Cyclovia ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, 2023

A cyclist pops a wheelie during Cyclovia ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ along Sixth Avenue. Living Streets Alliance, a nonprofit, puts on the event to promote cycling and others forms of transportation.

Free Halloween festivities, live music, Cyclovia and a silent reading party — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy localÌýevents in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

Here are 50 events that are free to attend this October.

Noelle Jamison, the head baker and owner of Cafe Francais decorates her booth before the yearly ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Meet Yourself festival at Jácome Plaza, Oct. 3, 2024. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Meet Yourself celebrates diversity in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ through music, dance, folk arts, and food. The festival is open on Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Meet Yourself

Folklife festival ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Meet Yourself brings hundreds of thousands of people to downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ each year to celebrate the food, music, dance and arts of our city's many cultures.Ìý

When:Ìý11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 (no performances between 2-5 p.m.). 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.

Where:ÌýJacomé Plaza,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to watch performances and demonstrations, bring money for food and shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch

Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert this Friday, featuringÌýHardscrabble Road.

When:Ìý7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4

Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food. Bring your own chair or blanket!

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Pop Nights

DJ Bex is spinning all the pop hits of your dreams, from Britney Spears and Madonna to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish.Ìý

When:ÌýMidnight to 2 a.m. Fridays

Where:ÌýHotel Congress,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Club Country

Put on your cowboy boots and dance the night away as DJ Du spins country hits.

When:Ìý10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, Oct. 4-18

Where:ÌýClub Congress,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.


Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon

Celebrate fall with Valley of the Moon! Expect games, storytelling and crafts alongside a costume sale and a costume parade.

When:Ìý11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where:ÌýValley of the Moon,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attendÌý

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

#LovePup Family Fest

Hosted by the #LovePup Foundation, which was founded by popular radio DJ Johnjay Van Es and his wife Blake, #LovePup Family Fest will feature pet adoptions, live entertainment, activities for kids, food trucks and the chance to meet Bluey.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where:ÌýRancho Sahuarita Clubhouse,Ìý, Sahuarita

Cost:ÌýFree to attend; reservations required to meet Bluey

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Big Sing

Bring your singing voice to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Big Sing, an annual community-wide sing-along held at Reid Park.Ìý

When:Ìý7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where:ÌýDeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Movie at the Ranch

Watch a free outdoor screening of "Back to the Future III" at Steam Pump Ranch this weekend.

When:Ìý6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

First Saturday ArtWalk

The Warehouse Arts Management OrganizationÌýis hosting its First Saturday ArtWalk this weekend, where you can walk through several local galleries and artist studios.

When:Ìý4-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where:ÌýSteinfeld Warehouse,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Music in the Park

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphonic Winds is hosting the last concert in its fall concert series. Bring your own chairs and blankets!Ìý

When:Ìý7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where:ÌýUdall Park,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Cali McCoy works to fix up a vintage Schwinn bike her brother gave her during a Women Trans Femme workshop at BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art and Salvage) on Feb. 27, 2017.

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:Ìý1-4 p.m. Saturdays

Where:Ìýµþ±õ°ä´¡³§,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donation suggestedÌý

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Music on the Mountain

For years, Mount Lemmon was home to a weekly concert series. The series went on hiatus in 2013, but made its highly anticipated comeback over the summer.Ìý

When:Ìý2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5; 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12; noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19; noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where:ÌýMount Lemmon Lodge,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Dogtoberfest

Oktoberfest is fun and all, but what about Dogtoberfest? This event, hosted by The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dog Magazine, features vaccinations and micro-chipping, adoptable dogs, costume contests, vendors and food trucks, plus games for pups like bobbing for hot dogs.Ìý

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where:ÌýBrandi Fenton Memorial Park,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for vendors

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Meet the theme insect of this year’s ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Insect Festival: the Western horse lubber, the largest grasshopper in the U.S.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Insect Festival

Back for its 12th year, the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Insect Festival, which is hosted by the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Department of Entomology, hopes to encourage understanding of our local insects. Experience interactive exhibits and learn about insects! Four food trucks will be onsite.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where:ÌýENR2 building on UA campus,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pops Orchestra Concert Series

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pops Orchestra is back for the last concert in its fall series. Expect a beer garden and food trucks!

When:Ìý7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where:ÌýDeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food and drinks. Bring your own chair or blanket!

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Humanities Festival

Hosted by the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, the 15th annual Humanities Festival highlights the theme of "well-being" through four events including lectures and discussions with special guests like Dr. Andrew Weil.Ìý

When:ÌýSelect dates through Oct. 29

Where:ÌýVarious locations on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Discovery Nights at Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Visit Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.Ìý

When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where:ÌýChildren's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Park Place Mall and SAACA. Watch ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ muralist Jessica Gonzales paint a new mural, enjoy folklorico performances and experience hands-on art projects.

When:Ìý6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11

Where:ÌýPark Place Mall,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attendÌý

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Tasting History: Corn

Learn all about corn! Head to Mission Garden for this interactive program that includes recipes and tastings.

When:Ìý9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-12

°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Marana Fall Festival

Celebrate fall in Marana! The annual festival is home to carnival rides, mutton busting, live music and performances, a beer garden and food trucks, artisan vendors, crafts, dog adoptions, a donation drive and a screening of 2023's "Haunted Mansion."Ìý

When:Ìý2-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:ÌýHeritage River Park,Ìý

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

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Art Show

This one-night art show is a fundraiser for Indivisible Tohono, a grassroots group that educates the community on issues impacting the Tohono O'odham Nation.

When:Ìý6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

2024 Dusk Battle of the Bands

Dusk Music Festival isn't for another month, but festival organizers are putting together a Battle of the Bands competition at Hotel Congress.

When:Ìý6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:ÌýHotel Congress,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Cultivating Culture at Mission GardenÌý

Appropriately dubbed "flooding the land with stories and poems," this free event at Mission Garden is all about food sharing, poems, storytelling and an open mic.Ìý

When:Ìý5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations acceptedÌý

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch

The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, demonstrations led byÌýArchaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.

When:Ìý9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Art After Dark at Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Each month, Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission!Ìý

When:Ìý5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:ÌýChildren's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Repair Cafe

Need something fixed? Bring it to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.

When:Ìý4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where:ÌýXerocraft Makerspace,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Patagonia Fall Festival

If you've been wanting to take a trip to Patagonia, now's a good time to go. This festival is set to feature more than 100 artists, plus food and live music.

When:Ìý9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where:ÌýPatagonia Town Park,Ìý, Patagonia

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

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Auguste Rodin’s Adam stands on the lowest level of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art, in one of several galleries utilizing underground space in 2021.

Second SundAZe at TMAÌý

Visit the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making, family yoga, an art talk and sweets from Bella's Gelato.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 5 p.m.ÌýSunday, Oct. 13

Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art,Ìý

Cost:ÌýPay what you wish

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý

Ride with FUGA

Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichÌýadvocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s south-side and west-side communities.Ìý

When:Ìý8-10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Where:ÌýWard 1,Ìý, on Oct. 13;ÌýEl Pueblo Center,Ìý, on Oct. 25

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý

Indigenous Peoples Day

This free family-friendly event hosted by Alianza Indigena sin FronterasÌýis slated to feature cultural performances, live music and more than 20 food and art vendors.

When:Ìý11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14

Where:Ìý

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

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Free Third Thursdays at MOCA

The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission. Expect drinks from Tap+Bottle, food from Reservation Sensation, tunes from KXCI DJs and talks and activities surrounding theÌý2025 Sonoran Desert SchoolÌýGardeners’ÌýAlmanac.

When:Ìý5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17

Where:ÌýMuseum of Contemporary Art ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Third Thursdays at Mission Garden

Mission Garden is staying open late on the third Thursday of the month. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!

When:Ìý4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17

Where:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Concerts in the Courtyard

Head to Marana for this concert series, this time featuring Znora. Food trucks will be onsite and kids will be able to go trick-or-treating from community organizations. Bring your own chairs or blankets!

When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17

Where:ÌýMarana MunicipalÌýComplex,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Fall FestivalÌý

Casas Church is hosting a community-wide event with a truck-or-treat, vendors, inflatables, food trucks, music and a donation drive for Interfaith Community Services.

When:Ìý6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18.ÌýEditor's note: This event has been canceled as of Oct. 17.

Where:ÌýCasas Church,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Barraza sits in his mother Aliza Barraza’s arms dressed as Scooby Doo during the Boo Bash at Lincoln Park, 4325 S. Pantano Road, in 2023.

Boo Bash

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual Boo Bash, complete with carnival games, a costume parade, food trucks and lots of candy. Bring your own trick-or-treating bag!

When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

Where:ÌýLincoln Park soccer fields,

Cost: Free to attendÌý

Visit the for more information.Ìý

Traditional O'odham AgricultureÌý

Learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.Ìý

When:Ìý8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

Where:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays, this time to learn about using native plants to create rain gardens. Kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.

When:Ìý9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 19

Where:ÌýWatershed Management Group,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Silent Reading Party

Each month, the Pima County Library hosts a silent reading party. Find a cozy and quiet spot to read in the company of others.

When:Ìý1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20

Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Queer Clothing Exchange

Take home a new-to-you item during this queer clothing exchange. Clothes, shoes and accessories are welcome!

When:Ìý2-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25

Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Halloween Night Market

Local plant nursery Rozet is celebrating Halloween with a two-day market slated to include vendors, a haunted shade house, trick-or-treat stations, flash tattoos, tarot readings, a bounce house, face painting and food. Costumes are encouraged!

When:Ìý6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 25-26

Where:ÌýRozet Nursery,Ìý

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

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

HallOVeen Spooktacular

Oro Valley is celebrating Halloween with an evening of vendors, music, jumping castles, crafts, food trucks and trunk-or-treating.Ìý

When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where:ÌýJames D. Kriegh Park,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Oro Valley Fall Foodie & Art Festival

This two-day market in Oro Valley, hosted by SAACA, features more than 100 artisans in addition to music, food vendors, a beer garden, crafts for kids and costume contests.Ìý

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 26-27

Where:ÌýOro Valley Marketplace,Ìý

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

VisitÌýÌýfor more information.

Cultura X Chicano Festival

With a goal of bringing the community together to celebrate culture and creativity, this festival will feature hip-hop performances and a break dance competition along with food trucks, vendors, a car show and a fashion show.

When:Ìý2-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 26-27

Where:ÌýMSA Annex,Ìý

Cost:Ìý$5 presale, $10 at the door on Saturday; Sunday is free to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Trunk-or-treat 2024

This event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters, featuring trunk-or-treating, face painting, a costume contest, music and a photo booth.Ìý

When:Ìý3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where:ÌýSynergy Plaza,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, register online

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

PCSD trunk-or-treat

Visit Kino Sports Complex for a trunk-or-treat event hosted by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.Ìý

When:Ìý4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where:ÌýKino Sports Complex,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

VisitÌýtheÌýÌýfor more information.

Spooktacular in Sahuarita

This all-ages Spooktacular event in Sahuarita features trunk-or-treating, food trucks and family-friendly activities.

When:Ìý6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where:ÌýSahuarita Town Hall,Ìý, SahuaritaÌý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Cyclovia

Enjoy a day of car-free streets, where you can walk, bike or skate your way through ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ neighborhoods. It's essentially a big block party where you'll find activity hubs and food vendors along the route.

When:Ìý9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Where:ÌýArmory Park to 37th Street and Eighth Avenue. See the routeÌý.

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Trick-or-Treat the Avenue

Head to North Fourth Avenue for a family-friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating down the historic street. There will be a costume contest at 1 p.m.

When:Ìý11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Where:ÌýNorth Fourth Avenue. Costume contest is at Haggerty Plaza,Ìý, at 1 p.m.

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.

Howl-oween

It's a Halloween party for dogs! Bring your four-legged friends to St. Philip's Plaza for a pup parade, a costume contest and giveaways.

When:Ìý10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Where:ÌýSt. Philip's Plaza,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý

'90s vs. '00s Halloween Party

Head to this dance party where a DJ will be spinning music from the '90s and 2000s. There will also be themed costume contests, plus throwback video games, drink specials, Halloween candy and funky portraits drawn by local artist Linus Schief.Ìý

When:Ìý8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

Where:ÌýThe Royal Room,Ìý

Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.


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Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul

Ìýhas indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,Ìý!


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Gloria was born and raised in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and is a 2018 University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨