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Marina Cornelius, owner of Floor Polish Dance + Fitness, teaches her Cardio Party-o class via Periscope to her students on March 20, 2020. 

Click here to head back to the August events list!

On Wednesday, Aug. 10, we'll publish a list with even more events. Keep your eyes peeled for that or sign up for our Weekend Planner email newsletter to get the list sent straight to your inbox.

Virtual nature lectures

Pima County Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation is hosting a number of virtual lectures, teaching community members topics ranging from bats, wrens and reptiles of the Sonoran Desert.

When: Varies based on lecture, beginning Tuesday, Aug. 9

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Audubon’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

This birding festival hosts a 41-page roster of workshops and beatific field trips, ranging from overnight birding events to half-day or evening outings. The central festival, headquartered at the DoubleTree's Reid Park location, will host a vast array of workshops, the most basic topics being nature photography and conservation activism. Family Birding Day will be at Reid Park on Saturday, Aug. 13. Naturalists ranging from beginners and children to lifelong birding devotees will all find something to do and learn at this festival. 

When: Wednesday-Sunday, August 10-14, with a Family Birding Day from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 at Reid Park, Ramada #4.

Where: Locations across Southeast Arizona, depending on which events you choose.

Cost: Many events are free with registration. Field trips range in price.

Visit the event site for more information.

Beyond Earth’s Edge: The Poetry of Spaceflight

UA Poetry Center is hosting a poetry reading and happy hour at The Century Room. The poetry anthology’s editor will be reading selections from the interstellar collection. Complimentary snacks come with the ticket, along with a cash bar.

When: Doors open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10. Event starts at 6 p.m.

Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for the bar

Visit the event page for more information.

Water Wednesdays

Every Wednesday in August, Children's Museum Tucson will be hosting water activities, from water balloons to squirty toys, in their courtyard. 

When: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays in August

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Included in admission, which is $11.

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.

Poetry Reading from UA Poetry Center’s Summer Residents

Mai Der Vang and Anthony Cody are acclaimed poets and this summer’s residents at the UA Poetry Center. They will be reading from their work at a live event at the Poetry Center, which you can also attend virtually. Book signings will accompany their reading.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11

Where: University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Clay Bud Vase Workshop

Arizona Poppy, a shop with items from local makers, is hosting its second workshop on Aug. 11. Led by maker Ashley Ambrosio of Spring + Vine, the workshop will show you how to make clay flower bud vases. You'll learn pottery basics and techniques and get to take your creation home after Ambrosio fires the clay.

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11

Where: Arizona Poppy, 150 S. Fourth Ave.

Cost: $75, two sliding-scale seats available. Tickets available for purchase online.

Visit the event page for more information.

Fair Housing Workshops

Southwest Fair Housing Council regularly hosts free workshops to educate tenants, landlords, property managers and HOA board members about fair housing practices. They also offer a workshop that empowers people with disabilities and allies through education about their rights, and how to spot and report violations. 

When: General class is from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11. Disability workshop is 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15.

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free to attend

Visit each class’s page — general and disability-related — for more information.

Summer Tasting Series

This Summer Tasting Series, presented by the Agave Heritage Festival at The Century Room, features Mezcal Sundays and Wine Thursdays every other Sunday and Thursday through Aug. 25. These events are for ages 21 and up.

When: 7 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21 for Mezcal Sundays. 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25 for Wine Thursdays.

Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $30-$40

Visit the event page for more information.

Spaghetti Club

For this summer only, a pop-up nightclub is taking over the MSA Annex. Find vinyl DJ sets, cocktails and the energy of a disco living room through August. The music includes throwbacks, often ranging from the '60s to the '80s.

When: 9 p.m. to midnight Thursday-Saturday through the end of August

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Chillin at the Chul

Every Friday and Saturday night through Sept. 3, you can visit Tohono Chul for its first-ever summer series with music, spirits and bites. On Saturday nights, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play!

When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 3

Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Critter Night

Learn all about desert animals from wildlife agencies, local nonprofits and the University of Arizona at Mission Garden's Critter Night. Some organizations may even bring live animals!

When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, $5 suggested donation

Visit the event page for more information.

East Side Marketplace Rally

Check out this local food truck rally and vendor sale featuring at least four food trucks, plus crafts, handmade items and more.

When: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12

Where: 7777 E. Speedway

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

Visit the website for more information.

Lakeside Live

Visit Sahuarita Lake Park for an evening of live music from Split Decision and The George Howard Band. There will be food trucks at the event and you can bring your own drinks!

When: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12

Where: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., Sahuarita

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Art Corner with BICAS

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: 4-6 p.m. Fridays

Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the event page for more information.

Movies with Nightjar

Head to Nightjar, the sister bar of The Coronet and Meyer Avenue Cafe, for drinks, late-night bites and a movie — ones that "couldn’t either get on or stay on the public’s radar" — on the patio on Fridays.

When: 10 p.m. Fridays

Where: Nightjar, 347 S. Meyer Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, happy hour specials available

Visit the event page for more information.

Sunset Saturdays

Explore the Tucson Botanical Gardens after hours and enjoy live music, food and cocktails.

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturdays in August

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $15

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: 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

2nd Saturdays

Downtown's 2nd Saturdays are back! Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.

When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13

Where: Downtown Tucson along East Congress Street

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

Visit the event page for more information. 

Barrio Books Author Series

Meet with Cynthia Harmony, author of children's book "Mi Ciudad Sings" about a vibrant Mexican neighborhood. Bring the kiddos for a morning of reading and pan dulce.

When: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 13

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Green Chile Roast at Apple Annie’s

Pick your own green chiles at Apple Annie’s farm! You can take home 50-pound burlap sacks, which can be roasted for free on-site, or quart-sized containers full of the chiles. The farm will also offer free samples of their mild, medium and hot peppers. Their Orchard Grill will be serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. (You can top your burger with your very own roasted green chiles!)

When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 13-14 and Aug. 20-21

Where: Apple Annie’s, 6405 W. Williams Road in Willcox 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for produce

Visit the event page for more information.

Las Mujeres Verdes End of Summer Night Market

Las Mujeres Verdes, a group of five women looking to uplift small businesses, is throwing a night market to mark the end of summer. 

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13

Where: Flowers & Bullets Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Guided look at the night sky

Volunteer astronomers at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium will guide guests through points in the night sky with a 16-inch telescope at the observatory. 

When: 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 13-20. Dates are subject to change due to staffing and weather.

Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Bachata Social Dance Night Glow Party

Get your dance on with this bachata glow party hosted by a local dance studio. No prior bachata experience is required!

When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (9-10 p.m., Bachata dance class; 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., social dancing) Saturday, Aug. 13

Where: Floor Polish Dance Studio, 930 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: $10, cash or Venmo at the door

Visit the event page for more information.

Art after Dark at Children's Museum Tucson

Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts local arts groups and offers free admission. This month's guest is the Tucson Museum of Art!

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Kitten yoga

Take this beginner's yoga class surrounded by kittens! Proceeds go to Southern Arizona Cat Rescue. Bring your own mat and towel!

When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13

Where: Barefoot Studio, 7053 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

Guadalajara's Grill 20th Anniversary

The three Guadalajara's Grill locations will be hosting festivals in celebration of the restaurant's 20th birthday. There will be live music, jumping castles, giveaways and local vendors. 

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Arizona Pavilions location. 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Broadway location. 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Kolb location.

Where: Guadalajara's Grill locations, 5955 Arizona Pavilions Dr.4901 E. Broadway750 N. Kolb Road.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Laser "Stranger Things"

Calling all "Stranger Things" fans! Head to Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium for a "Stranger Things"-themed laser music show, with songs and lights to bring you back to the TV show. Get your tickets online, these shows often sell out!

When: 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 6-20

Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for kids

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer Safari Nights

Enjoy the cooler nighttime temperatures at Reid Park Zoo's after-hours Summer Safari Nights. Each event will have different themed activities, including keeper chats, animal encounters and live music. These events are on Saturdays through Aug. 13.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 13

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court

Cost: $10.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages 2-14

Visit the event page for more information.

Cool Summer Nights

Every Saturday through Aug. 27, you can enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night — in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.

When: Open until 9 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 27

Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road

Cost: $24.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12

Visit the event page for more information.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Upcoming tours include the Mainly Murals tour; the Turquoise Trail tour, where you'll see historic buildings and learn a slice of Tucson history; the Barrio Viejo tour; the Public Art and Murals tour; and the Mansions of Main Avenue tour.

When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

Cost: $25 for nonmembers, $20 for members. Pre-registration may be required.

Visit the event page for more information.

St. Philip's Plaza Market

Check out this market filled with local artists and makers featuring jewelry, pottery, soap, yard art, plants and more. Plus, enjoy live music!

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

The Mariachi Miracle

Catch a sneak preview of the documentary "The Mariachi Miracle" and enjoy live performances from local mariachi and folklórico performers. The film and book project shows the impact of youth mariachi and folklórico in Tucson.

When: Entertainment starts at noon on Sunday, Aug. 14. The screening begins at 1 p.m.

Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.

Cost: $5 for kids ages 5-12, $15 for ages 12 and up

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. Check out art-making activities and performances.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish, reserve tickets in advance.

Visit the event page for more information. 


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