Looking for cheap ways to participate in some end-of-summer fun this month? Don't worry, we've got you! From night markets to ice cream socials and crafting clubs, here's our list of free and low-cost events happening in Tucson during the month of August.
Shoppers strolling by take a longer look at the handmade lighted shadow boxes on display at The Tucson Crafty Cat tent as the sun goes down over Old Tucson’s Summer Night Market.
Old Tucson Summer Night Market
Head to Old Tucson and stroll through the town square where there will be various local artists, live music, crafts, food vendors and more. Entry and parking will be free!
When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. on August 8 and August 22
Where: Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Open Mic Second Saturdays at Celestia Collective
You can sing, practice some stand-up, dance, puppeteer and read poetry at this fun open mic event.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, August 8
Where: Celestia Collective, 1122 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Midtown Ice Cream Social
Meet your midtown neighbors and hang out at La Rosa for an ice cream social featuring drink specials, a performance by Mr. Nature and soft serve from Sisters.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, August 9
Where: La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Vicky Hsu, left, and Mary Stuewe talk with each other while waiting for their friends to finish shopping at the Gather a Vintage Market.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this market.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, August 13-15; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, August 16
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
You can find all kinds of vintage clothing at the Desert Haze Market, from tees to pants to dresses.
Desert Haze Market
Shop all kinds of vintage clothing when this market pops up at La Rosa. Expect various vintage vendors, food and music!
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 15
Where: La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping.
Visit the event page for more information.
Alice in Wonderland Market
This whimsical market will feature fun activities like a tea cup decorating station, create-your-own-lip-gloss station, an elixir making station, local vendors and cute Wonderland-inspired photo opportunities. Costumes are encouraged!
When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, August 16
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Rd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and certain activities
Visit the event page for more information.
Write N Tell Poetry Open Mic Night
Enjoy some poetry or share your own work under the lights at the Tiger’s Taproom patio.
When: 7 p.m. Monday, August 17
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Fineline Revisited
Dance the night away to dark wave, new wave, old school industrial, and trad and contemporary goth music.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, August 22
Where: The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N 4th Ave
Cost: Free
Visit the event page for more information.
Bring Your Own Craft Club
Looking for a way to meet new people and get out of the house without breaking the bank? Bring a craft, bring a coffee, and hang out at Bring Your Own Craft Club.
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, August 23
Where: Di Luna Candles, 2700 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Customers browse at the Melrose Macrame booth during the Summer Night Market at the MSA Annex on June 30.
Summer Night Market
Shop from over 80 local makers when the Summer Night Market takes over the MSA Annex every last Friday of the month through September!
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, August 28
Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Recurring Events:
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.
West Side community rides
Join the West Side community on the third Thursday of every month for a fun group ride from Transit Cycles to Dragoon Brewing. The brewery will also be serving $1 pints and Muncheez food truck will be cooking up food.
When: 5:30 p.m. meet up at Transit Cycles and the ride starts at 6 p.m.
Where: Transit Cycles, 267 S. Avenida del Convento Bldg. 10
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and food
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, 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.
