Even though it may be tempting to stay glued to your couch while blasting the AC, this upcoming month has so many fun events lined up it'll have you bracing the heat!
From dance parties to crafts to a pizza throwdown, this month has something going on for everyone. Below are just some of the events happening in Tucson throughout the month of May.Β
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!Β
Art Cart with Caroline Martin
Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!
When: Various dates
Where: Various locations
Cost: $5-$15
Visit their event page for more information
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.Β
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays
Where: Dante's Fire,Β 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
BICAS Crafternoons
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: 1-4 p.m. SaturdaysΒ
Where: BICAS,Β 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggestedΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Aiden Buck, left, 3, colors his DΓa de los Muertos mask while his sister Athena Buck, 9, helps him 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: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar for March, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals.Β
When: Various dates, check out the calendarΒ here.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Classic Car Show at Little Anthonyβs Diner
Not only will you see cool classic cars, but the event will also feature food, prizes, giveaways and a jumping castle.Β
When: Various dates in May
Where: Little Anthonyβs Diner, 7010 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
Concerts by Candlelight
Concerts by Candlelight offers a unique musical experience set in historic venues that are lit by the glow of candles.Β
When: Various dates
Where: Grace St. Paulβs Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St.Β
Cost: Tickets start at $29
Visit their event page for more information.
Pima Dance presents βPulseβ
Pima Dance is putting on a showcase that features original works by students, faculty and guest choreographers that were developed throughout the spring semester.Β
When: May 2-3 at 7 p.m.
Where: Pima Community College West Campus Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Rd.Β
Cost: $10
Visit their event page for more information.
Party101 with DJ Matt Bennett
Dance the night away and embrace your inner child while listening to classic Nickelodeon and Disney Channel tunes.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 2
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.Β
Cost: $20Β
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Mi Casita Press Print Pop-Up
Stop by Ceres and get a free screen-printed art print by local artist, Mi Casita Press. Limited prints will be available so itβs first come first serve.Β
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Ceres, 77 W. Washington St.Β
Cost: Free
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Props and Pints Beer Fest
This beer fest brings together aviation, military history and craft brews. The event includes a tour inside the Queen of the Skies, a fire show, live music, food trucks, flight simulators and more.Β
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Rd.Β
Cost: Tickets start at $65
Visit their event page for more information.
Picture Party
The Center for Creative Photography is celebrating their 50th anniversary with a Picture Party, an exhibition that will feature more than 100 images, recent acquisitions and archival objects from its collection.Β
Where: Opening on Saturday, May 3
Where: The Center for Creative Photography, 1030 N. Olive Rd.Β
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
A couple of customers look over the selection of new releases near racks of graphic novels at Heroes and Villains, 4533 E. Broadway, one of the places in Tucson to get comics.
Free Comic Book Day at Heroes and Villains
Heroes and Villains will be giving away 10,000+ free comics that span from superheroes to manga. The event will also have costumed characters and exclusive collectibles.Β
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Heroes and Villains, 4533 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
Women, Wine & WildernessΒ
If youβre looking to get more involved with local outdoor organizations, this event helps start the connection with you and women in outdoor leadership, teaching you about the different roles and how you can get started.Β
When: 4:30-6 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Summit Hut, 5251 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
First Tucson Filipino American Sportsfest
A one-day, Olympic style event that celebrates Philippine Independence Day and their heritage. The event will also include competitive sports tournaments, cultural activities, live music and more.Β
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 3
Where: University of Arizona Recreation Center South Gym, 1400 E. 6th St.Β
Cost: Free admission for attendeesΒ
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Make & Take Motherβs Day Gift
Harlow Gardens will be hosting a workshop where their lead container creation expert will guide you through creating a gift for your mother.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.Β
Cost: $60Β
Visit their event page for more information.
AANHPI Heritage Festival & Market
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with a festival thatβll feature their gift shop, live music, dance performances and more.Β
When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Rd.Β
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Madre Market
Puebla House is putting on a Madre Market thatβll feature permanent jewelry, new apparel, locally made skincare, flower specials for Motherβs Day and complimentary sips and treats.Β
When: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Bloom Maven, 160 S. Avenida Del Convento Ste. 150
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Tios & Tias
DJ Chris Villa is throwing a pre Cinco de Mayo party where you can dance your heart out to all kinds of tunes at the Hotel Congress Plaza.Β
When: 2-8 p.m. Sunday, May 4
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.Β
Cost:Β Tickets start at $25
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Community Exchange and Clothing Swap
Trade in your old items for new-to-you treasures such as tools, furnishings, toiletries, artwork, books and more. The leftover items will be sorted and distributed to local shelters.Β
When: 12-5 p.m. Sunday, May 4
Where: Pidgin Palace Arts,Β 1110 S. 6th Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
The Unuzual MarketΒ
Shop all things strange and unusual from various vendors. You'll find apparel, jewelry and oddities.
When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4
Where:Β Coalition Space,Β 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: $1 entrance fee, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Landing Place
Landing Place is a temporary art installation and celebration of the living Santa Cruz River by Maxie Adler and Kimi Eisele. The installation will include handmade, decorative windsocks to raise the visibility of plants and animals that have returned to the river.Β
When: May 4 through May 10
Where: You can view the windsocks from either side of the Santa Cruz River, halfway between Cushing St. and West Starr Pass Blvd.Β
Cost: Free
Visit their event page for more information.
New Beginnings 2 - Return To The Moon
Cirque Collective is putting on their show, New Beginnings 2, that includes acrobatics, aerial performances and fire acts.Β
When: May 9 and 10
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Rd.Β
Cost: Tickets range from $15 to $50
Visit their event page for information.
Blossom and Bond with Mom
Families can celebrate Motherβs Day with a flower scavenger hunt, a craft station, a Motherβs Day story time and various giveaways.Β
When: 12-3 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
Taylor Swift Laser Light Show
The Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium will be bringing Taylor Swiftβs biggest hits to life with a laser light show.Β
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.Β
Cost: Tickets start at $18.95
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Kat Rodriguez plays with Chloe during the grand opening of Hunterβs Kitten Lounge. The lounge showcases cats available for adoption.
Crafting Class at Hunterβs Kitten Lounge
Knit your furry friend a comfy bed at this crafting class. Each entry will include the supplies and you get to take home a new bed your cat will adore.Β
When: 6-8 p.m., Saturday May 10
Where: Hunterβs Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $30
Visit their event page for more information.
Motherβs Day Paint and Sip
Spend Motherβs Day by painting a masterpiece with your mom while sipping on mimosas! An instructor will take you through the process of creating a partner tree painting that fits together. All art supplies will be included.Β
When: 12-3 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Rd.Β
Cost: $45
Visit their event page for more information.Β
I Dream in Widescreen
I Dream in Widescreen is the annual showcase of the films made by seniors at the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television. This year marks the showcaseβs 20th anniversary.Β
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.Β
Β Cost:Β $5
Visit their event page for more information.
Tucson Asian Night Market
Tucson Foodie and local Asian community members are putting together Tucsonβs first Asian Night Market featuring food, music, art and more.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Where: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Mercado Flea Market
This flea market features 50+ vendors that sell antique, vintage and other used and collectible items along the Mercado District.
When: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday, May 11
Where: Mercado District, 153 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping.Β
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Second SundAZe
For this monthβs Second SundAZe, the Tucson Museum of Art will be offering different art-making activities, bracelet making for Motherβs Day, family yoga and a performance by Ballet Tucson.
When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday, May 11
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.Β
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
Light the Mic
Light the Mic is a curated artist showcase that centers around Black, queer and local voices.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 16
Where: Splinter Collective: 901 N. 13th Ave.Β
Cost: $10 entryΒ
Visit their event page for more information.
Waila with the AlianzaΒ
Dance the night away listening to Gertie and the T.O. Boyz at the Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras fundraiser. The event will also include indigenous crafts and food vendors.Β
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 16
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N Paseo del Norte
Cost: $10
Visit their event page for more information.
Pirate and Mermaid Day at Trail Dust Town
Live out your mermaid and pirate dreams at this event where you can dance to live music, meet other mermaids and pirates, dress up in costumes, test your swashbuckling skills, enjoy amusement rides and more.Β
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.Β
Cost: $15 per person, $5 for babies two and under
Visit their event page for more information.
Paint for a CauseΒ
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is hosting a fundraiser where participants can sip on non-alcoholic drinks while they recreate a "Cosmic Furriends" painting with the help of an instructor. All art materials will be provided and a portion of the profits will go to the Humane Society.Β
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Where: Humane Society, 635 W. Roger Rd.Β
Cost: $48
Visit their event page for more information.
Buds & Blooms
Check out this night market at EcoGro that will feature local food, shopping and music.Β
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Where: EcoGro, 657 W. St. Maryβs Rd.Β
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Tucsonβs Originals 2025 Pizza Throwdown and Dessert Duel
This annual showdown brings some of Tucsonβs pizza makers and bakers together so you can vote for the best. Those going to the event get three free drink tickets and get to sample all the pizza and desserts they want.Β
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Where: Fresco Pizzeria, 3011 E. Speedway
Cost: $60
Visit their event page for more information.
Singles Yoga & Cold Plunge
Take an all-levels yoga class and then cool off in a cold plunge after. The event will also have an after party and a sauna to help warm you back up.Β
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Where: Voltron Brewing Taproom, 330 S. Toole Ave, #200
Cost: $18
Visit their event page for more information.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
Watch the Tucson Symphony Orchestra play John Williamsβs score live as the the film is projected in the background.Β
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.Β
Cost: Tickets start at $22
Visit their event page for more information.
Best of the Stories that Soar
This Literacy Connects event brings student-written stories to life, featuring tales of laughter, wonder and more.Β
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18
Where: Marroney Theater, 1035 N. Olive Rd.Β
Cost: Free admission
Visit their event page for more information.
Summer Sing
The Tucson Choir League and participants will workshop one piece of music and then sing it performance style for themselves.Β
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. optional happy hour; 6:30-8:30 p.m. singing; 8 p.m. friends and family can come listen, Monday, May 19
Where: Borderlands Brewing, 2500 E. 6th St.Β
Cost: $25 per singer
Visit their event page for more information.
520 Day Music Festival
Club Congress is hosting a music festival for 520 day, featuring bands like Get A Grip, Maldita Gente and Far Out.Β
When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 20
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.Β
Cost: $15 for advance tickets, $20 on day of show
Visit their event page for more information.
Tucson Libertine League Anniversary Show
Tucson Libertine League is celebrating 8 years of burlesque shows with a special performance called EIGHT. This show will feature popular performers, special guests and more.Β
When: 9 p.m. Friday, May 23
Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.Β
Cost: $15
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Christina Thorness, left, owner of Little Thorn Goods, talks with Kellie Nelson as shops Thornessβ booth during the Summer Night Market at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, Ariz. on May 24, 2024.
Summer Night Market
Shop from all kinds of local vendors and artists under the stars at the MSA Annex.Β
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 23
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida Del ConventoΒ
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Queer Bazaar
Enjoy live music, local vendors and delicious food from You Slg Dog and Ciao Down at the Queer Bazaar.Β
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 24
Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.Β
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.Β
3rd Annual Comix Club Meetup
This meetup will feature a release of the collaborative Comix Club zine, plus live screen printing, blind portraits and various zine and comic vendors.Β
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, May 30
Where: Wooden Tooth Records, 108 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their event page for more information.
Pride Paint & Sip
At this event, youβll be able to paint on a vinyl record, enjoy rainbow drink specials and browse art for sale that benefits the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 30
Where: The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway
Cost: $45
Visit their event page for more information.
The TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run/Walk and Festival of Miles includes a free high school mile, free childrenβs mile, an open mile and 5k.
TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run/Walk
You're invited to walk or run in Tucsonβs biggest charity running event. Aside from the race, there will be live music, childrenβs activities, food trucks, the Pueblo Vida beer garden and prizes.Β Β Β
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: 200 S. 6th Ave.Β
Cost: Various prices
Visit their event page for more information.Β
Movie Nights with Cats
Watch Kikiβs Delivery Service while kittens snuggle up next to you. One ticket includes entry plus a drink and a snack.Β
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: Hunterβs Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $25
Visit their event page for more information.
Wet Hot Summer Romance
Friends to Lovers Pop-Up Romance Bookstore is throwing a Wet Hot Summer Romance Party that will feature love stories, a dance party and book signings from authors Neely Tubati Alexander and Jen DeLuca.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: Slow Body Beer, 831 E. 17th St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for books
Visit their event page for more information.
Artes y LattesΒ
Learn how to build a wind chime while enjoying a coffee and pastry from Chappopin Cafe.
When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31
Where: 640 N. Stone Ave.Β
Cost: $45
Visit their event page for more information.Β
The Sixth Annual Young Playwrights of TucsonΒ
This festival showcases six short plays that were chosen as the winners of Live Theatre Workshopβs acclaimed Young Playwrights of Tucson competition. Each play is student produced.Β
When: May 31 and June 1
Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Rd.Β
Cost: Tickets start at $17
Visit their event page for more information.
