It's not quite October yet, but the return of Halloween events this weekend says otherwise.
The Slaughterhouse, Nightfall, Glowing Pumpkins and the Fall Celebration at Apple Annie's are all back for spooky season. Oktoberfest also continues this weekend, plus you'll find the Tucson Pride festival and parade, markets, an insect fest, a reptile show, a book swap and more.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A couple of sightseers grab some cell phone images in front of a spooky train of jack-o'-lanterns, one of the displays at Glowing Pumpkins in 2022.
Glowing Pumpkins
Walk through a trail of intricate carvings on thousands of pumpkin replicas at this Halloween event. You'll see carvings of animals, movie and TV characters, and Tucson icons. The experience was outside of Tucson Mall last year, but it's at Tohono Chul this year!
When: 6:30-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Oct. 29. Also open Oct. 30-31.
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Depending on the day, $12-$25 per person
Visit the event page for more information.
The Slaughterhouse
Tucson's haunted attraction The Slaughterhouse is set to open its doors this Thursday with an infested boiler room, creepy clowns and a graveyard. There's also a zombie-shooting experience and "hellevators," among other activities.
When: Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 28-Oct. 29. Also open Oct. 30-21 and Nov. 3.
Where: The Slaughterhouse, 1102 W. Grant Road
Cost: $29 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Celebrating 50 years of Tucson Meet Yourself
Head downtown Oct. 13-15 where two main stages showcase music and dance from over 80 performing acts from diverse cultural traditions. Plus close to 65 food booths, representing nearly 30 regions. Come experience Tucson!
Oktoberfest at Community Foundation campus
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: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Where: Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, 5049 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest at Tap & Bottle North
Tap & Bottle's north location is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration this Thursday, complete with beer, pretzels, a stein-holding competition and trivia prizes.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Where: Tap & Bottle North, 7254 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Experience the new installation of Southwest Art Gallery at the Tucson Museum of Art on Oct. 5 from 5–8 p.m.
On the first Thursday of the month, the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block offers extended hours and pay-what-you-wish admission from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. On Oct. 5, explore the different perspectives and identities that make up the Southwest featuring a panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. with TMA collaborators (Lizz Denneau, Patricia Lannes and Gabriella Moreno), Bolivian Street Food from SUMAJ, activities with Laila and Ami, performances by Nogales-based artists Nefftys and Kevin Jung, and sounds by DJ humblelianess. Reserve your spot 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.
Gardening Hour
Learn about gardening and bring home clippings all while connecting with The Garden Kitchen team.
When: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where: The Garden Kitchen, 2205 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
We're almost one week away from the SAHBA Home Show!
Visit Southern Arizona's ONLY home show Oct. 6-8 at the Tucson Convention Center where you'll find over 200 exhibitors and in-person deals for your home and garden. Parking is free. Experience the best home show ever built — get your tickets here!
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Imagine stepping into a painting by Vincent van Gogh. The colors swirl around you and the images of landscapes and self-portraits by the 19th century Post-Impressionist artist suck you into a 360-degree virtual world. That’s what you will experience at “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” in Oro Valley.
When: Thursdays-Mondays
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $25-$35
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Pride Weekend
Tucson Pride Weekend kicks off with a parade on Sept. 29, followed by a festival and afterparty on Sept. 30 and a final celebration on Oct. 1. The festival will feature entertainment, activities for youth, games, vendors and food trucks. Tucson Pride’s goal is to “empower the LGBTQ+ community of Southern Arizona through community building, enhanced visibility and unwavering support.”
When: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 for the parade; Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 for the festival, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for the afterparty; 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 for the final celebration.
Where: Downtown Tucson and Armory Park for the parade; George DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place, for the festival; Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., for the afterparty; HighWire Tucson, 14 S. Arizona Ave., for the Sunday party.
Cost: Festival is $15; afterparty is $10 in advance or $15 day of and is for ages 21 and up; the Sunday party is $30 and is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Your vote will help decide Tucson's cocktail of the year
Get ready for the ultimate cocktail showdown on Oct. 5, where five top mixologists battle it out for Tucson Cocktail of the Year! This event is a must-attend for all cocktail enthusiasts in the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the USA. Get tickets here!
Summer Night Market
In July, a monsoon storm downed trees and sent tents flying during an artisan market at the MSA Annex. To make up for the rained-out event, Annex organizers are putting together a two-day market featuring around 60 vendors selling items like candles, jewelry and food. There will be a raffle benefiting the makers whose items were damaged during the July event.
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 29-30
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
BICAS Art Mart
Local nonprofit BICAS started an art market in 2021 after art events were canceled during the pandemic, taking away important revenue generators for Tucson artists. Find salvaged bicycle art, ceramics, curiosities, prints and more. There will also be live music, food and a group bike ride.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Nightfall
Nightfall at Old Tucson is back for another year. The website says there are five new "terrifying haunted mazes," plus four new scare zones, stunt shows, a seance and family-friendly attractions.
When: Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 29
Where: Old Tucson, 201 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $35-$40
Visit the event page for more information.
A peek inside Hola Chingona, where you can find concha slippers, horchata lip balm and more.
Hola Chingona events
Local maker shop Hola Chingona is hosting two events this weekend. The shop's Crafty AF Club makes its return with in-store meet-ups and classes including this Friday's piñata party. Come Sunday, the shop is celebrating National Chingona Day with giveaways and treats.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 for Crafty AF Club; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 for National Chingona Day.
Where: Hola Chingona, 412 E. Seventh St.
Cost: $40 for piñata party; free to attend National Chingona Day.
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s Country Night
Trail Dust Town is hosting an indoor '90s country night this Friday with live music, country dance lessons, themed drinks and a pop-up shop with vintage western wear.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $5 admission, or free to attend if you eat at Pinnacle Peak. This event is for ages 21 and up.
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. 29
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Dance Party
Join this indie party for a night of dancing to a DJ mixing Tame Impala, MGMT, Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit, Dayglow and more.
When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $20. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert with Oro Valley Battle of the Bands winner Znora Band. Food trucks will be onsite.
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
Metal Fest 26
191 Toole is hosting Metal Fest 26 as part of its Local Love Presents series. The concert features a local lineup of musicians.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $5
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Ghost Tour
Spooky season is upon us. Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: Downtown Tucson, a more detailed location will be emailed after purchasing tickets.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Birds N' Bingo
Learn all about birds at this bingo event with Bawker Bawker Cider and Tucson Audubon Society.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Film Fridays
Catch a poolside movie on most Fridays at Hotel McCoy! This Friday, "Nine to Five" is playing.
When: 8-11 p.m. Fridays
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost: Free to attend and open to the public. Swimming is for hotel guests only, but day passes for the pool are available for $20.
Visit the event page for more information.
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: 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
For those looking for a hands-on experience, there will be a reptile petting zoo for kids and adults at the Tucson Reptile and Amphibian Show.
Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show
This reptile and amphibian show is one of the largest of its kind in the state. After seeing its largest turnout ever last year, with more than 11,000 attendees, the organizer is ready to welcome visitors with alligators, crocodiles, cobras, mambas, gabon vipers, poison dart frogs, monitor lizards, giant tortoises, pythons and tree vipers, among other exotic creatures.
When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: $15, cash only. $5 for kids ages 6-12. Free to attend for kids 5 and younger. Many vendors inside the show accept credit cards.
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Bark in the Park
Courtesy Oro Valley Parks and Rec, this event is for all the dogs in our lives. Bring your dog to Steam Pump Ranch for a dog costume contest, dog talent show, food trucks, music, crafts for kids and vendors. Adoptable dogs will also be there!
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Historic Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Bratwurst, potato salad and a generous serving of sauerkraut from Haus of Brats food truck.
Oktoberfest at Arizona Beer House
Arizona Beer House will offer a large selection of Oktoberfest-style beers alongside food from Haus of Brats and Pies the Limit. Buy a commemorative stein and your first drink is included in the price. Kids rejoice: the venue will offer a 45-foot bouncy house obstacle course.
When: Noon to midnight Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Arizona Beer House, 150 S. Kolb Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest at Button Brew House
Button Brew House is hosting the only Oktoberfest in Tucson with mead on tap. Activities include live music and food truck 420 Taco.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: $40 for general admission, $45 at the door.
Visit the event page for more information.
Drum Up for Peace Festival 2023
Visionary House Market is hosting the Drum Up for Peace Festival, set to feature art and dance workshops, music, vendors, food trucks, a kids area and resources on mental health and nutrition.
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Kennedy Park Fiesta Area, 3700 S. Mission Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes is a group with a goal: helping other minority-owned small businesses thrive through frequent artisan markets. Find about 30 vendors selling items like art, jewelry, self-care and food.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Barrio Book Swap
Barrio Books has moved out of its space at Hotel McCoy and is moving to a brick-and-mortar in South Tucson this fall. While the new location isn't quite ready yet, the bookshop is hosting a book swap in the parking lot featuring used books in both nonfiction and fiction. Bring books of your own to trade!
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Barrio Books, 395 W. 33rd St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring books to swap
Visit the event page for more information.
Full Moon Market
Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. is hosting a mini market featuring eight makers selling items like glasswork, candles, jewelry and baked goods.
When: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Guided Dragonfly Tour
Experts with the Sonoran Institute will lead walking Santa Cruz River tours to search for dragonflies.
When: Various times on Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Three locations including downtown, west side and Marana
Cost: Free to attend, sign up in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
Emo Night at The Downtown Clifton
Dance to all your emo favorites when CryFest brings its Emo Night event to The Downtown Clifton this Saturday.
When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is hosting a Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration with dinner and a concert.
When: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Los Trompos
You might remember the red swing sets on the University of Arizona campus two years ago, and the glowing seesaws last year. Arizona Arts Live is debuting a new installation this Saturday. Sit inside large colorful spinning tops, woven by Mexican artisans.
When: Sept. 30-Nov. 5
Where: Student Success District, near the Main Library, on the University of Arizona campus
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Block Painting Party
Living Streets Alliance and Pueblo Gardens School are hosting a neighborhood block party where community members will be able to paint the street with the help of local artist Porter McDonald. The project includes a new crosswalk and curb extensions to "increase the safety and visibility of students walking to school and to beautify the intersection with a splash of color." There will also be free food and bike repairs.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Near Pueblo Gardens School, South Plumer Avenue and East Silvosa Street
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Gaby Perez readies a batch of returned skates at Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd St.
Skate Country Late Skate
Skate Country after hours! The local roller rink is hosting Late Skate, for adults only.
When: 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $15, skate rental included. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Workshops at The Heathenry
Come Saturday, curiosity shop The Heathenry is hosting Ducky Social, where you can decorate a taxidermy duckling. The following day, make an adorable ghost-shaped macrame hanger.
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 for Ducky Social; 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 for the ghost hanger.
Where: The Heathenry, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: $100 for Ducky Social, but The Heathenry is giving #ThisIsTucson readers a discount! Use code "thisistucson" to get $10 off; $35 for the ghost hanger.
Visit the event page for more information.
Fall Pumpkin Celebration at Apple Annie's
It's officially fall, y'all! Take a road trip to Apple Annie's in Willcox for a hayride to the pumpkin patch. Walk through a sunflower field, make your way through the 12½-acre corn maze and pick some veggies to take home.
When: The corn maze is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Oct. 31. You can pick pumpkins 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily — but the hayrides to the patch are only open weekends.
Where: 6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox
Cost: Corn maze is $10 for ages 12 and up, $8 for ages 3-11. Hayrides are $5 for ages 3 and up. Pumpkins range in price.
Visit the event page for more information.
Hermitage's First Annual Craft Fair
Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary is hosting its first-ever craft fair, set to feature pottery, treats, jewelry, woodwork, glasswork and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
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.
Fall Warehouse Market
Head to Dragoon Brewing Co. for a market featuring 11 vendors, a food truck and a DJ. Vendors will be selling vinyl, recycled bike art, vintage tees and more.
When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Dragoon Brewing Co., 1859 W. Grant Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
HighWire Cocktail Factory
Learn how to make your own cocktails during this hands-on workshop at HighWire, presented by Tucson Foodie. The workshop features four cocktail stations and pizza from Bailey's Artisan Pizza.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: HighWire, 30 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: $60-$65, includes a welcome cocktail, four DIY cocktails and pizza
Visit the event page for more information.
Sabino Canyon Crawler night tour
Take the shuttle through Sabino Canyon — at night! The night tours run every Saturday, depending on weather.
When: 7 p.m. Saturdays in September; 6:30 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.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
The Arizona Insect Festival at the University of Arizona will feature insect scientists, interactive exhibits and food trucks.
Arizona Insect Festival
The University of Arizona's Department of Entomology is hosting its free, day-long Insect Festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year. This year's theme insect is the tarantula hawk — which is technically a large wasp — known for its sting. Chat with an insect scientist at the festival, take in the interactive exhibits and grab a bite at a food truck.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: University of Arizona ENR2 building, 1064 E. Lowell St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
GUT! Presents: Global Flavors Fall Festival
Local chefs are teaming up with the nonprofit Iskashitaa Refugee Network to bring new meaning to seasonal harvests with the Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) Global Flavors Fall Festival. Sample fall foods and enjoy live music, carnival games and a silent auction.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Tucson Village Farm, 2201 E. Roger Road
Cost: $55
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest at Catalina Brewing Company
Catalina Brewing's roster of activities for Oktoberfest includes beer yoga, a stein-holding contest, a log-sawing competition, German trivia, face painting and open mic comedy. Haus of Brats will be there!
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Catalina Brewing Company, 6918 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Musicians Care
Enjoy a day of music at Tucson Musicians Care, an event hosted by Hotel Congress and Vibz Arizona, benefitting the Unhoused Mobile Shower Project. Bands include Santa Pachita, Black Cat Bones, Znora and more.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
Re-Opening Celebration at Yume
Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson is reopening after its summer closure. The re-opening celebration will feature the debut of a new exhibit, the Takoyaki Balls food truck, traditional Japanese dances and Taiko drumming from Odaiko Sonora.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 3-15
Visit the event page for more information.
Kick Rocks Gym Grand Opening
New gym Kick Rocks, which offers cardio kickboxing and rock climbing, is celebrating its grand opening this Sunday with free kickboxing classes, in addition to giveaways and a raffle.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: Kick Rocks, 8330 N. Thornydale Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Agave Spirits Tasting: Uncommon Espadíns
The Agave Heritage Festival is hosting an agave spirits tasting every first Sunday through December at The Century Room. Tickets include four ¾-ounce tastes.
When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $40. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe at cat yoga and cat bingo this Sunday.
When: 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 for bingo
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
