40 things to do in Tucson this weekend, from Summerween to Christmas in July

Tucson residents looking for a break from the summer heat have a packed weekend of options, with events ranging from spooky shopping and Christmas themed markets to evening museum visits, live music, dance parties, family festivals and hands on workshops. More than 40 activities are scheduled around the city from Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, offering choices for families, nightlife fans, collectors, animal lovers and anyone ready for a little early holiday spirit.

The weekend’s most unusual seasonal pairing is Summerween and Christmas in July. Ramada Tucson’s Summerween Scream Market, organized by Tucson Terror & Oddities, will bring more than 40 vendors selling goth, horror and metaphysical goods. The free event will also include tarot readings, flash tattoos, food trucks and a raffle. For a different kind of seasonal shopping, the historic Stillwell House will host a festive evening in its courtyard garden, with local vendors, food, drinks and holiday cheer. Admission is free, but shoppers should bring money for purchases and food.

Music and nightlife are also prominent. Cypress Hill will perform Saturday, July 25, at 8 p.m. at the AVA Amphitheater as part of its Once Upon A Time in the Summer 2026 Tour. At La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club Blvd., a Beyoncé themed dance party will celebrate the singer and her music. The Surly Wench Pub will offer a night built around dark wave, new wave, old school industrial, and traditional and contemporary goth music. Country fans can attend a dance party featuring lessons, live music, DJs and line dancing, with admission listed at $10 or $25.45 for a ticket that includes a dance lesson.

Several events offer a more interactive way to spend the weekend. Club Congress will host the Show & Tell Comedy Hour, a 21 and older standup show where audience members bring unusual objects and comedians roast them. Advance tickets cost $10, or $12 on the day of the show. At the Tucson Firefighters Union Hall, a card show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with 50 vendor tables, trading opportunities, raffles and giveaways. The event is free, although attendees should bring money if they plan to shop. Stacks Book Club will host a watch party for The Odyssey. Participants will meet at the bookstore, 1880 E. Tangerine Road, at 1 p.m., and tickets include admission, an enamel pin and priority group seating.

Creative activities are available throughout the city. Catalyst Creative Collective, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110, will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with hands on art projects, community performances, refreshments and an opportunity to meet the group’s creatives. Libra & Thorn will lead a workshop where participants can sew a starry friend in the shape of a cat, raven or frog, with supplies included. At HeeMee Coffee & Bakery, 800 E. University Blvd., Gather & Glow Club will offer a pressed flower workshop. Participants will make a hanging frame, receive supplies and get a complimentary pastry. Jnk Jrnl Poetry and Pueblo Vida Brewing Co. are also joining for a crafty gathering centered on junk journal pages, board games and coloring.

Other activities mix hobbies with food and community. Snakes & Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd., will host a Ravensburger Puzzle Race Mini Tournament with teams competing over a 500 piece puzzle. Each team member receives a soda or iced tea, a shareable treat and a puzzle to take home. At Arizona Wine Collective, 4280 N. Campbell Ave., a PAWSitively Cats fundraiser will pair three premium Arizona wines with vegan friendly hors d’oeuvres for $25. Ten dollars from each tasting will support shelter cats, and 10 percent of full bottle purchases will also be donated. Tucson Foodie’s weekly restaurant challenge continues as well, inviting participants to visit a locally owned restaurant matching that week’s theme, submit a receipt photo and enter for prizes. The challenge is free to enter.

Families can find activities at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet, where face painting, a balloon artist, live music and rides are planned. Hunter’s Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway Blvd., will offer a rock art activity using provided colors and dotting tools. At the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, visitors can attend an all levels yoga class from 4:14 to 5:15 p.m. Saturday, then stay to explore the museum. The weekend also includes a production at Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road, running on various dates and times from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, Aug. 2. Its story follows Trevor Nelson, an adolescent in 1981 America who dreams of show business and must find the courage to choose his own path after an embarrassing incident at school.

Several recurring summer programs provide ways to spend time outdoors after temperatures drop. Reid Park Zoo is offering $3 admission for everyone from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays during June and July, while its Summer Safari Nights continue from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 8. Those evening programs include rotating themes, keeper chats, animal encounters, face painting, games and live music. The Tucson Botanical Gardens offers $5 admission every Friday through Sept. 25. At the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Cool Summer Nights run from 6 to 10 p.m. most Saturdays through Aug. 29, with nocturnal wildlife viewing, themed activities and stingray touch opportunities. Admission is $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children ages 3 to 12, and visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights.

The Pima Air and Space Museum will remain open late from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, with sunset views over its aircraft and themed activities. Admission is $15 for people ages 13 and older, while children 12 and younger enter free. Tohono Chul’s summer series continues from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 28, combining music, spirits and food. On Saturdays, the garden is partnering with Children’s Museum Oro Valley for family friendly nature play. The Sabino Canyon Crawler’s night tour is also back on Saturdays through Oct. 25. Farther north, Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle is offering seasonal tours, workshops and events, with lavender themed teas at Lavender Manor. Some workshops are also available at The Lavender Manor, 347 E. Fourth Street, in Tucson.