Free movies and music in the park, a dog-friendly festival and the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pride parade — you don't have to break the bank to enjoy localÌýevents in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
Here are 35 events that are free to attend this September.
Hello Saturn: Deep-Space Quest
Local nonprofit Reach For The Stars is breaking out the telescopes and binoculars for a night of stargazing. While you're there, take a look at astrophotography on the big screen and feel free to ask the organizers astronomy-related questions.
When:Ìý7-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where:ÌýGabe Zimmerman Trailhead,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a free concert this Friday, featuring Znora.
When:Ìý7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6
Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food. Bring your own chair or blanket!
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Join us for a bookish happy hour on Sept. 19 📚
, 267 S. Avenida del Convento. Meet four ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ authors, sip on a book-themed cocktail, enjoy storewide discounts at Why I Love Where I Live and hunt for a free book courtesy ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Tome Gnome.Ìý!
Movie in the Park
The City of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ wants your feedback on an extension of the El Paso and Southwestern Greenway between Cushing Street and St Marys Road. Stop by to give your thoughts on the project all while catching a free movie screening of Elemental." The event will also include a bike repair station and burritos.
When:Ìý5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7Ìý
Where:ÌýDavid G. Herrera Ramon Quiroz Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Signs guide guests through the paths at Valley of the Moon.
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 sound healing session. Bring your own blanket, mat or chair!
When:Ìý8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
Where:ÌýValley of the Moon,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attendÌý
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, Sept. 7
Where:ÌýSteinfeld Warehouse,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
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 it's back for the season and beyond, featuring live music Saturdays through October.Ìý
When:Ìý4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7; 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21; Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where:ÌýMount Lemmon Lodge,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Second SundAZe at TMAÌý
Visit the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Activities include art-making, an art talk and drinks and snacks from El Desierto Waters.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 5 p.m.ÌýSunday, Sept. 8
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, Sept. 8;Ìý6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where:ÌýWard 1,Ìý, on Sept. 8;ÌýEl Pueblo Center,Ìý, on Sept. 27
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Science Night: Racing the Sun
Enjoy a mini STEM expo featuring local organizations during SARSEF's Racing the Sun event. You'll hear from students and professionals in a panel and learn how the Racing the Sun program challenges high school students to build and race solar-powered go-karts.
When:Ìý5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12
Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, registration is required
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Find Children’s Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ at 200 S. Sixth Ave.
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.
Tasting History: Pomegranates
Learn all about pomegranates, including their history and many varieties.
When:Ìý9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 13-14
°Â³ó±ð°ù±ð:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, donations accepted
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Oro Valley Movies on the Lawn
Catch a free outdoor screening of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem."
When:Ìý7-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where:ÌýOro Valley Community & Recreation Center,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
DreamNight 2024
Reid Park Zoo is hosting DreamNight, a private event for kids with specialized health-care needs, chronic illnesses and disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings. Expect pictures with superheroes and princesses, interactive docent stations and a fire truck!
When:Ìý6-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where:ÌýReid Park Zoo,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Queer Storytelling Event
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Queerstory is hosting a storytelling event, inviting the community to share stories about their queer experiences in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. The stories will be archived for historical records.Ìý
When:ÌýNoon on Saturday, Sept. 14
Where:Ìýµþ³Ü³¾²õ³Ù±ð»å'²õ,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at the Presidio Museum with an evening of dance, music, a lecture, face painting and traditional Mexican clothing for sale.
When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Where:ÌýPresidio Museum,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Conductor László Veres conducts during an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphonic Winds rehearsal in 2017.Ìý
Music in the Park
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphonic Winds is hosting a fall concert series, this time featuring special guests. Bring your own chairs and blankets!Ìý
When:Ìý7 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 14-Oct. 5
Where:ÌýUdall Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
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, Sept. 14
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, Sept. 14
Where:ÌýXerocraft Makerspace,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, Sept. 15
Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Young Leaders United Social Hour
Network with young professionals during this social hour as part of United Way's Young Leaders United. There will be light snacks, a DIY bookmark activity and drinks available for purchase.Ìý
When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17
Where:ÌýMotoSonora Brewing Co.,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for drinksÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Santa Cruz River Dragonfly Festival
Each year, the Sonoran Institute hosts a celebration of dragonflies on the Santa Cruz River. Enjoy several events as part of the festival, from tours and lectures to crafts and virtual presentations.
When:ÌýVarious dates in SeptemberÌý
Where:ÌýVarious locations
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Summer Sunsets at Mission Garden
Mission Garden is staying open late during this summer series that features live music and food truck OaxaRico. Cross your fingers for an immaculate sunset!
When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where:ÌýMission Garden,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1997 by artists exclusively for contemporary art.
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 tacos from Ensenada Street Food, drinks, tunes from KXCI DJs and a 6 p.m. poetry reading.Ìý
When:Ìý5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where:ÌýMuseum of Contemporary Art ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Sunnyside Gives Week: Gives Day Block Party
Sunnyside Foundation is taking over American Eat Co. for a night of music, performances from Sunnyside Unified School District groups, a jumping castle and a photo booth.
When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where:ÌýAmerican Eat Co.,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 Chalako the Band. Three food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When:Ìý5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where:ÌýMarana MunicipalÌýComplex,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Kickball and a Movie
Watch as Northwest Fire District and Marana Police Department play a round of kickball. Food trucks will be onsite, along with games for kids and a screening of "DC League of Super-Pets."
When:Ìý5-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21; kickball starts at 6 p.m., movie starts at 6:30 p.m.
Location:ÌýCrossroads at Silverbell District Park,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for foodÌý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Traditional O'odham AgricultureÌý
Learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about Native American crops.Ìý
When:Ìý8-9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
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:Ìý8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where:ÌýWatershed Management Group,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pops Orchestra Concert Series
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pops Orchestra is back with three concerts in the park this fall. Expect a beer garden and food trucks!
When:Ìý7 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 22-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.
Swap-Tember
Soil Sisters Swaps is hosting a plant swap featuring bingo, prizes and a donation drive for the Community Food Bank of Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
When:Ìý11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22
Where:ÌýCoalition Space,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Sun Devil SocialÌý
I know what you're thinking — we're a town of Wildcats! But come Sept. 25, the ASU Alumni Association will host a networking and social hour with free appetizers and drinks.Ìý
When:Ìý5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25
Where:ÌýReilly Craft Pizza & Drink,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, RSVP required
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
A Pitbull impersonator performs on the main stage during the 46th annual ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pride Festival at George DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place in 2023.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pride Parade and Festival
Each September, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pride hosts a parade and festival as part of its mission to empower Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s LGBTQ+ community. The parade will feature vendors, performances and food trucks. The following day, a festival will take place at Reid Park with vendors, food, nonprofits, games, music and an area for kids.
When:ÌýParade is 4-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27; festival is noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where:ÌýParade is at Armory Park,ÌýÌýFestival is at theÌýGeorge DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park,Ìý.Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to watch the parade; general admission to the festival is $20
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Oro Valley Bark in the Park
Bring your dog to Steam Pump Ranch for Oro Valley's Bark in the Park! Expect a dog costume contest, vendors, food trucks, crafts, food trucks and adoptable dogs.Ìý
When:Ìý5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where:ÌýSteam Pump Ranch,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food. Dogs must be on a leash.
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
2024 Program Round-Up
Child & Family Resources will be at Children's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to chat about their many free programs offered for babies, kids, teens, parents and caregivers.Ìý
When:Ìý9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where:ÌýChildren's Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
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!
What does "supported by" mean?ÌýÌýto learn more.