46 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Dec. 28-31 🌮🎶

It's the last weekend of 2023. How will you celebrate?

On the lineup this weekend: a long list of New Year's Eve parties and activities, live music, crafting, ice skating and holiday lights. Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

Tucson Holiday Ice

Spend New Year's weekend at Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended. 

When: Now through Jan. 7

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

Cost: A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online. 

Visit the event page for more information.

ZooLights Holiday Magic 2023

Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is still here for the holidays! Find colorful light displays, falling snow and festive music.

When: 6-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 30; Jan. 2-7

Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court

Cost: $13 for general admission; $8 for kids ages 2-14. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy, an unwrapped children's toy or non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off admission.

Visit the event page for more information.

Double Your Holiday Spirit: All gifts matched up to $150K!

This holiday season, there’s no better time to give ... and receive! Give to families, seniors, school kids and others living in our community who need food assistance this holiday season and you may receive a tax credit for your generosity. Plus, your donation will be matched up to $150K by some generous elves, oops, we mean donors 😉

LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination

Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where there are luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights among the gardens' six themed light areas.

When: 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 7

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $20-$50 for adults and $18-$45 for kids, depending on the day.

Visit the event page for more information.

Analog Art Night

Take a break from the holiday madness with this art night at Creative Kind. Pop in anytime to play with watercolors, air-dry clay, beads, crayons, washi tape, yarn and more craft supplies.

When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28

Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

Cost: $15

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.

Holiday Caravan

Take a drive in your own car through Cactus Forest Drive in Saguaro National Park East, as rangers guide you through the loop and chat about the starry skies and the importance of wildlife. The 90-minute tour includes a .25-mile walk along an accessible trail. 

When: Every 30 minutes from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29

Where: Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail

Cost: Park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle. Reservations are required. Call 520-733-5153. Bring a flashlight! 

Visit the event page for more information.

Festive Fridays

Trail Dust Town is hosting one last Festive Friday. Enjoy snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides and a Christmas-themed stunt show.

When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29

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

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson Hip Hop Festival Presents: Year End Party

Enjoy several performances at this party at Club Congress, presented by the Tucson Hip Hop Festival. Among the artists: Tommy Will, Cash Lansky and Marley B.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Planetarium Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau Science Center is hosting three more holiday planetarium shows to round out the season. 

When: 2 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 29-31

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

Cost: $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for kids ages 3-15

Visit the event page for more information.

Silent Adventures

Silent disco meets flash mob with Silent Adventures! Put on your headphones and dance your way through downtown Tucson.

When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 30-31

Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids

Visit the event page for more information.

New Year's Eve Eve Show at Unscrewed Theater

Enjoy a night of improv at Unscrewed Theater's family-friendly New Year's Eve Eve show. (Note: this NYE event takes place Dec. 30!)

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30

Where: Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway

Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 12 and under

Visit the event page for more information.

St. Philip's Plaza Market

Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers. 

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

2023 Taco Bell New Year's Eve Downtown Bowl Bash

Arizona Bowl is hosting a party in downtown Tucson, complete with music, a silent disco, food trucks and beer stations. Fireworks and the big taco drop will happen when the clock strikes midnight (a tradition that Hotel Congress started in 2014, but handed off to Arizona Bowl several years ago). 

When: 6 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Downtown Tucson, 41 E. Congress St.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Let Them Eat Cake: New Year's Eve at Hotel Congress

Get ready for Hotel Congress' royal NYE bash complete with drinks, live entertainment and a midnight toast.

When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $60. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Tucson's Rockin' New Year's Eve Concert

The Rialto Theatre is hosting a rockin' NYE bash including an '80s hair metal tribute and a band that promises to provide the ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd experience.

When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

Cost: $20-$30. This event is for ages 18 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Queer Year's Eve

Ring in the new year at this queer dance party with DJs, giveaways, vendors, food trucks and a photo booth. 

When: 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.

Cost: $12. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Dark Masquerade at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting their annual NYE party, this time surrounding the theme "dark masquerade." Enjoy a champagne toast at midnight!

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

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

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Tejano New Year's Eve Party

Jay Perez & The Band, Louie Martinez and Los Hermanos Cuatro are on the lineup for this Tejano New Year's Eve Party at Casino Del Sol. 

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Casino Del Sol Bingo Hall, 5655 W. Valencia Road

Cost: Free tickets are available starting at 10 a.m. for the first 100 guests

Visit the event page for more information.

Gigi and the Glow NYE

Also at Casino Del Sol this New Year's Eve, dance music cover band Gigi and the Glow will be taking the stage in the event center. 

When: 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Casino Del Sol Event Center, 5655 W. Valencia Road

Cost: Free to attend. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Black & White Party at IBT's

IBT's is kicking off the New Year with a black and white party! There's a drag show at 8 p.m., with dinner available. When the clock hits midnight, you'll get to celebrate with a balloon drop and a champagne toast.

When: Kitchen is open 4-10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Drag show is at 8 p.m.

Where: IBT's, 616 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: $10 cover. Dinner and show reservations are $25, which includes your seat, meal, drink and the cover.

Visit the event page for more information.

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Ring in the New Year at the MSA Annex, thanks to In-Rave. Expect live music, a silent disco and art vendors. A pool party takes place at Hotel McCoy from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday!

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30 for the pool party. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 for the NYE party. 

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road, for the Saturday pool party. MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, for the Sunday NYE party.

Cost: $10-$30

Visit the event page for more information.

NYE with Little House of Funk at Monterey Court

Connie Brannock's Little House of Funk is performing at Monterey Court's annual NYE bash. There will be a four-course dinner and a champagne toast at 10 p.m. 

When: 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile

Cost: $30 for entry into the event; dinner is $70 per person.

Visit the event page for more information. 

Gabriel Evan Orchestra: Caribbean New Year's Eve

Enjoy Caribbean music by Gabriel Evan Orchestra at this Havana-themed New Year's Eve party with a champagne toast.

When: 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

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

Cost: $45 and up. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Electric Desert Disco

Dance the night away at Playground. The NYE party features hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, plus a champagne toast at midnight. 

When: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.

Cost: $35-$55

Visit the event page for more information.

NYE at Snake & Barrel

Batch's basement bar Snake & Barrel will host a New Year's Eve party with DJs, party favors and a toast at midnight.

When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Snake & Barrel, 118 E. Congress St.

Cost: $30 for one ticket, $50 for two

Visit the event page for more information.

New Year's Eve at Brother John's

Enjoy music and comedy at this NYE party at Brother John's. Expect a balloon drop, party favors, a champagne toast and free pozole after midnight.

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Brother John's Beer, Bourbon and BBQ, 1801 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: $30 and up

Visit the event page for more information.

NYE Rock Party at House of Bards

House of Bards is hosting a New Year's Eve party with live music from Shattered Hourglass and a champagne toast.

When: 7 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: House of Bards, 4915 E. Speedway

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

New Year's Eve at Westbound

Head to Westbound on NYE afternoon for live music by the Rosano Brothers, plus a free toast of bubbly at 5 p.m.

When: 3:30-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Westbound, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Tap & Bottle Downtown's NYE Party

DJ Carl Hanni will be at Tap & Bottle's downtown location this New Year's Eve, closing out the night with a champagne toast at midnight.

When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Tap & Bottle downtown, 403 N. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

Boots, Beers and A Country New Year's

Country bar The Maverick will be throwing a New Year's Eve party with live music by Chauncey Jones, plus a free champagne toast and party favors.

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: The Maverick, 6622 E. Tanque Verde Road

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

Backyard Bash at Corbett's

The Billy Shaw Jr Band will perform from 6-9 p.m. on New Year's Eve at Corbett's. While you're there, play a round of pickleball and enjoy drink specials and a midnight toast. 

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Corbett's, 340 N. Sixth Ave.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

NYE Presented by Insider Events

This NYE bash will take place at Reforma, featuring DJs and food. Expect free champagne at midnight, party favors and an "upscale dress code." 

When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Reforma, 4340 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: $10-$15

Visit the event page for more information.

NYE at Union Public House

Enjoy live music, a free champagne toast at midnight and a dinner special featuring ribeye. 

New Year's Eve Party at Mr. Heads

Say goodbye to 2023 at Mr. Heads' NYE party where two DJs will spin music all night long.

NYE at Catalina Brewing Company 

Dance the night away at Catalina Brewing Company's NYE celebration featuring a pot luck of appetizers, champagne toasts and drinks until 2 a.m. 

When: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Catalina Brewing Company, 6918 N. Camino Martin

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks

Visit the event page for more information.

New Year's Eve Ball with The Festival Band

Welcome 2024 with The Festival Band's annual NYE dance, this time with a James Bond theme.

When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Marriott University Park, 880 E. Second St.

Cost: $35

Visit the event page for more information.

NYE After Midnight

Technically, this music-filled party happens after the clock strikes midnight and the date changes to Jan. 1. 

When: 1-4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1

Where: 640 N. Stone Ave.

Cost: $20.24. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

New Year's Eve Movie

Casa Video and Film Bar will be open on NYE, showing a screening of 1964's "Topkapi." Drinks will be available, plus food from Under Pressure Panini Grill.

When: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Casa Video and Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway

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

Visit the event page for more information.

The Labyrinth New Year's Eve Party and Masquerade Ball

Catch a screening of "Labyrinth" at The Loft Cinema this New Year's Eve. Before the movie starts, there will Bowie music videos playing and a costume contest, plus props to use during the movie and a champagne toast.

When: 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. The movie begins at 10:25 p.m.

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Cost: $15

Visit the event page for more information. 

Board Game Day at Flandrau

Kick off New Year's Eve with Board Game Day at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. This family-friendly event will feature classic board games — think Scrabble and Clue — and the science exhibits will be open.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

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

Cost: $12 for adults, $8 for kids

Visit the event page for more information.

Noon Year's Eve at Trail Dust Town

It's Noon Year's Eve at Trail Dust Town! Take the family to this event to enjoy live country music, crafts, photo ops, unlimited rides on the Ferris wheel, train and carousel, and a balloon drop and apple cider toast when the clock hits noon.

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

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

Cost: $16 for ages 2 and up, $5 for kids under 2, in advance. $20 at the door if there are any leftover tickets.

Visit the event page for more information.

Noon Year's Eve at Tap & Bottle North

Tap & Bottle's north location is hosting a family-friendly Noon Year's Eve party with music from Mr. Nature, face painting and a balloon drop. Adults will get a complimentary champagne toast at noon.

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

Where: Tap & Bottle North, 7254 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Noon Year at Children's Museum Tucson

Children's Museum Tucson is celebrating NYE with a Noon Year party. Expect crafts, noise makers and a juice toast at noon.

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31

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

Cost: Included with admission, which is $12 per person

Visit the event page for more information.

Noon Year's Eve at the Desert Museum

Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at noon to watch a giant monarch butterfly float into the New Year. Kids can enjoy music, crafts, educational activities, free books, face painting, LEGOs and a live show hosted by Tucson Improv Movement.