It's yet another weekend of hot temperatures and sunny skies. Despite the scorching weather, there are lots of fun activities in store over the next few days:
Celebrate monsoon during a bash at Trail Dust Town, watch as the sun sets over planes at the Pima Air & Space Museum, dance to all the Taylor Swift hits at a pool party, shop plants and seeds during a sale hosted by a local nonprofit, and enjoy cooler mountain temperatures during a free concert on Mount Lemmon.ย
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Cassidy Crone stocks books in the young adult section at Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, 6230 E. Speedway Blvd. in Tucson, Ariz. on Jan. 25, 2022.
Summer Kids Events at Bookmans
Enjoy themed activities for kids every Thursday through July at Bookmans East. July events include a cargo plane challenge, the chance to make your own comet and learning about desert wildlife.
When:ย 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, July 11-25
Where:ย Bookmans East,ย 6230 E. Speedway
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Odyssey Live Storytelling
Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "dreamy."
When:ย 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11
Where:ย The Screening Room,ย 127 E. Congress St.
Cost:ย $12
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Slash S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festivalย โ A Celebration of The Bluesย
Live at AVA Amphitheater on Sunday, July 14, theย S.E.R.P.E.N.T.ย (Solidarity,ย Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N' Tolerance) Festivalย includes an all-star blues lineup featuring Slash, Warren Haynes Band, Samantha Fish and Eric Gales.ย Tickets are on sale now!
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.ย
When:ย 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where:ย Children's Museum Tucson,ย 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this four-day market.
When:ย 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.ย Thursday-Saturday, July 11-13; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where:ย Gather A Vintage Market,ย 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theย event pageย for more information.ย
Read local and support independent bookstores this summer with the help of #ThisIsTucson and Why Iย Love Where I Live
We put together a list of 28 books โ 3 for kids, 25 for adults โ that are written by local authors or touch on regionally-relevant themes. To make things more fun, we have prizes and a raffle for those who read one or more book on our list! Find more info here. ๐
'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party. Wear your best '90s-themed attire!
When:ย 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, July 12
Where:ย Surly Wench Pub,ย 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:ย $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theย event pageย 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.ย
When:ย 8-10 a.m. Friday-Saturday, July 12-13
Where:ย Mission Garden,ย 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:ย Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Chocolate Factory Tour
If you love "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," this might be your dream come true. Though not as extravagant as Willy Wonka's facility, take a tour of Monsoon Chocolate's factory to learn how the chocolate is made.
When:ย Noon and 2 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays in July
Where:ย Monsoon Chocolate,ย 234 E. 22nd St.
Cost:ย $20
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Slime + Friendship Bracelets
Create your own slime and friendship bracelets with the help of Di Luna Candles. All materials are included.
When:ย 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 12
Where:ย The Monica,ย 40 E. Congress St.
Cost:ย $32.50
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Science at Sunset: Into the Past with JWST
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is hosting a special nighttime event to celebrate the James Webb Space Telescope. Enjoy a talk with Kevin Hainline from the JWST team, a planetarium showing, stargazing and more activities.
When:ย 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 12
Where:ย Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,ย 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost:ย $25
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Pop Night
DJ Bex is spinning all the pop hits of your dreams, from Britney Spears and Madonna to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish.ย
When:ย 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, July 12
Where:ย Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:ย Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Paint & Sip with Caroline Martin
Local artist Caroline Martin is hosting two Paint & Sip events this July. At both events, attendees will get to paint on top of a vinyl.
When:ย 6 p.m. Friday, July 12 and 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21
Where:ย The Korean Rose,ย 6118 E. Speedway, on July 12; Postino,ย 2500 E. Grant Road, on July 21
Cost:ย $35-$45; The Korean Rose will have drink specials for purchase, Postino will have free wine for attendees
Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 6-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Aug. 31
Where:ย Tohono Chul,ย 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
The museum's beaver plies the waters near an observation window during the Mad About Monsoons edition of the Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Ariz., July 16, 2022.
Cool Summer Nights
Enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night โ in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.
When:ย 6-9 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 24
Where:ย Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,ย 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost:ย $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for Arizona residents.
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Night Wings at the Pima Air & Space Museum
The Pima Air & Space Museum is staying open late twice this July! Watch as the sun sets over the planes and enjoy themed activities.
When:ย 5-8:30 p.m. Saturdays, July 13 and July 27
Where:ย Pima Air & Space Museum,ย 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost:ย $10 for ages 13 and up, free for ages 12 and under
Visit theย event pageย 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.ย
When:ย 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 10
Where:ย Reid Park Zoo,ย 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost:ย $11.25 for adults, $7 for kids ages 2-14
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Family Dive-in Movie
Splash in the pool while watching a screening of 2023's "The Little Mermaid."ย
When:ย 7:45 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Oro Valley Aquatic Center,ย 23 W. Calle Concordia
Cost:ย $5, tickets must be purchased in advance
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Monsoon Party
Celebrate our beloved monsoon during this party featuring nonprofits and environmental groups, live music, crafts, amusement rides, monsoon-inspired vendors and themed food.
When:ย 2-6 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Trail Dust Town,ย 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:ย $10 for admission, activities and rides; $15 for the same perks, plus a beer or wine tasting flight. Tickets sold at the door are an additional $3.
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Spinninโ Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco
DJ Herm will be rocking beatsย at this outdoor roller disco and dance party.
When:ย 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย MSA Annex,ย 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:ย $10. Bring your own skates!
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Pictured is Native Seeds/SEARCHโs conservation center.
Native Seeds/SEARCH Monsoon Plant Sale
Native Seeds/SEARCH is hosting a plant sale featuring wildflowers, landscape plants, herbs, veggies and a pop-up shop with gifts like seasonings, spices, teas, hats and books.
When:ย 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Native Seeds/SEARCH,ย 3584 E. River Road
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for plants
Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 8-10 a.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Quincie Douglas Center,ย 1575 E. 36th St.
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Eras Tour Pool Partyย
If you didn't get tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour last year, Hotel McCoy is throwing a poolside version featuring nonstop Taylor Swift hits, Eras-themed drinks and tattoos, a friendship bracelet station and a pre-party class where you can paint a Taylor Swift album.
When:ย 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Hotel McCoy,ย 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost:ย $35; paint class is a $50 separate cost and begins at 1 p.m.
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
The Porch Rockers, Mike Blommer VII, left, Steve Jonas, Justin Donaldson and Larry Lee Lerma, perform in the Music on the Mountain series at Mount Lemmon Lodge in Summerhaven 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.ย
When:ย Saturdays; July 13 is 2-5 p.m., July 20 is noon to 3 p.m., July 27 is 4-7 p.m.
Where:ย Mount Lemmon Lodge,ย 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13, firefighters arrive at 10 a.m.
Where:ย Midtown Farm,ย 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Double Diamond Disco
This party at The Jackrabbit Lounge is set to celebrate five decades of disco, featuring DJs and burlesque.
When:ย 8 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย The Jackrabbit Lounge,ย 2000 N. Oracle Road
Cost:ย $10 in advance, $15 at the door. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Humane Society Celebrates 80 Years
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is hosting an adoption event in celebration of its 80th anniversary. Beyond the pet adoptions, the event will include music, vendors, raffles, food and games.
When:ย 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Humane Society of Southern Arizona, 635 W. Roger Road
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for adoptions and food
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Stacks Book Club's Birthday
Stacks Book Club is getting ready to celebrate its first birthday! The Oro Valley bookstore and coffee shop will host an evening of activities, live music and pizza from Ciao Down.
When:ย 4-9 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Stacks Book Club,ย 1880 E. Tangerine Road Suite 140
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Tickets are still available for two of Flandrau's Saturday laser shows, including one that's paired with the music of the Beastie Boys. The other is Daft Punk-themed.
When:ย Saturday, July 13; 8 p.m. for Beastie Boys, 9:30 p.m. for Daft Punk
Where:ย Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,ย 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost:ย $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit theย event pageย 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!ย
When:ย 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Children's Museum Tucson,ย 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Xerocraft Makerspace,ย 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Movies at The Fox
The Fox might be better known for its concerts, but this summer the theater is screening movies, too. This weekend, catch showings of "This is Spinal Tap" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."
When:ย 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13 for "This is Spinal Tap"; 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14 for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."
Where:ย Fox Tucson Theatre,ย 17 W. Congress St.
Cost:ย $8
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Tap & Bottle Downtown 11-Year Anniversary
Tap & Bottle Downtown is celebrating its 11th birthday with an all-day party featuring drinks, a food truck, giveaways and music.
When:ย Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Tap & Bottle Downtown, 403 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Vail Vendor Fair
Hosted by Vail Coffee Stop, this market will feature vendors and food.
When:ย 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Vail Coffee Stop,ย 13105 E. Colossal Cave Road
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Cafecito and Chisme
Tucson Creative Comadres, aย local group for Latinaย creatives and entrepreneurs, is hosting a free workshop focusing on strategies to "help neurodivergent Latinas excel in their careers."ย
When:ย 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Brink,ย 1100 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย 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:ย 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays
Where:ย Foothills Mall,ย 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This Saturday's events include tours of the Turquoise Trail and Barrio Viejo.
When:ย Saturday, July 13; 7:30-10 a.m. for Turquoise Trail, 5:30-7 p.m. for Barrio Viejo
Where:ย Presidio San Agustรญn del Tucson Museum,ย 196 N. Court Ave., for Turquoise Trail; El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, 418 S. Main Ave., for Barrio Viejo.
Cost:ย $30. Pre-registration is required.
Visit theย event pageย 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. Summer, beach and neon attire is recommended.
When:ย 8-11 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where:ย Tucson Creative Dance Center,ย 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost:ย $15, cash or Venmo
Visit theย event pageย 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.ย
When:ย 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundaysย
Where:ย Midtown Farm,ย 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Cricut Classes at Crafty Flamingo Studio
Get access to a Cricut machine and make your own custom crafts at this art studio. Cricut classes take place every Saturday where you'll learn everything from basics to special techniques.ย
When:ย 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. Saturdaysย
Where:ย Crafty Flamingo Studio,ย 6061 E. Broadway
Cost:ย $45
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Libra & Thorn Workshops
Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting a slew of workshops and events in July. Among them this weekend: a sound bath ceremony and a zodiac jewelry class.
When:ย Thursday-Saturday, July 11-13
Where:ย Libra & Thorn,ย 101 S. Pantano Road
Cost:ย $10-$40, depending on the eventย
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
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.
Second SundAZe at TMAย
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making and family yoga.
When:ย 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.ย Sunday, July 14
Where:ย Tucson Museum of Art,ย 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost:ย Pay what you wish
Visit theย event pageย for more information.ย
Sky Island Pool Parties
'Tis the season for pool parties! Head to Hotel McCoy every Sunday for free pool parties featuring DJ Humblelianess. ย
When:ย 5-8 p.m. Sundays in July
Where:ย Hotel McCoy,ย 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost:ย Free to attend, sign a waiver at the front desk
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
The Omni Tucson x The Happy Hive
The Happy Hive is known for its north-side markets โ now taking place at a new location with loads of fun activities in store. Visit the Omni Resort for a movie, lawn games, vendors and a plate of BBQ.
When:ย 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where:ย Omni Tucson National Resort,ย 2727 W. Club Dr.
Cost:ย $10
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
3rd Annual Back to School Event
Barber shop Ascension Dynasty is hosting a back-to-school event featuring free school supplies and free haircuts for kids ages 5-18. They're also accepting donations of school supplies!
When:ย 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where:ย Ascension Dynasty, 1150 N. Silverbell Road
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Alt Market
Desert Goth Club is hosting its third Alt Market, complete with alternative vendors selling clothing, jewelry, zines and more.
When:ย 5-9 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where:ย Screwbean Brewing, 103 N. Park Ave.
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichย advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.ย
When:ย 8-10 a.m. Sunday, July 14;ย 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 26
Where:ย Ward 1,ย 940 W. Alameda St., on July 14;ย El Pueblo Center,ย 101 W. Irvington Road, on July 26
Cost:ย Free to attend
Visit theย event pageย for more information.ย
Sonoran Splash Pool Parties at Hacienda delย 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. Enjoy drinks, food, lawn games and DJ sets.
When:ย 3-7 p.m. Sundays, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25
Where:ย Hacienda del Sol,ย 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
Cost:ย $35, includes a welcome gift and a free drink.ย This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Okashi Ice Cream Sundae Social and "The Princess Bride"
Home baker Okashi is hosting an Ice Cream Sundae Social featuring two flavor options: soba and black sesame. "The Princess Bride" will be playing in the courtyard.
When:ย 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where:ย The Coronet,ย 353 S. Meyer Ave.
Cost:ย Free to attend, bring money for ice cream
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Line Dance Party & BBQ Fundraiser
The Homing Project, a local nonprofit hoping to support Tucson's unsheltered community through a village of tiny homes, is hosting a fundraiser at The Maverick featuring live music, a silent auction, line dance lessons and a buffet.
When:ย Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where:ย The Maverick,ย 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:ย $75
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Crafting at Pueblo Vida Brewing
Pueblo Vida Brewing is hosting two crafty workshops this month, including the chance to paint a desert-themed tote bag on July 14 and a candle-painting class (with a beer flight) withย Flicker & Fleur Designs on July 21.ย
When:ย 1 p.m. Sunday, July 14 for totes; 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21 for candles
Where:ย Pueblo Vida Brewing Company,ย 115 E. Broadway
Cost:ย $15 for totes; $45 for candles
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe this Sunday during cat bingo.ย
When:ย 6-7 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where:ย El Jefe Cat Cafe,ย 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:ย $14, reservations required
Visit theย event pageย for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Childrenโs Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TCย has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,ย teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean?ย Click hereย to learn more.
