Free movie screenings, dance parties and a celebration for the Old Pueblo's birthday — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in Tucson.
Here are 21 events that are free to attend this August.
Southeast Arizona Birding Festival
This birding festival, organized by Tucson Audubon Society, is hosting a big roster of activities including field trips, workshops and presentations throughout Southeast Arizona.
When: Aug. 7-11
Where: Locations across Southeast Arizona
Cost: Many events are free with registration. Field trips range in price.
Visit the event site 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.
Summer Reading Party
Lorelai's Literary Foundation is wrapping up their kids' summer reading program with a party! Expect books, face painting, snacks, food trucks and prizes for the program's winners.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9
Where: Union Square Park, 6725 E. Via Pampas Morenas
Cost: Free to attend
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.
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. 10; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17; noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18; 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie at the Park
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is hosting a summer party at Reid Park, featuring a screening of "The Sandlot" courtesy The Loft Cinema. Food trucks and beer are part of the fun, as well as a guided bike ride from Pueblo Vida to the park.
When: Saturday, Aug. 10; bike ride is 6 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m.
Where: Reid Park's DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, 800 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, RSVP online
Visit the event page for more information.
Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Repair Cafe
Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making and family yoga.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.
When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Aug. 11; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Aug. 30
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Community Water Safety Day
The Tucson J and Tucson Medical Center are hosting a free water safety day where families will have the chance to enjoy the pool, yard games, a bounce house and vendors. Swim instructors will provide swim evaluations and safety demonstrations.
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for 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, 8900 N. Coachline Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn
Catch a free outdoor screening of Disney's "Turning Red."
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for 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, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for 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, 1137 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
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
Visit the event page for more information.
"Beetlejuice"-themed Emo Night
Celebrate the upcoming "Beetlejuice" movie during this emo dance party organized by Desert Goth Club. Expect vendors, drink specials and tattoos while you're there.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30
Where: Music Box Lounge, 6951 E. 22nd St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors and drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Movies in Marana: "Sing"
You've heard of drive-in movies, but what about dive-in movies? Catch a poolside screening of "Sing." Bring your own towel!
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: Ora Mae Harn District Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
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Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨
Gloria Knott
#ThisIsTucson Editor
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