Cheap movies, vegan food fest, a sale for all things miniatures, a One Direction dance party and a roller disco β all in the span of a weekend.
What else is happening this weekend around Tucson? Oktoberfest, Tucson Hip Hop Awards, a fall plant sale and the Barbie truck comes to town.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A cyclist rides along The Loop at Grant Road next to the Santa Cruz River swollen with runoff from midtown Tucson storm on July 26, 2022.
Bugs and Brews
As part of the Sonoran Institute's fifth annual celebration of dragonflies on the Santa Cruz River, two experts will be at Playground Bar & Lounge for a family-friendly chat about dragonflies and fireflies.Β
When:Β 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Where:Β Playground Bar & Lounge,Β 278 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
UAMA's Art After Dark
The University of Arizona Museum of Art is extending its hours for an evening of free admission and activities. Tanline Printing will give letterpress demonstrations, two printmakers will have art for sale and you can try your hand at art trivia.
When:Β 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Where:Β University of Arizona Museum of Art,Β 1031 N. Olive Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
βBarefoot in the Parkβ is coming to Tucson this September and October
Neil Simonβs most beloved romantic comedy,Β βBarefoot in the Park,β is coming to Tucsonβs Temple of Music and Art, Sept. 23 through Oct. 13. Considered one of Americaβs best rom-coms, βBarefoot in the Parkβ is among the top 10 running non-musical plays in Broadway history and was turned into an Oscar-nominated movie.Β Get tickets here!
Mega Challah Bake
For its 10th year, Chabad Tucson is hosting the Mega Challah BakeΒ ahead of Rosh Hashanah and the Jewish New Year.Β
When:Β 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Where:Β Tucson Jewish Community Center,Β 3800 E. River Road
Cost:Β $45
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Elaine Romeroβs El Tiradito
A new immersive play honoring migrants who have died in the desert surrounding Tucson, and documenting the activism keeping their memory alive, premieres this week at a legendary site in Tucsonβs Barrio Libre: El Tiradito, known as the βWishing Shrine.βΒ The play is hosted byΒ CoaliciΓ³n de Derechos Humanos and theΒ University of Arizona Confluence Center for CreativeΒ Inquiryβs Fronteridades program.
When:Β 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14-17 and Sept. 21-24
Where:Β El Tiradito Wishing Shrine,Β 418 S. Main Ave.
Cost:Β Suggested donation of $20
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Sonoran Restaurant Week
Sonoran Restaurant Week is a 10-day celebration of food in Southern Arizona. Most of the participating restaurants are offering prix fixe meals for $25, $35 or $45. Just ask for the Sonoran Restaurant Week menu when stopping into your participating restaurant of choice!
When:Β Now through Sept. 17
Where:Β Various restaurants. See participating restaurantsΒ here.
Cost:Β $25-$45
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Workshop with Melrose Macrame
Learn how to make your own macrame plant hanger from local maker Melrose Macrame!Β
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Where:Β Coalition Space,Β 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost:Β $45
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
A journalist sits in the immersive room as a 360-degree video projects βThe Starry Nightβ painting by Vincent Van Gogh, during a media preview of the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience on August 8, 2023.
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. Thatβs what you will experience at βVan Gogh: The Immersive Experience,β in Oro Valley.
When:Β Thursdays-Mondays
Where:Β Oro Valley Marketplace,Β 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β $25-$35
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where:Β Children's Museum Tucson,Β 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Gardening Hour
Learn about gardening and bring home clippings all while connecting with The Garden Kitchen team.Β
When:Β 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where:Β The Garden Kitchen,Β 2205 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Sonoran Cinema at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Sonoran Cinema for an indoor screening of Disney's "Encanto." Get cotton candy and popcorn from the concession stands!
When:Β 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15
Where:Β Tohono Chul,Β 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost:Β $4
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
21st Annual Roasted Chile Festival
Celebrate roasted chiles at this festival with Heirloom Farmers Markets. There will be three events at markets around town that will include live music, vendors, and, of course, roasted chiles. The Rincon Valley event will also have kid-friendly activities like face painting.Β
When:Β 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 15 at Udall; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16 in Rincon Valley; 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 17 at Rillito.
Where:Β Udall Park,Β 7202 E. Tanque Verde Road; Rincon Valley,Β 12500 E. Old Spanish Trail;Β Rillito Park,Β 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Resin Art Upcycle
Upcycle unwanted toys and other plastic pieces to create your own work of art.
When:Β 7-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15
Where:Β Coalition Space,Β 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost:Β $40
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Free Film Fridays
Catch a poolside movie on most Fridays at Hotel McCoy! This Friday, "The Karate Kid" is playing.
When:Β 8-10 p.m. Fridays
Where:Β Hotel McCoy,Β 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost:Β 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 theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe at these weekend events including sound bath meditation, cat yoga and cat bingo.
When:Β 7-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 for the sound bath; 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 for bingo.
Where:Β El Jefe Cat Cafe,Β 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β $25 for sound bath; $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where:Β BICAS,Β 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, donation suggestedΒ
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Ate Kei's Filipino Treats will be at the upcoming Vegan Night Market. Pictured are the vegan ube brownies.
Vegan Night Market
Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie are hosting a night of vegan eats. You'll find nearly two dozen food vendors, plus tattoos, permanent jewelry, candles and more.
When:Β 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Owls Club,Β 236 S. Scott Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping. This event is for all ages in the courtyard, but ages 21 and up in the bar.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Retro Game Show Night, an evening of off-the-cuff comedy thatΒ pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist,Β returns this weekend.Β The upcoming game show is "Sassword."
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Club Congress,Β 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $17.51.Β This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Spinninβ Wheels Outdoor Roller Disco
DJ Herm will be rocking beatsΒ at this outdoor roller disco and dance party.
When:Β 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β MSA Annex,Β 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost:Β $10. Bring your own skates!
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Movies in Marana
Head to Marana for a free outdoor screening of the 2021 movie "Space Jam: A New Legacy." Snacks will be available for purchase from food trucks!
When:Β 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. The movie begins at sundown.Β
Where:Β Crossroads at Silverbell Park,Β 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food trucks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Movies on the Lawn in Oro Valley
Oro Valley is screening its last outdoor movie of the summer. On the schedule: "The Little Rascals."
When:Β After sunset on Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center,Β 10555 N. La CaΓ±ada Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tiny Treasures Sale
During the year, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures accepts donations of miniatures that they then sell at their annual Tiny Treasures Sale. You'll find dollhouses, toy furniture, miniature accessories and more.Β
When:Β 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.
Cost:Β Included with museum admission, which is $14 for adults and $8 for kids. The sale accepts cash or check only.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Afternoon patrons enjoy brews at Casa Marana Craft Beer + Wine, 8225 N. Courtney Page Way
Oktoberfest at Casa Marana
Casa Marana is kicking off the first official day of Oktoberfest with a vendor market, the Haus of Brats German food truck and a stein-holding contest.
When:Β Saturday, Sept. 16; Haus of Brats will be there 2-9 p.m.; the market will be 2-6 p.m.; the stein-holding contest will be 5-7 p.m.
Where:Β Casa Marana,Β 8225 N. Courtney Page Way
Cost:Β Free to attend,Β bring money for food and drinks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
One Direction Dance Party
It's time to dance all night to the best song ever πΊ This One Direction dance party will take over 191 Toole featuring all your favorite hits by the boy band.Β
When:Β 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β 191 Toole,Β 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost:Β $16. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour
HI, BARBIE!Β Mattel's "Dreamhouse Living Tour," which kicked off in July in Florida, is coming to Tucson. Fans can find exclusive merchandise including hats, bags, shirts, blankets, necklaces, embroidered patches, keychains, reusable water bottles and coasters.Β
When:Β 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β La Encantada,Β 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Β‘Agua es Vida!
Sustainable Tucson, Watershed Management Group and The Loft Cinema are celebrating water in the desert with a day-long event. The celebration begins at Watershed Management Group's Family Saturdays, where you're learn how to create your own rain garden through a hands-on workshop. Tours of the Living Lab will be available afterwards. Later in the afternoon, a short film showcase will take place at The Loft followed by a Q&A with a filmmaker and water expert.
When:Β Saturday, Sept. 16. 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for events at Watershed Management Group; 2 p.m. for the short film showcase at The Loft.
Where:Β Watershed Management Group,Β 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.; and The Loft Cinema,Β 3233 E. Speedway
Cost:Β Free to attend Family Saturdays at Watershed; $8 for the film showcase.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Sabino Canyon Crawler night tour
Take the shuttle through Sabino Canyon β at night! The night tours run every Saturday, depending on weather.
When:Β 7 p.m. Saturdays in September; 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in October
Where:Β Sabino Canyon Recreation Area,Β 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Cost:Β $15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 12
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Button Brew House's Birthday + Happy Hive Market
Button Brew House is turning six years old! To celebrate, the brewery is hosting a party with a water slide, food trucks, live music and a Cirque Roots show. The Happy Hive Market, featuring local makers, will also be part of the event.
When:Β Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Button Brew House,Β 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Fall Plant Sale at Nuestra Tierra Garden
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is kicking off fall with a plant sale. Expect to find compost and soil, plus veggies like arugula, broccoli, cilantro, lettuce and kale.
When:Β 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Nuestra Tierra Garden, 3003 S. Country Club Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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.Β
When:Β 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead,Β 16248 E. Marsh Station Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Desert Haze Market
Desert Haze is hosting its next event this Saturday, set to feature a lineup of about a dozen vendors who curate vintage clothing. There will be live music, too!
When:Β 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Havana Nights Prom
Help support local nonprofit I Am You 360's tiny home project during this night of dinner, drinks, music and dancing. Formal attire is requested.
When:Β 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β 242 Park Ave Events,Β 242 S. Park Ave.
Cost:Β $125
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Jackrabbit Lounge's take on a Blue Hawaiian.Β The Jackrabbit's food and drink menus recall tiki bars like Trader Vicβs.
Double Diamond Disco
This party at The Jackrabbit Lounge is set to feature three DJs, burlesque and go-go performances and a Glamour Shots-inspired photo booth.
When:Β 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β The Jackrabbit Lounge,Β 2000 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β $10 in advance, $15 at the door. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Mission Garden,Β 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost:Β Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The City Boys Music Group was among the performers at the inaugural Tucson Hip Hop Awards last year at The Rock. This yearβs show and ceremony moves to the Rialto Theatre.
Tucson Hip Hop Awards
The Tucson Hip Hop Awards are back for their second year, presented by DJ Jahmar and special guests. There will be live performances and awards in more than 25 categories.
When:Β 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β The Rialto Theatre,Β 318 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $15
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with the Presidio Museum, set to feature folklorico and mariachi performances, in addition to a lecture by a historian.
When:Β 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Presidio San AgustΓn del Tucson Museum,Β 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost:Β Included with museum admission which is $9 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6-13
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Vail Family Connections Day
The public is invited to this community event hosted by Vail School District. Vail Family Connections Day features all-ages breakout sessions on subjects like mental health, social media, dance, art, finances and parenting. There will also be food, jumping castles and face painting.
When:Β 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Mica Mountain High School,Β 10800 E. Valencia Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, registration encouraged
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Pop-up Cafe and Free Bike Repair
Living Streets Alliance, the folks who put on Cyclovia biannually, are hosting a pop-up cafe with free bike repair, breakfast burritos and coffee. The event is a way for community members to provide feedback to the City of Tucson on four upcoming bike boulevard projects.Β
When:Β 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Joaquin Murrieta Park, 1400 N. Silverbell Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Make & Take Frogs
If you've ever shopped at curiosity shop The Heathenry, you've likely seen colorful decorative frogs for sale, sitting atop shelves and tables. Now's your chance to make your own! This workshop is led by Darby Hunter Art.
When:Β Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β The Heathenry,Β 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost:Β $15-$25
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Queer Speed DatingΒ
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When:Β 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Bawker Bawker Cider House,Β 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Summer Bike Night
Pueblo Vida Brewing is hosting a summer bike ride with Living Streets Alliance. The ride starts at the brewery and ends at Tucson Hop Shop.
When:Β 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Pueblo Vida Brewing,Β 115 E. Broadway
Cost:Β Free to attend. These rides are for ages 21 and up. Bring a helmet, bike lock, water and lights.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s-themed dance party. Dress in your best '80s attire or in a "Goonies"-themed outfit.Β
When:Β 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Surly Wench Pub,Β 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Colliope Co Craft Workshops
Colliope Co is hosting two craft workshops this weekend, including a macrame disco ball keychain and a macrame plant hanger.Β
When:Β Saturday, Sept. 16. 10:30 a.m. for the disco ball keychain; 1 p.m. for the plant hanger.
Where:Β Colliope Co,Β 2706 N. Silverbell Road
Cost:Β $20 for the keychain; $45 for the plant hanger.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave., in downtown Tucson, Ariz.
Las Hermanas Release Party
Borderlands Brewing Company is celebrating the release of their Las Hermanas Vienna Lager with a party featuring food specials and live music.
When:Β 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Area Iris Society Sale
Head to Harlow Gardens to learn how to grow iris plants in Arizona, chat with experts and purchase stems of your own.Β
When:Β 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tea and Live Poetry
Learn all about tea from Love In A Cup. The night also includes live poetry readings.Β
When:Β 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where:Β Bookmans East,Β 6230 E. Speedway
Cost:Β Free to attend, emailΒ jamesr@bookmans.comΒ to reserve your spot.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays
Where:Β St. Philip's Plaza,Β 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
At this event, you'll get to enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire, all while watching a magical theatrical performance.Β
When:Β 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in September
Where:Β Dante's Fire,Β 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost:Β $49 without dinner, $79 with dinner
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Burrito Run
The Sunnyside Foundation is kicking off its Gives Week activities with a 5K/10K Burrito Run. Of course, a burrito will be waiting for you at the finish line.
When:Β 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 17
Where:Β Mission Manor Park,Β 5900 S. 12th Ave.
Cost:Β $20-$40. Free for kids to participate in the non-competitive 5K.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Yoga + Pint
1912 Brewing Co. is collaborating with Veterans Yoga Project for a yoga and pint class, which includes an hour-long yoga session and either a pint of 1912 beer or a non-alcoholic beverage. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Veterans Yoga Project.Β
When:Β 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17
Where:Β 1912 Brewing Co.,Β 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Cost:Β $15
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Tucson Pops Orchestra Concert Series
Tucson Pops Orchestra is back for another round of free concerts in the park, featuring special guests.
When:Β 7 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 17-24
Where:Β DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park,Β 800 S. Concert Place
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
