Hotel McCoy

A mural of Aretha Franklin adorns an outside wall at Hotel McCoy. The mural was created by Alley Cat Murals.

Free pool parties, backpack giveaways and a cosplay festival — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.

Here are 24 events that are free to attend this July.

Steve Liss and Elaine Jones dance to the music from The Porch Rockers during a Music On The Mountain show at the Mount Lemmon Lodge on June 22.

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: Saturdays; July 6 event is 2-5 p.m.

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Cups: Rituals in Clay

Mudroom Gallery is putting together a new exhibit featuring Tucson native Adley Gin's cups that embody the "rituals of pottery making, firing and daily use." 

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 6 for opening reception; exhibit runs until Aug. 17

Where: Mudroom Gallery, 102 W. Washington St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.


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Book Swap

The Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition is partnering with the Pima County Library for a book swap this Sunday! You don't have to bring anything to take home a new-to-you item.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 7

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Sky Island Pool Parties

'Tis the season for pool parties! Head to Hotel McCoy every Sunday for free pool parties featuring DJ Humblelianess.  

When: 5-8 p.m. Sundays in July

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

Cost: Free to attend, sign a waiver at the front desk

Visit the event page for more information.

July Happenings with Desert Rose Social Club

This new social club is hosting a slew of events in July, including clubs for pickleball, running, yoga, books and walking. 

When: Various dates in July

Where: Various locations

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Cassidy Crone stocks books in the young adult section at Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, 6230 E. Speedway.

Summer Kids Events at Bookmans

Enjoy themed activities for kids every Thursday through July (except for the Fourth of July) at Bookmans East. July events include a cargo plane challenge, the chance to make your own comet and learning about desert wildlife.

When: 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, July 11-25

Where: Bookmans East, 6230 E. Speedway

Cost: Free to attend

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: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Tasting History: Prickly Pear

Learn all about prickly pear, all while discovering how to harvest and prepare the fruits. Tastings are part of the fun. 

When: 8-10 a.m. Friday-Saturday, July 12-13

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Quincie Douglas Back to School Bash

Families with school-age kids can get free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last during Tucson Parks and Rec's back-to-school bash. While you're there, enjoy free entertainment, vendors, lawn games, free booster seats, bike repairs and snacks. Kids must be present to receive a backpack!

When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, July 13

Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Firefighter Wetdown

Head to this event at Flower & Bullets' Midtown Farm where kids will be able to cool down in the midst of a firefighter hose. Lunch will be provided and there will be a jumping castle.

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13, firefighters arrive at 10 a.m.

Where: Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Find Children’s Museum Tucson at 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson

Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission! 

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Repair Cafe

Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.

When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 13

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Second SundAZe at TMA 

Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making and family yoga.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 14

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

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: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, July 14; 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 26

Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on July 14; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on July 26

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Summer Sunsets at Mission Garden

Mission Garden is staying open late during this summer series that features games, live music and a food truck. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 18

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Backpack Giveaway with Lerner and Rowe

Injury attorneys Lerner and Rowe are giving away 750 free backpacks stuffed with school supplies ahead of back-to-school season. Students must be present to get a backpack. The giveaway runs on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

When: 10 a.m. Friday, July 19

Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Madaras Gallery 25th Anniversary Party: Colors of Tucson

Madaras Gallery is hosting a 25th anniversary party, where artist Diana Madaras will be in attendance to share the stories behind her art. You'll get to see new images by Madaras and enjoy light bites, photo opportunities and giveaways.

When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 19

Where: Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road

Cost: Free to attend, RSVP online

Visit the event page for more information.

Kids, parents and even some grandparents enjoyed the cool Marana Pool at Ora Mae Harn Park in 2013.

Movies in Marana: "The Little Mermaid" (2023)

You've heard of drive-in movies, but what about dive-in movies? Catch a poolside screening of "The Little Mermaid." Bring your own towel!

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20

Where: Ora Mae Harn District Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn

Kid-friendly movies take over the Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center monthly through September. July's movie is "The Emperor’s New Groove." Bring your own seating!

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20

Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

MegaMania

A festival of cosplay, gaming, and "all-around geekery" is making its way to Pima Community College's downtown location. Among the activities, attendees will find an escape room, crafts, cosplay groups, video game tournaments, sketch comedy shows, and workshops led by authors and artists.

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20

Where: Pima Community College Downtown Campus, 1255 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden

Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.

When: 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays: monsoon edition! Learn about nocturnal desert animals, engage in monsoon-inspired activities, and enjoy bilingual song and story time.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 20

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Kidz Expo 

Arizona Bilingual Newspaper is throwing a Kidz Expo and back-to-school event where over 3,000 backpacks will be given away, in addition to 5,000 textbooks in Spanish. There will also be live music, raffles, kid-friendly activities and more.

When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 25

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Impact Tucson Family and Community Resource Fair

At this fair held by TUSD, families of TUSD children will be asked to sign in and will then be given a passport card. After visiting with at least seven community resources at the fair, kids will be able to grab a free backpack. Lunch will be provided for participating families!

When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 27; doors may open at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Palo Verde High School, 1302 S. Avenida Vega

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page 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@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.

 

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Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨