40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Aug. 22-25 🎨🌮

This weekend is packed with music, art and food. Here's what's going on:

Vote for your favorite salsa and tacos in Tucson, listen to Bob Marley hits at a wine bar, explore the Desert Museum during its last after-hours event of the summer, wander through Hotel McCoy as it transforms into an art hub, ride through Sabino Canyon under the moonlight, watch as local chefs compete for a spot to become the next Iron Chef Tucson and meet your match during a dating game show.

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

Prickly Pear Harvesting Class

Learn all about harvesting prickly pear with the help of Monsoon Mystics. You'll get to take home a jar of prickly pear juice, fruits and a recipe guide.

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22

Where: Monsoon Mystics, 657 W. St Marys Road

Cost: $40

Visit the event page for more information.

National Geographic's "Extreme Weather"

Flandrau is screening National Geographic's "Extreme Weather" this week, where you'll learn about the interconnected system that is our weather.

When: 2:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Aug. 22-23

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

Cost: Show only is $14.95 for adults, $10.95 for kids; combo ticket for the show and museum exhibits is $26.95 for adults, $18.95 for kids

Visit the event page for more information.

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Hacienda del Sol's 2nd annual Labor Day Luau will be on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 6-9 p.m. Expect a fun-filled evening featuring a sumptuous Hawaiian-inspired buffet and handcrafted tiki-themed cocktails, with live music and hula dancers. Find more info here!

Movie and Wine Pairings

Catch a screening of the documentary "Blood into Wine" paired with tapas, desserts and local wine.

WIG! A Drag Variety Show

With a goal of inclusivity, queen Iona Hoya is hosting a drag variety show at R Bar featuring the talents of four other queens.

When: 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22

Where: R Bar, 350 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information. 

25K Bingo Super Session

Over $25,000 are up for grabs on Saturday, Aug. 31! All regular games are guaranteed to pay $1,199, with the last game of the night paying a guaranteed $10,000! Learn more here.

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.

Bob Marley Listening Party

Roux Events is hosting a listening party at Revel Wine Bar, featuring hits by Bob Marley.

When: 8-10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23

Where: Revel Wine Bar, 416 E. Ninth St.

Cost: $15 for reserved seating 

Visit the event page for more information.

Win prizes for the books you read! 

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. 📚

Emo Nite at Club Congress

Enjoy an emo dance party at Club Congress, featuring special guest Brian Dales from The Summer Set. A dollar from every ticket sold will go toward the Living The Dream Foundation.

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23

Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $21 in advance, $25 day of. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

A Night of Magic

Magician John Shryock will take over the Savoy Opera House stage inside Trail Dust Town for an all-ages magic show. 

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23

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

Cost: $20-$30

Visit the event page for more information.

Local Love-A-Palooza

Enjoy a lineup of local music at the Rialto Theatre during the venue's Local Love series.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23

Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

Cost: $5-$8

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.

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 Santa Cruz River, Death After Dark and Barrio Viejo.

When: 6:30-8:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23 for Santa Cruz; 8-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 for Death After Dark; 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 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.

Cool Summer Nights

For the last time this summer, 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. Saturday, Aug. 24

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. Free admission for K-12 teachers and support staff, show your current school ID or bring a letter from your principal on letterhead stating that you're an employee!

Visit the event page for more information.

Salsa, Tequila and Taco Challenge

Now's your chance to vote for the best salsa, tequila cocktails and tacos in Southern Arizona. Expect concoctions like chocolate chipotle tacos, habanero peach salsa and a margarita with nopales. Beyond the tastings from local chefs and mixologists, there will be live music, live painting and live lucha libre wrestling. 

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Hilton El Conquistador, 10000 N. Oracle Road

Cost: $100

Visit the event page for more information.

Arizona Art Fest

This free art festival takes place at Hotel McCoy, transforming the hotel into a hub for art, music and culture. Expect to find art displays, live music, vendors and interactive activities as you explore the hotel grounds.

When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping. Parking at the hotel is for hotel guests only; a shuttle will be available in lots B and C of the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

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: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24; tours run on Saturdays through October with varying times

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. 

Microburst Market

About a dozen vendors will be popping up at Monsoon Mystics' last night market of the summer. 

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Monsoon Mystics and Heathen Haus, 657 W. St Marys Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Sticker Fest at Destination Arizona

Shop all kinds of stickers this Saturday when #ThisIsTucson hosts Sticker Fest on the University of Arizona campus! Five local vendors will bring stickers with themes like local landmarks, zodiac signs, kawaii, absurd humor and more.

Sticker Fest will be in its own tent as part of a larger event called Destination Arizona, which welcomes new students to the University of Arizona. While we encourage you to attend Sticker Fest and shop from the sticker vendors, we ask that you refrain from visiting other parts of Destination Arizona to keep the fun to the students!

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: University of Arizona Mall across from Bear Down Gym

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for stickers

Visit the event page for more information.

Flow for the Soul 

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In-Rave is hosting a flow night with DJs, vendors, food trucks and flow art performances. Proceeds go to the All Souls Procession.

When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau's Taylor Swift-themed laser show may be sold out this weekend, but there are still seats available for Laser Journey and Laser The Weeknd!

When: Saturday, Aug. 24; 6:30 p.m. for Journey; 9:30 p.m. for The Weeknd

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.

'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party. Wear your best '90s-themed attire!

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

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.

Gourd Birdhouses

Create a birdhouse out of a gourd and take home a gourd seed packet to try to grow your own! 

When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Pima County Master Gardeners, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: $45

Visit the event page for more information.

Las Milpitas Mercadito

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is hosting a market at its Milpitas de Cottonwood Community Farm. Expect to find handmade jewelry, Oaxacan clothing, handprinted hats, garden products and more.

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Las Milpitas Community Farm, 2405 S. Cottonwood Lane

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping (cash is preferred)

Visit the event page for more information.

Mommy and Me Paint Class

Enjoy a guided paint class for you and your kiddo with the help of Painting & Vino. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase.

When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road

Cost: $35 per painter

Visit the event page for more information.

Cat Yoga at Hunter's Kitten Lounge

Head to Tucson's newest cat lounge for a yoga session among cats!

When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway

Cost: $20

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. 24

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

Cost: Free to attend

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.

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. 24

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

Cost: $15, cash or Venmo

Visit the event page for more information.

Peach Mania at Apple Annie's

Take a road trip to Willcox, where U-Pick orchard Apple Annie's is hosting Peach Mania! Pick peaches and enjoy peach pie.

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 24-25

Where: Apple Annie's, 2081 W. Hardy Road in Willcox

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Meet the Chefs

Local chefs will compete for a chance to partake in this year's Iron Chef Tucson competition. Whoever wins during this Meet the Chefs event will battle Tucson's current Iron Chef, Kenneth Foy of Dante's Fire, in the fall.

When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

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

Cost: $25. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Disney Drag Brunch

Divas Illusion Show is putting together a Disney-themed drag show during brunch at Chela's Latin Cuisine. Dress in your best Disney outfit for a chance to win a prize!

When: Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Where: Chela's Latin Cuisine, 256 E. Congress St.

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

Love Operator Game Show

Hotel Congress will be home to Love Operator, a mystery match game show taking place this Sunday. Here's how it works: a contestant will give "three hopeful lovers a chance to be a match" by asking a series of questions behind a curtain. 

When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $5 in advance, $10 at the door. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Poke Rave

Yes Good Pony is blending rave culture with Pokémon. Expect live DJ performances, a Pokémon cosplay contest, photo booths and card trading.

When: 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Where: Playground, 278 E. Congress St.

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

Visit the event page for more information.

Krishna Fest 2024

Govinda's and ISKCON are celebrating Sri Krishna's birthday with live music, a fire show, temple ceremonies, kid-friendly activities and food.

When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Where: Govinda's, 711 E. Blacklidge Dr.

Cost: Free to attend

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 hosting one last pool party of the summer. Enjoy drinks, food, lawn games and DJ sets.

When: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, 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.

Puzzle Race Mini Tournament

Spend your Sunday piecing together a jigsaw puzzle for a chance to win a prize! A non-alcoholic drink for each team member is included, in addition to a shareable snack. You'll also get to take home a 500-piece puzzle.

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd.

Cost: $20 for a 2-person table; $40 for a 4-person table

Visit the event page for more information.

Open Studio Sale

Local artist Petra Clay and Metal is hosting an open studio sale featuring new wood-fired pottery, silver jewelry, art supplies and ceramic imperfections.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25

Where: 4350 S. Century Road

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

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, Aug. 25; 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.