Children's Museum

Royce Castro, 6, and Christian Perez play around in the Tucson-themed Sense of Place exhibit. β€œWe are so ready for families to come back to play,” says the museum’s executive director.

This list of things to do around Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita includes events by local businesses and organizations including markets, drive-ins, music, virtual events and more.

With the updated guidance and the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Pima County remaining low, we've added indoor events back to our weekly list of things to do!

Things change quickly these days, so check for the latest information. Links are included with every activity listed.

Open-air and indoor events 😷

Lookout Tucson Concert Series

The Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance are teaming up to offer live jazz music. This Thursday enjoy a performance by Sheryl Ann Starlight.

When:Β Thursday, July 15, 5-7 p.m.

Where:Β Lookout Bar and Grille,Β 245 E. Ina Road

Cost:Β $10, plus food and beverage costs.

Visit theΒ Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance Facebook event pageΒ for more information.Β 

Pop up Party Glow in the Dark

Take a date or friend to a late night glow party at The Rock this Friday. Glow in the dark props will be provided at the event.Β 

When:Β Friday, July 16, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where:Β The Rock,Β 136 N. Park Ave.

Cost:Β $10

VisitΒ The Rock's event pageΒ for more information.


New Humane Society thrift store (Sponsored)

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is proud to announce itsΒ NEW east side location! HSSA Thrift Store will be opening atΒ 1010 S. Wilmot RoadΒ on Saturday, July 17, 2021.Β Shop discountedΒ Sam Levitz furniture, clothing, and home goods all whileΒ supporting homeless pets in need. Stay tuned for adoption events and vaccination clinics to better serve east side families!

Learn more atΒ www.hssaz.org/thrift


Picture Rocks Food Fest

Take a sunset stroll with family and furry friends at this laid-back evening market. Enjoy live music, food trucks and locally-grown produce.

When:Β Friday, July 16, 4-8 p.m.

Where:Β Picture Rocks Food Fest,Β 6780 N. Sandario Road

Cost:Β Free to attend, but bring money for tasty bites

Visit theΒ Picture Rocks Food Fest Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Baja CaravanΒ at MotoSonora

Stop by MotoSonora Brewery for tasty treats, frosty brews and live music from Baja Caravan in the wide open outdoor patio.Β 

When:Β Friday, July 16, 6-8 p.m.

Where:Β MotoSonora Brewing Company,Β 1015 S. Park Ave.

Cost:Β Free to attend, but bring money for brews and the food truck

Visit theΒ MotoSonora Brewing Company websiteΒ for more information.

Reforma Salsa Saturday Nights

Visit the St. Philips Plaza for midnight salsa, merengue, reggaeton and bachata. Then take a break and grab a drink at the new outdoor bar under the stars.

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where:Β St. Philips Plaza,Β 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost:Β Free to attend, but bring money for bites and drinks

Visit theΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

LuauΒ at AZ Hops & Vines

Get some island fever at AZ Hops & Vines with live music, hula dancers, Hawaiian food, wine, slushies and sangria! Remember to wear your best hula gear to win a prize at this fun event.

When:Β Saturday, July 17, noon to 5 p.m.

Where:Β AZ Hops & Vines,Β 3450 AZ-82Β inΒ Sonoita

Cost:Β Free to attend, but bring money for bites and wine

Visit theΒ AZ Hops and Vines Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Black Cat Bones at Chicago Bar

Bring your friends and chill out to some late night rock, blues and jazz with Black Cat Bones at Chicago Bar.

When:Β Friday, July 16, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Where:Β Chicago Bar,Β 5954 E. Speedway

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Black Cat Bones Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Viva Cars, Coffee and Dessert Nights

Cruise over to Viva Coffee House and grab some coffee and sweet treats while you stroll beside some classic cars.

Where:Β Viva Coffee House,Β 9136 E. Valencia Road

When:Β Friday, July 16, 7-9 p.m.

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Spacefest

Spacefest is back! Visit the greatest gathering of astronauts, scientists, artists and authors as they discuss culture, voyagers, science, art, history, education and galactic merchandise.

When:Β Thursday-Sunday, July 15-18

Where: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

Cost: $10-$30 or $70 for a weekend pass

Visit theΒ Spacefest website for more information.

Zona Libre Dance Party

Get ready to dance! Zona Libre is performing live at Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ.

When:Β Friday, July 16, 9:30 p.m. to midnightΒ 

Where:Β Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ,Β 1801 N. Stone Ave.

Cost:Β $10 cover fee

Visit theΒ Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Facebook pageΒ for more information.Β 

Christmas in July Car and Bike Show

Visit a family event and toy drive this weekend. This event will include cars, bikes, jumping castles, food trucks, raffles and more! Don't forget to bring a $10 new or unwrapped toy.

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 5-8 p.m.

Where: 445 E. Speedway Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend with a $10 new or unwrapped toy

Visit theΒ Red Sleigh Toy Run event page for more information.

The Heritage Market

Shop local Black businesses and vendors at this outdoor market organized by the Tucson Urban League.Β 

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Β 

Where:Β The Dunbar Pavilion,Β 325 W. Second Street

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money to shop local vendors

Visit TheΒ Heritage Market Facebook event pageΒ for more information.Β 

Community Block Party Pop-up

Visit a free block party pop-up hosted by Boss Women Unite. Enjoy music, performances and delicious food, while supporting local vendors.

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 5-8 p.m.

Where:Β Boss Women Unite,Β 1130 E. Pennsylvania St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

Elvis and Marilyn at Little Anthony's Diner

Meet and take photos with Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe impersonators who will be singing and mingling with guests at Little Anthony's Diner.

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where:Β Little Anthony's Diner,Β 7010 E. Broadway Blvd.

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Little Anthony's Diner Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Coven Market

Shop a quirky evening market for oddities and unusual finds.Β 

Where: Woolly Fern, 3 doors west of When + Where Co atΒ 4401 E. Speedway

When: Saturday, July 17, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit theΒ When + Where Co Facebook event page for more information.

Mission Garden Garlic Festival

Hey, garlic lovers! Visit the festival at Mission Garden and learn about growing and cooking with garlic. There will be heads and braids of garlic for sale. You will also get a chance to learn planting tips and tasty recipes from local chefs.

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 8 a.m. to noon

Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Mission Garden Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Summer Safari Saturday NightsΒ 

Take a trip to the zoo during the cooler evenings for some wildlife fun! Enjoy live music, games, wildlife activities, carousel rides, food, craft beer, prickly pear margaritas, wine and White Claws. Saturday's theme is "rad reptiles."

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where:Β Reid Park Zoo,Β 3400 E. Zoo Court

Cost:Β $6.50-$10.50, free for zoo members. Some activities might cost more.Β Β 

Visit theΒ Reid Park Zoo websiteΒ for more information.Β 

Food Truck Rally and Vendor Sale

Visit Diamondback's Eastside Farmer's Market for a day of eating and shopping from locally-owned food trucks and small business vendors.

When:Β Sunday,Β July 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where:Β 7889 E. 22nd St.

Visit theΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Civano July Food Truck Pick-up and Go

Make a quick stop and grab some food to-go from Lahaina’s Shaved Ice, Gigi’s Mexican and Peruvian Fusion and Haus of Brats.

When:Β Sunday,Β July 18, 5-7 p.m.

Where:Β Civano Park,Β 5241 Richard Ashley Way

Visit theΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Alexis Woolf BandΒ at Monterey Court

Kick back and listen to some new country from upcoming artist Alexis Woolf at Monterey Court.

When:Β Sunday, July 18, 6-9 p.m.

Where:Β Monterey Court Studio Galleries and Cafe,Β 505 W. Miracle Mile

Cost:Β Free to attend, reservations required

Visit theΒ Monterey Court Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

St. Philip's Plaza Market

Enjoy your shopping in the open, cool shade and near peaceful flowing fountains. Shop for uniquely handmade, handcrafted, home-grown and home-baked products.

When:Β Saturday-Sunday, July 17-18, 8 a.m. to noon.Β 

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit theΒ St. Philip's Plaza Market Facebook pageΒ for more information.

Drive-thru and drive-up eventsΒ πŸš—

Unplug and Play Drive-up: Free Toy Giveaway

Grab the kids, jump in the car and visit Tucson Police Department at the GEICO parking lot this Saturday at 9 a.m. for a free toy giveaway.

When:Β Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m.

Where: GEICO, 3050 S. M L King Jr. Way

Cost: Free

Visit Tucson Police Department event page for more information.

Free Drive-in Movie with Sahuarita Parks and Recreation

Drive-in for a free screening of "Hook." No registration required.

When:Β Friday, July 16, 8 p.m. Gates open at 7:15 p.m.

Where: Quail Creek-Veterans Municipal Park, 1905 N. Old Nogales Highway

Cost: Free

Visit theΒ Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Facebook event page for more information.

Santa Cruz River Farmers' Drive-thru Market

Beat the heat and get first dibs on fresh produce and tasty treats at the Santa Cruz Farmer's Drive-thru Market at its new location.

When:Β Thursday, July 15, 8-10 a.m.

Where:Β Mercado San Agustin, 221 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost:Β Free to attend, but bring money for shopping

Visit theΒ Santa Cruz River Farmers' Market Facebook pageΒ for more information.

Kids 🎈

Tucson KidsFest

Get ready for a full day of entertainment with games, dancing and interactive shows. This event will include a Ninja Warrior kids course, slime zone, more than 25 retro '80s video games, a Jurassic dinosaur encounter, fossil digging challenge, new carnival rides, creature zone, shows and a special appearance with Peppa Pig.

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

When: Saturday-Sunday, July 17-18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Β 

Cost: $17 for ages 3 and up

Visit theΒ Tucson Convention Center website for more information.

Discovery Night at The Children's Museum

Are your kids bored? Head downtown for half-price admission, bilingual programming and extended evening hours at the Children's Museum Tucson.Β 

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

When:Β Thursday, July 15, 5-7 p.m.

Cost: $4.50 per person

Visit theΒ Children's Museum's Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Cupcake Decorating Class at Catalyst

Bring the kids for an hour of fun creating fondant flowers and leaves and decorate some tasty cupcakes. During this fun workshop kids will learn how to make fondant flowers and receive five cupcakes to decorate.

Where: Catalyst Arts & Maker Space at Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road

When: Saturday, July 17, 1 p.m.

Cost: $35, ages 8-12 yrs

Visit Catalyst Arts & Maker Space event page for more information.


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