and binoculars for a night of stargazing. While you're there, take a look at astrophotography on the big screen and feel free to ask the organizers astronomy-related questions.
When: 7-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, 16248 E. Marsh Station Road
People are also reading…
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert this Friday, featuring Znora.
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
Join us for a bookish happy hour on Sept. 19 📚
We're hosting a bookish happy hour with Why I Love Where I Live from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. Meet four Tucson authors, sip on a book-themed cocktail, enjoy storewide discounts at Why I Love Where I Live and hunt for a free book courtesy Tucson Tome Gnome. See ya there!
Movie in the Park
The City of Tucson wants your feedback on an extension of the El Paso and Southwestern Greenway between Cushing Street and St Marys Road. Stop by to give your thoughts on the project all while catching a free movie screening of Elemental." The event will also include a bike repair station and burritos.
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: David G. Herrera Ramon Quiroz Park, 600 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Signs guide guests through the paths at Valley of the Moon.
Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon
Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon opens its doors for free this Saturday, this time featuring a sound healing session. Bring your own blanket, mat or chair!
When: 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
First Saturday ArtWalk
The Warehouse Arts Management Organization is hosting its First Saturday ArtWalk this weekend, where you can walk through several local galleries and artist studios.
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Steinfeld Warehouse, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
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: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7; 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21; Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making, an art talk and drinks and snacks from El Desierto Waters.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
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: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Sept. 8; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Sept. 27
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Science Night: Racing the Sun
Enjoy a mini STEM expo featuring local organizations during SARSEF's Racing the Sun event. You'll hear from students and professionals in a panel and learn how the Racing the Sun program challenges high school students to build and race solar-powered go-karts.
When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, registration is required
Visit the event page for more information.
Find Children’s Museum Tucson at 200 S. Sixth Ave.
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.
Tasting History: Pomegranates
Learn all about pomegranates, including their history and many varieties.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 13-14
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn
Catch a free outdoor screening of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem."
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
DreamNight 2024
Reid Park Zoo is hosting DreamNight, a private event for kids with specialized health-care needs, chronic illnesses and disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings. Expect pictures with superheroes and princesses, interactive docent stations and a fire truck!
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Storytelling Event
Tucson Queerstory is hosting a storytelling event, inviting the community to share stories about their queer experiences in Tucson. The stories will be archived for historical records.
When: Noon on Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Bumsted's, 1003 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at the Presidio Museum with an evening of dance, music, a lecture, face painting and traditional Mexican clothing for sale.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Conductor László Veres conducts during an Arizona Symphonic Winds rehearsal in 2017.
Music in the Park
Arizona Symphonic Winds is hosting a fall concert series, this time featuring special guests. Bring your own chairs and blankets!
When: 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 14-Oct. 5
Where: Udall Park, 7200 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, Sept. 14
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Repair Cafe
Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Silent Reading Party
Each month, the Pima County Library hosts a silent reading party. Find a cozy and quiet spot to read in the company of others.
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Young Leaders United Social Hour
Network with young professionals during this social hour as part of United Way's Young Leaders United. There will be light snacks, a DIY bookmark activity and drinks available for purchase.
When: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17
Where: MotoSonora Brewing Co., 1015 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival
Each year, the Sonoran Institute hosts a celebration of dragonflies on the Santa Cruz River. Enjoy several events as part of the festival, from tours and lectures to crafts and virtual presentations.
When: Various dates in September
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Sunsets at Mission Garden
Mission Garden is staying open late during this summer series that features live music and food truck OaxaRico. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
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. Expect tacos from Ensenada Street Food, drinks, tunes from KXCI DJs and a 6 p.m. poetry reading.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
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.
Sunnyside Gives Week: Gives Day Block Party
Sunnyside Foundation is taking over American Eat Co. for a night of music, performances from Sunnyside Unified School District groups, a jumping castle and a photo booth.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: American Eat Co., 1439 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring Chalako the Band. Three food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Kickball and a Movie
Watch as Northwest Fire District and Marana Police Department play a round of kickball. Food trucks will be onsite, along with games for kids and a screening of "DC League of Super-Pets."
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21; kickball starts at 6 p.m., movie starts at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
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 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
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 using native plants to create rain gardens. Kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Pops Orchestra Concert Series
Tucson Pops Orchestra is back with three concerts in the park this fall. Expect a beer garden and food trucks!
When: 7 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 22-Oct. 6
Where: DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
Swap-Tember
Soil Sisters Swaps is hosting a plant swap featuring bingo, prizes and a donation drive for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Sun Devil Social
I know what you're thinking — we're a town of Wildcats! But come Sept. 25, the ASU Alumni Association will host a networking and social hour with free appetizers and drinks.
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25
Where: Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, 101 E. Pennington St.
Cost: Free to attend, RSVP required
Visit the event page for more information.
A Pitbull impersonator performs on the main stage during the 46th annual Tucson Pride Festival at George DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place in 2023.
Tucson Pride Parade and Festival
Each September, Tucson Pride hosts a parade and festival as part of its mission to empower Southern Arizona's LGBTQ+ community. The parade will feature vendors, performances and food trucks. The following day, a festival will take place at Reid Park with vendors, food, nonprofits, games, music and an area for kids.
When: Parade is 4-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; festival is noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Parade is at Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Ave. Festival is at the George DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place.
Cost: Free to watch the parade; general admission to the festival is $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Bark in the Park
Bring your dog to Steam Pump Ranch for Oro Valley's Bark in the Park! Expect a dog costume contest, vendors, food trucks, crafts, food trucks and adoptable dogs.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food. Dogs must be on a leash.
Visit the event page for more information.
2024 Program Round-Up
Child & Family Resources will be at Children's Museum Tucson to chat about their many free programs offered for babies, kids, teens, parents and caregivers.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth 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
