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.
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!
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