It's no secret: when temperatures go up in Tucson, events start to take a bit of a break.
But you can still explore Reid Park Zoo after hours, swap seeds at Mission Garden, shop from anime vendors, and laugh your heart out at a monthly event that imitates TV game shows with a twist.Β
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Learn about chocolate making from the bean to bar at the Monsoon Chocolate factory tour.
Chocolate Factory Tour
If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as much as our food writer Ellice Lueders does, this might be your dream come true. Take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to see how the chocolate is made.
When:Β Various times in May and June
Where:Β Monsoon Chocolate,Β 234 E. 22nd St.
Cost:Β $20
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Excavating Tucsonβs Chinese American Past: From South China Villages to a Southwest Pueblo
Attend a presentation by historical archaeologist Dr. Laura W. Ng at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center. This lecture dives into Tucson's Chinese American history, focusing on the archaeology of the Ying On Association compound. Following theΒ presentation, attendees will get to enjoy a lunch buffet.
When:Β 10:45 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 25
Where:Β Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road. This presentation is also accessible virtually.
Cost:Β Free to attend, RSVP in advance.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The musical comedy βThe Legend of McBrideβ is coming to Tucson this June 2023
Donβt miss the big-hearted, fierce and hilarious story of an Elvis impersonatorβs transformation into an all-out queen!Β The Arizona Theatre Company presents βThe Legend of McBrideβΒ at the Temple of Music and Art from June 3-24.Β Get your tickets HERE.
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.
Summer Night Market
Shop from dozens of local makers when the Summer Night Market takes over the MSA Annex every last Friday of the month through September!
When:Β 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 26
Where:Β MSA Annex,Β 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Freedom Park Splash Bash
Head to the grand opening of Freedom Park Pool's new water slide! Enjoy free pizza, jumping castles and games from the Ready, Set, Rec! mobile recreation program.
When:Β 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 26
Where:Β Freedom Park,Β 5000 E. 29th St.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Chillin at the Chul
Tohono Chul's summer series Chillin at the Chul is back for another year! Check out music, spirits and bites. On Saturdays, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play.
When:Β 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 2
Where:Β Tohono Chul,Β 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Noche en Bloom
Local flower shop Bloom Maven is hosting an event featuring pop-ups by Hi Tiger! Lingerie and Rare Scarf Vintage. You'll also find complimentary drinks and discounts on Bloom Maven's bouquets and stems.
When:Β 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 26
Where:Β Bloom Maven, 160 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shoppingΒ
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 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 26
Where:Β El Pueblo Center,Β 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Watch now: El Jefe Cat Lounge is home to around 30 cats. Find the lounge at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.Β
Cat trivia at El Jefe Cat Lounge
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Lounge while testing your knowledge during trivia night!
When:Β 7-8 p.m. Friday, May 26
Where:Β El Jefe Cat Lounge,Β 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β $15, adults only
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
The Cirque Roots Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.Β
When:Β 8:15-8:45 p.m. Friday, May 26
Where:Β Sky Bar,Β 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
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.
Movie on the Lawn in Oro Valley
Watch an outdoor screening of "Puss in Boots" in Oro Valley!Β
When:Β 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center,Β 10555 N. La CaΓ±ada Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Summer Safari Nights
Enjoy the cooler nighttime temperatures at Reid Park Zoo's after-hours Summer Safari Nights. Each event will have different themed activities including keeper chats, animal encounters and live music.Β
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Saturdays, May 27 through Aug. 12
Where:Β Reid Park Zoo,Β 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost:Β $10.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages 2-14
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Seed Swap at Mission Garden
Join Mission Garden and the Pima County Seed Library for a swap of heritage seeds. Bring heirloom seeds of your own to share with the community. The event will also feature the library's Biblio Lotus group. Because the group focuses on Asian culture, this event will recognize gardening traditions throughout Tucson's Chinese community.Β
When:Β 8-10 a.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Summer Saturday Night at the Presidio
The Presidio Museum is staying open late! Enjoy cocktails, tapas and charcuterie in the new on-site Dandelion Cafe, plus listen to live guitar music on the patio. The museum will also host two lantern tours throughout the night.
When:Β 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson Museum,Β 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost:Β Free admission to the museum with a purchase at The Dandelion Cafe.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Retro Game Show Night, an evening of off-the-cuff comedy thatΒ pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist,Β returns this weekend.Β The upcoming game show is "The Mismatch Game."
When:Β 6 p.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Club Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $17.51.Β This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Skate Country Late Night Skate
Skate Country after hours! The local roller rink is hosting Late Night Skate, for adults only.
When:Β 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Skate Country,Β 7980 E. 22nd St.
Cost:Β $15, skate rental included. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Sema Foundation Cooking Club
Sema Foundation,Β a cultural organization dedicated to education, support and outreach within and outside of Tucsonβs Turkish community, is hosting a cooking club where you'll learn about Turkish cuisine as it's prepared.Β
When:Β 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Sema Foundation,Β 2843 N. Alvernon Way
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Located at the base of Sentinel Peak, Mission Garden, a nonprofit organization, is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, traditional local crops and edible native plants.
Phenology for Families
Phenology is the study of events in biological life cycles. Make a visit to Mission Garden on May 27 for a family-friendly lesson on phenology, making nature observations and how to start a nature journal.
When:Β 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β $10. Free for kids under 12 years old.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Community Paint PartyΒ
Head to nonprofit Spark Project Collective for a paint party! All levels of experience are welcome.
When:Β 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Spark Project Collective Events Center,Β 4349 E. Broadway
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The northeast corner of Seven Cups Fine Chinese Teas. Graphic designer Jodie Lewers Chertudi completed this mural late last year.
Tea Tasting at Seven Cups
Join this tasting at Seven Cups Teahouse where you'll sip on spring teas from China. You'll try the teas at your own pace, but folks from Seven Cups will be there to answer questions and guide you through the tasting.
When:Β 10-11 a.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Seven Cups Teahouse, 2510 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost:Β $35
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. Upcoming tours include Public Art and Murals, and Mansions of Main Avenue.
When:Β 8-10 a.m. Saturday, May 27 for Public Art and Murals; 8-10 a.m. Sunday, May 28 for Mansions of Main Avenue.
Where:Β Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson Museum,Β 196 N. Court Ave., for Public Art and Murals;Β CafΓ© a la CβArt, 150 N. Main Ave., for Mansions of Main Avenue.
Cost:Β $25. Pre-registration is required.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Archaeology Day at Mission Garden
Learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.
When:Β 8-11 a.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
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 and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance.Β
When:Β 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27
Where:Β Dante's Fire,Β 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost:Β $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Music in the Park
Arizona Symphonic Winds kicked off their "Music in the Park" summer series this month. Bring your own chairs and blankets!Β
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturdays through June 3
Where:Β Udall Park,Β 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Ani-May Lantern Fest
This Ani-May event is set to feature food vendors, a scavenger hunt, a cosplay contest and raffle prizes. There will also be artists selling items like K-pop collectibles, earrings, prints and more.
When:Β 2-9 p.m. Sunday, May 28
Where:Β Tea Hub,Β 4246 N. First Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and tea
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Maestro LΓ‘szlΓ³ Veres conducts during his final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.Β
Tucson Pops Orchestra Concert Series
Tucson Pops Orchestra is back for another year of concerts in Reid Park. This weekend features special guest Homero Ceron. Bring your own chairs and blankets!
When:Β 7 p.m. Sunday, May 28
Where:Β DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park,Β 800 S. Concert Place
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Fine Wines for Felines
Enjoy three tastings of Arizona wines, plusΒ horsβ dβoeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the cats at Pawsitively Cats No-Kill Shelter.Β
When:Β 4 p.m. Sunday, May 28
Where:Β Arizona Wine Collective,Β 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β $25
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Local Bazaar
Saint Charles Tavern is hosting an event that's set to feature live music, a market with 20 vendors and a fundraiser for local nonprofit I Am You 360.
When:Β 3-7 p.m. Sunday, May 28
Where:Β Saint Charles Tavern, 1632 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
