A family festival in Vail, movie screenings and live music β you don't have to break the bank to enjoy localΒ events in Tucson.
Here are 32 events that are free to attend this November.
"Impulse" glowing seesawsΒ
The University of Arizona is now home to a temporary exhibit where glowing seesaws are the star. The all-ages installation is home to 15 seesaws that illuminate the area, brought to campus through Arizona Arts Live.
When:Β Now through Nov. 8
Where:Β Outside of the UA Main Library,Β 1510 E. University Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to ride
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Santa Cruz River Farmers Market Fall Festival
The Santa Cruz River Farmers Market is throwing a festival to celebrate the community that has supported it through the last 15 years. Check out community organizations and demonstrations, live music and free cotton candy!
When:Β 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10
Where:Β Mercado District,Β 221 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shoppingΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival
Find all kinds of sewing, quilting, crafting and needle-art supply exhibits at this festival. There will be free demonstrations and daily drawings for prizes.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Nov. 10-11; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.
Where:Β Tucson Expo Center,Β 3750 E. Irvington Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 7-10 p.m. several Fridays and Saturdays in November. Dates are subject to change.
Where:Β Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium,Β 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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: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.
Movies with Nightjar
Head to Nightjar, the sister bar of The Coronet and Meyer Avenue Cafe, for drinks, late-night bites and a movie β ones that "couldnβt either get on or stay on the publicβs radar" β on the patio on Fridays.
When:Β 10:30 p.m. FridaysΒ
Where:Β Nightjar,Β 347 S. Meyer Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, happy hour specials available
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
VailFest
Head to this family-friendly festival featuring at least eight food trucks, a corn hole tournament, inflatable obstacle courses, a petting zoo, a zipline, mechanical bull riding, music, and a silent auction.Β
When:Β 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Where:Β Pima County Fairgrounds,Β 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Visitors get a look at the Lockheed EC-121T Warning Star under monsoon clouds for Pima Air & Space Museum's Night Wings, Tucson, Ariz., July 23, 2022.
Great Paper Airplane Fly-off
Kids ages 6-14 can compete in the Great Paper Airplane Fly-off by making and throwing their paper airplane to see whose goes the farthest.
When:Β 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Where:Β Pima Air & Space Museum,Β 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, register online
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Where:Β Xerocraft Makerspace,Β 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Truly Nolen Community Car Show
For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, Truly Nolen is bringing back its car show. You'll see Truly Nolen cars, in addition to entries from local car clubs.Β
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Where:Β Truly Nolen Training Center, 432 S. Williams Blvd.
Cost: Free to attendΒ
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
Steam Pump Ranch is hosting an event with handcrafted products, ranch tours from the Oro Valley Historical Society, gardening and archaeological demonstrations, live music, a farmers market and crafts for kids.
When:Β 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; see the full schedule of activities online
Where:Β Steam Pump Ranch,Β 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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. This month, the guests areΒ Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre, in addition to a storyteller from the University of Arizona.
When:Β 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Cars and Coffee
Head to this car show centered around classics, hosted by Obsessions Car Club.Β
When:Β 7-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Where:Β Lowe's,Β 4075 W. Ina Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Remove Arundo and Restore the Flow
Watershed Management Group's River Run Network is hosting volunteer days to help remove the invasive Arundo plant, which "drinks up to 3-4 times as much water as native plants and crowds out native species," from Tanque Verde Creek.
When:Β 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 12, Nov. 19 and Nov. 26
Where:Β Tanque Verde Creek and Wentworth Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, register online
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichΒ advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.Β
When:Β 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25
Where:Β Ward 1 City Council Office,Β 940 W. Alameda St.Β on Nov. 13; El Pueblo Center,Β 101 W. Irvington RoadΒ on Nov. 25.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ Nov. 13 event pageΒ or theΒ Nov. 25 event pageΒ for more information.
Visitors look over the art displayed on multiple levels at the Tucson Museum of Art where ramps lead to the lowermost galleries located below ground level.
Second SundAZe at TMAΒ
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Check out art-making activities and performances.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Β Sunday, Nov. 13
Where:Β Tucson Museum of Art,Β 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost:Β Pay what you wish, reserve tickets in advance.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Drag Queen Bingo
Roxi Starr is hosting Drag Queen Bingo!
When:Β 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13Β
Where:Β Bawker Bawker Cider,Β 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to playΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Women, Wine and Winning Wednesday
Women-owned small businesses will be at this networking event, presented by Elle Boutique, that features wine and cocktails, appetizers, giveaways and a DJ.
When:Β 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16
Where:Β The L Offices North,Β 1860 E. River Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at Tucsonβs Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission β and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing! Also at this edition of Free Third Thursdays: a reading from Kid Congo Powers, followed by a Q&A and a book signing.Β
When:Β 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17
Where:Β Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson,Β 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event siteΒ for more information.
Queer Speed DatingΒ
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When:Β 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17
Where:Β Bawker Bawker Cider House,Β 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this monthly concert series. This month, enjoy music from jazz group What's The Big Idea. Four food trucks will be onsite and the Marana Police Department will be hosting a Thanksgiving drive. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When:Β 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17
Where:Β Marana MunicipalΒ Complex,Β 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
MFA 50th Anniversary Reading
The University of Arizona's Creative Writing MFA Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary! To celebrate, the Poetry Center is hosting a reading by authors and poets Cara Blue Adams, Alberto RΓos and Aisha Sabatini Sloan.
When:Β 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17
Where:Β University of Arizona Poetry Center,Β 1508 E. Helen St.
Cost:Β Free to attendΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Urban Hike with Bawker Bawker
Arizona Trail Association and Bawker Bawker Cider are hosting an urban hike around the downtown area.Β
When:Β 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17
Where:Β Bawker Bawker Cider,Β 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for cider afterwards
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
"Gather" screening
Watch a free screening "Gather" at the Flower & Bullets midtown farm (bring your own seating!). The film is described as an "intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim theirΒ spiritual,Β political and cultural identities through foodΒ sovereignty, whileΒ battling the trauma ofΒ centers of genocide."Β
When:Β 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18
Where:Β Flower & Bullets midtown farm,Β 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
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.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn about the return of beavers to Tucson's rivers and how you can help them. Kids and teens can learn about beavers through crafts, science experiments and a build-your-own beaver dam model, among other activities such as coding games and story time.Β
When:Β 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 19
Where:Β Watershed Management Group,Β 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
A pair of hikers walk through the water in a creek along the Canyon Loop Trail in Catalina State Park in Tucson, Ariz. on April 13, 2021.Β
Art Hike in Catalina State Park
Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading a Catalina State Park art hike with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and hike the the Canyon Loop Trail, stopping to draw surrounding scenery. Daniels will provide some artistic guidance.
When:Β 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
Where:Β Canyon Loop Trail, see driving directions on the event page
Cost:Β Free to attend, register online
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
"Finding Nemo" in Navajo
TheΒ University of Arizona Native American Law Students Association, Indigenous Strategies and The Loft Cinema are presenting a free screening of "Finding Nemo" dubbed in DinΓ© Bizaad,Β the Navajo language, with English subtitles. Fry bread will be for sale!
When:Β 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20
Where:Β The Loft Cinema,Β 3233 E. SpeedwayΒ
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
TKMA Song Circle Social Gathering
Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the annual Tucson Folk Festival, are putting together a bimonthly Song Circle Social. Bring your instrument, share some songs and mingle with fellow musicians.
When:Β 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20
Where:Β Borderlands Brewing Company,Β 119 E. Toole Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attendΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Hands-on Archaeology at Mission Garden
Learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day, which allows kids to try their hand at things like etching shell or painting with natural pigments. There will also be interactive programs with Old Pueblo Archaeology Center, and you'll be able to see rock art reproductions with rock art expert John Palacio.Β
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend with a $5 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
Witch Talk Wednesdays
The Ninth House metaphysical shop hosts a monthly Witch Talk Wednesday. They compare the event to their other salons, where you can discuss tarot and astrology with like-minded individuals. Thereβs no instructor, but instead a community gathering to discuss chosen topics around witchcraft.
When:Β 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30
Where:Β The Ninth House,Β 2563 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
