Silent disco meets flash mob: A unique way to experience a tour of downtown

The streets of Tucson have recently been filled with an unexpected sight: groups of people dancing in complete silence as they loop downtown. 

Welcome to the world of Silent Adventures, a quirky yet captivating combination of the trendy silent disco paired with a walk through downtown Tucson with the vibes and feeling of a discotheque.

Silent discos — where participants, usually in a venue of some sort, don wireless headphones to listen to music, leaving the surrounding area blissfully quiet — have found a home in Tucson. Silent Adventures Tucson provides the music, headphones and everything needed for a unique way to experience a walk through downtown Tucson.

“Silent discos are perfect for Tucson,” said co-organizer Aria Levin. “We have this fantastic combination of beautiful weather, outdoor space and a love for music. It’s a way to bring people together without disturbing the peace of our city.”

The experience begins with attendees picking their adventure through Silent Adventures’ website. While most of the tours are ticketed, some are free for the public. The adventures are 60 minutes long, open to all ages and include different themes for each adventure like “Disney or (an) early 2000s theme,” Levin added.     

After picking your adventure and showing up, attendees pick up their headphones from the group organizers before being led on a guided tour of downtown Tucson while dancing along the way and being shown specific dances by the guide. 

“All the music centers around the theme of the adventure,” Levin said. “It’s the most fun game of ‘follow the leader’ we can do. Whoever is leading the adventure has a microphone that projects into the headphones and they will give dance moves for the group to do as we’re going along the mile loop.”

While on the tour, the group also stops along the way to do fun activities like a dance-off, fashion show and “other silly things that keep the party alive,” Levin added. The tour ends at the same spot it started, and the adventures take place in the afternoons so attendees can explore more of downtown or grab dinner when they are done.

For many, the allure of silent discos lies in the freedom they provide, Levin added. Without the loud thumping bass or shouting over the noise of a traditional nightclub, people can dance as they please, socialize without screaming or simply enjoy the music at a comfortable volume. The flexibility also makes these events family-friendly, and they’ve quickly gained popularity among diverse crowds ranging from college students to families with young kids and even to older dance enthusiasts.

“It’s really fun when we have kids and families on the adventures. We keep it very fun for everyone,” Levin said. “With our themed adventures, we want to get as many groups of people out as possible.”

Silent Adventures started in Scotland by two DJs and quickly expanded throughout Europe. After Levin’s co-organizer, Bridget Gee, attended an adventure in summer 2023, she knew she wanted to bring the adventures to Tucson. 

Gee got together with Levin and organized with Silent Adventures founders to bring the experience to the United States. Tucson is the first location in the U.S. for Silent Adventures.   

“I think Tucson is embracing it because it fits into our laid-back, community-focused culture,” Levin said. “People are excited about trying something new, and the silent disco allows for a more personal experience.”

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Upcoming adventures include a free dance, rage-therapy adventure Saturday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., followed by a ticketed ‘80s- and ‘90s-themed adventure at 4:30 p.m. To check for other adventures, visit their website or keep up with them on Instagram.

In December, Silent Adventures will also be hosting tours in Winterhaven for the neighborhood’s annual Festival of Lights. 

“It’s so fun doing adventures in Winterhaven,” Levin said. “We have a fun Christmas playlist, we dance through Winterhaven and it’s a fun new way to experience Winterhaven especially if you’ve been before.” 

Silent Adventures also rents out their equipment to people who want stationary silent discos for birthday parties, wedding celebrations and more. 

“Our goal with starting Silent Adventures in Tucson was to bring good sober family fun to the Tucson community,” Levin said. “It’s such a different experience and people always tell us it’s a unique and fun way to experience a city tour.” 

With the success of silent discos in Tucson, it seems likely that the trend will continue to grow, potentially becoming a fixture in the city’s already diverse scene. Whether it’s a low-key Disney dance party with the kids or an all-out rave with friends, Tucson’s Silent Adventures is showing no signs of slowing down.

For now, the rhythm of Tucson’s disco dancers pulses in the silence — every beat felt, but never heard.

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