It's the last weekend of September and the first weekend of fall. Halloween festivities are kicking off along with Oktoberfest, Tucson Pride, a dog-friendly bash and a vegan festival.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Tucson Pride Parade and Festival
Each September, Tucson Pride hosts a parade and festival as part of its mission to empower Southern Arizona's LGBTQ+ community. The parade will feature vendors, performances and food trucks. The following day, a festival will take place at Reid Park with vendors, food, nonprofits, games, music and an area for kids.
When: Parade is 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; festival is noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; afterparty is 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; Pridelicious Drag Brunch is 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
People are also reading…
Where: Parade is at Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Ave. Festival is at the George DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place. Afterparty is at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Brunch is at Maynards, 400 N. Toole Ave.
Cost: General admission to the festival is $20; afterparty is $15 in advance, $20 day of; brunch is $50
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Night Market
Shop from around 60 local makers during the last Summer Night Market of the season!
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Nightfall
Nightfall at Old Tucson is back for another year with 10 scare zones — one more than last year — and four haunt mazes. Stunt shows, magic shows and comedic dissections are also on the agenda.
When: Sept. 27-Oct. 27
Where: Old Tucson, 201 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $29 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
The Slaughterhouse
Tucson's haunted house The Slaughterhouse is opening for another year of scares with ghouls, butchers, chainsaws and clowns, also featuring a zombie shooting experience, mini escape rooms and axe throwing.
When: Sept. 27-Nov. 2
Where: The Slaughterhouse, 1102 W. Grant Road
Cost: $29 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
RAPunzel: A Hip Hop Musical
Watch the classic tale of Rapunzel told as a hip-hop musical, courtesy Live Theatre Workshop's Children's Theatre.
When: Sept. 27-Oct. 13
Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost: $17-$20
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party. Wear your best '90s-themed attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Ghost Tour
Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.
When: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28
Where: Downtown Tucson, detailed directions will be emailed upon ticket purchase
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Galaxy Gala
Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is gearing up for its second annual Galaxy Gala, a night of food, drinks, comedy, music, games, a raffle, stargazing, hands-on STEM activities and a costume contest.
When: 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Hilton El Conquistador, 10000 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $175
Visit the event page for more information.
Stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
Go stargazing with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association!
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Cost: Free to attend, park entrance fee applies
Visit the event page for more information.
Fall Happy Hour with The Moonstone
Over the summer, #ThisIsTucson curated a happy hour menu at The Moonstone, Tucson's highest rooftop bar. Now they're doing it again for fall, this time with new specials on food and cocktails. Two local vendors will be at each happy hour date, selling items like crocheted plushies, safety keychains and jewelry.
When: 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; also Oct. 11, Oct. 24, Nov. 8, Nov. 22
Where: The Moonstone inside Graduate Tucson, 930 E. Second St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This Friday, test your knowledge in all things "Batman."
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.
Visit the event page for more information.
Members of FUGA roll out on a monthly ride. With their rides, they hope to promote safer streets and representation for Tucson’s south-side and west-side communities.
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: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Libra & Thorn Events
Metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn is hosting three events this weekend: a sound bath ceremony, a workshop where you'll be able to make a felt tarot cozy, and a tarot social.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 for sound bath; 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 for tarot cozy; 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 for social
Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $10-$40, depending on the event
Visit the event page for more information.
El Jefe Cat Cafe invites visitors to lounge with 35 cats and kittens in its 3-story space at 3025 N. Campbell Ave. All the felines are from Finally My Forever Home Rescue and are ready for adoption. For more information visit: https://www.eljefecatlounge.com/ Video by: Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while enjoying a sound bath and playing a round of bingo.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 for sound bath; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 for bingo
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25 for sound bath; $14 for bingo, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
Traveler's Tales Demonstration
Learn how people found their way around Southern Arizona before the days of GPS. You'll see maps, compasses and an astrolabe on display, plus a re-enactor will tell stories of the people who used the tools.
When: 9 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Included with admission, which is $9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-13
Visit the event page for more information.
Cathy Tate hands a customer a dessert from Alaine’s Green Heart Bakery during the Vegan Night Market on June 1.
Vegan Night Market
The sixth Vegan Night Market is happening this Saturday, hosted by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie. Expect the biggest lineup yet with more than 60 vendors in attendance, from cakes to tamales to pizza.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Bark in the Park
Bring your dog to Steam Pump Ranch for Oro Valley's Bark in the Park! Expect a dog costume contest, vendors, crafts, food trucks, ball pits, adoptable dogs and more.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food. Dogs must be on a leash.
Visit the event page for more information.
Metal Village Block Party
Celebrate the small businesses inside the Metal Village, including Tucson Hop Shop, Humble + Grand, Ciao Down Pizza, Craft Collective Salon and Beauty Blvd. Festivities include chicken poop bingo, portraits with artist Linus Schief, food, permanent jewelry and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and vendors
Visit the event page for more information.
The Cork Fun Chili Cook-off
Help send a kid to camp when you attend this chili cook-off featuring nine local restaurants. The winner is determined by the restaurant that receives the most cash tips.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: The Cork Tucson, 6320 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest at Arizona Beer House
Arizona Beer House is hosting its 10th annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring the Haus of Brats food truck, live music and a jumping castle.
When: 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Arizona Beer House, 150 S. Kolb Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Mole with Maria
Beloved Chef Maria Mazon is hosting a three-course dinner with three different moles.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Sona Bodega, 533 N. Fourth Ave. Enter through Boca.
Cost: $89
Visit the event page for more information.
Fly-A-Drone Day
This Saturday, you'll have the chance to fly a drone at the Pima Air & Space Museum. Learn the basics of drone flight and test your own piloting skills.
When: Saturday, Sept. 28; 10 a.m. to noon for beginners, 1-3 p.m. for intermediate levels
Where: Pima Air & Space Museum admin building on the north-side of the parking lot, 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost: $100 per family
Visit the event page for more information.
Stevie Imperatrice, of Flashed — Innovative Climbing Equipment + Apparel, installs crash pad flooring at Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness, 3949 W. Costco Drive.
Old Pueblo Classic
Indoor rock climbing gym Rock Solid is celebrating its fourth birthday! Enjoy a day of rock climbing competitions, indoor and outdoor games, vendor booths and food trucks.
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; expo is 2-6:30 p.m.
Where: Rock Solid, 3949 W. Costco Dr.
Cost: $45 in advance to compete; free to attend expo
Visit the event page for more information.
Prism Power Party
Moe Moe, which hosts anime-themed events around town, is hosting its next pop-up at The Korean Rose. Themed like the magical girl sub-genre, the event will include art vendors, dancing and a cosplay contest.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Pride Night Party
Sky Bar is hosting a pride party with music, drink specials, performances and special guest Morgan McMichaels from the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
When: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
2024 Program Round-Up
Child & Family Resources will be at Children's Museum Tucson to chat about their many free programs offered for babies, kids, teens, parents and caregivers.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Pig Roast and Tiki Bar Pop-up
Enjoy a pig roast plate alongside tiki cocktails and nine pop-up bars crafted by bartenders from several local bars around town.
When: 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: $75
Visit the event page for more information.
Drum Up for Peace Festival
This fifth annual festival celebrates unity, peace and diversity through music, poetry, performances and a vendor market.
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Reopening Celebration: An Evening at Yume
After closing for the summer, Yume Japanese Gardens is reopening with an origami exhibit alongside Japanese music and food from Takoyaki Balls.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $20 for adults, $5 for kids ages 3-15
Visit the event page for more information.
Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival
Each year, the Sonoran Institute hosts a celebration of dragonflies on the Santa Cruz River. Enjoy several events as part of the festival, including crafts and guided dragonfly tours.
When: Crafts run through Sept. 30; dragonfly tours are Sept. 28
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Angelica Duran, owner of Raizes 420, shows off her CBD-infused products at the Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado.
Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes is back with another monthly market! Expect 25 local vendors alongside hot dogs from Odd Dogs.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest in Mount Lemmon
Head up to Mount Lemmon to celebrate Oktoberfest alongside food, beer and music.
When: Weekends through Oct. 13
Where: Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 E. Ski Run Road
Cost: Free to attend, parking is $5
Visit the event page for more information.
Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour
HI, BARBIE! Mattel's "Dreamhouse Living Tour" is coming to Tucson, where Barbie fans will be able to shop exclusive merchandise.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
TROT's 50th Anniversary Gala
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala featuring dinner, live entertainment and an auction. You'll also hear stories from past participants of TROT.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $200
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop from 20 makers during this market. Expect to find skin-care items, home decor and more.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Craft Fair at the Hermitage
The Hermitage Cat Shelter is hosting its third annual craft fair.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Although two of Flandrau's music-themed laser shows are sold out this Saturday, there are still tickets available for Laser Nine Inch Nails!
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit the event page for more information.
Sabino Canyon Night Tours
Take a ride through Sabino Canyon after dark! The tour features a narrative program in English and Spanish with details about Sabino Canyon's history, fauna and flora.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays in September; 6 p.m. Saturdays in October
Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Cost: $15 per adult, $8 per child ages 3 to 12
Visit the event page for 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: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Monsoon Chocolate, 234 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Music in the Park
Arizona Symphonic Winds is hosting a fall concert series, this time featuring special guests. Bring your own chairs and blankets!
When: 7 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 5
Where: Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The Porch Rockers, Mike Blommer VII, left, Steve Jonas, Justin Donaldson and Larry Lee Lerma, perform in the Music on the Mountain series at Mount Lemmon Lodge in Summerhaven on June 22.
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: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 12833 N. Sabino Canyon Park
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
BICAS Crafternoons
Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
Tomato Tips at Harlow Gardens
Harlow Gardens will teach you tips and recommendations for growing tomatoes in Tucson.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for 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, 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for 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 Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Pops Orchestra Concert Series
Tucson Pops Orchestra is back with concerts in the park this fall. Expect a beer garden and food trucks!
When: 7 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 6
Where: DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit the event page for more information.
"Mean Girls" Trivia
Test your knowledge in all things "Mean Girls." Teams can have as many as five people!
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., 228 E. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend, recommended to buy a drink or two!
Visit the event page for more information.
'80s vs '90s Drag Brunch
Head to Chela's for brunch alongside a drag performance featuring hits from the '80s and '90s.
When: Noon on Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Chela's Latin Cuisine, 256 E. Congress St.
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Fine Wines for Felines
Enjoy three tastings of Arizona wines, plus vegan-friendly hors’ d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the cats at Pawsitively Cats No-Kill Shelter. The shelter will be accepting donations of canned Friskies!
When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Arizona Wine Collective, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Cake Date
Holy Focaccia and Sonoran Sapphics are putting together a cake-decorating workshop where you'll leave with decorating tips, a mini cake and hopefully a new friend.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Tap & Bottle North, 7254 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $50
Visit the event page for more information.
Kids of Steele FamFest
Kids of Steele is hosting FamFest at Funtasticks, where attendees will have access to all attractions, plus dinner and dessert.
When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Where: Funtasticks, 221 E. Wetmore Road
Cost: $75
Visit the event page for more information.
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
