top-planetarium

Visitors enjoy a show at the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, which was just named by USA Today as the fourth best planetarium in the country.

Whether you're into Taylor Swift, arts and crafts, or summer markets, you'll want to check out these exciting events happening this weekend in Tucson!

Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

June might bring hot temperatures to Tucson, but it brings lavender to Oracle. It's officially bloom season at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm and the owners are celebrating with tours, workshops, a fairy festival, an ode to Frida Kahlo and a lavender-themed dinner.

When: Various dates in June

Where: Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle. (Some workshops are available in Tucson at The Lavender Manor, 347 E. Fourth St.)

Cost: $15 for tours and tastings, $35 to make a lavender wand, $45 to make a lavender wreath, $17 for the fairy festival, $60 for the lavender dinner, $15 for the Frida Kahlo celebration

Visit the event page 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. 

When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.

Visit the event page for more information.

Caroline Martin, right, owner of the art cart, checks in on Prairie Karwoski, 9, and her mother Geneva, as they enjoy snacks and make art at The Korean Rose.

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 throughout June

Where: Various places

Cost: $5-$15

Visit their event page for more information.

$3 Ticket Tuesdays at Reid Park Zoo

Every Tuesday throughout June and July, admission to Reid Park Zoo will be $3 for everyone!

When: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesdays

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct

Cost: $3 

Visit their 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.

One of the hikers gets a cell phone photo of a desert hairy scorpion under black light during Catalina Nights at Catalina State Park.

Catalina Nights

Experience Catalina State Park after dark with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail!

When: First and Third Fridays of the month

Where: Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Road

Cost: Park entry fee ($10-20)

Visit their event page for more information.

$5 Fridays at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

Enjoy $5 admission to the Tucson Botanical Gardens every Friday through September 26. 

When: Fridays through September 26 (except July 4)

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $5

Visit their event page for more information.

Movie Night at Tanna’s Botannas

Every Friday, Tanna’s Botannas will be hosting a free movie night under the stars at their newly renovated patio. They suggest coming early so you can grab a good seat and snacks. 

When: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays 

Where: Tanna's Botannas, 4426 S. 6th Ave

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for snacks

Visit their event page for more information.

Ryogen Iwasa gets the chance to feed Jasiri the giraffe at Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, Ariz., June 10, 2023. Ryogen, his parents Chihiro and Yuki, were among the hundreds to take advantage of the extended hours to beat the heat and see the entertainment, a few booths and the animals. Safari nights runs every Saturday night through August 12 from 6-8 p.m. It’s free for zoo members and children under two, $6.50 for children 2-14, $8.50 for 62 and older and $10.50 for ages 15-61.

Summer Safari Nights 2025

Beat the heat and explore the outdoors with Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings! 

When: 6-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E Zoo Ct

Cost: $0-$11.25

Visit the event page for more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance. 

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays

Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road

Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit the event page for more information.

Di Luna Saturdays

Head over to Di Luna on Saturdays for a weekly market that features local vendors, food, drinks, flash tattoos and more!

When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays

Where: Di Luna, 2700 N. Campbell Ave. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit their event page for more information. 

Floral Resin Keychain Art

Craft your own adorable floral keychain at this unique workshop class. Chose from a variety of pressed flowers to make a piece of art that will brighten your day! All materials are provided.

When: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Friday, July 25

Where: 8230 E Broadway

Cost: $40

Visit the event page for more information.

Monsoon Market at the Chul

Support local growers and browse handmade goods from local artisans at this special monsoon market! Connect to the world of desert plants, with engaging nature talks and plant discovery stations!

When: 4 -9 p.m., Friday, July 25, and 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Art 4 All

Check out this community market showcasing nine hand picked artists that sell incredible and affordable art. All items will be $25 or less!

When: 5-9 p.m., Friday, July 25

Where: Celestia Collective, 1122 N Stone Ave

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Sunflowers & Wildflowers Arrange & Sip 

Arrange your own beautiful Sunflowers & Wildflowers silk floral centerpiece, and enjoy delicious food and beverages!

When: 6-8 p.m., Friday, July 25

Where: Arizona Sands Club, 565 N Cherry Ave

Cost: $44

Visit the event page for more information.

Elissa Gerber greeting customers at her booth The Stitching Hour during the Summer Night Market at the MSA Annex, Tucson Ariz., June 30, 2023.

Summer Night Market

Shop from around 60 local makers when the Summer Night Market takes over the MSA Annex every fourth Friday of the month through September!

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 25

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Fire Show at Sky Bar

Join Cirque Collective Fire Troupe on the patio of Sky Bar for their fire flow spectacle!

When: 8:15 p.m., Friday, July 25

Where: Sky Bar, 536 N 4th Ave

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks.

Visit the event page for more information.

Gama Leyva, left, and Jan Herron take in the detail of miniature signs representing Midtown Liquors, Mariscos Chihuahua and Rocco’s Little Chicago at a reception for artist Jorge Ruiz and his show Signs of Community: Signage of the Old Pueblo in Miniature, at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.

Tiny Treasures Annual Sale

It's time again for the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures' annual sale. Throughout the year, the museum accepts donations of miniatures that are ready for a new life. You’ll find dollhouses, toy furniture, dolls, miniature accessories, kits, fabrics, building supplies, and more! 

When: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E Camp Lowell Drive

Cost: Free to attend, bring cash or checks for purchases.

Visit the event page for more information.

Park Place Mall Free Back-to-School Carnival

Celebrate back to school at this free carnival for parents and children. You'll find face painting, balloon twisters, carnival games, a live DJ, a free photo booth and a runway with a Back-to-School Fashion Show.

When: 12-2:30 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E Broadway

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Reigning Iron Chef Anthony Dromgoole will defend his title against Tanque Verde Ranch Executive Chef McKenzie O’Leary on Saturday.

Iron Chef Tucson

This is a culinary event you don't want to miss! This year's 17th annual Iron Chef Battle is between reigning Iron Chef Anthony Dromgoole and Chef McKenzie from Tanque Verde Ranch. Guests can anticipate an exciting day of culinary delights with three hours of food and drink sampling, cooking demonstrations, and classes before the showdown.

When: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: Desert Diamond Casino And Hotel, 7350 S Nogales Hwy

Cost: Various prices starting at $60

Visit the event page for more information.

Night Ops at the Pima Air & Space Museum

The Pima Air & Space Museum is staying open late four times this summer! Watch as the sun sets over the planes and enjoy themed activities.

When: 5-8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26

Where: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road

Cost: $15 for ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 and under

Visit the event page for more information.

INTRIGUE: A Desert Oddities Market

Crooked Tooth Brewing's Desert Oddities Market is back! You'll find 10+ local goth, punk, and alternative vendors, tarot readings, art workshops and Papas Chulos Sonoran dogs!

When: 6 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E 6th Street

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Family Fun Fest

Grab the whole family for a day of family-friendly fun, shopping, community, and more! You’ll find personal caricature drawings, facepainting, live music and pro wrestling.

When: 6-10 p.m., Saturday, July 26

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

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for purchases

Visit the event page for more information.

A visitor checks out the new “Universe of Science” exhibit during a preview at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium.

Laser Taylor Swift

Experience the music of Taylor Swift in a way you never have before as Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium takes her biggest hits and brings them to life in dazzling laser light!

When: 6:30- 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E University Blvd

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

Kitty Haha at Hunter's Kitten Lounge

Snuggle and play with rescue kitties while you enjoy entertainment from several amazing local comedians!

When: 7-9 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E Speedway

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

One Night of Queen at the Fox Theatre

Gary Mullen and The Works will be performing their world-renowned One Night of Queen live concert right here in Tucson! The Queen cover band will take the stage at the Fox Theatre for a night of the band's greatest hits. 

When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 26

Where: The Fox Theatre, 17 W Congress Street

Cost: Various prices starting at $38

Visit the event page for more information.

Candles, Sprays and Trays

Create your own 8 oz. candle, linen fragrance spray, and decorative tray at this workshop! All materials provided!

When: 2:30- 5 p.m., Sunday, July 27

Where: Board & Brush Oro Valley, 6429 N Oracle Road

Cost: Various prices, check the registration site for more details

Visit the event page for more information.

'The Goonies' at the Fox Theatre

Escape the heat and and enjoy this timeless classic at the Fox Theatre!

When: 2 p.m., Sunday, July 27

Where: The Fox Theatre, 17 W Congress Street

Cost: $12

Visit the event page for more information.

Puzzle Race Mini- Tournament

Bring your competitive sprit, and your friends and family to compete for prizes at this monthly puzzle race! Your ticket includes a refreshing soda or iced tea for each team member, a shareable treat, and a captivating 500-piece puzzle to take home.

When: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, July 27

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E University Blvd

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information.


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