Jesse Brodhagen rehearses his zombie illusion on the stage of The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre. The "Stars of Magic" show will be his first real time performing for a live audience.

Whether you're into comedy, magic, painting or books, you won't want to miss these 30 fun events happening this weekend in Tucson!

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, 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.

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: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information.

State Park Ranger Isaiah Ortiz uses a laser pointer to pick out a target in the starry skies for his group of hikers out on Catalina Nights at Catalina State Park on June 20.

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.

Chillin at the Chul

Check out music, spirits and bites at Tohono Chul's summer series. On Saturdays, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play.

When: 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 30

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.

The flamingos get caught in the last of the day’s sunlight at Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo on June 10, 2023.

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. 

Sabino Canyon Night Crawler

The Sabino Canyon Crawler's night tour returns on Saturdays, now through October 25!

When: 7:30- 9 p.m. on Saturdays

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

Cost: $15 for adults, $8 for children

Visit their event page for more information. 

Cool Summer Nights

Enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night — in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturdays through August 31

Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road

Cost: $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for Arizona residents.

Visit the event page for more information.

Prairie Karwoski, 9, picks out colored pencils for the card she’ll make as part of Caroline Martin’s art cart, parked at The Korean Rose. Prairie decided to make a birthday card for a friend.

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 August

Where: Various places

Cost: $5-$15

Visit their event page for more information.

Pilates on the Patio

Relax and rejuvenate with a morning Pilates, and leave with a delicious refresher from Bonita Sol Cafe!

When: 8-9 a.m. Friday, August 15

Where: Di Luna, 2700 N. Campbell Ave

Cost: $20

Visit their event page for more information. 

Tucson's 250th Birthday Celebration- Hotel Congress

Celebrate Tucson's 250th Birthday in style at Hotel Congress's birthday bash, and dance all night to incredible live music from Santa Pachita!

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, August 15

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress Street

Cost: Free

Visit their event page for more information. 

Crafts & Karaoke- Poppin’ Off

Grab your paintbrushes and a microphone, and celebrate National Kool-Aid Day with a colorful night of Kool-Aid Watercolor Painting and karaoke!

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 15

Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E Broadway

Cost: $5 for Kool-Aid painting

Visit their event page for more information. 

Femme Drop

Relax with beer, wine and snacks, and experience a fantastic all female stand up comedy show!

When: 9-10 p.m. Friday, August 15

Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E 9th Street

Cost: $9

Visit their event page for more information.

Pajama Party Karaoke

Dress up in your comfiest PJs for a night of karaoke fun!

When: 9 p.m. Friday, August 15

Where: The Monkey Bar, 1120 S Wilmot Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their event page for more information.

Tucson Tome Gnome Celebration- Di Luna

Start your Saturday off right with this book themed outdoor market featuring the Espressoul coffee truck and breakfast by Senor Taco!

When: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: Di Luna, 2700 N. Campbell Ave

Cost: Free book swap, bring money for vendors

Visit their event page for more information.

Arte Y Latte

Sip on your favorite drink from Chapoppin, enjoy a delicious pastry, and create a beautiful candle in a traditional Mexican clay cup.

When: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: Chappopin Cafe, 640 N Stone Ave

Cost: $60

Visit their event page for more information.

Cactus and Desert Scenery Decoupage 

Make your very own cactus decoupage decor and bring the desert landscape into your home!

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: Colliope Co., 2706 N Silverbell Road #3140

Cost: $35

Visit their event page for more information.

Fairytale Tea Party- Traildust Town

You’re invited to Trail Dust Town's magical Fairytale Tea Party! Start your afternoon of family fun with delicious snacks and tea at the Savoy Opera House, interact with your favorite fairy tale characters, and participate in interactive activities including amusement rides, and even meet a real life unicorn.

When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $35 for visitors over 2 years.

Visit their event page for more information.

Summer Slam Event and Car Show

Check out St. Philip's Plaza's first summer slam event! Enjoy a car show with cool classics and rowdy lowriders, incredible food, margaritas and signature cocktails, music by Suerte Musical, and a huge market filled with amazing Tucson-made products!

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N Campbell Ave

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors

Visit the event page for more information.

Bingo With Cats- Hunter's Kitten Lounge

Snuggle with rescue kitties and play some friendly bingo at Hunter’s Kitten Lounge. Host, Randy Wilde will be bringing the energy in drag, serving up lively entertainment while you enjoy an unforgettable evening. 

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E Speedway

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information.

Magician Christopher Younggren works with Melanie Bime on a magic trick, entertaining the customers at Roadies in Tucson. Younggren, a teacher at Sahuaro High School and a part-time waiter at Roadies, is one of the scheduled performers at this year’s Stars of Magic show.

Stars Of Magic Show

Get ready to be dazzled by Tucson's best magicians at this family friendly show full of magic, comedy and illusions.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, August 16

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

Cost: Tickets range from $22 to $35

Visit their event page for more information.

The Game Show Show

Join Tucson Improv Movement for a night of gameshow style fun. The Game Show Show pits contestants against each other in this improvised show with fabulous prizes!

When: 7:30- 8:30 p.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E 9th Street

Cost: $9

Visit their event page for more information.

Weird Science: 80s Dance Party- Surly Wench Pub

Put on your best 80's attire, Weird Science themed fit, and join The Surly Wench Pub & DJ NoirTech for a night of 80s nostalgia, music videos, and Weird Science!

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, August 16

Where: The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N 4th Ave

Cost: $5

Visit their event page for more information.

Himaya Garden hosts monthly tea parties.

Filipino-Inspired High Tea

Himaya Garden is organizing a Filipino-inspired tea party featuring sweet and savory bites.

When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, August 17

Where: Himaya Garden, 427 E. Limberlost Dr

Cost: $59.99

Visit the event page for more information.

Sublimation Creation Workshop

Design your very own custom sublimation creations! Choose from a wide variety of blank items including mugs, puzzles, tote bags, bookmarks and more! Let your imagination run wild and take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake!

When: 1 p.m. Sunday, August 17

Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E Broadway

Cost: $15

Visit their event page for more information. 

Watercolor and Acrylic Workshop with Summer Celeste

Experiment and create with watercolor and acrylic painting in this half-day workshop with SAWG artist Summer Celeste! Learn new techniques, textures, and color and bring your ideas to life.

When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, August 17

Where: Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, 5420 E Broadway

Cost: $55 for supplies included, $45 if you're bringing your own

Visit the event page for more information.

"Past Dense"- One Rehearsal Short

One Rehearsal Short, A Musical Montage Revue presents "Past Dense!," a historical musical featuring songs spanning centuries of dysfunctional decades!

When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, August 17

Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E Fort Lowell Road

Cost: Free

Visit the event page for more information.


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