Springtime weather is back in Tucson and so is the chance to play, move and roll on car-free streets during Cyclovia this Sunday. Β
The twice-yearly event that shuts down traffic around some of Tucson's beloved places is rolling through Rincon Heights, Miles, Barrio San Antonio and Sam Hughes neighborhoods.
Bike, walk, run, roller-skate, hula hoop, moon walk β do whatever you feel like doing along the two-mile route β just get out there and have fun!
The event is free to attend and presented byΒ Living Streets Alliance.
The route starts in the Lost Barrio at the corner of South Park Avenue and East 12th Street, near the Golf Links Aviation Bike Path, and continues onto Highland Avenue and eventually Tucson Boulevard before ending at Himmel Park.
The route is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and you can jump in and peace out at anytime. Major car crossing streets include Broadway Boulevard, Campbell Avenue and Sixth Street.
Here are just a few things to look forward to this go-around:
Meet the fonder of the cyclovia movement, Gil PeΓ±alosa
Before you take on the streets this Sunday, catch a talk with Gil PeΓ±alosa at the Rialto Theater, Thursday, April 5.
A renowned urban planner and founder of the "open streets" movement,Β PeΓ±alosa will discuss how mobility affects our health, wealth and happiness.Β
The event is free and doors open at 6:30 p.m. You can also purchase a $40 ticket that includes access to a VIP reception and priority seating.Β
Reserve a seat and find more information here.
All the free activities Sunday
There are hundreds of free things you can do along the route β brought to you by the community groups, organizations, schools and businesses that make up Tucson. Ride on a zip line, draw with some sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles or fix up your bike.
Find the list of all the activities happening, along with an interactive map, here.
The grub!
Can we talk food for a bit? Food trucks and vendors will be out there serving up some tasty eats and drinks including BK's Hot Dogs & Carne Asada, Isabella's Ice Cream and Jozarelli's Italian Street Food. The Taco Shop in the Miles neighborhood will be open too, so you can load up on breakfast burritos before heading out π.
Lost Barrio Shops Block Party
Head to the Lost Barrio section of the Cyclovia route for a block party that features a beer garden and music to keep the festivities going. This includes a musical tribute to Selena Quintanilla, so you better be prepared to sing "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom."
The block party will transform into an afterparty from 3-6 p.m. with performances by Gertie & the T.O. Boyz and Santa Pachita.
Fun entertainment
There's still more performances to find beyond the Lost Barrio. Silt walkers from Circus Sanctuary will be in the Rincon Heights Neighborhood, Mr. Nature's Music Garden is at Sam Hughes and Satyr Entertainment will be at Himmel Park.Β
Find a list of entertainment here. Β
Exploring neighborhoods
One of the coolest things about Cyclovia is checking out places of town you might not have visited otherwise. There's a BMX trail in Barrio San Antonio, a Little Free Library on the corner of 8th Street and Martin Avenue and even more books at the Himmel Park Library β get to adventuring! We'll meet you at Eegee's when you're done!
Find more information about Cyclovia here.
If you go
When: Sunday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Route begins atΒ corner of South Park Avenue and East 12th Street, and ends at Himmel Park Park. Find more details here.
Cost: Free but bring money for food and other fun stuff