28 FREE events happening in Tucson this August 2024 💸

Free movie screenings, dance parties and a celebration for the Old Pueblo's birthday — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.

Here are 28 events that are free to attend this August.

Pop Night

DJ Bex is spinning all the pop hits of your dreams, from Britney Spears and Madonna to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish. 

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

Story Time and Book Signing with J.M. Chrismer 

Author J.M. Chrismer is hosting a story time and book signing at the Marana Visitor Information Center. Story time is designed for kids ages 4-8 years old.

When: 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2

Where: Marana Visitor Information Center, 13251 N. Lon Adams Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Pupapoolooza

We've enjoyed the pool all summer long, but now it's time for our four-legged besties to get in on the action. Dubbed Pupapoolooza, Tucson-area dogs will get to enjoy a swim at two Pima County pools on two Saturdays this August.

When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 3-10 for small dogs. The pool parties are currently at capacity for big dogs.

Where: Kino Pool, 2805 E. Ajo Way, on Aug. 3; Picture Rocks Pool, 5615 N. Sanders Road, on Aug. 10

Cost: Free to attend, registration required. Current license and up-to-date vaccinations are required.

Visit the event page for more information.

Back-to-school Pool Party

School is back in session and the Forty Niner Country Club is celebrating with a pool party featuring food, cocktails for the parents and a DJ. 

Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon

Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon opens its doors for free this Saturday, this time featuring a talent show.

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen 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: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3; 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17; noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18; 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

#SplashSavvy Safety Resource Fair

Learn about water safety during this family-friendly resource fair hosted by Marana Parks and Recreation.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Marana Pool, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Monsoon Story Time

Local author Megan Carthel will be at Bookmans River to read her story "The Silver Lining," which is said to combine "meaningful lessons and scientific information with a heartfelt message of finding yourself."

Monsoon Madness: Artist Demonstrations

Head to Desert Artisans' Gallery where five artists will be at work. Enjoy light refreshments and watch as they create their art. 

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Desert Artisans' Gallery, 6536 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

This birding festival, organized by Tucson Audubon Society, is hosting a big roster of activities including field trips, workshops and presentations throughout Southeast Arizona.

When: Aug. 7-11

Where: Locations across Southeast Arizona

Cost: Many events are free with registration. Field trips range in price.

Visit the event site 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.

Summer Reading Party

Lorelai's Literary Foundation is wrapping up their kids' summer reading program with a party! Expect books, face painting, snacks, food trucks and prizes for the program's winners.

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9

Where: Union Square Park, 6725 E. Via Pampas Morenas

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Movie at the Park

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is hosting a summer party at Reid Park, featuring a screening of "The Sandlot" courtesy The Loft Cinema. Food trucks and beer are part of the fun, as well as a guided bike ride from Pueblo Vida to the park. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 10; bike ride is 6 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m.

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

Cost: Free to attend, RSVP online

Visit the event page 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! 

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

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, Aug. 10

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend

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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, Aug. 11

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, Aug. 11; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Aug. 11; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Aug. 30

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Community Water Safety Day

The Tucson J and Tucson Medical Center are hosting a free water safety day where families will have the chance to enjoy the pool, yard games, a bounce house and vendors. Swim instructors will provide swim evaluations and safety demonstrations.

When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road

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 food truck OaxaRico. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Celebration of All Things S-cuk sọn/Tucson

Tucson was founded 249 years ago on Aug. 20, 1775. Every year, the Presidio Museum hosts a party to celebrate. This year, expect live music, dance, musket demonstrations and frybread for sale.

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Movies in Marana: "Tangled"

Catch a free outdoor screening of Disney's "Tangled."

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: Continental Ranch Community Park, 8900 N. Coachline Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn

Catch a free outdoor screening of Disney's "Turning Red."

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

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

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, Aug. 17

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, this time to learn all about composting! Kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

WIG! A Drag Variety Show

With a goal of inclusivity, queen Iona Hoya is hosting a drag variety show at R Bar featuring the talents of four other queens.

When: 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22

Where: R Bar, 350 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information. 

Arizona Art Fest

This free art festival takes place at Hotel McCoy, transforming the hotel into a hub for art, music and culture. Expect to find art displays, live music, vendors and interactive activities as you explore the hotel grounds.

When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

"Beetlejuice"-themed Emo Night

Celebrate the upcoming "Beetlejuice" movie during this emo dance party organized by Desert Goth Club. Expect vendors, drink specials and tattoos while you're there.

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Music Box Lounge, 6951 E. 22nd St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors and drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Movies in Marana: "Sing" 

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

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

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

Cost: Free to attend

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.