Tanque Verde Swap Meet

Rain clouds roll over the Goldfish booth, one of the carny games running on a dark, cold evening at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet, Tucson, Ariz., January 22, 2022.

We're inching closer and closer to our first 100-degree day of the year. Hopefully that day doesn't come this weekend, but here's what IS happening this weekend:

Reid Park Zoo is hosting a beer fest, lace up your skates during an outdoor roller disco, listen to lots of live music, shop all kinds of vintage clothing at the Desert Haze Market ... and SO MUCH MORE.

Of course, things can change quickly these days! Check for the latest info before heading out.

The Museum of Contemporary Arts at 265 South Church Ave, in Tucson. MOCA was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.

Free Third Thursdays at MOCA

The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission. Expect food, drinks and tunes from KXCI DJs. This month's event will also feature an interactive community art project.Β 

When:Β 5-9 p.m. Thursday, May 16

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

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

BICAS Fundraiser

Help raise money for local nonprofit BICAS! Tickets to this event at Pueblo Vida include a BICAS gift card, a beer and your choice of desserts made by two local eateries.

When:Β 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 16

Where:Β Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, 115 E. Broadway

Cost:Β $25

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.


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"True West" with Arizona Theatre Company

Catch the last weekend of "True West," a Tony-nominated and Pulitzer-finalist play.

When:Β Now through Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.

Cost:Β $25-$90

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Water in the Desert: Community Conservation Forum

Connect with Tucson Water to learn about programs that help conserve water. Attendees will hear from leaders and stakeholders in water conservation and will also have the chance to share their own feedback and ideas.

When:Β 11 a.m. Thursday, May 16

Where:Β Tucson IDA,Β 376 S. Stone Ave.

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.


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β˜”οΈ Celebrate the first official day of monsoon with a bash that includes artists, food trucks and flash tattoos β˜”οΈ

#ThisIsTucson is hosting a monsoon mini market featuringΒ an all-local lineup of vendors selling creosote-infused skin-care products, soaps and candles that smell like desert rain, baked goods decorated like monsoon, earrings shaped like clouds and MORE. There will be two food trucks, plus on-site monsoon-themed flash tattoos!

The fun takes place 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St. See you there! β›ˆ


Concerts in the Courtyard

Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring No Sand Beach Band. Food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chairs or blankets!

When:Β 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 16

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.

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.


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From coding to circus camps,Β #ThisIsTucson's 2024 Summer Camp GuideΒ is filled with more than 100 camps, including activities that center upcycled crafts, sewing projects, sports, musical theater, capoeira and more.Β Our guideΒ lists prices, times, dates and all the nitty-gritty details you need to know like whether or not lunch is offered.Β Click here!


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 3-6 p.m. Thursdays

Where:Β BICAS,Β 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost:Β Free to attend, donation suggestedΒ 

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Exploration Thursdays: Art Class

Kids ages 6-17 can dive into different materials and art techniques surrounding a weekly theme.Β 

When:Β Noon to 2 p.m. Thursdays

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

Cost:Β $35

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Sonoran Cinema at Tohono Chul

Visit Tohono Chul's Sonoran Cinema for an indoor screening of "Mulan." Get cotton candy and popcorn from the concession stands!

When:Β 7 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where:Β Tohono Chul,Β 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

Cost:Β $4

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Tea & Tarot

Head to metaphysical shop The Ninth House for a tarot salon featuring herbal tea. The event will feature a chosen card with a corresponding spread.

When:Β 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where:Β The Ninth House,Β 2563 E. Fort Lowell Road

Cost:Β $7

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

The May 2024 G3

G3 Tucson, the city's gay happy hour group, is hosting a black and white party featuring cocktails and food. Wear your best black and white attire!

When:Β 5-10 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where:Β Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.

Cost:Β $9, your first drink is included. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Toast to Tucson

Young Leaders United is hosting a fundraising event featuring music, performances, food and an awards presentation. The bash takes place at Proper Shops, which houses creations by several local artists under one roof.

When:Β 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where:Β Proper Shops, 300 E. Congress St.

Cost:Β $60, includes one free item from each food vendor

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Queer Speed DatingΒ 

Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!

When:Β 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, May 17

Where:Β Bawker Bawker Cider House,Β 400 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost:Β Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Celebrating our Madre Tierra

This event focuses on the importance of trees, featuring exhibits byΒ CorazΓ³n Latino that include hands-on science activities, a musical performance and physical movement such as Zumba.

Brew at the Zoo

Enjoy a huge selection of beer and cider from more than two dozen Arizona breweries. In addition to the drink tastings, take a walk around Reid Park Zoo, play games and listen to live music.

When:Β 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Reid Park Zoo,Β 3400 E. Zoo Court

Cost:Β $50 for general admission. $25 for designated drivers. Tickets go up $10 at the gate. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Desert Haze Market

Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at Hotel Congress. Expect about 15 vendors and live music!

When:Β 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Hotel Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Rock The Swap Music Festival

The Tanque Verde Swap Meet is hosting a music festival featuring four stages and more than 15 bands. Shop from vendors and eat at local food trucks while you're there!

When:Β Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Tanque Verde Swap Meet,Β 4100 S. Palo Verde Road

Cost:Β $3, kids ages 12 and under enter for freeΒ 

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

The Heathenry, 657 W. St. Mary’s Road, is part curiosities shop, part tattoo studio.

Hot Gay Summer Hoedown

Curiosities shop The Heathenry is hosting Hot Gay Summer Hoedown, a bash that includes music, live screen printing, mocktails and a burlesque show.Β 

When:Β 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β The Heathenry,Β 657 W. St Marys Road

Cost:Β $15

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Movies in Marana: "Pirates of the Caribbean"

Summer means outdoor movies are back! Catch a screening of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.Β 

When:Β 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Crossroads at Silverbell District Park,Β 7548 N. Silverbell Road

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring a towel because the movie is near the splash pad

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

San Ysidro Festival

Mission Garden is hosting a festival for St. Isidore's Day, which is set to include a traditional procession, demonstrations on traditional wheat harvests and tastings of poΘ™ol, a soup with wheat and beans.

When:Β 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18

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

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Spinnin’ Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco

DJ Herm will be rocking beatsΒ at this outdoor roller disco and dance party.

When:Β 7-10 p.m. Saturday, May 18

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

Cost:Β $10. Bring your own skates!

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Retro Game Show Night

Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy thatΒ pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.

When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Club Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.

Cost:Β $19.06. Β This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

5th Annual Waila Celebration

The social dance music adopted by the Tohono O’odham from the Spanish is the focus of the fifth annual Waila Celebration this weekend. Beyond the music, you'll also find food and art vendors.Β 

When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where: Desert Diamond Casino,Β 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita

Cost: Free to attendΒ 

Visit the event page for more information.

Stephanie Daniels started Brushes & Boots in 2019 and led her first art hike in 2022.

Art Hike in Mount Lemmon

Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading an art hike in Mount Lemmon with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and go hiking, stopping to draw surrounding scenery.Β 

When:Β 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Mount Lemmon Trailhead, East Ski Run Road

Cost:Β Free to attend, register online

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau is hosting two different laser shows this weekend, including Laser Classic Rock and Laser Zeppelin.Β 

When:Β Saturday, May 18; 6:30 p.m. for Laser Classic Rock, 8 p.m. for Laser Zeppelin.

Where:Β Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,Β 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost:Β $18.95, admission to science exhibits is included

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Dirty T Market

Every third Saturday of the month, local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo hosts a monthly market featuring vendors, food, mariachis, games and a dunk tank.

When:Β 5-8 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Dirty T Tamarindo,Β 1211 W. St Marys Road

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Angelica Duran, owner of Raizes 420, shows off her CBD-infused products at the Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado.

Las Mujeres VerdesΒ Mercado

Las Mujeres Verdes is back with a twist. This month's mercado will be a flea market!

When:Β 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 18

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

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn aboutΒ food grown and harvested in the desert. Kids will enjoy song and story time, teens will get to learn programming skills!

When:Β 8-11 a.m. Saturday, May 18

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

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β 

Cirque Collective: New Beginnings

Acrobatics, aerial performances and fire acts are all part of this show at Valley of the Moon, organized by Cirque Collective.Β 

When:Β 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18

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

Cost:Β $25 for adults, $15 for kids ages 12 and under. Bring a chair or blanket!

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β 

Runway Renaissance

Support Pima Community College's fashion program during this fashion design student showcase.

When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Pima Community College,Β 2202 W. Anklam Road

Cost:Β $20

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β 

'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party featuring '80s music videos playing all night long. Wear your best '80s-themed attire!

When:Β 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, May 18

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

Cost:Β $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

The Game Show Show

Tucson Improv Movement is hosting an improvised game show! Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

When:Β 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Tucson Improv Movement,Β 414 E. Ninth St.

Cost:Β $9

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Crawfish Boil

Head to Firetruck Brewing Company for crawfish from New Orleans. A ticket to the event includes more than a pound of crawfish, a potato, corn, Andouille sausage and Cajun dirty rice.Β 

When:Β 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Firetruck Brewing Company, 9630 N. Oracle Road

Cost:Β $24.95, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Cars and Candy

Local candy shop Candy World is hosting a car show. All models are welcome, though it's first come, first served.Β 

When:Β 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Candy World,Β 9136 E. Valencia Road

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Cumbia Social Dance Night

Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a cumbia class followed by social dancing.Β 

When:Β 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Tucson Creative Dance Center,Β 3131 N. Cherry Ave.

Cost:Β $15

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Naranja Park Expansion Grand Opening

Oro Valley is celebrating the grand opening of Naranja Park. Listen to a few words from town officials, see the new park amenities, watch demonstrations at the skate park and enjoy light refreshments and giveaways.

When:Β 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18

Where:Β Naranja Park, 660 W. Naranja Dr.

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Music in the Park

Arizona Symphonic Winds has performed over 260 concerts at Udall Park and they aren't stopping now. Bring your own chairs and blankets!Β 

When:Β 7 p.m. Saturdays through June 1

Where:Β Udall Park,Β 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Nuestro Tianguis Tucson

Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Flowers & Bullets' Midtown Farm for a swap meet featuring vendors, food and music.Β 

When:Β 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and SundaysΒ 

Where:Β Midtown Farm,Β 3538 E. Ellington Place

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When:Β 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, closed May 25

Where:Β Foothills Mall,Β 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Cricut Classes at Crafty Flamingo Studio

Get access to a Cricut machine and make your own custom crafts at this art studio. Cricut classes take place every Saturday where you'll learn everything from basics to special techniques.Β 

When:Β 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. SaturdaysΒ 

Where:Β Crafty Flamingo Studio,Β 6061 E. Broadway

Cost:Β $45

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Mother's Day Tea at the Lavender Farm

Celebrate a belated Mother's Day with tea at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle. Enjoy a lavender-themed menu!

When:Β 11 a.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm,Β 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle

Cost:Β $50

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz. on January 10, 2022.

International Day of Light

Celebrate International Day of Light with family-friendly optics activities and free planetarium programs.Β 

When:Β 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,Β 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost:Β Free to attend, science exhibits not included

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Community Yard Sale

Medella Vina Ranch is hosting its last Third Sunday Fair until October! Shop from a community yard sale and enjoy vendors, a wine tasting and trail rides.

When:Β 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Dancing for Dogs

The Maverick is hosting a fundraiser for Pathways for Paws with a packed agenda that includes live country music, a vaccine and microchip clinic, adoptable dogs, food and drink specials, a silent auction and raffle, and dance lessons.

When:Β 11 a.m. Sunday, May 19

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

Cost:Β $10

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Fine Wines for Felines

Enjoy three tastings of Arizona wines, plusΒ hors’ d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the cats at Pawsitively Cats No-Kill Shelter.Β 

When:Β 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β Arizona Wine Collective,Β 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost:Β $25

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β 

Tucson Pops Orchestra Concert Series

Tucson Pops Orchestra is back for another year of concerts in Reid Park. Enjoy a belated Earth Day celebration with special guests that include Ballet Tucson and Flam Chen.Β 

When:Β 7 p.m. Sunday, May 19

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.

Best of Stories that Soar

Stories that Soar, a program of nonprofit Literacy Connects, taps into the imaginations of kids, sharing their ideas through the arts. This Sunday, Stories that Soar will host a family-friendly performance that showcases the "vast imagination and creativity of Tucson's young minds."

When:Β 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd.

Cost:Β Free to attend

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

TKMA Presents:Β Sunday Patio Sets

The Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the Tucson Folk Festival each spring, are hosting a concert featuringΒ Wayback Trio and Within the Faith.

When:Β 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β Monterey Court,Β 505 W. Miracle Mile

Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Goat yoga

Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class!

When:Β 6-7 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β Silverbell Park,Β 7548 N. Silverbell Road

Cost:Β $25

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.

Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe all while playing bingo.

When:Β 6-7 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where:Β El Jefe Cat Cafe,Β 3025 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost:Β $14, reservations required

Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.


Our coverage on things to do is supported by Children's Museum Tucson:

Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul

CMOV@TCΒ has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,Β teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!


What does "supported by" mean?Β Click hereΒ to learn more.


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