The turkeys are defrosting, the pies are in the oven, and the holiday season is officially upon us! Whether you're wanting to fill your Thanksgiving weekend with festive fun, looking for exciting things to do with the family, or hoping to get a start on your holiday shopping, here's our list of 28 events happening this weekend in Tucson!
Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm
Fall is the perfect time to experience the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm! The owners are celebrating with tours, fall themed workshops, and exciting events! Check out their seasonal teas at Lavender Manor!
When:Various dates in November
Where:Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm,, Oracle. (Some workshops are available in Tucson at The Lavender Manor,)
Cost:$15 for tours and tastings, $35 to make a besom witch broom, $25 to make a lavender corn husk doll.
Visit thefor more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals.
When:Various dates, check out the calendar.
Where:Locations vary based on tour.
Cost:$30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events
Visit thefor more information.
GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 2ND
are facing hunger like never before. The recent federal shutdown and cuts to food assistance programs, including changes to SNAP benefits, have made it even harder for many to provide for their families.
Help this, or “Giving Foods” Day as we like to call it, your gift helps ensure that households across our community have access to the nutritious food they deserve, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Giving Tuesday began as a way to give back. This year, it is about helping our neighbors reclaim stability, dignity, and hope.
Our goal: raise $100,000 to provide food for families in our community. Together, we can make sure every table has enough, and every neighbor feels supported.
Your gift could benefit you, too. Your contribution may qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Those filing as single, head of household, or married filing separately can claim up to $495. Those filing jointly can receive a credit up to $987.
Learn more or give today at
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,.
Cost:Pay what you wish
Visit thefor more information.
Dirty T Run Club
This run club meets on Thursdays for a 4 mile run at a slower pace. During the route, you’ll get to run past iconic murals and the rattlesnake bridge. Plus, they stop by a bar for after-run drinks.
When:Thursdays at 6 p.m., rain or shine
Where:Meeting place is at the corner of.
Cost:Free to attend
Visit theirfor more information.
Santa Claus is coming to Park Place Mall!
Kick off the holiday season at Park Place Mall with thefrom 4-6 p.m. on Black Friday to welcome Santa Claus with a marching band performance, live DJ entertainment, and holiday crafts for kids. Plus, enjoy photo opportunities with costumed characters, including The Grinch and Elsa, perfect for capturing magical memories! The first 100 guests to sign up will receive an
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When:6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays
Where:Dante's Fire,
Cost:$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit thefor 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:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
Where:Foothills Mall,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
Check out the Ciencia En Español Seminar Series on Dec. 1
to hear from leadingUniversity of Arizonaresearchers about their work across campus and the communityon Dec. 1 from 5-6:30 p.m.celebrates science, discovery and learning — all in español. Come support these bright researchers and explore the world of science in a welcoming, culturally connected space.
Sparks fly as Meaghan Conway welds an ear onto her latest elephant sculpture over the weekend at Crafternoons at Bicas.
BICAS Crafternoons
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:1-4 p.m. Saturdays
Where:BICAS,
Cost:Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit thefor more information.
Art Cart with Caroline Martin
Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!
When:Various dates throughout November
Where:Various places
Cost:$5-$15
Visit theirfor more information.
Events at Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More
Stop by Poppin' Off for their many, creative workshops, trivia nights, and other exciting events! You'll find something for all ages and interests.
When:Various dates throughout November
Where:Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More,.
Cost:Typically $0-$15
Visit theirfor more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Makers Market Black Friday Event
It's the St. Philip's market's biggest weekend of the year! Mark everyone off your shopping list all in one local place, and treat yourself to mimosas, music and market goodies too.
When:10 a.m. -3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
Where:St. Philip's Plaza,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for vendors
Visit thefor more information.
Visitors enjoy a show at the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, which was just named by USA Today as the fourth best planetarium in the country.
Season of Light-Holiday Planetarium Show at Flandrau
Explore the many festivals of light (including Christmas and Hanukah) that celebrate the spirit of renewal around the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Full of popular holiday music, you’ll learn the origins of today’s Christmas songs and customs. Discover how the dark days of winter have inspired luminous festival traditions in other times and cultures, and how all of those traditions connect back to astronomy.
When:2-3 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 28-30
Where:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,.
Cost:$9-27, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit thefor more information.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau is hosting several different music-themed laser shows. Expect shows paired with the music of the Beatles, Taylor Swift, and your favorite 80's throwback tunes.
When:Various times Friday, Nov. 28
Where:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,.
Cost:$20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit thefor more information.
Luminarias and LED lights at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. "LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination" is at the gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When:6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, starting Nov. 28 through Jan. 11; closed Christmas
Where:Tucson Botanical Gardens,
Cost:$23 and up, depending on the day
Visit thefor more information.
Queer + Femme PRIDE Night: Chosen Family Party
Be your authentic self at this event that’s designed by and for the queer and femme community! This fun night will feature local performers, vendors, craft stations, a photo booth and a fashion show.
When:8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
Where:191 Toole,
Cost:$12 for advance tickets and $15 at the door
Visit thefor more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When:8:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
Where:Sky Bar,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
80s Dance Party at The Surly Wench Pub
Dance the night away to all of your favorite retro hits including Prince, Madonna, QUEEN, Michael Jackson, and more.Dress in your favorite 80s attire, or come as yourself!
When:9p.m. Friday, Nov. 28
Where:The Surly Wench Pub,
Cost:$5
Visit theirfor more information.
Zane Campbell mans the JC Jewels table during a holiday market at Di Luna Candles on Nov. 15. Di Luna,,is holding holiday night markets on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12.
Di Luna Saturday Market
Head over to Di Luna and browse their fun lineup of makers and small businesses for gifts for everyone on your list!
When:9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:Di Luna,.
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theirfor more information.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair in Reid Park
This Arts & Crafts Fair held by Tucson Parks and Recreation boasts more than 150 vendors from the Southwest typically including painters, jewelers, photographers and more.
When:9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Where:Reid Park,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
Black Owned Business Festival
Blax Friday, a local organization with a directory of Black-owned businesses throughout Arizona, is hosting its fourth annual Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival in November. It’s the largest black-owned business festival in Arizona!
When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:MLK Lot,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit thefor more information.
Photos with Santa Paws benefiting Rescue Me Marana
When:10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:Dogs-N-Donuts,7743 E Broadway Blvd.
Cost:$15 for photo with Santa Paws
Visit thefor more information.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Market
Enjoy a cozy holiday pop-up market packed with local vendors, yummy eats, music, and festive photo ops. Bring the whole crew and show off that gloriously tacky knit.
When:12- 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theirfor more information.
Sip and Shop Pop Up Market at Whiskey Del Bac
Whiskey Del Bac is throwing their first holiday market on Small Business Saturday! You’ll be able to sip on a signature cocktail while you do some holiday shopping. There will also be food trucks and non-alcoholic drink options.
When:1-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:Whiskey Del Bac,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping, drinks and food
Visit thefor more information.
Small Business Saturday Vendor Market at Button Brew House
Find unique holiday gifts, and grab a pint while you browselocal makers, artists, small businesses, and take in live music! Celebrate the awesome people who make the Tucson community shine.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where: Button Brew House,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for vendors
Visit thefor more information.
Goth Clothing Exchange
Find goth, alternative, and punk fashions, including DIY and upcycled items, rave wear, band tees, accessories and more, and swap your old clothing for new favorites!
When:5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:Mission Motor Collective,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Art 4 All
Check out this community market showcasing nine hand picked artists that sell incredible and affordable art. All items will be $25 or less!
When:5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:Celestia Collective,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
Comedy Happy Hour
Start your Saturday night with the funniest happy hour in town! Sip on your favorite drinks while talented improvisers serve carefully crafted comedy.
When:6:30- 7:15 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:Tucson Improv Movement,
Cost:$5
Visit theirfor more information.
Mochi gazes into the camera while playing with toys at Hunter’s Kitten Lounge.
Movie Night with Cats
Head over to Hunter’s Kitten Lounge where you’ll get to snuggle up to some cute cats and kick off the holiday season with a classic family film.
When:7-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where:Hunter’s Kitten Lounge,
Cost:$25
Visit theirfor more information.
Made in Tucson Market
The Made in Tucson Market is set to feature over 250 local artists and food trucks. Shop apparel, paper goods, cosmetics, candles, baked goods and so much more at this celebration of Tucson creatives.
When:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Where:
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit thefor more information.