Helping You Find Events in Tucson & Southern Arizona!
There are an abundant number of events taking place in Tucson and within an hour or two drive, no matter where in Southern Arizona you live. We could not possibly announce all there is to do in Tucson in any given week. So we have created a list of websites where you can find an event to suit you. We use this list to create our own Calendar of Events where we try to find and bring you the best events in Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Choose what interests you here by category. Go to the website to learn what special something the site may be offering for your leisure day. Remember that most of these venues have regular hours and exhibits as well which are well worthwhile. This article is about other sites that have calendars as well. Enjoy!
Bookmark this page for access to plenty of ideas for sights, sounds and activities when you need an idea or two. Visit our Performing Arts page for a comprehensive list of performing arts groups in Tucson and Southern Arizona.
For Kids and Their Families
The Children’s Museum – Plenty of programs to entice you to bring your child to a learning experience.
The Desert Museum – A trip with the kids to the Desert Museum is always new to the kids, but you may wish to check the calendar for special events for the kids. Art Classes are also on the calendar. The new Packrat Playhouse is just for kids.
Museum of Miniatures – Aside from just a great place anytime, there are special exhibits, events, the Kid’s Create Class on 2nd Saturdays, and more.
Reid Park Zoo – A zoo you can get your mind around. Intimate, friendly, with plenty to keep you occupied. There are special events every week, and the ones for children fill up early!
Titan Missile Museum – The Titan Missile Museum occasionally has special events, like Full Moon Friday Nights during the summer and educational programs for the kids.
Pima Air and Space Museum – The Airplane Museum has a special program for kids at 1 pm almost every Saturday, plus other special events throughout the year.
Kartchner Caverns – Kartchner has daily tours, special tours, hikes, astronomy nights and other fun, educational things to do. Less than an hour from Tucson.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park – There is always something to do at Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum – A great place to learn about toy trains of all scales. Open the 2nd and 4th Sundays of most months; Spring and Fall shows.
Flandrau Auditorium – In August of 2016, the Flandrau completed a remodeled of its planetarium with all new shows.
Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange, a community treasure, has something for everyone. Here is the Bookman’s Calendar.
Nature / Gardens / Hiking
Tohono Chul Park – Plenty to see and do here, classes, tours, exhibits, docent-led walks, and more.
Tucson Botanical Gardens – Often has special events for plant lovers, like the Weird Plant Sale. And don’t miss the butterflies.
Arizona State Parks – There are several State Parks in Southern Arizona that have events for everyone. Kartchner Caverns, Catalina, Oracle, Picacho Peak, Patagonia Lake.
Agua Caliente Park – This park is part of Pima County Recreation. It is a special place. You can find events here or just have a picnic or go for a hike.
Pima County Recreation – Pima County is the source for many Free or almost free events around the county. Hiking, birding, history walks, and more.
Friends of the San Pedro River – River Walks, Bird Walks, History Walks, Hummingbird Banding.
The Desert Museum – A trip with the kids to the Desert Museum is always new to the kids, but you may wish to check the calendar for special events for the kids. Art Classes are also on the calendar.
History and Education
Tumacacori National Historical Park – There are always events of educational and historical value here. Here are some of the Guided Tours at Tumacacori, including missions normally closed to visitors and a walk down the Anza Trail.
The Transportation Museum – They sometimes have special events and events for kids. It’s open every day and free.
El Presidio del Tucson – October through April, every 2nd Saturday is Living History Day.
Arizona Historical Society Tucson History Museum – The only museum left of AHS after the pandemic is the Main one on 2nd Street.
Casa Grande Ruins National Historic Monument – They occasionally have special events and are currently Free.
Arizona State Museum – Adult and Children’s Programs, not far from the AHS museum.
Western National Parks Association Store – The Western National Parks Association in Oro Valley has ongoing talk and exhibitions to entice you into their store. All worthwhile.
Community Websites
Depending on where you live, here are some resources for you to explore.
Downtown Tucson – What’s happening downtown?
Marana – The City of Marana has an events calendar that covers more than Marana.
Pima County Recreation – Pima County is the source for many Free or almost free events around the county. Hiking, birding, history walks and more.
Tucson Parks and Rec – Classes, events, parks and City Golf
Oro Valley Parks and Rec – Calendars for those up in Oro Valley.
Bisbee Chamber of Commerce – What’s happening in Bisbee?
Patagonia – What’s happening in Patagonia?
Tubac Chamber of Commerce – What’s happening in Tubac? Tubac is all about the arts and of course, shopping.
Tucson Visitor’s Center – The Official Visitor’s Center. What’s happening in Tucson? Another resource.
Jewish Community Center – The Tucson Jewish Community Center has classes and activities for the whole family, independent of your faith.
Sahuarita – South of Tucson. Mostly community events for residents.
Tombstone – Fantasyland for Cowboys and Gunslingers and Red Light Ladies.
Museums for Everyone
These are but a few museums that offer an events calendar. For a list of our posts on the most worthwhile museums in Tucson and Southern Arizona, please see our Museum Page.
Museum of Miniatures – Not just for Kids, it is a fascinating, world-class museum. Occasionally they will have events for adults.
Tucson Museum of ART – The museum always has a venue for art lovers.
The Desert Museum – See what special events are planned for you.
Arts and Entertainment
Here we mention only a few of the venues here. Visit our Performing Arts page for a complete list and information on all the performing arts venues and theatre groups in Tucson and beyond.
Season Tickets are now available for most of the venues listed in our performing arts article.
Arts Express, A Community Theatre production Company
Arizona Arts – Top notch performing arts brought to you by UA. (Formerly UA Presents)
Arizona Art Live – Create Contemporary Arts by the UA.
Casino del Sol – Large Amphitheater for some big names.
Desert Diamond Casino – Intimate auditorium with small stage and well-known stars.
Broadway in Tucson brings Broadway to Tucson with live Broadway Theatre!
Club Congress – a favorite hangout for the young and young at heart.
Carnival of Illusion – Intimate magic shows in season.
Fred Fox School of Music – During the school year get top-grade concerts next to free!
Fox Theatre – Film, Music, Variety shows mostly for more mature audiences.
The Gaslight Theatre – Vaudeville, camp, parody musical plays. Very entertaining.
The Gaslight Music Hall – Oro Valley’s Music Venue in Gaslight style.
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall – Formerly Tucson Music Hall, Featuring music, plays, theatre.
Loft Theatre – Classic, cult, niche, and foreign films. Some movies are shown in 70mm. Free kids Saturday films once a month.
The Historic Rialto Theatre – New, up and coming artists catering to the younger crowd.
SAACA Events – The Southern Arizona Art and Cultural Alliance promotes many events throughout the year.
Tucson Boys Chorus – Wonderful. Go see them if you can, especially for a Christmas performance. For the best chance, buy a membership.