Free museum days, live music, stargazing and anniversary bashes — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 33 events that are free to attend this November.
Cali McCoy works to fix up a vintage Schwinn bike her brother gave her during a Women Trans Femme workshop at BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art and Salvage) in 2017.
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.
Community Self-Defense
Jenna Herder teaches self-defense classes for women and the LGBTQ+ community.
When: Various dates.
Where: Combat Krav Maga, 3273 N. Freeway
Cost: Pay what you can
Visit the event page for more information.
Love of Literacy: A Children's Book Festival
This book fest for kids features a slew of activities: create your own bookmarks, write poetry, craft your own storybook and enjoy performances of stories written by kids. You'll also find a story corner, giveaways and snacks. Admission to the Children's Museum is free!
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie on the Lawn in Oro Valley
Oro Valley is screening a free outdoor showing of "Coco" this Saturday.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page 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 for food-truck bites.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, brews available for purchase
Visit the event page for more information.
5 Points Artist Reception
Local artist Lex Gjurasic will have her art displayed at 5 Points for the first time since the pandemic shook the world. Her work will be up through Jan. 2, though she's hosting an artist reception on Nov. 4.
When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
Where: 5 Points, 756 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Oracle Artist Studio Tour
Take a road trip to Oracle and get to know 23 artists in the area. You'll be able to tour artists' studios and purchase original artwork in 12 different Oracle locations.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 4-5
Where: Multiple locations in Oracle.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for artwork
Visit the event page for more information.
Evangelina Dominguez says the butterflies represent the family and friends who have passed and walks for all of those who have died during the 32nd annual All Souls Procession in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 7, 2021.
All Souls Procession
More than 150,000 people head to Tucson's west side each year for the annual All Souls Procession, where attendees walk in remembrance of lost loved ones. The event started in 1990 when founder and local artist Susan Johnson was grieving the loss of her father.
When: The main procession takes place 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Other events, such as a procession of little angels and a concert, will take place Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4.
Where: The procession is south of Speedway, along Grande Avenue to the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. The front of the procession usually arrives in the Mercado District between 7 and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Procession is free to attend, other events may have a fee.
Visit the event page for more information.
Jefferson Park Celebrates 125 Years
The Jefferson Park neighborhood in midtown is celebrating 125 years with an anniversary party. Find antique cars, history panels, community resources, yard games and a silent auction.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5
Where: International School of Tucson, 1701 E. Seneca St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Readings at the University of Arizona Poetry Center
The UA Poetry Center is hosting two poetry readings this month: one from Sawako Nakayasu and the second from Marilyn Chin. Both readings will also be live-streamed on the center's website.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 for Sawako Nakayasu; 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 for Sawako Nakayasu
Where: University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 E. Helen St.
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.
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.
Mission Garden is located at the base of “A” Mountain, at 946 W. Mission Lane.
Tasting History: Olives
Learn about the origins behind olives and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 10-11
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Injury attorneys Lerner and Rowe will be giving away 1,000 Thanksgiving meal packages that "include goodies to make a traditional holiday meal." This is a drive-thru event, serving community members on a first come, first served basis while supplies last and one package per vehicle.
When: 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10
Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Modernism Week
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation has coordinated 10 events in celebration of Tucson Modernism Week. Expect tours of neon signs and historic homes, lectures and a cocktail party.
When: Nov. 10-12
Where: Various locations
Cost: Some events are free; others range from $10-$35. The cocktail party is $125.
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, Nov. 11
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, Nov. 11
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
2nd Saturdays
Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Downtown Tucson along East Congress Street
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Truly Nolen Community Car Show
Truly Nolen is bringing back its car show for the fifth year. Expect to see Truly Nolen cars, in addition to entries from local car clubs.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Truly Nolen Training Center, 432 S. Williams Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page 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 by Archaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork, a farmers market and a bike swap.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Veg Now
This fundraiser for Whisper's Sanctuary will feature at least seven food vendors, music and adoptable animals.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: Brandi Fenton Park ramada 6, 3482 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Signs guide guests through the paths at Valley of the Moon, which is celebrating its centennial this year.
Valley of the Moon's 100th Birthday Party
Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! Their birthday bash will feature fire performances, fairies, mermaids, bubbles, clowns, circus stunts, crafts, music and food trucks.
When: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
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. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities, family yoga and performances. In this edition of Second SundAZe, you'll also find community altars for Día de los Muertos.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Fifth Annual PLANTPOP Film Festival
PlantPop, dubbed a horticultural film studio, is hosting a mini film festival that tells stories of the "connection between people and plants."
When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Harkins Theatres, 5455 S. Calle Santa Cruz
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
KXCI 40th Anniversary Celebration
KXCI is celebrating its 40th birthday with a limited-edition whiskey barrel from Whiskey Del Bac. A limited number of bottles will be available for purchase at their anniversary bash where there will also be live music and Moroccan food pop-up La Merguez.
When: 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12
Where: Che's Lounge, 350 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. 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: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 12; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Nov. 12; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Nov. 24
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission — and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing!
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event site for more information.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this monthly concert series. This month, enjoy music from Mr. Boogie Woogie. Food trucks will be onsite and the Marana Police Department will be hosting a Thanksgiving drive. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays to learn all about the return of beavers to Tucson's rivers. This family-friendly event features crafts, science experiments and the chance to build your own beaver dam model.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
A Night Under the Stars
Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is hosting a night of stargazing. Learn about the stars and planets, all while gazing through telescopes and binoculars.
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18
Where: Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, 16248 E. Marsh Station Road
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Annual Harvest Fest at Rillito Park
Heirloom Farmers Markets host a market at Rillito Park every Sunday, but Nov. 19's market will be extra special. It's the second annual Harvest Fest, set to feature educational presentations from local farmers, more than 90 food vendors, a demonstration from a chef and live music.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19
Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Giving Community with Arizona Bilingual Community
Arizona Bilingual Newspaper will be giving away up to 300 gift cards at this event, so community members will be able to purchase a turkey for Thanksgiving. There will also be music, entertainment, raffles and a vaccine clinic.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
The Cirque Roots Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When: 9:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
