Cyclovia Tucson Returns With Open Streets Event

Tucson residents will have another chance to walk, bike, skate, play and meet neighbors without competing with car traffic when Cyclovia Tucson returns Sunday, October 25. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Living Streets Alliance will temporarily close 2.25 miles of streets connecting Downtown and South Tucson. The free event will turn the route into a public gathering space, with activities, food, entertainment, health services, bike support and community organizations spread across five activity hubs. For people who live along the route, work nearby or simply want a different way to experience the city, the event offers a six-hour preview of streets designed around people rather than vehicles.

This will be the 25th Cyclovia Tucson, part of a global open streets movement that temporarily removes cars from selected roads so residents can imagine safer and more sustainable ways to move through their communities. The event is organized by Living Streets Alliance, a Tucson nonprofit focused on creating vibrant public streets and improving access to healthy, dignified and attractive transportation. Its work includes outreach, education and advocacy, while Cyclovia gives residents a direct, hands-on opportunity to experience those goals. An interactive route map is available through the Cyclovia website and shows the locations and programming at each hub.

At the Arizona Complete Health Hub at Mission View Elementary, health care and physical activity will share space with local food and performances. Arizona Complete Health is returning as the event’s title sponsor and will support free mammograms, prostate cancer blood test screenings, vision and diabetes tests, and liver scans. Ballet Folklorico Tapatio and DJ Humblianess will provide entertainment, while Ajo Bikes will offer free fix-a-flat service. Visitors can also take part in face painting, jump rope challenges, bike rodeos and tennis lessons. Los Poblanitos, Comida del Barrio, Cartel Coffee and Ensenada Street Food are among the vendors scheduled to serve food throughout the day.

The Luna y Sol Café area will add another neighborhood-centered stop, with coffee, baked goods and music. Luciid Car and Bike Club will display lowrider bikes, The Gloo Factory will host button-making, and Grandma’s Recipes will serve meals. People can exchange books through La Syrena Barrio Books, learn about pollinator gardens from Tucson Bird Alliance, and hear from AZ Mountain Mamas and Reinas Who Hike about public lands. Tugo Bikes will provide free rentals for people who want to ride the route but do not have a bicycle. Together, these offerings highlight Cyclovia’s mix of recreation, local commerce, environmental education and civic participation.

The Ochoa Community School Hub will focus on South Tucson institutions and community groups. Participants can connect with Desert Fleet for Gaza, Tucson Immigration Court Accompaniment, Scholarships A-Z and Take Action Tucson. The Sonoran Institute will share information about the Santa Cruz River, and Borderlands Theatre will invite visitors to contribute a story for the stage. BICAS will bring a mutant bike for people to ride, while Living Streets Alliance mechanics will provide basic repairs. AARP will raffle a bicycle and helmet as part of its voter education and engagement station. Children can play Giant Jenga, hula-hoops and bubbles, and food will include homemade frybread from E & J plus paletas and other treats sold by Ochoa Community School and JVYC. DJ Guillermosito will provide music.

Santa Rosa Park Hub will offer a particularly active lineup, including roller skating, dance, games and giveaways. Tucson Roller Collective will bring extra skates and teach roller dance on the basketball court, while Esperanza Dance Project returns with performances. Mini Poderosas will lead breathing exercises and mental health activities. Arizona Luminaria will offer a word game and zines, ICCU will operate a money machine, and Tucson Water will provide a hydration station. DJ Zeytune will play international music. Campfire Cycling will offer free tuneups, and food options will include Ensenada Street Food, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Donut Blitz, Herculean Chicken and Botana’s Remix.

Armory Park will serve as the Rose and Collin Forbes Hub, honoring two people remembered for supporting Cyclovia and advocating for safe, joyful Tucson streets. At the Children’s Museum, Polaris Parkour will create an obstacle course, Fantastic Foam Party and Imago Dei School will provide a foam activity, and the Circus and Aerial Academy of Tucson will offer aerial entertainment. KXCI will curate music, while Genuine BMX riders will demonstrate ramp skills. REI will provide free fix-a-flat help, and a beer garden will feature a new Cyclovia beer from Slow Body and Pueblo Vida breweries in celebration of the 25th event. Food and treats will come from Bisou Burger, Rollies Mexican Patio, La Doña Zasob, Haus of Brats, Frozen Delight and Smoothie Revolution.

The event still needs volunteers, including people willing to work a three-hour shift in exchange for an exclusive Cyclovia T-shirt. Groups of at least six adults can also adopt an intersection, helping manage traffic flow while adding their own music, decorations or activities to the route. Cyclovia is supported by Arizona Complete Health, Visit Tucson, KXCI, Tucson Water, AARP Arizona, Pima County Tourism and Attractions, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Air Program, ICCU, Lime, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Downtown Tucson Partnership, Slow Body Brewing and Pueblo Vida Brewing, among others. People can find volunteer information, the route map and additional event details at cycloviatucson.org.