Summer Safari Nights (copy)

Ryogen Iwasa gets the chance to feed Jasiri the giraffe at Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, Ariz., June 10, 2023. 

The reality of June is setting in as triple-digit temperatures fill our forecasts this week. But don't worry — nearly every single event on this week's list is either indoors, poolside or before/after the sunny peak hours.

On the roster: a free movie at Reid Park, a market celebrating Indigenous artists, after-hours events at Reid Park Zoo and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a handful of Pride events and more.

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

Visitors look over the art displayed on multiple levels at the Tucson Museum of Art where ramps lead to the lowermost galleries below ground level.

First Thursday at Tucson Museum of Art

Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every first Thursday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission, gallery activities, live music and a cash bar. Get food from Parkie Sandwich while you're there!

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 6

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information. 

Odyssey Live Storytelling

Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "there's an app for that."

When: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6

Where: The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St.

Cost: $12

Visit the event page for more information.


Sponsored

The 17th annual World Margarita Championship makes its return June 14

Tickets are available now for the World Margarita Championship at Westward Look, presented by SAACA and Tucson Originals! This spirited competition event features some of the Southwest's premier chefs and restaurants as they duke it out for Judge's Choice and People's Choice awards for Signature Margarita and Best Bite. Get your tickets here!


Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Upcoming tours include the Turquoise Trail, Barrio Viejo, and the new History of Congress Street.

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6 for History of Congress; 7:30-10 a.m. Sunday, June 9 for Turquoise Trail; 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday, June 9 for Barrio Viejo.

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

Cost: $30. Pre-registration is required for these events.

Visit the event page for more information.

Safe Shift Store 3-Day Sale

The Safe Shift estate store, which helps raise funds for firefighters and first responders through the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, opens its doors for three days each month. Past items for sale have included furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books and more.

When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, June 6-8

Where: Safe Shift, 2801 E. Grant Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.


Sponsored

Celebrate the first official day of monsoon with us! ☔️

#ThisIsTucson is hosting a monsoon mini market featuring an all-local lineup of vendors who sell creosote-infused skincare, candles that smell like desert rain, earrings shaped like clouds and MORE. There will be two food trucks, plus on-site monsoon-themed flash tattoos! The fun takes place 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St. See the vendor list! ⛈


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.

Craft Workshops with Colliope Co

Local shop and craft space Colliope Co is hosting several workshops in June, including a paint party on Thursday and a class that will teach you how to make a macrame water bottle holder on Sunday.

When: 5 p.m. Thursday, June 6 for painting; 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 9 for macrame

Where: Colliope Co, 2706 N. Silverbell Road

Cost: $35-$38, depending on the class

Visit the event page for more information.

Bearizz Arteaga gives her newly acquired streamer a workout just before the curtain goes up on a showing of DC League of Super-Pets for Movies in the Park at the DeMeester Center, Reid Park, Tucson, Ariz., July 14, 2023. The streamers were handed out free by movie sponsor Cox to many of the kids in the crowd.

Movies at Reid Park

Catch a family-friendly movie in Reid Park thanks to Cox Communications. There will be pre-show entertainment including music, games and prizes. Food trucks will be onsite, too. The movie begins when the sun goes down. "Wish" is playing this Friday!

When: 6 p.m. Fridays, June 7 and June 21

Where: Demeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food trucks. Bring chairs or blankets!

Visit the event page for more information.

Laser Show at Flandrau

Flandrau is hosting several different laser shows this June, including this weekend's new-to-Flandrau laser show synced to the music of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon."

When: 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 7

Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost: $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included

Visit the event page for more information.

Surly Wench's 20th Birthday Burlesque Show

Surly Wench is celebrating its 20th birthday this weekend with a Friday night sultry burlesque show. 

When: 10 p.m. Friday, June 7

Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: $30

Visit the event page for more information.

Tasting History: Garlic and onions

Learn about the origins behind garlic and onions and how they became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations are part of the fun.

When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, June 7-8

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer Happy Hours with #ThisIsTucson

The secret's out: we curated a happy hour menu at The Moonstone, Tucson's highest rooftop bar. Enjoy specials on food and drinks and shop from vendors, all while enjoying the mountain views.

When: 5-7 p.m. Fridays, June 7, June 21, July 5 and July 19

Where: The Moonstone inside Graduate Tucson, 930 E. Second St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

First Friday Poetry

Poet and author Cara Lopez Lee, who wrote "Candlelight Bridge," is stopping by Revolutionary Grounds during its First Friday Poetry open mic. 

When: 5 p.m. Friday, June 7

Where: Revolutionary Grounds, 4675 E. Speedway

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Pathways meander throughout Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte, Oro Valley, on Dec. 2, 2022.

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: 6-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Aug. 31

Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer Safari Nights

Enjoy the cooler evening temperatures at Reid Park Zoo's after-hours Summer Safari Nights. Each event will have different themed activities including keeper chats, animal encounters, giraffe feedings, games and live music. 

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 10

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court

Cost: $10.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages 2-14

Visit the event page for more information.

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, June 8-Aug. 24

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.

The first Indigenous Market was held at the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space last year. 

Indigenous Market

Local artist Josie Rios is hosting the third Indigenous Market this weekend where you can expect to find around 35 Indigenous vendors selling items like jewelry, candles, baked goods, paintings and more.

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Loft Kids Fest

Loft Kids Fest is back for another summer of family-friendly movies. Every Saturday and Sunday morning in June, free movie screenings will take place indoors at The Loft with pre-show entertainment from local toy shop Mildred & Dildred. 

When: Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for pre-show activities and movies begin at 10 a.m. weekends in June.

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Juneteenth Festival

The Tucson Juneteenth Festival is celebrating with a week packed full of events. The six events begin June 8 with a Cinderella Ballet at the Temple of Music and Art and end June 19 with an artist talk and exhibit. The main festival takes place June 15 with a car show, live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, vendors and food trucks.

When: June 8-19; ballet is 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8; festival is 4-10 p.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Multiple locations; ballet is at Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.; festival is at Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way

Cost: Ballet starts at $18; festival is free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Club Pride

Queer AF and Golden Gravy are organizing the upcoming Club Pride dance party, hosted by Chatty Kathee and Swish Manley featuring performances and a DJ.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Shoppers browse Coy Creative's booth. Owner Megan Coy will be one of the vendors at The Heathenry's Queer & Strange market.

Queer & Strange: An Odd Pride Market

Curiosity shop The Heathenry is putting together their annual pride market featuring more than 20 vendors, a mocktail bar and drag performers.

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: The Heathenry, 657 W. St Marys Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

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, June 8

Where: Downtown Tucson along East Congress Street

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

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, June 8

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

While wearing their fairy wings, Pamela Thompson, left, and Phyllis Christie walk by the lavender field in bloom at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle, Ariz. on June 1, 2023.

Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm

June might bring hot temperatures to Tucson, but it brings lavender to Oracle. It's officially bloom season at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm and the owners are celebrating with a slew of events. This weekend, farm tours and lavender-themed craft workshops are on the roster.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8 for tours; 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8 for lavender wand workshop; 9:30 a.m. Sunday, June 9 for lavender wreath workshop

Where: Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle.

Cost: $15 for tours and tastings, $35 to make a lavender wand, $45 to make a lavender wreath

Visit the event page for more information.

Free Succulent Saturday

Although kids always get to plant for free at Four Arrows Garden, the nursery hosts "Free Succulent Saturday" each quarter where everyone can take home a free two-inch succulent.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: Four Arrows Garden, 13499 E. Success Dr.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Painted Insect & Bug Rocks

Pima County Master Gardeners is hosting this event where you can paint rocks to look like bugs and insects. The Master Gardeners will also teach you about beneficial garden insects.

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: Pima County Master Gardeners, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information.

Beginner Stained Glass Class

Local artist The Glass Desert is teaching an entry level workshop where attendees will design and create a suncatcher using 5-7 pieces of glass. You'll learn about safety precautions, stained glass tools and more. 

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: TBA upon purchasing

Cost: $125. This workshop is for ages 20 and up. Wear closed-toe shoes!

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, June 8

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Floor & Decor Market by Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank

Local nonprofit Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank is setting up a twice-a-month market at Floor & Decor on Tucson's east side. Find vendors, food trucks, produce and live music. A portion of your purchases goes toward the Southern Arizona Food Bank. 

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday

Where: Floor & Decor, 7025 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Bachata Social Dance Night

Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing. 

When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.

Cost: $15, cash or Venmo

Visit the event page for more information.

Nuestro Tianguis Tucson

Every Saturday and Sunday, head to Flowers & Bullets' Midtown Farm for a swap meet featuring vendors, food and music. 

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 

Where: Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Foothills Community Markets

Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays

Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

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, June 9

Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information. 

The crowd shows their appreciation after a song ends during Fruit Cocktail Lounge in December 2022 at The Century Room.

Fruit Cocktail Lounge

Head downtown for an LGBTQ+ cocktail party and social at The Century Room at Hotel Congress! Enjoy cocktails, small plates and entertainment. 

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9

Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Poolside Vibe

Hang by the pool while shopping from local vendors and enjoying music, food and drinks. A mimosa happy hour takes place 3-5 p.m.!

When: 3-8 p.m. Sunday, June 9

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Sonoran Splash Pool Parties at Hacienda del Sol

When the triple-digit heat strikes, there's almost nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool. Hacienda del Sol is opening up its pool for Sonoran Splash Pool Parties on six Sundays this summer. Enjoy drinks, food, lawn games and DJ sets.

When: 2-6 p.m. Sundays, June 9, June 23, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25

Where: Hacienda del Sol, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road

Cost: $35, includes a welcome gift and a free drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.


Our coverage on things to do is supported by Children's Museum Tucson:

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!


What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.