40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Aug. 8-11 🦜🧜‍♀️

It's a weekend filled with laser shows, zoo animals, peach picking, dance parties, a foodie competition and pirates in Bisbee.

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

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

This birding festival, organized by Tucson Audubon Society, is hosting a big roster of activities including field trips, workshops and presentations throughout Southeast Arizona.

When: Now through Aug. 11

Where: Locations across Southeast Arizona

Cost: Many events are free with registration. Field trips range in price.

Visit the event site for more information.

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 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

Read local and support independent bookstores this summer with the help of #ThisIsTucson and Why I Love Where I Live

We put together a list of 28 books — 3 for kids, 25 for adults — 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 books on our list! Find more info here. 📚

Art Walk

Every second Thursday, the Southern Arizona Arts Guild in La Encantada hosts an Art Walk. Shop from artists, meet art teachers and learn about upcoming art classes.

When: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8

Where: Southern Arizona Arts Guild, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Gather A Vintage Market

Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this four-day market.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 8-10; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information. 

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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.

Local Love Series at Hotel McCoy

Celebrating local music and vendors, Hotel McCoy is hosting a free poolside concert with folk musician Jacob Acosta alongside artist Qmulative, who creates Arizona-themed pocket tees.

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

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: Noon and 2 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays

Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

Broadway Rave

This traveling rave is basically a big musical theater dance party "celebrating the best of Broadway." 

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9

Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.

Cost: $17-$23. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information. 

Paint & Sip with Caroline Martin

Paint a whimsical mermaid-themed scene atop a vinyl, with the help of local artist Caroline Martin. Mermaid-inspired attire is encouraged!

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9

Where: The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway

Cost: $35

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer Reading Party

Lorelai's Literary Foundation is wrapping up their kids' summer reading program with a party! Expect books, face painting, snacks, food trucks and prizes for the program's winners.

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9

Where: Union Square Park, 6725 E. Via Pampas Morenas

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page 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. 

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up

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: 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.

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This week's tours include Death After Dark, the Turquoise Trail and Barrio Viejo.

When: 8-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 for Death After Dark; 7:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 for the Turquoise Trail; 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 for Barrio Viejo

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Baja Brews and Bites

Hosted by Tucson Originals and Tucson Foodie, this culinary event will feature chefs and breweries collaborating to create small plates with beer pairings. Seven breweries and 14 chefs are slated to participate. You'll get to vote for your favorite dish!

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: The Highlands at Dove Mountain, 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd.

Cost: $65, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

Spinnin’ Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco

DJ Herm will be rocking beats at this outdoor roller disco and dance party.

When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: $10. Bring your own skates!

Visit the event page for more information.

Good Luck Club: An Unapologetic Dance Party

This dance party will feature hits by Reneé Rapp, Boygenius, Kacey Musgraves, Chappell Roan and more queer artists.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15.66, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

Fairytale Tea Party

Trail Dust Town is hosting a tea party featuring fairytale characters, snacks, tea, interactive activities and amusement rides.

When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $35; kids ages 2 and under enter for $5

Visit the event page for more information.

Movie at the Park

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is hosting a summer party at Reid Park, featuring a screening of "The Sandlot" courtesy The Loft Cinema. Food trucks and beer are part of the fun, as well as a guided bike ride from Pueblo Vida to the park. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 10; bike ride is 6 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m.

Where: Reid Park's DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, 800 S. Concert Place

Cost: Free to attend, RSVP online

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer Safari Nights

Enjoy the cooler evening temperatures during Reid Park Zoo's last after-hours event of the summer. Expect themed activities including keeper chats, animal encounters, giraffe feedings, games and live music. 

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court

Cost: $11.25 for adults, $7 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 through Aug. 24

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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.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau is hosting several different music-themed laser shows this August. On the roster this Saturday: Laser Classic Rock and two Pink Floyd shows.

When: Saturday, Aug. 10; 6:30 p.m. for Laser Classic Rock, 8 p.m. for Pink Floyd's The Wall, 9:30 p.m. for Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.

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.

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, Aug. 10

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

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Vail Vendor Fair

Hosted by Vail Coffee Stop, this market will feature vendors and food.

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Vail Coffee Stop, 13105 E. Colossal Cave Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

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, Aug. 10

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Ice Cream and Yoga Party

Home baker Ate Kei's Filipino Treats is making two flavors of Filipino-inspired ice cream for a yoga party. When you purchase ice cream, you'll get $5 off the yoga class.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Moroso Medical Center, 2231 S. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Ice cream is $12, yoga class is $10 when you purchase ice cream. Purchase both in advance!

Visit the event page for more information.

Mr. Tucson Pride Randy Wilde Presents: Oops! All Boys

Tucson Pride is hosting a night of live entertainment and performances including Mr. Tucson Pride Randy Wilde and Miss Tucson Pride Lady Ashley. 

When: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.

Cost: $10, this event is for ages 21 and up

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: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Shades of Techno

In-Rave is showcasing different styles of techno with the help of five local DJs and producers this Saturday. 

When: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave.

Cost: $10-$20 in advance, $25 at the door. This event is for ages 18 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Bisbee Pirate Weekend

If you're looking to take a mini road trip to explore the charming little town of Bisbee, this might be a good time to do it. Bisbee Pirate Weekend features performances, meet-and-greets with mermaids and pirates, a pirate circus and a mermaid parade. 

When: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 9-11, though most of the activities take place Saturday

Where: Multiple locations in Bisbee

Cost: Some activities are free, others have a fee

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, Aug. 10

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

Cost: $15, cash or Venmo

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer Festivities at Apple Annie's

Take a road trip to Willcox, where U-Pick orchard Apple Annie's is hosting two fun celebrations: Peach Mania and Sweet Corn Extravaganza. 

When: Both take place Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 10-11; Peach Mania extends to Saturdays-Sundays, Aug. 17-25

Where: Sweet Corn Extravaganza is at the farm, 6405 W. Williams Road in Willcox; Peach Mania is at the orchard, 2081 W. Hardy Road in Willcox. Farm is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; orchard is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and produce picking

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.

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, Aug. 11

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

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information. 

The Omni Tucson x The Happy Hive

The Happy Hive is known for its north-side markets — 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: 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: Omni Tucson National Resort, 2727 W. Club Dr.

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

Community Water Safety Day

The Tucson J and Tucson Medical Center are hosting a free water safety day where families will have the chance to enjoy the pool, yard games, a bounce house and vendors. Swim instructors will provide swim evaluations and safety demonstrations.

When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Ride with FUGA

Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities. 

When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Moon Pickles

At this workshop, held at witchy shop Monsoon Mystics, you'll get to make two types of pickles and take home two 16-ounce jars.

When: 4:30-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: Monsoon Mystics, 657 W. St Marys Road

Cost: $35

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. Enjoy drinks, food, lawn games and DJ sets.

When: 3-7 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 11 and 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.

Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo.

When: 6-7 p.m. Sundays

Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: $14, 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!

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