Two very important birthday parties are happening this weekend.
The first is for our very beloved Nandi, the first elephant born in Arizona! Kiddos will be able to unleash their inner elephant as they splash around in the mud in celebration of Nandi's 10th birthday.
Our very beautiful city is also celebrating its birthday this weekend. Tucson was founded on Aug. 20, 1775, and the Presidio Museum is hosting a bash this Saturday with live music, dance, demonstrations and more activities.
What else is happening this weekend? Two free outdoor movie screenings, a two-hour magic show, a car show at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and MORE. Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
As Sentinel Peak looms in the background, a sign welcomes visitors at Mission Garden at the corner of South Grande Avenue and West Mission Lane on Aug. 15, 2014, in downtown Tucson, Ariz.
Summer Sunsets at Mission Garden
Mission Garden is staying open late during this summer series that features games, live music and food truck OaxaRico. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!
When:6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where:Mission Garden,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Beer for Bikes
Dragoon Brewing Co. is teaming up with local nonprofit BICAS for an evening of beer, art, prizes and food from Muncheez.
When:6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where:Dragoon Brewing Co.,
Cost:$20
Visit thefor more information.
Tucson Parks and Recreation's fall 2024 leisure classes schedule boasts hundreds of fun and engaging opportunities for the community.
from arts and crafts, Little Movers and Shakers, dance, gymnastics, jewelry making, glass fusing, music and more for youth and adults. Get active in a health and fitness class, learn digital photography skills or create beautiful pottery and ceramics pieces. There truly is something for everyone.and the.
Spirits of Mexico
Tohono Chul's Garden Bistro is hosting a five-course dinner with specialty spirits and wine from Compa Spirits y Vino.
When:5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where:Tohono Chul,
Cost:$125
Visit thefor more information.
Songwriters Central
This monthly showcase features eight performers over two sets, all showing off their most recent compositions.
When:6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15
Where:Monterey Court,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit thefor more information.
Alice Cooper live at AVA Amphitheater
's Too Close for Comfort Tour is live at AVA Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 17.!
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:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Skate Country Roll Bounce
DJ company Bros Entertainment is hosting this adult-only 2000s-themed event at Skate Country, featuring a DJ spinning era hits, a costume contest, a couple food trucks and a photo booth.
When:10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where:Skate Country,
Cost:$21, which includes skate rental. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
Win prizes for the books you read!
— 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!. 📚
Watermelon Crawl '90s Country Night
Trail Dust Town is gearing up for its next '90s Country Night, this time featuring the Jesse Colt Band. The dance floor will be open for the Watermelon Crawl line dance and watermelon-themed drinks will be served.
When:6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where:Trail Dust Town,
Cost:$5, or free admission with the purchase of an entree at Pinnacle Peak. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
The August G3
G3 Tucson, the city's gay happy hour group, is hosting a beach-themed party, complete with beach tunes and tropical cocktails.
When:5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where:Playground Bar & Lounge,
Cost:$9, your first drink is included. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
Queer Speed Dating
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When:7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
³:Bawker Bawker Cider House,
Cost:Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
Free Comedy Show at Black Iris
Lady Haha is hosting a free comedy show at Black Iris, a new cafe on Fourth Avenue with a hidden bar and event space in the back. Six comedians will take the stage!
When:8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where: Black Iris,
Cost:Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit thefor 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,
Cost:$20
Visit thefor 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,
Cost:Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit thefor more information.
Tarot Salon at The Ninth House
Metaphysical shop The Ninth House is bringing back its tarot salons! These informal community meet-ups will discuss different metaphysical-related topics. Bring your own cards!
When:6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16
Where:The Ninth House,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor 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,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit thefor more information.
There will be no shortage of demonstrations and activities at the 2024 Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson.
Celebration of All Things S-cuk sọn/Tucson
Tucson was founded 249 years ago on Aug. 20, 1775. Every year, the Presidio Museum hosts a party to celebrate. This year, expect live music, dance, musket demonstrations and frybread for sale.
When:6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Movies in Marana: "Tangled"
Catch a free outdoor screening of Disney's "Tangled."
When:6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Continental Ranch Community Park,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn: "Turning Red"
Catch a free outdoor screening of Disney's "Turning Red."
When:7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Stars of Magic 2024
Get ready for the 36th edition of this two-hour magic show presented by the Society of American Magicians.
When:7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Temple of Music and Art,
Cost:$22 for adults, $16 for kids ages 12 and under
Visit thefor more information.
A pair of desert big horn sheep stand over the onlookers from their boulder perch during the Mad About Monsoons edition of the Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Ariz., July 16, 2022.
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
Where:Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum,
Cost:$29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for Arizona residents.
Visit thefor more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy thatpays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.
When:7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Club Congress,
Cost:$19.06. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor more information.
Science at Sunset: Crackling Chaos and the Secrets of Lightning
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is hosting a special nighttime event all about lightning. Expect a guest speaker, planetarium shows, stargazing and other activities.
When:5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium,.
Cost:$25
Visit thefor more information.
Nandi's 10th Birthday Mudfest
Nandi was the first elephant born in Arizona — and now she's turning 10! Reid Park Zoo is setting up mud pits for kids to unleash their inner elephant. A hose will be available so kiddos can wash off after playing in the mud.
When:8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Reid Park Zoo,
Cost:$11.25 for adults, $7 for kids
Visit thefor 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 Native American crops.
When:8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Mission Garden,
Cost:Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit thefor more information.
Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group
Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays, this time to learn all about composting! Kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.
When:8-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Watershed Management Group,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Frida and the Desert Exhibition
Mariana de la Vega Art Gallery is hosting the "Frida and the Desert" exhibit through Sept. 16 in celebration of Frida Kahlo's legacy and Mexican Independence Day. An opening reception will take place this Saturday with local artists, music and snacks.
When:6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 for opening reception; exhibit goes through Sept. 16
Where:Mariana de la Vega Art Gallery,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
The Barrio Bug at the Tucson Botanical Gardens includes a variety of plants, a statue of Saint Francis and a skeleton driver.
Bikes, Trains, & Automobiles! A Bike and Car Show
Hosted by the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Truly Nolen, this show will feature lowrider bikes and cars, plus vintage VW vehicles.
When:6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Tucson Botanical Gardens,
Cost:$19 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4-12
Visit thefor more information.
Black Space
This one-act play about race, gender and sexuality is told through the lens of a queer Black woman, with topics that include abuse, racism, love, femininity, alcoholism, marriage, mental health, survival, business and death.
When:7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:The Projects,
Cost:$10
Visit thefor more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire or in a "Breakfast Club" theme!
When:9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Surly Wench Pub,
Cost:$5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit thefor 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:1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17; noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where:Mount Lemmon Lodge,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Almost Halfway to St. Patrick's Day
Grace Hearing Center is organizing a party at Barrio Brewing to help raise funds to provide hearing health-care to low-income adults and under-served children. Expect a raffle, auction, photo booth and two specialty drinks.
When:6-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Barrio Brewing Co.,
Cost:$140, includes two drink tickets
Visit thefor more information.
Taylor Eras Paint Class
Paint your favorite Taylor Swift album with the help of Painting & Vino.
When:Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Hotel McCoy,
Cost:$40
Visit thefor more information.
Summer Hair Metal Madness Party
The Dirt, a band from Hollywood, is playing hits from the biggest '80s hair bands.
When:6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Hotel Congress,
Cost:$20, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit thefor more information.
Cumbia Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a cumbia class followed by social dancing.
When:8-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Tucson Creative Dance Center,
Cost:$15
Visit thefor more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats during this class!
When:9-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:Udall Park,
Cost:$25
Visit thefor 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. Saturdays-Sundays, Aug. 17-25
Where:Apple Annie's,in Willcox
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for food and produce picking
Visit thefor more information.
Wine & Ice Cream Pairing
Sonoita winery AZ Hops & Vines is hosting an afternoon of wine and ice cream. Get six ice creams paired with six wines.
When:11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where:AZ Hops & Vines, in Sonoita
Cost:$25
Visit thefor 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,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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:8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, closed Aug. 31
Where:Foothills Mall,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit thefor more information.
A Saguaro cactus in the vineyard at Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. St. Patrick Road.
August Wine and Craft Fair
Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring local artists, wine tastings and charcuterie boards.
When:Noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where:Old Pueblo Cellars,
Cost:Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks. Reservations are required for wine tastings.
Visit thefor more information.
Speed Plant + Book Exchange
Head to Button Brew House with books and plants to trade! Chat with others about the items you brought and then swap.
When:1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where:Button Brew House,
Cost:Free to attend
Visit thefor more information.
Art Events with Caroline Martin
Local artist and teacher Caroline Martin is sharing her love of art with the community! She recently started an art cart, where she brings craft supplies to The Korean Rose. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at the cafe! She'll also host a paint class this Sunday, where attendees will have the chance to paint atop a vinyl.
When:Sunday, Aug. 18; Noon to 2 p.m. for the art cart; 4-6 p.m. for the vinyl paint class
Where:The Korean Rose, , for the art cart; Borderlands Brewing Sam Hughes, , for the paint class
Cost:Crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15; paint class is $45
Visit thefor more information.
Whiskey Dinner at Dante's Fire
Chef Kenneth Foy of Dante's Fire is preparing a five-course dinner with whiskey pairings. The menu includes New York strip and smoked lamb ravioli.
When:6-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18
Where:Dante's Fire,
Cost:$105
Visit thefor 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. 18; 10-11 a.m. for yoga; 6-7 p.m. for bingo
Where:El Jefe Cat Cafe,
Cost: $18 for yoga;$14 for bingo, reservations required
Visit thefor more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,!
What does "supported by" mean?to learn more.