Happy (almost) weekend, Tucson!
This weekend, check out live music, a movie under the stars, the opening of a new local maker shop, historic walking tours, an art hike and lots more happening in the Tucson area.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Ares Corrales, center, 1, and his sister Jacquelyn Thompson, left, 5, decorate a sugar skull with the help of their father Ignacio Corrales during the Children's Museum Tucson's Discovery Nights at the Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. 6th Ave., in Tucson, Ariz. on Oct. 28th, 2021.Β
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.Β
When:Β 5-7 p.m.Β Thursdays
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series. This month, enjoy music from Little House of Funk. Bring your own chair!
When:Β 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19
Where:Β Marana MunicipalΒ Complex,Β 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Magic is in Store at The Fox!
This Saturday,Β Justin WillmanΒ wants to melt your brain while making you laugh! Best known as the star and creator of the hitΒ Netflix series "Magic For Humans,"Β Justin is aΒ magician and comedianΒ whoβs mastered the art of turning cynics into believers (or at least getting them to laugh).Β His live show is simultaneously mind-blowing and hilarious, and will likely keep you up at night wondering how the heck any of it was possible.
Parents' Night Out
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting Parents' Night Out, with three hours of kid-friendly activities including snacks, a luau-themed craft and a showing of "Lilo & Stitch." Kids must be ages 5-11 and in kindergarten or up.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 20
Where: Udall Recreation Center,Β 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $5 per child, register by Wednesday, May 18 at Udall Center or callΒ 520-791-4931 for more information
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. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When:Β 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where:Β BICAS,Β 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, donation suggestedΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Pop-up Art Gallery for Tucson Rescue Now
This pop-up art gallery benefitting Tucson Rescue Now, an organization that helps find homes for senior dogs, will feature photography on display, drinks and charcuterie.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, May 20
Where: Hampton Inn/Home2 Suites, 141 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: $50 general admission, VIP tickets available. Buy tickets online
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Live music at Westward Look
Enjoy evenings of live music through this concert series with Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. Check out Barnaby and the Butcher on Friday and Soul Essential on Saturday.Β
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, May 20-21
Where:Β Westward Look,Β 245 E. Ina Road
Cost:Β $10 cover per table, reservations are recommended
VisitΒ the event pageΒ 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 Turquoise Trail, where you'll see historic buildings and learn a slice of Tucson history; and the Mansions of Main Avenue Tour.
When:Β 8-10 a.m. Saturday, May 21 for the Mansions of Main Avenue Tour;Β 8-10 a.m. Sunday, May 22 for the Turquoise Trail
Where:Β Cafe a la C'Art, 150 N. Main Ave. for Mansions of Main Avenue Tour; Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson Museum,Β 196. N Court Ave.Β for Turquoise Trail
Cost:Β $25 for nonmembers, get tickets online in advance
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays! Learn about and taste edible plants from the Sonoran Desert and enjoy bilingual story time.
When:Β 8-11 a.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β Watershed Management Group,Β 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend, advance registration encouraged
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Art Hike on Mount LemmonΒ
Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading a Mount Lemmon art hike with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and hike Lemmon Meadow Trail, stopping to draw surrounding scenery. Daniels will provide some artistic guidance.
When: 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Mount Lemmon Trailhead parking lot, East Ski Run Road
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Arizona Poppy Disco Party
The downtown area is getting a new shop, Arizona Poppy, filled with creations by local makers. Head to the store's opening on Saturday for a '70s-themed disco party, in addition to a birthday celebration for the shop's owner Rosie Crocker. There will be snacks, drinks and music!
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Arizona Poppy, 150 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Linda Matson and volunteer Erik Schmahl walk past the entrance to Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane, in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 18, 2020.Β The garden's mission is to preserve, transmit and revive the region's agricultural heritage by growing gardens which represent more than 4,000 years of continuous cultivation in the Tucson Basin.Β
San Ysidro Festival
Mission Garden is hosting a festival for St. Isidore's Feast Day, including demonstrations on traditional wheat harvests and tastings of pozole de trigo, a soup with wheat grains. See the full schedule of activities online!
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, $5 donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie on the Lawn: "The Call of the Wild"Β
Watch a free screening of movie "The Call of the Wild" under the stars, thanks to Oro Valley Parks & Recreation.Β
When: 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Oro ValleyΒ Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La CaΓ±ada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The Heritage Market
This market was created to support and grow Black-owned businesses and highlight the community's diversity. Shop from local businesses and enjoy a bite to eat. A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will also be onsite.Β
When:Β 3-7 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β The Dunbar Pavilion,Β 325 W. Second St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Luz de Vida: Benefit Concert for Survivors of Trauma
Celebrate the album release of Luz de Vida II, which features both local and national artists. All proceeds for the concert, which is set to showcase some of the artists on the album, will go to Homicide Survivors, Inc.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Noche de las Estrellas
Sunnyside High School is putting together the 31st annual Noche de las Estrellas, filled with folklorico and mariachi featuring performances. The event includes performances by students and headliner Graciela BeltrΓ‘n.Β
When:Β Saturday, May 21. Plaza Garibaldi, featuring performances by elementary and middle school groups, begins at 4 p.m. Concierto Extravaganza, featuring performances by high school groups, begins at 7 p.m. The event will end withΒ BeltrΓ‘n.
Where:Β Casino del Sol AVA Amphitheater,Β 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost:Β $20, get tickets online
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Buena Vida is home to more than good eats. Youβll also find pop-up shops, art and lucha libre.
Buena Vida Art Show
Head to restaurant Buena Vida for tortas and burritos β and enjoy an art show while you're there! The show will feature 16 local artists with items such as stickers, prints, paintings and clothing. There will be ice cream treats, live painting and free gift wrapping.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Buena Vida, 919 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Community Water Safety Day
The Tucson JCC, Safe Kids Pima County and Tucson Medical Center are hosting a free water safety day. Families can sign up for a 1Β½-hour time slot to play at the splash pad, swim in the pools and learn about water safety at various participating booths.
When: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend, registration required
Visit the event page for more information.
Las Mujeres Verdes Mercadito
More than 30 vendors will be at the first Las Mujeres Verdes Mercadito, hosted by local collective Flowers & Bullets. Find jewelry, baked goods, macramΓ©, hair accessories, books and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Flowers & Bullets Midtown Farm,Β 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event page for more information.
DreamFest Arizona Car Show & Racing
There will be a car show, drag racing, DJ music and food at this event at the Tucson Dragway.
When:Β 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, May 21
Where:Β Tucson Dragway,Β 12000 S. Houghton Road
Cost:Β Tickets start at $20 (advance) or $25 at the door. Kids 12 years old and under get in free!
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Rare Disease Day at Children's Museum Tucson
Rare Disease Day is taking place at Children's Museum Tucson to help support families affected by rare diseases and help the community learn about advocacy and support organizations. Museum admission will be free.
When:Β 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The sixth-floor pool deck with a southward view at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown in 2017.
Poolside Lounge Parties
This summer, head to the rooftop pool at AC Hotel for burgers, ice cream and drinks.Β
When:Β 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β AC Hotel,Β 151 E. Broadway
Cost:Β $25, food and drinks also available for purchase. This event is for ages 21 and up
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
LGBTQ+ Author Talk Series
Pima County Public Library's LGBTQ+ Services Committee is hosting a virtual talk with Carlos Valenzuela, author of "Letters to Young Carlos." Following the discussion, there will be a Q&A.
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, May 21
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Beer + Bikes
This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a bike ride back to Button Brew House for food-truck bites.
When:Β 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β Button Brew House,Β 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for brews and food
VisitΒ theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Music in the Park with Arizona Symphonic Winds
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting the Arizona Symphonic Winds for a "Music in the Park" event this Saturday at Udall Park. The best seats are available before 6:30 p.m., so plan accordingly. Don't forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket!
When:Β 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β Udall Park,Β 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays
Where:Β St. Philip's Plaza,Β 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Hotel Congress SΓ©ance Experience
Attend this live theatrical sΓ©ance at Hotel Congress in the only third-floor room that survived the hotel's 1934 fire. This event is for ages 21 and up.
When:Β 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β Hotel Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $12.50-$25
VisitΒ theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with these classes at Udall Park!Β
When:Β 8-9 a.m. Saturday, May 21
Where:Β Northeast of the pool building at Udall Park,Β 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Β $25
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Trans Day of Visibility Festival
Southern Arizona Gender Alliance is throwing a Trans Day of Visibility Festival to highlight transgender and gender nonconforming people's accomplishments, beauty and wisdom. The event features music, food, three free workshops, community resource information and more.Β
When:Β 3-7 p.m. Sunday, May 22
Where:Β Tucson Hop Shop,Β 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Also accepting donations
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Veres is turning over his baton at the end of the parks series in June. He will continue leading the Arizona Symphonic Winds, which he founded in 1986.
Tucson Pops: Music Under the Stars
Tucson Pops Orchestra is celebrating music with this series of free "Music Under the Stars" concerts at Reid Park's DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, with music director and conductor LΓ‘szlΓ³ Veres.
When:Β 7 p.m. Sunday, May 22
Where:Β DeMeester OutdoorΒ Performance Center at Reid Park,Β 800 S. Concert Place
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
El Jefe Cat Lounge yoga and bingo
Visit El Jefe Cat Lounge for yoga with cats and cat bingo!
When:Β Sunday, May 22; Yoga is 10-11 a.m., bingo is 6-7 p.m.
Where:Β El Jefe Cat Lounge,Β 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β $18 for yoga, $14 for bingo. Reservations are required for bingo
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
