Say goodbye to the last official weekend of summer! Fall is upon us.
This weekend is packed with things to do: night markets, ghost tours, Oktoberfest, a couple plant sales and The Buffet's 90th birthday party.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A dragonfly sits on a tree branch at Sweetwater Wetlands in 2016.
Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival
Each year, the Sonoran Institute hosts a celebration of dragonflies on the Santa Cruz River. Enjoy several events as part of the festival, from tours and lectures to crafts and virtual presentations.
When: Various dates in September
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Karol G Paint & Sip Party
Divas Illusion Show and Painting & Vino are putting together a Karol G paint-and-sip party in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Expect a step-by-step painting session alongside a drag performance. A cocktail is included!
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Chela's Latin Cuisine, 256 E. Congress St.
Cost: $50
Visit the event page for more information.
Wellness and Wonder: a wellness expo for the entire family
Join the University of Arizona for Wellness and Wonder Day, a FREE community wellness expo and educational showcase featuring faculty experts who will help you explore the interconnections of wonder, well-being, health and the humanities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Expect a digital art collection, tours of the pharmacy museum, photography viewings, faculty talks, meditation lessons and more. See the full schedule here!
Summer Sunsets at Mission Garden
Mission Garden is staying open late during this summer series that features live music and food truck OaxaRico. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission. Expect tacos from Ensenada Street Food, drinks, tunes from KXCI DJs and a 6 p.m. poetry reading.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Join us for a bookish happy hour on Sept. 19 📚
We're hosting a bookish happy hour with Why I Love Where I Live from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. Meet four Tucson authors, sip on a book-themed cocktail (10% of the sales will be donated to Make Way For Books!), enjoy storewide discounts at Why I Love Where I Live and hunt for a free book courtesy Tucson Tome Gnome. See ya there!
Movie and Wine Pairings
Catch a screening of the documentary "Blood into Wine" paired with tapas, desserts and local wine.
When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: RoadHouse Cinemas, 4811 E. Grant Road
Cost: $79
Visit the event page for more information.
Sunnyside Gives Week: Gives Day Block Party
Sunnyside Foundation is taking over American Eat Co. for a night of music, performances from Sunnyside Unified School District groups, a jumping castle and a photo booth.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: American Eat Co., 1439 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Disney Junior Live on tour. Let’s Play!
Live at Centennial Hall in Tucson on Sept. 25. VIP packages are available, get your tickets now!
Ghost Tours at Old Tucson
Old Tucson, which is said to be haunted, is hosting ghost tours this fall. Hear stories of ghosts at Old Tucson during this guided 90-minute tour.
When: 6:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Old Tucson, 201 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $26
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
Fall Down the Rabbit Hole!
Fall out of reality into the rabbit hole with Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, ALICE. Watch as dancers extend by props, ropes and other dancers in a magical experience inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. Get tickets now!
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring Chalako the Band. Three food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Park(ing) Day 2024
The City of Tucson is celebrating Park(ing) Day, a global event "where the public participates in temporarily rethinking curbside parking spaces and converts them" into community gathering spaces. Expect food vendors, games and news about upcoming transportation projects.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Paseo de los Zanjeros, near Congress Street and Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Ana Dawson, of La Luna Coyote, laughs and talks with Kelly Komives about her art made of concrete at the BICAS second annual Art Mart, in Tucson, Ariz., on April 24, 2022.
BICAS Art Mart at Dark
Local nonprofit BICAS started an art market in 2021 after art events were canceled during the pandemic, taking away important revenue generators for Tucson artists. Find bicycle-themed art, ceramics, jewelry, paintings and more. There will also be live music and food!
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Marvin Gaye Listening Party
Roux Events is hosting a listening party at Revel Wine Bar, featuring hits by Marvin Gaye.
When: 8-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Revel Wine Bar, 416 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $15 for reserved seating
Visit the event page for more information.
Divas! at 191 Toole
Dress as your favorite pop star diva for this diva dance party. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $18-20. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Hello Kitty Candle with Di Luna
Make your own Hello Kitty candle with local shop and maker Di Luna! Friendship bracelets are also part of the fun.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Di Luna Candles, 3061 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $50
Visit the event page for more information.
The September G3
G3 Tucson, the city's gay happy hour group, is hosting a party to kick off Pride Week. Expect more mellow tunes in the first hour, followed by a dance party by 6!
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.
Cost: $9, your first drink is included. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Pool Party & Light Show
This pool party will be paired with a DJ and a light show in the pool. Burgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase, along with cocktails!
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Forty Niner Country Club, 12000 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Earshot CoLABoratory
In collaboration with the American Composers Orchestra, Tucson Symphony Orchestra will read the works of four Native composers in a workshop setting. The audience will have the chance to see the collaborative process in action, watching as the music director and orchestra work with composers on their pieces.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
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, Sept. 20
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.
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: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 21-28
Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Ghost Tour
Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.
When: 7 p.m. select dates in September
Where: Downtown Tucson, detailed directions will be emailed upon ticket purchase
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Guitars Under the Stars at Tohono Chul
Every Friday and Saturday through November, Tohono Chul will be staying open late with live music, drinks and bites from the Garden Bistro.
When: 5-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Nov. 20, except Oct. 11
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.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 20-21
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Traveler's Tales Demonstration
Learn how people found their way around Southern Arizona before the days of GPS. You'll see maps, compasses and an astrolabe on display, plus a re-enactor will tell stories of the people who used the tools.
When: 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Fridays in September
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-13
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend's tours include Death After Dark, Public Art & Murals, Pioneer Women of Main Avenue, Barrio Viejo and Murals & More.
When: Various dates Friday-Sunday, Sept. 20-22
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
Casa Marana's color scheme is well-suited for the Bavarian aesthetic of Oktoberfest.
Casa Marana Oktoberfest
Not only will Casa Marana host the Haus of Brats food truck, the brew pub is also hosting stein-holding and pretzel-throwing contests. Wear your best Oktoberfest attire to participate in the costume contest!
When: 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Location: Casa Marana, 8225 N. Courtney Page Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Kickball and a Movie
Watch as Northwest Fire District and Marana Police Department play a round of kickball. Food trucks will be onsite, along with games for kids and a screening of "DC League of Super-Pets."
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21; kickball starts at 6 p.m., movie starts at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Emery Febes enjoys a piece of red velvet banana bread from Ducky’s Pineapple Bread during the Spring Fourth Avenue Street Fair.
Ducky's Banana Bread Bonanza
Ducky's is well-loved for their pineapple banana bread and now they're organizing a market of their own! Ducky's will bring 10 banana bread flavors to the market (and banana bread ice cream), plus you'll be able to shop from 21 local artists and get a bite to eat from five food trucks.
When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Makers Market at The Tuxon
This seasonal market created by Tucson maker Lilith & Daughters features 40 local vendors selling items like apparel, sweet treats, crocheted plushies, soap, jewelry and more!
When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Buffet Bar's 90th Anniversary Party
The Buffet is turning 90! Their anniversary party will benefit United Way of Tucson, featuring drink specials, live music, raffles and giveaways.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: The Buffet Bar, 538 E. Ninth St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Twisted Wonderland Cafe
Kira Kira Collectibles is organizing a mini cafe event at The Korean Rose, slated to feature local vendors, cosplayers and photo opportunities.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Location: The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Buds & Blooms
Local garden center Eco Gro is hosting Buds & Blooms, an event featuring food and art vendors, cannabis and a DJ.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Eco Gro, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Libra & Thorn's First Birthday
Celebrate metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn's first anniversary! Expect in-store sales, a food truck, walk-in tarot readings and four local vendors.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest in Mount Lemmon
Head up to Mount Lemmon to celebrate Oktoberfest alongside food, beer and music.
When: Weekends through Oct. 13
Where: Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 E. Ski Run Road
Cost: Free to attend, parking is $5
Visit the event page for more information.
The evening sunlight bounces off the skin of a Boeing 97G Stratofreighter for photography and art night at Pima Air & Space Museum’s Night Wings, Tucson, Ariz., July 27, 2024.
Make N Take at Pima Air and Space
Kids ages 6 and up will receive a quick-build model aircraft kit that they'll be able to put together, all while learning about the aircraft itself. Kids will also get to visit the aircraft they're set to build.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Pima Air and Space Museum's administrative building north of the parking lot, 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost: $20 per child. An adult is required to be present with the child during class. Admission to the museum is not included and admission is not needed to participate in the class.
Visit the event page for more information.
Flow for the Soul
In-Rave is hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors, food trucks and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
The Bandit's Western Market
Head to Whiskey Roads for drink specials, a brunch buffet and a market complete with western goodies. A raffle is part of the fun, with proceeds supporting local nonprofit Chicks N Chaps.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Whiskey Roads, 2290 W. Ina Road
Cost: Free to attend; $25 for brunch buffet, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Book Block Party
Celebrate your love of books during this community event that will include story times, book exchanges, costumed characters, games, a car show and food trucks.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Vail Coffee Stop, 13105 E. Colossal Cave Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Spencer Peterson (right), a staff member with the new mobile recreation program "Ready, Set, Rec!," spins a hula-hoop around his waist while waiting for a ribbon cutting to begin to kick-off the new city program in 2021.
Ready, Set, Rec! Fall Kickoff
The goal of Tucson Parks and Recreation's Ready, Set, Rec! program is to bring recreational activities to the community through several mobile vans. Their fall kickoff event will feature games, a jumping castle, music, food trucks, information booths and a superhero costume contest.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Reid Park, southwest side
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Traditional O'odham Agriculture + Plant Sale at Mission Garden
Mission Garden has two festivities in store for Sept. 21: during the first, you'll be able to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops. Mission Garden is also hosting a plant sale the same day.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21; 8-9 a.m. for O'odham agriculture; 8-11 a.m. for plant sale
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted. Bring money for plants!
Visit the event page for more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays, this time to learn about using native plants to create rain gardens. Kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Watershed Management Group, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Propagation Workshop
Pima County Master Gardeners is partnering with Free Plant N Garden Stands for a propagation workshop this Saturday. Expect to learn skills needed to propagate seeds and cuttings, including seven stations with topics like seed storage and the value of trees.
When: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Pima County Master Gardeners, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $30 for adults, kids 12 and under enter for free; cash and checks are accepted at the door
Visit the event page for more information
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire or in a "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" theme!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
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.
August Wine and Craft Fair
Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring local artists, wine tastings and charcuterie boards.
When: Noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 21-22
Where: Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. Saint Patrick Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks. Reservations are required for wine tastings.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Area Iris Society Rhizome Sale
Head to Harlow Gardens to learn how to grow iris plants in Arizona and purchase stems of your own.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for plants
Visit the event page for more information.
Sabino Canyon Night Tours
Take a ride through Sabino Canyon after dark! The tour features a narrative program in English and Spanish with details about Sabino Canyon's history, fauna and flora.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in September
Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Cost: $15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 12
Visit the event page for more information.
Caroline Martin, right, owner of the art cart, checks in on Prairie Karwoski, 9, and her mother Geneva, as they enjoy snacks and make art at The Korean Rose.
Art Events with Caroline Martin
Local artist and teacher Caroline Martin is sharing her love of art with the community! She recently started an art cart, where she brings craft supplies to tea shop The Korean Rose and gluten-free bakery Dedicated. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at the cafes! She'll also host a paint class on Sept. 21 where attendees will have the chance to paint atop a vinyl.
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 for paint class; various dates in September for the art cart
Where: Paint class and art cart is The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway; art cart is also at Dedicated, 4500 E. Speedway
Cost: Crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15; paint class is $35
Visit the art cart page or paint class page for more information.
Family Organization Workshop
Learn all about organization! You'll hear how an organized environment can affect children's mental health, ways to get kids interested in organizing and tips on organizing your home.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: 440 & Co., 440 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Music in the Park
Arizona Symphonic Winds is hosting a fall concert series, this time featuring special guests. Bring your own chairs and blankets!
When: 7 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 5
Where: Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Cumbia Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a cumbia class followed by social dancing.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15
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: 7 a.m. to 1 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.
Maestro László Veres conducts during his final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
Tucson Pops Orchestra Concert Series
Tucson Pops Orchestra is back with three concerts in the park this fall. Expect a beer garden and food trucks!
When: 7 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 22-Oct. 6
Where: DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
Swap-Tember
Soil Sisters Swaps is hosting a plant swap featuring bingo, prizes and a donation drive for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Whiskey Dinner at Dante's Fire
Chef Kenneth Foy of Dante's Fire is preparing a five-course dinner with whiskey pairings. Both smoked duck and short rib are on the menu.
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $105
Visit the event page for more information.
Underwater! Floozy Flea Market
Shop clothing, jewelry and art during the upcoming Floozy Flea. Live music is part of the fun!
When: 2-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Visit the event page for more information.
Symphony Showcase
Enjoy an hour-long concert featuring highlights of Tucson Symphony Orchestra's 2024-25 season, along with excerpts and commentary about the pieces.
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo or enjoying a yoga session.
When: Sunday, Sept. 22; 10-11 a.m. for yoga; 6-7 p.m. for bingo
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
