44 FREE events happening in Tucson this October 2023 💸

Cyclovia, live music, Halloween festivals and free museum days — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.

Here are 44 events that are free to attend this October.

Free Film Fridays

Catch a poolside movie every Friday this month at Hotel McCoy! 

When: 8-11 p.m. Fridays

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

Cost: Free to attend and open to the public. Swimming is for hotel guests only, but day passes for the pool are available for $20.

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: 4-6 p.m. Fridays

Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the event page for more information.

Get ready for a mesmerizing and interactive art installation that will transport you to a world where color collides with motion.

Los Trompos features larger-than-life, three-dimensional spinning tops in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and intricate designs as traditionally woven by Mexican artisans. Great for all ages, this installation is sure to awaken your sense of wonder and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. Los Trompos is an installation free to the public on the University of Arizona campus through Nov. 5.

Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch

Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert with Rainy Daze. Food trucks will be onsite.

When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!

Visit the event page for more information.

Female Friday Self-Defense

These Female Friday self-defense classes were on pause, but now they're back through December. These classes are for women, taught by a woman. 

When: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Where: Combat Krav Maga, 3273 N. Freeway

Cost: Pay what you can

Visit the event page for more information.

Free Screening of "The Addams Family"

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of "The Addams Family" this Saturday, thanks to the Palo Verde Park Neighborhood Association and The Loft Cinema. Enjoy a costume contest and family-friendly activities before the movie starts.

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Palo Verde Park, 425 S. Mann Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Movie at the Ranch

Catch an outdoor screening of "Homeward Bound" at Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley. Bring your own chairs and blankets!

When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon

Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday. Beyond roaming the grounds, you'll be able to shop for your Halloween costume and create your own mask.

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

First Saturday Art Walk

The Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center is hosting its First Saturday Art Walk this weekend, set to feature the work from six participating galleries.

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center, 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Second SundAZe at TMA 

Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities and performances. You'll also find food from Ate Kei and Phatboiis BBQ, plus vendors like Drutopia and Lower Arizona Jewelry.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information. 

Book Swap with the Pima County Public Library

Swap books with other literacy-loving community members during this event on Sunday. 

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Where: The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring books to swap

Visit the event page for more information.

Ride with FUGA

Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities. 

When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27

Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Oct. 8; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Oct. 27.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Community Visions of Tucson's Food Future: A Presentation and Discussion

Hear from Eden Kinkaid and Ellen Platts about their research on the impacts of Tucson's UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Topics include social justice and community engagement. Attendees will have the chance to partake in the creation of a vision board to show their hopes for Tucson as a gastronomy city.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 12

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

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.

Gardening Hour

Learn about gardening and bring home clippings all while connecting with The Garden Kitchen team. 

When: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays

Where: The Garden Kitchen, 2205 S. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Meet Yourself

Folklife festival Tucson Meet Yourself is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The annual event has brought hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Tucson to celebrate the food, music, dance and arts of our city's many cultures. 

When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 (no performances between 2-5 p.m.). 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15.

Where: Jacomé Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: Free to watch performances and demonstrations, bring money for food and shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Trunk-or-Treat

Go trunk-or-treating and walk through a haunted house, both of which will happen at the Quincie Douglas Center, courtesy Tucson Parks and Recreation. Costumes are encouraged!

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13

Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St.

Cost: Free to attend 

Visit the event page for more information. 

Tasting History: Quince

Learn about the origins behind quince and how it became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.

When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 13-14

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Humanities Festival

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Hosted by the University of Arizona, the 14th annual Humanities Festival highlights the theme of "style" with talks, fashion and film. Tim Gunn will be there on Oct. 11!

When: Select dates through Oct. 24.

Where: Various locations on the University of Arizona campus.

Cost: Most events are free.

Visit the event page for more information.

Aqua Pumpkin Patch

It's a pumpkin patch — poolside! Kids 17 and under can plunge into what's being described as an aqua pumpkin patch, then paint and decorate the pumpkin they pick. Kiddos in diapers must wear tight-fitting waterproof pants over a swim diaper.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 14-15

Where: Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center, 3455 E. Zoo Court

Cost: Free to attend, limited spots available. Pre-registration is required.

Visit the event page for more information.

Chicano Vibez

With a goal of bringing the community together to celebrate Chicano history and Hispanic Heritage month, Chicano Vibez will feature performances, food trucks, drinks, vendors, a fashion show and a car show. 

When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14; 1-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, though tickets are needed for the Grupo Medal concert ($45) and meet-and-greet ($50).

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, Oct. 14

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, Oct. 14

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

2023 Annual Show: "Amore"

Madaras Gallery will soon debut 15 new paintings ranging from scenery of Italy to the desert we all know and love. A free artist reception takes place on Oct. 14.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14

Where: Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road

Cost: Free to attend

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, Oct. 14

Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Concerts in the Courtyard

Head to Marana for this monthly concert series, with food trucks onsite. This month, enjoy music from Blondie All Over. Bring your own chairs or blankets!

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19

Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

United Way Days of Caring

Join this giant two-day community volunteer event hosted by United Way. Projects include clean-ups, painting, buffelgrass pulls, organizing and more.

When: Oct. 20-21

Where: Various locations.

Cost: Free to volunteer, sign up online.

Visit the event page for more information.

Boo Bash

Tucson Parks and Recreation is throwing the upcoming Boo Bash, a family-friendly Halloween party where you'll find carnival games, trunk-or-treating and food trucks.

When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Lincoln Park soccer fields, 4325 S. Pantano Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

Marana Fall Festival

Celebrate fall in Marana! The annual festival is home to carnival rides, mutton busting, live music, a beer garden, a sunflower field, historic exhibits, artisan vendors and more.

When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Marana Heritage Farm, 12375 N. Heritage Park Drive

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Foul Fest

In a career spanning 30 years, the late Al Foul left his mark as a musician but it’s his legacy as a “remarkable human being” that his friends remember most. This second annual festival celebrates Foul with performances from nine musicians.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Che's Lounge, 350 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

A Night Under the Stars

Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is hosting a night of stargazing. Learn about the stars and planets, all while gazing through telescopes and binoculars. 

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, 16248 E. Marsh Station Road

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays to learn all about rain gardens! Attend a free workshop and you'll get to take home a rain garden kit of your own. Kids can meet the hens, enjoy story time and make a worry stone. 

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden

Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about traditional crops like corn, beans and squash.

When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Free Third Thursdays at MOCA

Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission — and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing and there will be talks and activities surrounding the publication of the 2023 Sonoran Desert School Gardener's Almanac. 

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Spooktacular in Sahuarita

This all-ages Spooktacular event in Sahuarita features trunk-or-treating, food trucks, a kids' zone and a DJ. 

When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27

Where: Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way, Sahuarita 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Walk with Amal

Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian refugee girl, who has traveled to 15 countries with a "message of hope and solidarity." She’s now made her way to the United States, stopping in Tucson at the end of the month with several events at locations including Tumamoc Hill, Galeria Mitotera, Children’s Museum Tucson and the University of Arizona Mall.

When: Four events in Tucson on Saturday, Oct. 28. The first event begins at 6 a.m. The last event begins at 1 p.m.

Where: Various locations.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

HallOVeen Spooktacular

Oro Valley is celebrating Halloween with an evening of vendors, music, jumping castles, crafts, food trucks and trunk-or-treating.