What's new, Tucson?: 20 people, places and things welcomed in 2021
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
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.
For Star subscribers: You can find vintage toys by the thousands at Those Wonderful Toys on North Oracle Road in Tucson.
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…
Lady Haha Open Mic for Women & LGBTQ+ gives women and queer comedians a stage where they can safely be themselves.
"We are filling the void in Latin pop and reggaeton," said General Manager Patty Ruiz, who added that the station attracts a younger demographic.
For Star subscribers: A new Tucson festival pairs rock and country music acts with a Margarita Village and Taco Row.
Joaquin, an 18-year-old Andean bear, is back at Reid Park Zoo after being born there in 2002.
The zebra colt was born in late September 2021 to Anna, a Grevy's zebra at Reid Park Zoo in Tucson.
The galleries at East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue have joined forces.
“Hamilton” live on stage far surpasses the filmed version of the Broadway production that’s been running on Disney+.
New Tucson apartments are commanding rents up to $3K and feature a movie theater, a two-story gym and a rooftop deck.
The Refinery, the University of Arizona’s first building at The Bridges development on Tucson's south side, nears completion.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The "diverging diamond" interchange can handle a higher volume of traffic.
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
Alejandra Trujillo completed this mural on the wall of La Chaiteria, 1002 W. Congress St., in June 2021.

