FUN Things to do in Tucson Today (& This Weekend!)

SEE ALSO: Tucson Events Schedule TODAY
SEE ALSO: BEST Tucson Date Ideas!

ALSO: TUCSON Events Today
ALSO: Tucson DATE Ideas!

Want the inside scoop about the BEST Things to do in Tucson? This is it! These are the gems, not the chains. Our local favorite off-the-beaten-path recommendations for visitors and guests from locals that love our city. Check out our personal take on funky Tucson events today, the hidden dinner shows, or FREE date ideas. We have THE Tucson list for you...

BEST THING TO DO...

• Carnival of Illusion

  

  STEP RIGHT UP and get ready to Laugh, Have Fun, and Celebrate a magical night out with Carnival of Illusion! This top-rated attraction is "Revitalizing Magic" by blending their international theme with all the charms of a Vaudeville-inspired roadshow. Join the thousands of guests who celebrated magical Date-Nights, Anniversaries, Holidays, and Special Nights Out. Called the "Best Show in Tucson", this is a Must-See for tourists and armchair travelers alike. Carnival of Illusion is Magic, Mystery, and OOOH La La!

  Due to the popularity and intimate nature of this boutique theater, Shows SELL OUT in advance. Book your seats early. It's more than a GREAT Magical Theater Show.

Fun Nightlife Things to Do...

• Loft Cinema

  

  Tucson’s premiere venue for art and independent films. This Tucson favorite art house is host to several film festivals throughout the year as well as film discussions with the artists. Documentaries, foreign films and cult classics are also part of the bill. Each month they also hold a short film contest. So grab yourself a beer and a slice of pizza at the concession stand and settle in for a movie. Also, the Loft has been busy upgrading with increased outside airflow through HVAC units, upgraded MERV 13 filters in all units and air scrubbers and ionization units to improve the quality of the air. If you were missing the big screen, you can safely view your favorite movies at the Loft.

• Hotel Congress

  

  Historic hotel and nightclub in downtown Tucson with live music. Enjoy a drink outside on the patio on a warm summer night, or head inside to the lobby lounge or club bar. The Cup Cafe is also a hip spot for an upscale dinner and/or dessert. Famous for being the place where the gangster John Dillinger was brought to justice, this hotel has lots of ghosts and stories to boot.

• Monterey Court

  This once small motel, turned restaurant, bar, music hot-spot, is a lovely outdoor venue. Even in the summer, during our summer heat, it is a fun spot at night, since they have misters to keep everything cool. The food is good too. I've seen some great music here and most nights are free. Live music and food are happening at Monterey Court, and reservations for a table are highly recommended. The food is great, so support local musicians and this wonderful live music hotspot!



• Arizona Arts Live

  The University campus hosts international performing artists. You will want to check each seasons offerings for greats in music, comedy and dance. Past artists have included the Kodo Drummer's of Japan, Tony Bennet and the Twyla Tharpe dance company. They also offer discounts at the beginning of each season for show packages.

• Laffs Comedy Caffe

  

  Laffs is Arizona's original comedy club. There are two shows every Friday and Saturday night with headline acts. Or come on a Thursday for open mic night, and see Arizona's up-and-coming comedians. You can even take a chance on stage yourself. The club has a two-drink minimum for shows. They also have a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and more. Some huge names in comedy have passed through Laffs at some point in their career, so come to Laffs to catch the freshest faces in comedy.

• Jackrabbit Lounge

  

  The Jackrabbit Lounge has a retro vibe, with crafted cocktails and a great line-up of entertainment for an evening of fun, chill or whatever strikes your fancy. For those brave enough to face the mic, there's karaoke on Thursdays, and for those smart enough, there's trivia on Tuesdays. Weekends is all about the live entertainment, and there's some upbeat food choices on the menu, including what they call "sharable plates", so be sure to bring along someone to share with.

Fun Daytime Things to Do...

• Mission San Xavier

  

  The oldest active Catholic mission on the Tohono O'odham reservation. The mission church was completed in 1797, but the mission itself was established in 1692 by Father Eusebio Kino. At one point the mission was part of Mexico until 1854 when it joined the United States as part of the Gadsden Purchase. The mission is free to all visitors and over 200,000 people each year come to see this example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Check their website for any visitor requirements.

• Southern Arizona Transportation Museum

  A downtown museum dedicated to the railroad history of Tucson. Locomotive #1673, which was built in 1900, is displayed on the premises. Each year the museum is host to the Silver Spike Festival which celebrates the first trains coming to Tucson in the late 1800s. The museum is open every day except Monday. Check the website for hours.

• El Tiradito Wishing Shrine

  

  An 1870's love triangle ended in murder and is now the site of a shrine. This soap opera-like tale focuses on the death of an adulterous young man who was in love with his mother-in-law. The tale ends in tragedy for all, and the young ranch hand was buried on the site of the shrine, where he was brutally murdered by his father-in-law. People visit the shrine hoping for help with their love lives and their broken hearts.

• Tucson's Old Barrio Neighborhoods

  The cities first neighborhoods (or barrios), date back as far as the 1860s. These barrios are predominantly located in central Tucson and make for a fun walking tour. Structure styles include Sonoran Row Houses, Mission Revival, bungalow style and American Territorial Adobes. One of the striking features of these styles are the long rows of buildings that are not set back from the street, creating a striking visual line of continuous housing. Tucson's oldest neighborhood is the El Presidio neighborhood, which has its own appeal as being the location of the Tucson Museum of Art and many lovely restaurants and shops.

• DeGrazia Gallery of the Sun

  

  Tucson landmark of the legendary painter Ted DeGrazia. This artist became famous for his paintings of children of the Southwest, after doing a Unicef card that was sent to millions. He also was a ceramic artist. His Gallery of the Sun is a wonderfully preserved example of old-time Southwest living and expression. Visit the gallery for a feel for the life of a real Southwest artist.

Dining Guide Things to Do...

• Vivace

  One of Tucson's best Italian restaurants, this fine dining establishment is for those special occasions or for those with a little more green in their pockets. Their upscale location and consistent food and service keep people coming back. They specialize in Northern Italian cuisine. Vivace is open for in-house dining as well as full menu take-out with curbside pick-up.

  

• Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande

  Don't be creative and try other locations with the same name in town. They are NOT the same owners and nowhere near as meticulous with their food! This place is wonderfully tacky with a great old-school vibe and the food is fabulous. There's even outdoor seating to enjoy the Tucson weather with a margarita (or two) in hand. Try the ceviche or culiche on filete, our favorites, and ask for a song from the strolling musicians that might drive by. Spanish can be helpful but not necessary!

  

• Tavolino Ristorante Italiano

  Fine Italian dining with a casual and comfy atmosphere. Chef Massimo Tenino was born and raised in Italy and brings the recipes and flavors of his mother and grandmother's cooking to Tucson. There is an extensive wine list and also a salumeria (meat market) where you can buy authentic Italian cured meats. And yes, there is a wood-burning pizza oven! Dine-in, take-out and delivery all available.

  

• JoJo's

  Another outdoor restaurant venue, this lovely courtyard in the old El Presidio Neighborhood (see Barrios above), has an incredible ambiance. The music is always free and you can come for dinner, snacks, just a drink or merely come for the music! This is one of Tucson's favorite dining spots for many reasons: great location, good food and wonderful local musicians. A hard to beat trio of selling points.

  

• El Guero Canelo

  The three locations of El Guero Canelo serve Sonoran style hot dogs in a family outdoor Mexican experience. This popular local restaurant recently received the James Beard American Classics Award for its dogs. A Sonoran dog is a bacon wrapped treat smothered in tomato, onions, beans, mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeno. All presented in a super fluffy bun. Yum! Food is available for online order and pick-up or delivery as well as in-house dining.

  

Fun Coffee Houses Things to Do...

• Chocolate Iguana

  

  This espresso bar and cafe have a lot to offer. Not only do they serve coffee, but other fun drinks like real creme soda and Italian soda. There's freshly made sandwiches, salads, and desserts including scones made from scratch daily. Located on Tucson's fun 4th Avenue.

• Raging Sage

  Raging Sage is all about the coffee, especially sustainable, bought and roasted in small batches coffee. This small but popular spot doesn't have a huge amount of places to sit but does boast a nice little tree shaded patio. They focus on good coffee and it shows.

  

• Time Market

  

  A neighborhood market that is a mix of everything: groceries, deli, pizza, and beer. Their selection of gourmet chocolate bars is unique and their pizza is a favorite of many locals. Sit inside next to the eclectic aisles of groceries or outside on their shaded patio. You can also order online for pick-up.

• Cafe Luce

  A trip to Trader Joe's on Campbell can be complemented with a quick cup of espresso at Caffe Luce, or if you are hanging around the UofA, they have a second location on University Ave. This Cafe is a place for coffee and maybe a dessert. A good place to stop and chat with a friend over a cup of Joe.

  

• Village Bakehouse

  Village Bakehouse is one of our best local bakeries with relaxing Sunday breakfasts outdoors. You can also order cakes here for any occasion. Special orders welcome for those with allergies. They are open nice and early at 7 am for that pastry and coffee fix before work.

  
  

Strange and Interesting Things to Do...

• Evening of Old-World Magic

  
  

  Enter another age. . .the age of vaudevillian entertainment and parlour magic. Join Carnival of Illusion in one of their FOUR theaters for an evening of Old-World Magic, where the impossible happens right before your eyes! It's fun, exciting and surprisingly mind-boggling. The amazing duo of Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed will have you laughing out loud and gasping all in one breathe. It's not your run-of-the-mill night out and you might just find yourself choosing a card. . . any card. . . or up on stage helping to bring the magic to life!

• Valley of the Moon

  

  Created by Indiana native George Phar Legler, this imagination wonderland for children was inspired by George's kindness, gentleness and life's desire to help people. He wanted to bring health and well-being to children and others through imagination. He built this strange jumble of imaginative grottoes as a background for his storytelling and belief in fairies.

• El Presidio Park

  This plaza style park has been in use as a park area as far back as 1776. It currently lies in the area between the City Hall and the Old County Courthouse. There is a central fountain, a small rose garden dedicated to John F. Kennedy and several public art pieces. This area is often used for public festivals such as Tucson Meet Yourself and the Tucson Folk Festival (see our festival section).

  

• KXCI Radio Station

  One of the things one always struggles with when they arrive in a new town is what to tune in to on the radio. One of our favorite stations in Tucson is community-based KXCI radio. With a surprising range of musical genres and weekly shows, there's always something interesting being served up on KXCI. You won't find your typical demographically oriented station that is influenced by market concerns. Here you will also be able to hear local information about upcoming happenings, musical and otherwise.

  

• IBTs Bar and Food

  

  Drag queens galore can be found Wednesday through Sundays at IBTs Bar and Food, Tucson's favorite (and only?) gay bar since 1985. A ticket to the show includes a seat, a beverage and a dinner item, and oh so much more! You get the best drag shows in Tucson. After dinner and the show, you can dance the night away with their DJs, either inside after 11pm, or on their patio. As for dinner choices, no vegetarian options here... it's all about the meat!

Beautiful Desert Spots Things to Do...

• Gates Pass

  

  Definitely the best sunset view in Tucson. When you reach the top of Gate's pass there is a pull-off that leads you to a parking lot. The look-out at sunset is very memorable. The pass itself used to be much more dangerous, but it was widened and improved in 2006.

• Saguaro Park Visitor's Center

  Fantastic first introduction to the Sonoran desert, there are actually two parks, one east, and one west. There are visitor centers at both parks, although the western visitor's center is a little more robust. You can watch a short film at either location that explains the Sonoran Desert from the viewpoint of the Native Americans from this region.

  

• "A" Mountain

  Take a walk and enjoy the downtown panorama view. This bird's eye view of the city can also be reached by car. The winding road takes you around the small "mountain" and up about halfway to a viewing spot. The rest of the way can be hiked on foot if you feel like a short stroll through the desert. The view reaches from the far west side of the city to north, east, and southern views.

  

• Sabino Canyon

  Touristy, easy and beautiful walks of the desert, or take the tram. This canyon is a favorite with locals and tourists for its easy and beautiful hikes, with plenty of water features. Be forewarned that there is a cost to enter the park during daylight hours. People do however take the wide and safe trail up the canyon on moonlit nights either with or without a flashlight.

• Bat Colony

  40,000 bats at sunset leaving under the bridge at the Rillito and Campbell. Living hidden under the bridge by day these small and helpful creatures rest all day, so that they can leave their beds at sunset and head out for nighttime dining. They eat insects and mosquitoes, which they are so helpful in ridding us of. After watching the bats, you can take a stroll along the Rillitto river, but remember it is getting dark so best to bring a flashlight if you plan to go far.

  

• Hike Tumamoc Hill

  

  For over 100 years this hill has been a desert research area, but also a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to get their exercise. The hike up the hill to the top is only 1.5 miles, making for a 3 mile round trip, but it's a doozy with a 700 ft. rise from bottom to top! It involves a series of switchbacks that make for a very steep climb. The view from the top is spectacular and even if you just go half way, you will get a great view of the city. As a research area, traveling off the paved roadway is prohibited and pets are not allowed.

Interesting Arts, Culture, Museums Things to Do...

• Etherton Gallery

  

  Beautiful photography gallery and exhibits. The Etherton Gallery specializes in 19th and 20th-century photography as well as contemporary photography. They also highlight the art of local and regional artists working in several types of media.

• Center for Creative Photography

  Modern images, great library, and amazing archives. This center is located on the campus of the University of Arizona and is also a research facility. It is one of the finest academic art museums for photography there is.

  

• UA State Museum

  

  A comprehensive look at local native cultures, with displays of pottery, basketry, and other anthropological artifacts. This research museum cares for more than 3 million objects and was opened in 1893, making it the oldest anthropology museum in the Southwest. Each year they host the Southwest Indian Art Fair which highlights the works of over 200 native artists of the region.

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• Amerind Foundation

  

  The Amerind Foundation received its name by combining the words American and Indian, which is exactly what you'll find at the foundation. Originally, it was home to an amateur anthropologist and archaeologist in the stunningly beautiful Dragoon Mountains 60 minutes outside of Tucson. Now, the Amerind Foundation is a research center and museum focusing on the preservation and interpretation of Native American cultures and history.

• Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum

  

  This is one of Tucson's best-kept secrets, so much so that most Tucsonans didn't even know it existed. It was previously housed in the basement of the Flandreau Science Center on the campus of the University of Arizona, making it a little difficult to find. Its new downtown location at the Historical Pima County Courthouse will help to bring these amazing treasures to light. This mineral museum holds some shockingly beautiful specimens. The wealth of minerals from underground is vast and the museum holds over 1,500 different species, with thousands of specimens on display. If you've never seen what gold or silver looks like in its native form, have a fascination with the wonders of nature, or just want to get out of the sun for a while, then stop by this museum for a gander at some of nature's gems (and I really mean gems). This newly opened museum is a must see.

• Pima Air and Space Museum

  

  With 80 acres worth of historical airplanes to explore, along with 6 huge hangars stuffed with planes, helicopters and other strange flying contraptions, if you love shiny things that fly, this is the place for you. And if you want in-depth information, the museum's website lists every aircraft they have along with it's description and specifications. . . things like wingspan, maximum speed, range, engines etc. These planes may never leave the ground again, but they can fly in our imaginations and in their contribution to history, whether they were shot at in WWII, were used to fight fires, or were the first of their kind in avaiation history.

• Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden

  

  Established in 2009, this open outdoor space was transforned into a sculpture garden, with a focus on community fellowship, tranquility, the arts, and education. The garden is housed on the grounds of the Jewish Community Center, is free, and is open to the public. There are currently over 50 sculptures in the park, with some that are shown on a temporary basis, so there is always something new to see. A great place for quiet contemplation, or to bring visitors. Just be sure to bring a hat and a water bottle if visiting in the summer months.

Theatre Things to Do...

• Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La

  
  

  Theatre, drama, magic and fun! You are in for an adventure when you get on board for an evening with Carnival of Illusion. This old-world and up-close magical parlour experience has just the right amount of ooohs and aaahs, audience participation and fun times. Join Susan Eyed and Roland Sarlot for an evening adventure into the world of prestidigitation, Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La!

• Arizona Theater Company

  Professional theater in a gorgeous downtown location. Arizona Theater Company has been bringing top-notch theater to Tucson and Phoenix for half a century. Their performers, directors, costumes, and scenery are simply outstanding. Everything from classics to premieres to award-winning plays, you will find nothing but great theater here.

  

• Proscenium Theatre

  The Proscenium Theatre is part of the Pima Community College Center for the Arts, which also includes a Black Box Theatre, a recital hall, and the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery. The college's theatre arts program produces four productions each year, each targeting different aspects and skills of the theatre arts.

  

• Gaslight Theatre

  If silliness and fun are what you need, then look no further than the Gaslight Theatre. It is a play, sing-a-long, pizza parlor all rolled into one, sort of. Enjoy beer, pizza, ice-cream and tons of free popcorn at your table while you cheer and boo along with the action. Music, laughter and good times abound and have been going strong at the Gaslight for over 35 years. The Gaslight is open and live, so come on down for some much needed fun.

  

• Borderlands Theater

  Borderlands Theater focuses itself on exploring and highlighting the special cultural and community voices of the U.S. / Mexico border region. They place special emphasis on the Latino / Chicano / Mexicano voice. They produce both new plays and plays by established playwrights. The is theatre with a unique regional flavor. Enjoy both live performances and virtual theatre events.

  

• Broadway in Tucson

  If you are looking for large-scale Broadway type productions like Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, Chicago, and Wicked, then look no further. Broadway in Tucson has been drawing the crowds since its debut season in 2004. It is part of the Nederlander Producing Company of America, who operate theaters in large cities across the country including New York, Chicago, and L.A. Get ready for a wonderful new season of live performances.

  

• Arts Express Theatre

  

  Arts Express is all about entertaining, empowering, and educating those interested in musical theatre. Their programming is aimed at a diverse cross-section of the community, celebrating culture and building character. All ages are welcome, so if you simply want to see some great musical theatre, or you want to explore educational opportunities in the theatre arts, Arts Express will provide just that for cast, crew, and audience alike. Located in Park Place Mall, there are also several dining options to explore before or after the show.

Cool Shopping Things to Do...

• The Folk Shop: Musical Treasures

  Keeping the old world alive and sharing the magic of music. This shop has recently changed owners but still retains all the charm. Chock full of vintage and used equipment for sale with a few new items thrown in for good measure, you will find all kinds of instruments here. So if you are looking to buy, or have something to sell or put on consignment, then this is a great place to start.

  

• Picante

  Local artsy gift store with a visit to Mexico feel. You will find folk art, fashions and furnishings, and that is just for a start. If skeletons are your thing, there are many Day of the Dead curious and cultural objects. Let the bright colors and bold designs of Mexico perk up your day without ever having to leave the country.

  

• Native Seeds/SEARCH

  Keepers of the native seeds and agricultural folklore. Native Seeds/Search focus on crop diversity to secure food supplies for the future. Along with seed banking and seed distribution, they also provide education and research. You can acquire local seeds through several different programs or go into their retail store for smaller amounts. Also on offer are gifts that focus on local products.

  

• Morning Star Traders & Antiques

  Beautiful collections for sale of Native American jewelry. This store has been in business for more than 45 years and they represent some of the best Native American artisans in the Southwest. Also available are baskets, pottery, textiles and more. If native Southwest style is your thing, and your looking for something for yourself or a gift, this place is sure to please.

  

• 4th Avenue

  Shops and cafes and bookstores and strolling and more. 4th Avenue is the trendy, fun street where an easy afternoon can be spent strolling up and down visiting the many shops and curiosities. Small cafes and restaurants can be found all along the street, including many of Tucson's favorite pizza joints. Twice a year they host the 4th Avenue Street Fair when the street closes down and the whole city comes out to wander about, shop from hundreds of artisan vendors, and listen to music.

• Tanque Verde Swap Meet

  Every single weekend in Tucson you can buy or sell at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet. With 19 acres of selling space, there is a huge variety of stuff for sale at the swap meet. You never really know what you are going to find, both old and new. It's also a fun place to take the family with rides for the kids, and if you are hungry there's lots of food vendors, a cafeteria, a grill, and a snack bar. You can go on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, open until 11 pm on Fri. and Sat.

• Tucson Farmer's Markets

  You'll find a farmer's market in Tucson every single day of the week. Some are more central, and some are found on the outskirts of town. Big or small, they all offer a variety of local produce, food products, and craft goods. Some even offer services such as knife sharpening. If you are not sure which one is the best to visit, ask a local. They are sure to be able to tell you their favorite, whether its Heirloom Markets at their 5 citywide locations, Saturdays at St. Phillips Plaza or maybe the Santa Cruz River Farmer's Market on Thursdays.

  

Funky Bar Things to Do...

• The Buffet

  Tattoos, rockabilly, shufflepuck, and ambiance with attitude. This place is almost as old as Tucson itself. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy hanging out in a dive bar simply for the unique experience, you might mozy up to the bar, order a drink and set in to do some very interesting people watching.

  

• Kon Tiki

  Strong and cheap, past its heyday but still funky. No more gogo girls. You might want to visit just to snap some selfies among the kitschy decor. Or take home some groovy swizel sticks, down a scorpion or a mai tai and just chill.

  
  

• Surly Wench Pub

  

  Surly Wench on Tucson's well-known 4th Avenue is the home of great pub food and kick-ass burlesque shows. They've been hosting both local and traveling burlesque shows since 2006. Each show is different, due to there being a different producer every time with their own vision and creative touches. Be sure to come back every first Friday of the month to get your burlesque fix, or hang out on a Saturday night for great Goth, New Wave, Industrial and 80s music.

• Casa Video and Film Bar

  

  As technology advances faster than the speed of light, we find once beloved businesses can quickly become obsolete, like with video stores. Casa Video however has cleverly managed to halt their demise by opening up something that never goes out of style... a bar! Pair some great local and not-so-local craft beers with a movie showing nightly, and some of Tucson's finest food trucks, and you have a fun time. And if you really don't feel like hanging out, yes, you can still rent a movie and take it home.

Major Attraction Things to Do...

• Desert Museum

  Not a museum but a living outdoor park with animals. Think modern zoo. This is one of Tucson's all-time favorite visitor spots and is the go-to place to take friends who know nothing about the Sonoran Desert. Well appointed trails lead amongst native plants and animal habitats. There is also a display that focuses on the geology of the area, another that teaches about the wetlands and a daily demonstration of raptors to name just a few of the many reasons to visit.

• Tohono Chul Park

  An in town, outdoor desert experience with local art exhibits & tea house. This 49-acre botanical garden is devoted to desert plants and allows the visitor to leisurely walk among cactus and succulents to their heart's content. The tea house is a very popular spot for lunch, and there is also a lovely gift shop on the premises. Each year at a special time when the night blooming cereus cactus start to show off, you can visit the garden in the dark with your flashlight and catch this bizarre cactus flower in action.

• Reid Park Zoo

  An easy to walk small zoo with lots of nice exhibits. Located in Reid Park, this small but fun zoo has all the usual characters: zebras, lions, elephants, and giraffes, just to name a few. There are also a few surprises like the dwarf screaming hairy armadillo and the bearded dragon. The perfect place for some family fun.

Smaller Attraction Things to Do...

• Tucson Botanical Gardens

  Nice gardens and shade. Another of Tucson's treasures, this garden is host to Butterfly Magic each year between October and May. Walk into a special greenhouse filled to the brim with colorful butterflies feeding, flying and sometimes even landing on you. You might even catch sight of a bright little frog or two. You can buy tickets for admission to the gardens online, but walk-ins are also welcome.

  

• Rodeo Parade Museum

  Funky museum with beautifully restored horse-drawn vehicles. Located at the Tucson Rodeo Parade grounds, this museum is only open from January through the first week of April.

  

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Festival Things to Do...

• Tucson Meet Yourself

  October - Celebrating the diversity of Tucson, this three-day event highlights the ethnic mix of cultures in Tucson while showing off the arts and culinary expressions of each culture. With several stages and tons of food trucks, you will find yourself strolling the streets of downtown Tucson eating something delicious, and then catching a really great performance. The best part is it's free!

• Tucson Gem Show

  February - This is one of the world's biggest gem and mineral shows. With more exhibitions than can possibly be visited during the two-week period, you will be overwhelmed and overjoyed at the vast quantities of gems, jewelry, fossils and more!! What started out as strictly a gem and mineral show, has grown to include vendors of other wares. But if it is a real crystal ball or a million-year-old fossil you are looking for, this is the place.

  

• Festival of Books

  March - Celebrate everything written on word, paper or book. The Festival of Books is held each year on the campus of the University of Arizona. With special readings by authors as well as book signings and such, this is a bookworms best day out.

  

• All Soul's Procession

  November - aka. Day of the Dead a la Tucson style. See it! This event culminates with a huge parade that honors the dead. With huge puppets, drum groups, dance groups, and hordes of people all decked out to resemble skeletons, this is not your typical parade.

• Open Studio Tour

  Fall - Hundreds of artists open their studios and homes all over the city for two weekends of Open Studio Tours. Talk with the artists and find out what makes them and their art tick. Purchase something new for the wall or that little nook that needed something special. Grab yourself a map of the event and pick an area. Some areas are dense with artists and you can stroll from one to another. Others are a drive to get to. There is certainly lots to inspire!

  

• Tucson Folk Festival

  May - Perfect weather and free music are always on the menu for the folk festival. Two days and five stages add up to a lot of great music and it doesn't cost a penny! This is a family-friendly event celebrating the American Folk music tradition in all its variations including Bluegrass, Country, Celtic, Latin and so much more.

  

• Tucson Rodeo Parade

  February - the largest non-motorized parade in the country, otherwise known as the La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. The first parade started in 1925 and has been a traditional part of the Tucson Rodeo ever since.

A Bit Out of Town Things to Do...

• Ghost Towns

  A great day exploring, finding and not finding. If you enjoy getting in your vehicle for a good long drive into the middle of nowhere, then this is a great way to spend the day or even the weekend. Arizona is full of history, old mining towns, and long derelict outposts. A good off-road vehicle is recommended to reach many of the sites.

  

• St. Anthony's Monastery

  A Greek Orthodox Catholic monastery. This is a functioning monastery where the monks practice daily ritual and prayer and also work that includes gardening, woodworking, and food preparation. You are welcome to visit as a day guest, but note that proper attire is required. St. Anthony's also accepts those on pilgrimage and retreat.

  

• Tumacacori National Historical Park

  The park helps to preserve the ruins of three historic Spanish colonial missions on 47 acres of land. There is a visitors center as well as a bookstore and museum at the park. Guided tours are available. There is also a small fee to enter the park. The oldest of the three missions is San Jose de Tumacacori, and it built on the site of a Pima Indian Village. It is also the best preserved.

• Velvet Elvis at La Mision

  A beautiful drive out to Patagonia will reward you with the opportunity to eat at this fun restaurant. This small town of under a thousand people is in an area known for its bird watching, cowboy culture, and nearby ghost towns. The Velvet Elvis is the best place to stop for some modern eats when visiting the area. Open Wednesday through Sundy for dine-in or take-out.

  

• Bisbee

  This small town known for its mining history is now a retro artist village. Popular with tourists, it has a fabulous old hotel and lots of smaller inns and bed and breakfasts. The main street houses lots of fun shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. There are also daily tours of the old Copper Queen mine which was one of the biggest copper producing mines in Arizona for almost 100 years.

  

• Tombstone

  

  Tacky and touristy but fun and unique. Tombstone is famous for its gunslinging history where the shootout at the OK Corral took place. Founded after silver was discovered in the area, it grew to be a sizeable town almost overnight, burning down and being rebuilt several times. Visit for the reenactments, the museums or the history. It's all about the old west in Tombstone Arizona.

• Kitt Peak National Observatory

  If what's in the sky is more appealing to you than what's underground, then there is Kitt Peak National Observatory. It supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the sun. Yikes, what a mouthful. Needless to say, you can go there to observe what's happening out there in the universe beyond our planet. There are both daytime tours and also evening programs, which include nightly observing programs. NOTE: Kitt Peak is currently closed until further notice due to area damage from the Contreras fire.

  

• Kartchner Caverns

  

  This amazing limestone cave was discovered in 1974 but was kept a secret from anyone until 1978, and it became a state park in 1988. This is a living cave, meaning it is still growing! There is a lot of conservation and education being done in order to preserve this incredible underground habitat. Amazing stalactites and stalagmites (don't ask me which is which), grow up from the floor and down from the ceiling. The tour is about 1.5 hours and afterward you can visit the Discovery Center to learn everything there is to know about limestone caves.

Movies Things to Do...

• Roadhouse Cinemas

  The only movie theater in town where you can order food and drink right from your seat. Showing all the latest movies, check it out on Tuesday nights when it is just $6 for a movie all day long. On occasion, you will find a showing of a classic movie.

  

• Screening Room

  Community movies and home of the Arizona International Film Festival. This small downtown theater also hosts live music, open mic nights and screenings of old movies.

  

Public Art Things to Do...

• Rattlesnake Bridge

  Standing at the gateway to downtown Tucson, this more recent addition to Tucson makes for an interesting site. This is strictly a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. Walking between the fangs and along the "body" of the snake, you will notice that it does indeed rattle!

  

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And if you are still not satiated with enough unique events in Tucson, our wonderful town has a list just for that! Please come and visit, have fun, and play!