Hotel Congress, Cup Cafe

The last of the day's light hits Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 18, 2021.

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.

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

Open-air and indoor events 😷

The Chinese Garden is just one part of Mission Garden, which is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, local heirloom crops and edible native plants.

It's Ladies Night Food Truck Rally at Blue Willow

It's Ladies Night at Blue Willow on Campbell! The Blue Willow gift shop and bar will be open during the event along with the selection of women-owned food trucks.

When:Β Wednesday, Aug. 18, 5-9 p.m.

Where:Β Blue Willow,Β 2616 N. Campbell Ave.

Visit theΒ Women Food Truck Owners of Southern ArizonaΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Lost Dog Street Band at Club Congress

Visit downtown Tucson and listen to a live performance on an outdoor stage at Hotel Congress.Β 

When:Β Thursday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $16

Visit the event page for more information.

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.

When:Β Thursday, Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m.

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

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

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

Reggae Thursdays at Chicago Bar

Stop by Chicago Bar for reggae beats, vocals, dancing and tasty food.

When:Β Thursday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.

Where:Β Chicago Bar,Β 5954 E. Speedway

Cost:Β $5 cover

Visit theΒ Chicago Bar Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Thursday Night LiveΒ at Monterey Court

Listen to live music from local musicians at Monterey Court Studio Galleries and Cafe.Β 

When:Β Thursday, Aug. 19, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

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

Visit theΒ Monterey Court Facebook pageΒ for more information and times.

The Mavericks: β€˜En EspaΓ±ol’ World Tour

The Mavericks are performing downtown! Listen to this rock and country group perform on stage at the Fox Tucson Theatre.

When:Β Thursday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Where:Β 17 W. Congress St.

Cost:Β $42.50-$72.50

Visit theΒ Fox Theatre's event pageΒ for more information.

Tree in the Mist Paint Night

Paint a misty tree scene at this BYOB event with Creative Juice.

When: Thursday, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Where: 2959 N. Swan Road

Cost: $28

Visit Creative Juice's website for more information.

Critter Night at Mission Garden

Visit a family event and learn about the animals of Mission Garden and the Sonoran Desert. Friends and family are welcome to experience live animals, nature activities, informational booths and presentations.

When:Β Friday, Aug. 20, 6-9 p.m.

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

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Mission Garden Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Celebration of All Things Tucson/S-cuk Son

Tucson turns 246 years old on Friday, so a free birthday celebration will be held at theΒ Presidio San AgustΓ­n del Tucson Museum. The party will include mariachi music,Β traditional folklΓ³rico and waila music, plus family activities and food.

When: Friday, Aug. 20, 6:15 p.m.

Where:Β 196 N. Court Ave.

Cost: Free

Visit the Presidio's website for more information.

Polymer Clay Workshop

Learn all about polymer clay at this workshop hosted by Good Things Tucson and create your own clay goodies to take home.

When:Β Friday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m.

Where:Β Good Things Tucson,Β 2569 E. Fort Lowell Road

Cost:Β $35

Visit theΒ event page on FacebookΒ 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.

When:Β Friday, Aug. 20, 7-9 p.m.

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

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Picture Rocks Food Fest

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

When:Β Friday, Aug. 20, 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.

Lethal Injektion and Never Say Never at Encore

Lethal Injektion and Never Say Never will be performing on stage at Encore. Plus, there will be special guest performances from Fatal Malady, Like A Villain, DedWin and more.

When:Β Friday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m.

Where:Β 5851 E. Speedway

Cost:Β $15-$24.50

VisitΒ the event pageΒ for more information.

Team Trivia and Karaoke with DJ White Claw

Cruise over with a few friends to Catalina Brewing Company and test your skills with trivia at 7:15 p.m. and karaoke starting at 9 p.m.

When:Β Friday, Aug. 20, 7:15 p.m.

Where:Β 6918 N. Camino Martin

Cost:Β Free to attend, but bring money for frosty brews

Visit theΒ Catalina Brewing Company event pageΒ for more information.

80s Dance Party

Break out your 80s gear and go as your favorite singer to the pub. Whether you're dressed up like Michael Jackson, Madonna, David Bowie, Beastie Boys or Salt-N-Pepa, get creative and go have some fun!

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 9 p.m.

Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: $5, ages 21 and up

Visit theΒ Surly Wench Facebook event page for more information.Β 

Santa Pachita Performance DowntownΒ 

Listen to some Latin fusion music performed by Santa Pachita at MSA Annex this weekend.Β 

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m.

Where:Β MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Visit the event pageΒ for more information.

Broken PotteryΒ at Green Things

Learn how to construct your own broken pottery art with a workshop at Green Things.Β 

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 10-11 a.m.

Where:Β Green Things,Β 3384 E. River Road

Cost:Β $5, soil is included, but bring a broken planter pot from home or you can buy one from Green Things.Β 

Visit theΒ Green Things Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Nandi's 7th Birthday

Reid Park Zoo's elephant Nandi is turning 7 on Friday. Nandi was the first elephant born in Arizona. Her birthday celebration will include cupcakes for the first 400 guests, keeper chats and elephant-themed activities. Guests will also get to watch the elephants munch on enrichment treats.

When: Saturday, Aug. 21, 8-10:30 a.m.

Where:Β 3400 E. Zoo Ct.

Cost: Included with zoo admission which is $10.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids ages 2-14

Visit Reid Park Zoo's website for more information.

Little House of FunkΒ at Monterey Court Studio Galleries and Cafe

Get ready to dance to live music at Monterey Court Studio Galleries and Cafe.

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 7-10 p.m.

Where:Β 505 W. Miracle Mile

Cost:Β $10

Visit theΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Reforma Salsa Saturday Nights

Visit St. Philip's Plaza for midnight salsa, merengue, reggaeton and bachata. Bring money if you want any snacks or drinks!

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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

Visit theΒ Facebook event pageΒ for more information.

Classic Car Shows at Little Anthony's Diner

Join Little Anthony's Diner for a free classic car show hosted by DJ John.Β 

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m.

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

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Little Anthony's Diner Facebook event pageΒ 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, Aug. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ Little Anthony's Diner 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 Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon.Β 

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

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

Music from Pelican MuseumΒ at AZ Hops and Vines

Kick back and relax with some live music and wine on the wide open patio at AZ Hops and Vines. Social distancing and face masks are required at this event.

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 2-5 p.m.

Where:Β AZ Hops and 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.

Live Music at The Station Pub and Grill

Stop by The Station and grab some drinks and tasty bites, while you watch a live performance from local country band Backroads.

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 8-11 p.m.

Where:Β The Station Pub and Grill, 8235 N. Silverbell Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit The Station's event page for more information.

Caiden Brewer at The Maverick

Put on your boots and visit The Maverick for a live concert by Caiden Brewer and beats from DJ Porkchop this Saturday.

When:Β Saturday, Aug. 21, 9 p.m.

Where:Β The Maverick, 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost:Β $5 cover after 8 p.m.

Visit the event pageΒ for more information.

Noble Hops on the Patio

Brett Dooley and Whiskey Treats are back at Noble Hops for another evening of music and great food.

When:Β Sunday, Aug. 22, 5 p.m.

Where: 1335 W. Lambert Lane

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Drive-thru and drive-up eventsΒ πŸš—

Santa Cruz River Farmer's 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, Aug. 19, 8-10 a.m.

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

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

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

Kids 🎈

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 

When:Β Thursday, Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m.

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

Cost: $4.50 per person

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

Tiny Tales for Tots

Tiny Tales for Tots is a literacy program for preschool-aged kids hosted by the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.Β A costumed character will "bring a story to life at the museum."Β 

When: Saturday, Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. to noon

Where:Β 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.Β 

Cost: Included with museum admission, which is $11.50 for adults and $8 for kids ages 4-17

Visit the museum's website for more information.


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