Mission Garden for newsletter (copy)

Mission Garden is located at the base of “A†Mountain, at 946 W. Mission Lane.

Free movie screenings, dance parties and a celebration for the Old Pueblo's birthday — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy local events in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

Here are 28 events that are free to attend this August.

Pop Night

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

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays

Where: Hotel Congress, 

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

Visit the  for more information.

Story Time and Book Signing with J.M. Chrismer 

Author J.M. Chrismer is hosting a story time and book signing at the Marana Visitor Information Center. Story time is designed for kids ages 4-8 years old.

When: 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2

Where: Marana Visitor Information Center, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information. 

Registration for Pima County's dog pool parties closes July 31. 

Pupapoolooza

We've enjoyed the pool all summer long, but now it's time for our four-legged besties to get in on the action. Dubbed Pupapoolooza, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥-area dogs will get to enjoy a swim at two Pima County pools on two Saturdays this August.

When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 3-10 for small dogs. The pool parties are currently at capacity for big dogs.

Where: Kino Pool, , on Aug. 3; Picture Rocks Pool, , on Aug. 10

Cost: Free to attend, registration required. Current license and up-to-date vaccinations are required.

Visit the  for more information.

Back-to-school Pool Party

School is back in session and the Forty Niner Country Club is celebrating with a pool party featuring food, cocktails for the parents and a DJ. 

When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Forty Niner Country Club, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Free First Saturday at Valley of the Moon

Local fantasy park Valley of the Moon opens its doors for free this Saturday, this time featuring a talent show.

When: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Valley of the Moon, 

Cost: Free to attend 

Visit the  for 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 it's back for the season and beyond, featuring live music Saturdays through October. 

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3; 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17; noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18; 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

#SplashSavvy Safety Resource Fair

Learn about water safety during this family-friendly resource fair hosted by Marana Parks and Recreation.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Marana Pool, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Monsoon Story Time

Local author Megan Carthel will be at Bookmans River to read her story "The Silver Lining," which is said to combine "meaningful lessons and scientific information with a heartfelt message of finding yourself."

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Bookmans River, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Pamela Howe explains the process of her artwork during at Desert Artisans’ Gallery, 6536 E. Tanque Verde Road, in 2017.

Monsoon Madness: Artist Demonstrations

Head to Desert Artisans' Gallery where five artists will be at work. Enjoy light refreshments and watch as they create their art. 

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Desert Artisans' Gallery, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information. 

Southeast ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Birding Festival

This birding festival, organized by ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Audubon Society, is hosting a big roster of activities including field trips, workshops and presentations throughout Southeast ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

When: Aug. 7-11

Where: Locations across Southeast ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Cost: Many events are free with registration. Field trips range in price.

Visit the  for 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. 

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Summer Reading Party

Lorelai's Literary Foundation is wrapping up their kids' summer reading program with a party! Expect books, face painting, snacks, food trucks and prizes for the program's winners.

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9

Where: Union Square Park,

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the for more information.

Movie at the Park

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is hosting a summer party at Reid Park, featuring a screening of "The Sandlot" courtesy The Loft Cinema. Food trucks and beer are part of the fun, as well as a guided bike ride from Pueblo Vida to the park. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 10; bike ride is 6 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m.

Where: Reid Park's DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, 

Cost: Free to attend, RSVP online

Visit the  for 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! 

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for 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: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Second SundAZe at TMA 

Visit the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making and family yoga.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art, 

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the  for more information. 

Community members join FUGA on the last Friday or second Sunday of every month to ride for safer streets and to promote accessibility and mobility in their communities.

Ride with FUGA

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

When: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Ward 1, , on Aug. 11; El Pueblo Center, , on Aug. 30

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information. 

Community Water Safety Day

The ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ J and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center are hosting a free water safety day where families will have the chance to enjoy the pool, yard games, a bounce house and vendors. Swim instructors will provide swim evaluations and safety demonstrations.

When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11

Where: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Jewish Community Center, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Summer Sunsets at Mission Garden

Mission Garden is staying open late during this summer series that features games, live music and food truck OaxaRico. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15

Where: Mission Garden, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Celebration of All Things S-cuk sá»n/ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ was founded 249 years ago on Aug. 20, 1775. Every year, the Presidio Museum hosts a party to celebrate. This year, expect live music, dance, musket demonstrations and frybread for sale.

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: Presidio San Agustín del ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Movies in Marana: "Tangled"

Catch a free outdoor screening of Disney's "Tangled."

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: Continental Ranch Community Park, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn

Catch a free outdoor screening of Disney's "Turning Red."

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden

Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.

When: 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: Mission Garden, 

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the  for more information.

Family Saturdays with Watershed Management Group

Head to Watershed Management Group for Family Saturdays, this time to learn all about composting! Kid-friendly activities are part of the fun.

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: Watershed Management Group, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.

WIG! A Drag Variety Show

With a goal of inclusivity, queen Iona Hoya is hosting a drag variety show at R Bar featuring the talents of four other queens.

When: 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22

Where: R Bar, 

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

Visit the  for more information. 

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Art Fest

This free art festival takes place at Hotel McCoy, transforming the hotel into a hub for art, music and culture. Expect to find art displays, live music, vendors and interactive activities as you explore the hotel grounds.

When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24

Where: Hotel McCoy, 

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the  for more information.

"Beetlejuice"-themed Emo Night

Celebrate the upcoming "Beetlejuice" movie during this emo dance party organized by Desert Goth Club. Expect vendors, drink specials and tattoos while you're there.

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30

Where: Music Box Lounge, 

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

Visit the  for more information.

Movies in Marana: "Sing" 

You've heard of drive-in movies, but what about dive-in movies? Catch a poolside screening of "Sing." Bring your own towel!

When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31

Where: Ora Mae Harn District Park, 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the  for more information.


Our coverage on things to do is supported by Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥:

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

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


What does "supported by" mean?  to learn more.


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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 ✨