Bask in some throwbacks and history this weekend — a market dedicated to vintage clothing, a poolside screening of "The Breakfast Club," an '80s-themed party and a celebration for Tucson's birthday.
Here's what else is happening: the Van Gogh immersive experience has made its way to Oro Valley, Mission Garden is celebrating desert critters, two free movie screenings are taking place just north of Tucson and 11 Tucson magicians will put on a show in downtown Tucson.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
This mural by Jessica Gonzales is on the west-facing wall of The Loft Cinema, at 3233 E. Speedway.
Cat Video Fest
Cat Video Fest, a compilation of kitty videos, is back at The Loft Cinema! A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Imagine stepping into a painting by Vincent van Gogh. The colors swirl around you and the images of landscapes and self-portraits by the 19th century Post-Impressionist artist suck you into a 360-degree virtual world. That’s what you will experience at “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” in town through September.
When: Thursdays-Mondays in August and September
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $25-$35
Visit the event page for more information.
Become a Girl Scout today!
Be part of a close-knit community that supports you in building strong relationships, participating in unique adventures and discovering who you are — and who you can become. Learn more here.
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.
Critter Night
Learn all about desert animals from more than 20 wildlife agencies, organizations and experts at Mission Garden's Critter Night. You may even spot a live animal!
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations welcome
Visit the event page for more information.
This Saturday, head to the Presidio Museum for a Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson
Presented by the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission and the Presidio Museum, this FREE event is an annual tradition that celebrates the official founding of modern-day Tucson and our rich culture and heritage, including: Waila music, mariachi, Chinese lion dancers and community organizations. The event is 6:15-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Find more info here.
4th Avenue Flea: Sew What?
This upcoming 4th Avenue Flea will feature 40 makers who specialize in fabric, clothing and soft sculpture.
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday Aug. 18
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Drake Listening Party
Roux Events is hosting a listening party at Revel Wine Bar, featuring Drake's greatest hits.
When: 8-10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: Revel Wine Bar, 416 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $15-$55
Visit the event page for more information.
Make Your Own Polymer Clay Earrings
Luna & Saya is a local maker known for her playful statement earrings. Now's your chance to learn how to make a pair of your own studs or mini dangles!
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: Di Luna Candles, 3061 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $48
Visit the event page for more information.
Workshops with The Heathenry
Curiosity shop The Heathenry is hosting two workshops this weekend, including one on Friday where you can make a floral hanger with a deer jaw. Come Sunday, make a moon wreath out of natural materials.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 for the deer jaw hanger; 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 for the moon wreath.
Where: The Heathenry, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: $45 for the deer jaw hanger; $35 for the moon wreath.
Visit the event page for more information.
Hat Burning Class
Tipsy Picassos is hosting a class where you'll be able to burn a design into a hat to take home.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: $75
Visit the event page for more information.
On this particular Free Film Friday, July 21, the pool was off limits due to the night’s lightning and monsoon storm but the movie, “Clueless,” was still shown on the outdoor projector.
Free Film Fridays
Catch a poolside movie every Friday at Hotel McCoy! This Friday, watch a screening of "The Breakfast Club."
When: 8-10 p.m. Fridays
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost: Free to attend and open to the public. Swimming is for hotel guests only, but day passes for the pool are available for $20.
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Speed Dating
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
Chillin at the Chul
Check out music, spirits and bites at Tohono Chul's summer series. On Saturdays, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play.
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 2
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Watch now: El Jefe Cat Lounge is home to around 30 cats. Find the lounge at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Lounge
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Lounge at these weekend events, including trivia, a movie screening of "Cat Daddies" and bingo.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 for trivia; 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 for the movie; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 for bingo.
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $15 for trivia, adults only; $20 for the movie; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Concert Series at Old Tucson
Old Tucson is hosting an outdoor concert series featuring tribute bands performing music from artists like Garth Brooks, Journey and Stevie Nicks. Restaurants, bars and shops will also be open.
When: 6 p.m. select Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 26
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $34 for general admission, $80 for VIP
Visit the event page for more information.
Olesia Yaffa, 4, runs through a group of water jets while playing inside Marana Heritage River Park's Splash Pad at Marana Heritage River Park in Marana, Ariz. on May 19, 2022.
Movies in Marana
Outdoor movie screenings in Marana stretch all the way into the fall season. On Aug. 19, catch a screening of "Big Miracle" at the splash pad.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. The movie begins at sundown.
Where: Heritage River Park Splash Pad, 12280 N. Heritage Park Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food trucks. Bring a towel!
Visit the event page for more information.
Movies on the Lawn in Oro Valley
Oro Valley only has two more outdoor movie screenings this summer, including "The Mitchells vs. the Machines" on Aug. 19.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Mission Garden's Monsoon Dinner
Local nonprofit Mission Garden is hosting a dinner prepared by Tumerico, Barrio Bread and La Estrella Bakery, made with ingredients from the garden.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Ramada by Wyndham, 777 W. Cushing St.
Cost: $80
Visit the event page for more information.
Docent Floyd Newsom, left, and visitor Hans Huth take a closer look at some of the insects attracted to the black light lamps, one of the education stations set up along the walks at the Mad About Monsoons edition of the Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on July 16, 2022.
Cool Summer Nights
Enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night — in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 26
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for Arizona residents.
Visit the event page for more information.
Fairytale Tea Party
Trail Dust Town is hosting its first-ever Fairytale Tea Party with snacks and tea served in the Savoy Opera House, encounters with fairytale characters (and a unicorn), amusement rides and more activities.
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Paracon
Described as a mini-con, Tucson Paracon will "highlight Tucson's haunted mysteries in a positive manner," featuring seven speakers and a ghost investigation.
When: Saturday, Aug. 19. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Paracon; 8-11 p.m. for the ghost investigation.
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: $40-$150
Visit the event page for more information.
John Shryock launched his magic career with the first-ever Stars of Magic showcase in 1988.
Stars of Magic 2023
Get ready for the 35th edition of this two-hour magic show presented by the Tucson chapter of the Society of American Magicians, featuring 11 local magicians doing everything from sleight-of-hand and illusion to closeup and comedy.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $20 for adults, $16 for kids ages 12 and under. On the day of the show, tickets increase to $23 for adults and $19 for kids.
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: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead, 16248 E. Marsh Station Road
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Daze Market
Desert Daze is hosting its first event this Saturday, set to feature a lineup of about a dozen vendors who curate vintage clothing. There will be live music and ice cream from food truck Blondie's.
When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop handmade earrings, macrame, soap and more from this indoor artisan market featuring over a dozen artists.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Penzi and big sister Nandi play together at Reid Park Zoo.
Nandi's 9th Birthday
Nandi, the first elephant born in Arizona, is turning 9 this weekend. Visit Reid Park Zoo on Saturday to sing "Happy Birthday" to Nandi, watch a performance from Red Herring Puppets, decorate a party hat and play in a mud pit. A hose will be available to wash up afterwards.
When: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: Included with zoo admission, which is $10.50 for adults and $6.50 for kids ages 2-14.
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 composting! Every family will receive a copy of "Poo to Peaches" to take home.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Candle-making Class
Smells Like Dessert Candles is a local candlemaker who creates candles that look and smell like sweets, from Froot Loops to Oreos. Learn how to make the candles during this workshop.
When: 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Pure Lotus Scents, 4500 E. Speedway
Cost: $35
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 traditional crops like corn, beans and squash.
When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
A pedestrian walks by Surly Wench Pub on March 18, 2020.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s-themed dance party. Dress in your best '80s-themed outfit or in a "The Breakfast Club" theme!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitten yoga with Barefoot Studio
Take this beginner's yoga class surrounded by kittens! Proceeds go to Southern Arizona Cat Rescue.
When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Barefoot Studio, 7053 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Flow for the Soul with Flam Chen
Flam Chen and In-Rave are hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.
When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!
When: 8-9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Salsa Class and Social Dancing
Put on your dancing shoes and head to this event hosted by the Tucson Casineros. Start off with a salsa class, followed by social dancing.
When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Where: City Center for Collaborative Learning, 47 E. Pennington St.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Sunset Sundays
Explore the Tucson Botanical Gardens after hours!
When: 6-8 p.m. Sundays through August
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $15 for adults, $8 for kids ages 4-17
Visit the event page for more information.
