Main Gate Square, the strip of restaurants and retail shops leading into the University of Arizona, is primed and ready to kick out the jams for the inaugural streetcar weekend.
Working under the title “Jazzed in the City,” the square will feature multiple live music acts at several locations, anchored by a festive jazz concert series at Geronimo Plaza, 820 E. University Blvd.
Adults will dig the sweet shopping deals — many businesses will offer discounts throughout the weekend — as well as the extended happy hours and meal deals at places such as The Fix, Pasco Kitchen & Lounge and Wilko.
Kids will like the kazoos, which will be handed out while supplies last, at the Southwest corner of North Tyndall Avenue and East University Boulevard.
Among the highlights:
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Friday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Fun and games. Ben’s Bells, 816 E. University Blvd., will hold a mosaic scavenger hunt all day Friday, with additional hunts on Saturday (same time) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Campus Candy, 910 E. University Blvd, also has games, except with Jelly Belly jelly beans, in addition to yogurt samplings from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
5 to 7 p.m. — Instrument petting zoo. Discover your inner Mozart, with access to violins, cellos, and other classical instrumentation, courtesy of the Civic Orchestra of Tucson. The zoo will hold the same hours on Saturday and run 4-6 p.m. Sunday.
6 to 8 p.m. — Global rhythms. Kababeque, 845 E. University Blvd., will feature live music on the sitar, a staple instrument of Indian classical music. The restaurant also will have Bollywood films throughout the weekend and a wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
7 to 8:30 p.m. — Live jazz. Main Gate Square is amping up its summer jazz series with multiple shows at Geronimo Plaza. ForTheLuvvaMusic performs Friday night. One Heart Beat at 2 p.m. and the Tanque Verde High School Jazz Band at 7 p.m. Saturday. Pianist Larry Lowd at 2 p.m. Sunday. The University of Arizona Pep Band closes out the weekend series at 6 p.m. Sunday.
8 p.m. to 2 a.m. — Mardi Gras madness. Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Blvd, will hold a “Streetcar Named Desire,” New Orleans-themed party complete with beads, Big Easy music and $4 Hurricane drink specials.
Ongoing — Kids and parents can express themselves on public participation chalk boards set up along the boulevard.
