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What's new, Tucson?: 20 people, places and things welcomed in 2021
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Web Only Top Story

What's new, Tucson?: 20 people, places and things welcomed in 2021

  • Jesse Tellez
  • Dec 30, 2021
  • Dec 30, 2021 Updated Jan 28, 2022

From dozens of restaurants and bars opening to a zebra being born at Reid Park Zoo, we are looking back at some of the new additions Tucson saw this year.

This is not a complete list, as the Old Pueblo continues to welcome new attractions as 2021 ends.

Here are some highlights of the newest Tucson art, animals, leaders, businesses and events since we last said "happy New Year":

(19) updates to this series since Updated Jan 28, 2022

New Tucson club creates a community space for Tucson musicians

New Tucson club creates a community space for Tucson musicians

A new Tucson club, 17th Street Music Club, gives local artists a place to gather with other musicians and small audiences for intimate unplugged shows.

This new Tucson toy shop has all the things you played with as a child

This new Tucson toy shop has all the things you played with as a child

For Star subscribers: You can find vintage toys by the thousands at Those Wonderful Toys on North Oracle Road in Tucson. 

40+ new restaurants and bars Tucson welcomed in 2021

40+ new restaurants and bars Tucson welcomed in 2021

These new restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks and bars opened their doors in 2021. If you're looking for a new place to grab some grub or d…

This Tucson open mic offers a safe space for women and LGBTQ+ comedians

This Tucson open mic offers a safe space for women and LGBTQ+ comedians

Lady Haha Open Mic for Women & LGBTQ+ gives women and queer comedians a stage where they can safely be themselves. 

Tucson has a new Spanish-language pop radio station

Tucson has a new Spanish-language pop radio station

"We are filling the void in Latin pop and reggaeton," said General Manager Patty Ruiz, who added that the station attracts a younger demographic.

New Tucson festival borrows border cultures from food and cocktails to music

New Tucson festival borrows border cultures from food and cocktails to music

For Star subscribers: A new Tucson festival pairs rock and country music acts with a Margarita Village and Taco Row.

Watch now: Joaquin the bear makes his return to Tucson zoo

Watch now: Joaquin the bear makes his return to Tucson zoo

Joaquin, an 18-year-old Andean bear, is back at Reid Park Zoo after being born there in 2002. 

Watch now: Newest zebra foal at Reid Park Zoo has a need for speed

Watch now: Newest zebra foal at Reid Park Zoo has a need for speed

The zebra colt was born in late September 2021 to Anna, a Grevy's zebra at Reid Park Zoo in Tucson.

This new Tucson arts district is holding free art walks once a month

This new Tucson arts district is holding free art walks once a month

The galleries at East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue have joined forces. 

'Hamilton' explodes on stage in its Tucson debut

'Hamilton' explodes on stage in its Tucson debut

“Hamilton” live on stage far surpasses the filmed version of the Broadway production that’s been running on Disney+.

With rents up to $3K per month, new luxury Tucson apartments are leasing up

With rents up to $3K per month, new luxury Tucson apartments are leasing up

New Tucson apartments are commanding rents up to $3K and feature a movie theater, a two-story gym and a rooftop deck.

New building readied to 'mine' promising University of Arizona tech in Tucson

New building readied to 'mine' promising University of Arizona tech in Tucson

The Refinery, the University of Arizona’s first building at The Bridges development on Tucson's south side, nears  completion.

Program launches to address Tucson's affordable housing crisis

Program launches to address Tucson's affordable housing crisis

For Star subscribers: Nearly 200 rentals are opening for Tucsonans in need, but it's a fraction of the demand for affordable housing across Arizona.

The future is here: University of Arizona launches robotic food delivery service

The future is here: University of Arizona launches robotic food delivery service

The UA, through a partnership with the food delivery app GrubHub and Arizona Student Unions, launched a new food delivery service that relies on robots to get the job done.

New program aims to help house the homeless in Tucson

New program aims to help house the homeless in Tucson

The City of Tucson bought a former nunnery on the west side to house the homeless for up to 90 days or until permanent housing is found.

Tucson gets new council member, vice mayor selected

Tucson gets new council member, vice mayor selected

The inauguration inducted Tucson's newest council member Kevin Dahl.  Council member Lane Santa Cruz was appointed to serve as Tucson’s new vice mayor for the next year.

New Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar's priorities include more traffic enforcement

New Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar's priorities include more traffic enforcement

Kasmar said the Tucson Police Department will focus on violent crimes in the new year, but will also step up traffic enforcement, which previous chief Chris Magnus let up on due to a shortage of officers.

New Houghton Road interchange at I-10 first of its kind in S. Arizona

New Houghton Road interchange at I-10 first of its kind in S. Arizona

The "diverging diamond" interchange can handle a higher volume of traffic.

Pagac mural

Pagac mural

A biker rides past the critters taking a ride of their own in the latest Joe Pagac and team mural at Alameda Street and Court Avenue in downto…

La Chaiteria mural

La Chaiteria mural

Alejandra Trujillo completed this mural on the wall of La Chaiteria, 1002 W. Congress St., in June 2021.

Jesse Tellez

Digital Editor

As featured on

Pascua Yaqui Tribe to begin construction on $9.6 million housing development

Pascua Yaqui Tribe to begin construction on $9.6 million housing development

The tribe received a low-income housing tax credit award from the Arizona Department of Housing to construct 27 townhomes on reservation. 

Watch now: 6 places to celebrate New Year's Eve in Tucson

Watch now: 6 places to celebrate New Year's Eve in Tucson

Say goodbye to 2021 and ring in the new year with music, drinks and dancing at these Tucson spots.

Arizona Bowl cancellation leaves local officials frustrated; 2022 game already on their minds

Arizona Bowl cancellation leaves local officials frustrated; 2022 game already on their minds

The 2021 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl was canceled because of COVID-19 issues, a "devastating" blow to the bowl staff and the Tucson community.

Downtown Tucson delights: New places to eat, drink, be merry in 2022

Downtown Tucson delights: New places to eat, drink, be merry in 2022

For Star subscribers: For 2022, these Tucson venues, restaurants and bars are kicking things up a notch with new features, expansions and events.

Former Tucson police chief Chris Magnus describes achievements, challenges of his tenure

Former Tucson police chief Chris Magnus describes achievements, challenges of his tenure

Magnus is moving to D.C. for his new job as head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. While he's proud of the work Tucson police did while he was chief, he says he's seriously concerned about the shrinking number of officers on the force.

Photos: Family and friends enjoy Tucson's Holiday outdoor ice rink

Photos: Family and friends enjoy Tucson's Holiday outdoor ice rink

Kids, adults, family and friends ice skate at the City of Tucson and Rio Nuevo's Outdoor Ice Skating Rink in front of the Tucson Convention Ce…

Tucson-based Raytheon unit wins $578M contract for ship-defense missiles

Tucson-based Raytheon unit wins $578M contract for ship-defense missiles

Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense will build more than 200 of the latest Standard Missile-2 over five years for the Navy and seven allies.

10 new Tucson restaurants to try this gem show season

10 new Tucson restaurants to try this gem show season

After a long day of hunting for brightly-colored geodes and dinosaur skulls, try these Tucson spots that have opened since the gem show last c…

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