The Loft Cinema

Customers head to a theater after buying a drink in the lobby and concession stand at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway.

September may be almost over, but the fun isn’t stopping! Oktoberfest parties, the last summer night market and a free clothing swap are all on the calendar for this weekend.

Keep reading to find some cool events to add to your weekend plans!

Sunnyside Foundation Block Party

Head to American Eat Co. and enjoy live music, folklorico performances, a jumping castle, a photo booth, raffles and more. 

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24

Where: American Eat Co., 1439 S. 4th Ave. 

Cost: Free to attend, donations are welcome

Visit the event page for more information. 

Customize Your Fit Embroidery Workshop with Lunar Flare Studios

Bring your own t-shirt and give it a whimsical upgrade by learning embroidery techniques. 

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24

Where: Groundworks, 2919 E. Grant Rd. 

Cost: $30

Visit the event page for more information. 


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Summer Night Market

Shop from around 80 local makers when the Summer Night Market takes over the MSA Annex every fourth Friday of the month through September!

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Fire Show at Sky Bar

Join Cirque Collective Fire Troupe on the patio of Sky Bar for their fire flow spectacle!

When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25

Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. 4th Ave

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks.

Visit the event page for more information.


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Farewell Summer Samba Party

Expect to see carnival parades, traditional Samba de Roda, acai samples, drink samples and more at this end of summer party. 

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 

Cost: $15 for advance tickets, $20 on the day of

Visit the event page for more information. 

Sahuarita Oktoberfest

This family-friendly Oktoberfest event will feature German food, polka performances, pumpkin bowling and pretzel toss, a beer garden and local vendors. 

When: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25

Where: Sahuarita Lake Park, 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information.


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Bowling for Rhinos

Show off your bowling skills and support rhino conservation at this event. All proceeds will go directly to rhino conservation in Africa and Indonesia. Each ticket includes an hour and a half of bowling, shoes, one large pizza and a pitcher of soda. 

When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: Lucky Strike Bowl, 4015 E. Speedway

Cost: $35

Visit the event page for more information. 

Maíz Fiesta

This free community event will feature fun, family-friendly activities like live music performances, vendors and delicious food. 

When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: John F. Kennedy Park, 3357 S. La Cholla Blvd. 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Di Luna Candles, 2700 N Campbell Ave. 

Clothing Swap

Tucson Love Letter and Di Luna are putting on a free clothing swap! Stop by, donate your clothing and pick up some new-to-you items!

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. You can drop off clothing beforehand on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Di Luna. 

Where: Di Luna, 2700 N. Campbell Ave. 

Cost: Free

Visit the event page for more information. 

Annual Fun Chili Cook-off

At this all-you-can-eat event, local restaurants will battle it out to see who has the best chili. Whichever spot receives the most cash tips will be declared a winner. 

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: The Cork, 6320 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

OktoberFoodieFest

This Tucson Foodie Oktoberfest event will feature live music, a craft beer garden, contests like a stein-holding competition and authentic German eats. Each ticket also includes beer tastings. 

When: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: Corbetts, 340 N. 6th Ave. 

Cost: $28; this is a 21+ event

Visit the event page for more information. 

The first Indigenous Market was held at the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space last year. 

Indigenous Market

Stop by and shop from dozens of Indigenous vendors selling items like jewelry, apparel, baked goods and more.

When: 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

EPAC Grand Opening

The new eastside PACC adoption center is hosting a grand opening event that’ll feature free adoptions on all pets, food trucks, music, a scavenger hunt, inflatables, giveaways and more. 

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: 7225 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

Visit the event page for more information. 

CCT-a-Thon 3: The Femme Fronted Fest

Community Care Tucson is hosting a fundraiser at Slow Body Beer featuring performances by local bands.

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: Slow Body Beer, 831 E. 17th St. 

Cost: $10-$20 

Visit the event page for more information. 

Pokemon at Park Place

Head to the mall and explore a Pokemon card show presented by 520 Card Show where there will be all kinds of cards and collectibles. There will also be photo ops with Pikachu, photo booths and different games. 

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information. 

Xerophytes Extravaganza: A Cactus and Plant Sale

This plant sale will feature all kinds of weird plants as well as local vendors, pottery and a food truck. 

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where: EcoGro, 657 W. St. Mary’s Rd. 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information. 

Keep Tucson Crafty’s Birthday Party

Keep Tucson Crafty is turning one! To celebrate they are hosting a party at Sigfus where you can make a whimsy wand, junk journal, make a charm bracelet, enjoy drinks from Confia Coffee and so much more!

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27

Where: Sigfus, 3264 N. Country Club Blvd. 

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information. 

2nd Annual Thornscrubs Picnic

This picnic will include all kinds of activities like live music, flash tattoos, local vendors, BBQ courtesy of Sisters, chicken poop bingo and a jumping castle. 

When: 3-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27

Where: La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club Blvd. 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Garden to Table evening at The Coronet

Community Gardens Tucson is teaming up with The Coronet Restaurant to serve up a five-course dinner using locally grown ingredients. There will also be a garden tour, cocktails and drink pairings, appetizers, dessert and a raffle. 

When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27

Where: The Coronet, 848 S. 7th Ave. 

Cost: $125

Visit the event page for more information

Pop-up Sip and Sing with Cactus Choir Club

This pop-up singing event welcomes everyone to come by and learn a song that will later be performed. No choir experience is needed; everyone is welcome to sign up!

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29

Where: Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, 101 E. Pennington St. 

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information. 

Silver Screen Reading Club — The Shining

The Loft Cinema and Bookmans are joining forces for the Silver Screen Reading Club. Pick up a copy of The Shining from Bookmans, read it and then head to The Loft to enjoy the film. The screening will be followed by a live, moderated discussion about the film adaptation. 

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Cost: $11.50

Visit the event page for more information.

Summer-long events: 

$5 Fridays at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

Enjoy $5 admission to the Tucson Botanical Gardens every Friday through Sept. 25. 

When: Fridays through Sept. 25 

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $5

Visit their event page for more information.

Sabino Canyon Night Crawler

The Sabino Canyon Crawler's night tour returns on Saturdays, now through October 25!

When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays

Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N Sabino Canyon Road

Cost: $15 for adults, $8 for children

Visit their event page for more information. 

Recurring Events:

Local artist Caroline Martin, known as Handcrafted by Care, has created an art cart. People can walk up and create friendship bracelets, Shrinky Dinks and other crafts at an affordable price.

The Art Cart

This beloved arts and crafts cart by Handcrafted by Care is back! Catch them every Thursday at Tucson Hop Shop where you can participate in fun crafts like Shrinky Dinks, making a crystal bracelet and decorating a handkerchief. 

When: 6-8 p.m. every Thursday in September

Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

Cost: $15 per craft or 2 for $20 when you sign up on Eventbrite

Visit the event page for more information. 

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals. 

When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events

Visit the event page for more information.

Sunset Yoga at MSA Annex

Sunset Yoga will be held every Tuesday, guided by instructor Joanna!

When: Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. 

Where: MSA Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

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 to 7 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information.

Dirty T Run Club

This run club meets on Thursdays for a 4-mile run at a slower pace. During the route, you’ll get to run past iconic murals and the rattlesnake bridge. Plus, they stop by a bar for after-run drinks. 

When: Thursdays at 6 p.m., rain or shine 

Where: Meeting place is at the corner of 6th Ave. and 7th Street

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their Instagram page for more information.

Open Studio at the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild 

Artists of all levels are invited to bring their supplies and enjoy a relaxed, creative morning in the gallery. 

When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Friday

Where: SAWG Gallery, 5420 E. Broadway

Cost: Donation of $5

Visit the event page for more information.

Paint & Sip Party

Unwind, listen to great music, and learn real painting techniques from professional artists.

When: 6 to 8 p.m. every Friday

Where: Catalyst Creative Collective, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110

Cost: $35

Visit the event page for more information.

Snakes After Dark — Snakes & Lattes

Snakes & Lattes is bringing the late-night energy, immersive music, hosted games, prizes, and craft cocktails!

When: 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and food

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: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

St. Philip's Plaza Market

Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.

When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Events at Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More

Stop by Poppin' Off for their many creative workshops, trivia nights, and other exciting events! You'll find something for all ages and interests.

When: Various dates throughout September.

Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E. Broadway.

Cost: Typically $0 to $15

Visit their event page for more information.

Workshops and Events at Di Luna

Di Luna is hosting fun creative workshops and exciting events all month long! From a creative writing workshop to a book bedazzling event, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

When: Various dates in September

Where: Di Luna Candles, 2700 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Prices vary

Visit the event page for more information.


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Jamie Donnelly is the editor and food writer for #ThisIsTucson. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com