Free museum days, reenactments of John Dillinger's capture and a jazz fiesta — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 23 events that are free to attend this January.
Cast members walk through a path of fairy lights 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. The park will be hosting a donation drive for Make Way For Books — bring new or gently used books to donate.
When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6
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: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6
Where: See the map here
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Story Time Character Hour
The University of Arizona BookStores are hosting monthly Story Time Character Hours for kids ages 2-5 years old. There will be reading and crafts, plus the chance to take photos with storybook characters. This month, Daniel the Tiger will be there.
When: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6
Where: The University of Arizona BookStores, 1209 E. University Blvd.
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.
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: 3-6 p.m. Thursdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Jazz Festival
January in Tucson means jazz. The theme for this year's HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival is "Join the Party." Expect musicians like Arturo Sandoval, Trombone Shorty and Calexico.
When: Jan. 12-20
Where: Several locations
Cost: Varies. A free fiesta takes place Jan. 15.
Visit the event page for more information.
Mission Garden is located at the base of “A” Mountain, at 946 W. Mission Lane.
Tasting History: Herbs
Learn about the origins behind herbs like lemongrass and cilantro and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 12-13
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Sahuarita Art on the Lake Festival
Experience art in Sahuarita! You'll have the chance to shop local artwork and enjoy interactive art activities, such as a community chalk mural competition. There will also be live music and food trucks.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
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, Jan. 13
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, Jan. 13
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Sunny Gable, of Sunny & The Whiskey Machine, performs on the Scott Avenue stage during 2nd Saturdays downtown, Tucson, Ariz., March 11, 2023.
2nd Saturdays
Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 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.
Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, demonstrations led by Archaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Go stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at Agua Caliente Park! The group will have several telescopes available.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Where: Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road
Cost: Free to attend, registration required
Visit the event page for more information.
Auguste Rodin's Adam stands on the lowest level of the Tucson Museum of Art, in one of several galleries utilizing underground space.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities, family yoga and a performance by AZ Peruvian.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Zoom Zoom at Children's Museum Tucson
Children's Museum Tucson's transportation-themed event is back!
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The museum itself will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with pay-what-you-wish admission all day.
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Dirty T Tamarindo is known for its spicy versions of sweets like Gushers and gummy worms.
Dirty T Market
Kicking off in January, local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo will be hosting a monthly market featuring vendors, low riders, food trucks and games.
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
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.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn about bugs, birds and bats in the Sonoran Desert.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Dillinger Days
A fire that broke out at Hotel Congress in 1934 led to the capture of the infamous Dillinger gang. Each year, the hotel puts on Dillinger Days with reenactments of the capture, vintage cars and live music.
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21. There will also be a Dillinger Speakeasy at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20.
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Dillinger Days are free to attend; the speakeasy is $19.06.
Visit the event page for more information.
Minor Mutiny Mural Unveiling
Tucson's Museum of Contemporary Art is home to Minor Mutiny, a leadership program for teens. The group painted a mural at the Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center and will unveil it on Jan. 21.
When: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21
Where: Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center, 564 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
The Cirque Roots Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
La Encantada Fine Art Festival
SAACA is hosting a fine art festival at La Encantada, featuring artists selling items that range from mixed media to paintings to sculptures. You'll also find live music and art demonstrations.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
A Day at the Alfie
To kick off the gem show, the Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum is hosting a day of free admission and guest speakers.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where: Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, 115 N. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, reserve seats online for presentations
Visit the event page for more information.
Plant Vibes
Come Jan. 27, The Boxyard will host an event that features a plant swap with Plantney, comedy with Lady Haha, music, cocktails and drag.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Where: The Boxyard, 238 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
