Family SciFest at Children's Museum Tucson

Nicholas Donocan, 7, laughs while watching his balloon rocket sail wildly at the 2017 Family Sci-Fest at the Children's Museum Tucson.

Free museum days, a kid-friendly science fest and a star party โ€” you don't have to break the bank to enjoy localย events in Tucson.

Here are 30 events that are free to attend this February.

Located at the base of Sentinel Peak, Mission Garden, a nonprofit organization, is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, traditional local crops and edible native plants.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Mission Garden

Join Mission Garden for a celebration of Lunar New Year featuring a demonstration of Chinese veggies, a citrus giveaway, a calligraphy table and a Chinese yo-yo show.

When:ย 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย Mission Garden,ย 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Tucson Star Party

Enjoy a day of astronomy talks, solar observing and stargazing at this Tucson Star Party! The party is put on byย Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association in collaboration with editors from Astronomy Magazine and Pima Community College.

When:ย 1-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3.ย Check the full schedule for additional details.

Where:ย Pima Community College East,ย 8181 E. Irvington Road

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Pascua Yaqui Festival of the Arts

Check out the Pascua Yaqui Festival of the Arts this Saturday, set to feature art vendors, food trucks, a car show, entertainment and activities for the kids.

When:ย 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย Pascua Yaqui Wellness Park,ย 5305 W. Calle Torim

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.


Lunar Anime Fest

Local shop Kira Kira Collectibles is organizing this weekend's Lunar Anime Fest, set to feature vendors, raffles, cosplay, games and more.

When:ย 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย The Korean Rose,ย 6118 E. Speedwayย 

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

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Save Our Saguaros Month Kickoff Day

Help pull the invasive buffelgrass on "A" Mountain this Saturday to kick off Save Our Saguaros Month, which runs through early March. Gloves, pickaxes and digging bars will be provided.ย 

When:ย 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย "A" Mountain's lower parking lot,ย 1001 S. Sentinel Peak Road

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon

Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon opens its doors for free this Saturday. The park will be hosting a campfire sing-along, hot cocoa and marshmallows to roast.ย 

When:ย 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย Valley of the Moon,ย 2544 E. Allen Road

Cost:ย Free to attendย 

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Carnival of Fire Market

Local blacksmithing school Desert Metal Craft is hosting a market this weekend, set to include food trucks, vendors, raffles and demonstrations.

When:ย 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย Desert Metal Craft,ย 544 E. 24th St.

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

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Story Time Character Hour

The University of Arizona BookStores are hosting monthly Story Time Character Hours for kids ages 2-5 years old. There will be reading and crafts, plus the chance to take photos with storybook characters. In February, Ladybug Girl will be there.

When:ย 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย The University of Arizona BookStores,ย 1209 E. University Blvd.

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.ย 

Arizona Anteย 

Visit theย Steinfeld Gallery this weekend for the opening reception of Suzanne Villella's mixed media playing card series, dubbed "Arizona Ante."ย 

When:ย 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย Steinfeld Gallery,ย 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Signs and Signals

Etherton Gallery is celebrating its newest show "Signs and Signals" with an opening reception this Saturday. The show features the work of Andy Burgess and Matt Magee, including mixed media and abstract oil paintings.ย 

When:ย 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย Etherton Gallery,ย 340 S. Convent Ave.

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Beer + Bikes

This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a ride back to Button Brew House.

When:ย 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3

Where:ย Button Brew House,ย 6800 N. Camino Martin

Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for brewsย 

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Parents watch their children ride in the wagon-themed Ferris wheel at Trail Dust Town on Dec. 29, 2023.

PlayPalooza

The Play District, a local resource on kid-friendly things to do in Tucson, is hosting PlayPalooza at Trail Dust Town, set to feature family-friendly vendors, free rides, crafts, music from Mr. Nature and face painting.ย 

When:ย Noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4

Where:ย Trail Dust Town,ย 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย 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.ย 

When:ย 5-7 p.m. Thursdays

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

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 3-6 p.m. Thursdays

Where:ย BICAS,ย 2001 N. Seventh Ave.

Cost:ย Free to attend, donation suggestedย 

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

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!ย 

When:ย 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9

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

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Tasting History: Citrus

Learn about the origins behind citrus like oranges and limes and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.

When:ย 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Feb. 9-10

Where:ย Mission Garden,ย 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost:ย Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10

Where:ย Xerocraft Makerspace,ย 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

2nd Saturdays

Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.

When:ย 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10

Where:ย Downtown Tucson alongย East Congress Street

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

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch

The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, demonstrations led byย Archaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.

When:ย 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10

Where:ย Steam Pump Ranch,ย 10901 N. Oracle Road

Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

A statue of Southern Arizona pioneer John Campbell Greenway casts its shadow on the Arizona History Museum in Tucson.

Free Admission Day to the Arizona History Museum

Celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Arizona History Museum with free admission!

When:ย 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10

Where:ย Arizona History Museum,ย 949 E. Second St.

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Be Moe Moe Mine

Anime pop-up Moe Moe is hosting a romance-themed event with vendors, dancing to K-pop, a cosplay contest, karaoke and more.

When:ย 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11

Where:ย The Korean Rose,ย 6118 E. Speedway

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

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Free Third Thursdays at MOCA

Third Thursday at Tucsonโ€™s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission, plus food, drinks and KXCI DJs spinning tunes.

When:ย 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15

Where:ย Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson,ย 265 S. Church Ave.

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event siteย for more information.

Family Sci-Fest

Children's Museum Tucson is hosting a festival dedicated to science, where kids will be able to watch science demonstrations and participate in STEM activities. Museum admission is pay-what-you-wish all day!

When:ย 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17

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

Cost:ย Free to attendย 

Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17

Where:ย Mission Garden,ย 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost:ย Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays where you'll learn about birds and bats. Other activities include song time, story time and coding withย CoderDojo.

When:ย 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17

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

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.ย 

The Pets of Pima Parade brings together Tucson's animal lovers while benefitting Pima Animal Care Center.ย 

Pets of Pima Parade

The third annual Pets of Pima Parade is taking over Fourth Avenue to celebrate Tucson pets of all shapes, sizes and species. Watch as the pets waltz down the historic avenue or enter yourself to walk in the parade! Music, vendors and kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.

When:ย Parade begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18

Where:ย Historic Fourth Avenue. Find the parade routeย here.

Cost:ย Free to watch, clickย hereย to register to be in the parade

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Ride with FUGA

Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichย advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.ย 

When:ย 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Where:ย El Pueblo Center,ย 101 W. Irvington Road

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.ย 

Rodeo Round Up

Put on your cowboy hat for an evening of Western fun at Trail Dust Town. Enjoy live country music, discounts on ride wristbands, animal encounters and stunt shows.

When:ย 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23

Where:ย Trail Dust Town,ย 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road

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

Visit theย event pageย for more information. ย 

Social Skillz

This hip-hop jam features Arizona dancers battling for a $1,000 prize. Food, clothing and art vendors will be onsite!

When:ย 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24

Where:ย The Coalition Space,ย 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theย event pageย for more information.

Fort Lowell Day

Celebrating history and the Fort Lowell Neighborhood, Fort Lowell Day is a family-friendly afternoon of performances, demonstrations, lectures and activities for kids.

When:ย 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24

Where:ย Fort Lowell Museum,ย 2900 N. Craycroft Road

Cost:ย Free to attend

Visit theย event pageย for more information.


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