60 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Sept. 26-29 🍻🎀

It's the last weekend of September and the first weekend of fall. Halloween festivities are kicking off along with Oktoberfest, Tucson Pride, a dog-friendly bash and a vegan festival.

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

Oktoberfest at the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is celebrating Oktoberfest with beers and brats from Haus of Brats, plus games and prizes. Mingle with nonprofits and community members while you're there!

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26

Where: Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, 5049 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

Minis & Sip

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is pairing miniatures with wine! Alongside wine and small snacks, you'll get to create your own miniature bar cart.

When: 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26

Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $40. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Experience the beloved Tucson Meet Yourself Folklife Festival!

From Oct. 4-6, this festival brings together the diverse cultural expressions of our region to Downtown Tucson through food, music, dance and folk arts. Find more information and the full schedule here!

Campus Kimchi Masters Kimchi Contest

Finalists of a kimchi contest will be part of a cook-off at Bear Down Gym, where you'll also find a kimchi-making demonstration, a K-pop dance performance and a featured talk.

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26

Where: Bear Down Gym

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Craft Night with The Stitching Hour

Bring a craft to work on and mingle with other makers during this casual art night at Celestia Collective.

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26

Where: Celestia Collective, 657 W. St Marys Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring a craft to work on

Visit the event page for more information.

Nightfall is back at Old Tucson 👻

One year after returning from death, Mary Hyde is fully realized in terrifying, new form as the Demon Queen of Nightfall. Now possessing the power to summon demons from the underworld, Queen Mary is building a terrifying army. Will Mary be able to keep her grip over Nightfall? Or will the all-but-dead Resistance rise up for one last battle? Experience 20+ acres of new terrifying haunts, mazes, roaming scares, stunt shows, musical theater, magic shows, comedic dissections, delicious food/drink and family-friendly attractions! Get 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. 

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.

Tucson Pride Parade and Festival

Each September, Tucson Pride hosts a parade and festival as part of its mission to empower Southern Arizona's LGBTQ+ community. The parade will feature vendors, performances and food trucks. The following day, a festival will take place at Reid Park with vendors, food, nonprofits, games, music and an area for kids.

When: Parade is 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; festival is noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; afterparty is 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; Pridelicious Drag Brunch is 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

Where: Parade is at Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Ave. Festival is at the George DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place. Afterparty is at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Brunch is at Maynards, 400 N. Toole Ave.

Cost: General admission to the festival is $20; afterparty is $15 in advance, $20 day of; brunch is $50

Visit the event page for more information.

Catch “Dial M For Murder” in Tucson now through Oct. 12 🎭

Passion runs high in this classic revenge thriller, newly adapted for a modern audience by ATC favorite playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (“Wait Until Dark,” “Holmes and Watson,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “Jekyll and Hyde”). Frederick Knott’s nail-biting 1952 play was later adapted by Alfred Hitchcock into the 1954 film. This clever, fast-paced adaptation, which has had box office-busting runs at theaters across the country, adds extra layers of intrigue and emotion to the iconic cat-and-mouse story. Filled with vivid characters, sharp dialogue and lethal amounts of intrigue, “Dial M” will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Summer Night Market

Shop from around 60 local makers during the last Summer Night Market of the season!

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

The Slaughterhouse 

Tucson's haunted house The Slaughterhouse is opening for another year of scares with ghouls, butchers, chainsaws and clowns, also featuring a zombie shooting experience, mini escape rooms and axe throwing. 

When: Sept. 27-Nov. 2

Where: The Slaughterhouse, 1102 W. Grant Road

Cost: $29 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

See the Godsmack Best Of Times World Tour at Casino Del Sol

Featuring special guests Flat Black and Jason Hook formerly of Five Finger Death Punch, catch the show live at AVA Amphitheater on Oct. 5. Tickets are on sale now!

RAPunzel: A Hip Hop Musical

Watch the classic tale of Rapunzel told as a hip-hop musical, courtesy Live Theatre Workshop's Children's Theatre.

When: Sept. 27-Oct. 13

Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road

Cost: $17-$20

Visit the event page for more information.

'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party. Wear your best '90s-themed attire!

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27

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

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Ghost Tour

Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town. 

When: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28

Where: Downtown Tucson, detailed directions will be emailed upon ticket purchase

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information.

Galaxy Gala

Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is gearing up for its second annual Galaxy Gala, a night of food, drinks, comedy, music, games, a raffle, stargazing, hands-on STEM activities and a costume contest. 

When: 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 27

Where: Hilton El Conquistador, 10000 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $175

Visit the event page for more information.

Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association

Go stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association! 

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 

Where: Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail

Cost: Free to attend, park entrance fee applies 

Visit the event page for more information.

Fall Happy Hour with The Moonstone

We're baaaack! Over the summer, we curated a happy hour menu at The Moonstone, Tucson's highest rooftop bar. Now we're doing it again for fall, this time with new specials on food and cocktails. Two local vendors will be at each happy hour date, selling items like crocheted plushies, safety keychains and jewelry.

When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; also Oct. 11, Oct. 24, Nov. 8, Nov. 22

Where: The Moonstone inside Graduate Tucson, 930 E. Second St.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern

Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This Friday, test your knowledge in all things "Batman."

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27

Where: Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.

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: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27

Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road

Cost: Free to attend

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. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28

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

Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit the event page for more information.

Fire Show at Sky Bar

Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar. 

When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27

Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Libra & Thorn Events

Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting three events this weekend: a sound bath ceremony, a workshop where you'll be able to make a felt tarot cozy, and a tarot social.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 for sound bath; 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 for tarot cozy; 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 for social

Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road

Cost: $10-$40, depending on the event 

Visit the event page for more information.

Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while enjoying a sound bath and playing a round of bingo.

When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 for sound bath; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 for bingo

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

Cost: $25 for sound bath; $14 for bingo, reservations required 

Visit the event page for more information.

Traveler's Tales Demonstration

Learn how people found their way around Southern Arizona before the days of GPS. You'll see maps, compasses and an astrolabe on display, plus a re-enactor will tell stories of the people who used the tools.

When: 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27

Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.

Cost: Included with admission, which is $9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-13

Visit the event page for more information.

Vegan Night Market

The sixth Vegan Night Market is happening this Saturday, hosted by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie. Expect the biggest lineup yet with more than 60 vendors in attendance, from cakes to tamales to pizza.

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.

Oro Valley Bark in the Park

Bring your dog to Steam Pump Ranch for Oro Valley's Bark in the Park! Expect a dog costume contest, vendors, crafts, food trucks, ball pits, adoptable dogs and more.

Metal Village Block Party

Celebrate the small businesses inside the Metal Village, including Tucson Hop Shop, Humble + Grand, Ciao Down Pizza, Craft Collective Salon and Beauty Blvd. Festivities include chicken poop bingo, portraits with artist Linus Schief, food, permanent jewelry and more.

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

The Cork Fun Chili Cook-off

Help send a kid to camp when you attend this chili cook-off featuring nine local restaurants. The winner is determined by the restaurant that receives the most cash tips.

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Old Pueblo Classic

Indoor rock climbing gym Rock Solid is celebrating its fourth birthday! Enjoy a day of rock climbing competitions, indoor and outdoor games, vendor booths and food trucks.

When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; expo is 2-6:30 p.m.

Where: Rock Solid, 3949 W. Costco Dr.

Cost: $45 in advance to compete; free to attend expo

Visit the event page for more information.

Prism Power Party

Moe Moe, which hosts anime-themed events around town, is hosting its next pop-up at The Korean Rose. Themed like the magical girl sub-genre, the event will include art vendors, dancing and a cosplay contest.

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Pride Night Party

Sky Bar is hosting a pride party with music, drink specials, performances and special guest Morgan McMichaels from the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race."

When: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

2024 Program Round-Up

Child & Family Resources will be at Children's Museum Tucson to chat about their many free programs offered for babies, kids, teens, parents and caregivers. 

Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado

Las Mujeres Verdes is back with another monthly market! Expect 25 local vendors alongside hot dogs from Odd Dogs.

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Oktoberfest in Mount Lemmon

Head up to Mount Lemmon to celebrate Oktoberfest alongside food, beer and music.

When: Weekends through Oct. 13

Where: Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 E. Ski Run Road

Cost: Free to attend, parking is $5

Visit the event page for more information.

Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour

HI, BARBIE! Mattel's "Dreamhouse Living Tour" is coming to Tucson, where Barbie fans will be able to shop exclusive merchandise.

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

TROT's 50th Anniversary Gala

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala featuring dinner, live entertainment and an auction. You'll also hear stories from past participants of TROT. 

When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

Cost: $200

Visit the event page for more information.

Desert Artisans Market

Shop from 20 makers during this market. Expect to find skin-care items, home decor and more.

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Craft Fair at the Hermitage

The Hermitage Cat Shelter is hosting its third annual craft fair.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Although two of Flandrau's music-themed laser shows are sold out this Saturday, there are still tickets available for Laser Nine Inch Nails!

When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

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

Cost: $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included

Visit the event page for more information.

Pinecrest Neighborhood Yard Sale

This neighborhood yard sale will feature new and gently used items, in addition to a plant exchange and baked goods. Proceeds will benefit the neighborhood beautification projects including signage for a nature walk and rainwater harvesting basins. 

When: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Desert Sky Community School, 1350 N. Arcadia Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and plants for exchanging

Visit the event page for more information.

Sabino Canyon Night Tours

Take a ride through Sabino Canyon after dark! The tour features a narrative program in English and Spanish with details about Sabino Canyon's history, fauna and flora.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in September; 6 p.m. Saturdays in October

Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road

Cost: $15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 12

Visit the event page for more information. 

Chocolate Factory Tour

If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," this might be your dream come true. Though not as extravagant as Willy Wonka's facility, take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to learn how the chocolate is made.

When: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

Music in the Park

Arizona Symphonic Winds is hosting a fall concert series, this time featuring special guests. Bring your own chairs and blankets! 

When: 7 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 5

Where: Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Music on the Mountain

For years, Mount Lemmon was home to a weekly concert series. The series went on hiatus in 2013, but it's back for the season and beyond, featuring live music Saturdays through October. 

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page 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. Saturdays

Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested 

Visit the event page for more information.

Tomato Tips at Harlow Gardens

Harlow Gardens will teach you tips and recommendations for growing tomatoes in Tucson.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.

Cost: Free to attend 

Visit the event page 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. 

When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 

Where: Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page 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: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 28

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

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Bachata Social Dance Night

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

When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

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

Cost: $15, cash or Venmo

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Pops Orchestra Concert Series

Tucson Pops Orchestra is back with concerts in the park this fall. Expect a beer garden and food trucks!

When: 7 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 6

Where: DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place

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

Visit the event page for more information.

"Mean Girls" Trivia

Test your knowledge in all things "Mean Girls." Teams can have as many as five people!

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend, recommended to buy a drink or two!

Visit the event page for more information.

'80s vs '90s Drag Brunch

Head to Chela's for brunch alongside a drag performance featuring hits from the '80s and '90s.

When: Noon on Sunday, Sept. 29

Where: Chela's Latin Cuisine, 256 E. Congress St.

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

Fine Wines for Felines

Enjoy three tastings of Arizona wines, plus vegan-friendly hors’ d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the cats at Pawsitively Cats No-Kill Shelter. The shelter will be accepting donations of canned Friskies!

When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

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

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information. 

Cake Date

Holy Focaccia and Sonoran Sapphics are putting together a cake-decorating workshop where you'll leave with decorating tips, a mini cake and hopefully a new friend. 

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

Where: Tap & Bottle North, 7254 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $50

Visit the event page for more information. 

Kids of Steele FamFest

Kids of Steele is hosting FamFest at Funtasticks, where attendees will have access to all attractions, plus dinner and dessert.

When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

Where: Funtasticks, 221 E. Wetmore Road

Cost: $75

Visit the event page for more information.

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

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

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