Nearly 40 events happening in Tucson this weekend, June 25-28

Tucson residents looking for something to do June 25 through 28 have nearly 40 options spread across downtown, the east and west sides, and nearby communities. The weekend lineup includes neighborhood markets, Pride celebrations, comedy, live music, arts activities, yoga, gardening, museum programs and events built around books, food and cats. Several choices are free or low cost, while others offer a chance to support local artists, vendors, restaurants and community organizations.

At Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., Picnic Palz and Face Me Portraits are hosting a speed-friending gathering centered on portraits and connection. Participants can play a game of faces and learn the basics of line drawing. The Catalyst Creative Collective, at 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110, is also opening its doors for a recurring community event with hands-on art activities, performances, refreshments and an opportunity to meet the creatives who use the space. At the Valencia Library, 202 W. Valencia Road, Adult Crafty Hour welcomes people working on drawing, painting, scrapbooking, beadwork, journaling or any other project.

The MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, is scheduled to host its June Summer Night Market, where local vendors and artists sell their work beneath the stars. The market takes place on the fourth Friday of each month through September and is free to attend, although visitors should bring money if they plan to shop. The same venue also offers Sunset Yoga, a Tuesday evening class guided by Joanna. Another seasonal celebration marks an anniversary with dining, entertainment, promotions and special events, although the listing does not provide a venue in the available information.

Families have several choices that combine play, learning and Tucson’s summer evenings. Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave., is holding a Museum Bubble Bash in its courtyard, with bubbles and activities for the whole family. The museum also offers Discovery Nights, a free program featuring science and art, story times and pop up experiments. At Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, 196 N. Court Ave., the Downtown Experience Summer Events Series presents Fire and Ice, with docent led lantern tours, blacksmithing demonstrations by Xerocraft and drinks at the Brandylion. Admission is included with regular museum entry, or free for members.

Pride programming runs through several parts of the city. The Comedy Kiki at Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. 9th St., features queer voices through improv, stand up, sketch and alternative comedy. The Monkey Bar, 1120 S. Wilmot Road, is planning an East Side karaoke night with a rainbow theme. Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway, is bringing together its players and guests from Tucson’s LGBTQ community for an improvised evening celebrating Pride Month. Another Pride event promises community, entertainment and local vendors. The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., also appears on the weekend calendar, though the provided listing does not include the event’s description.

Saturday brings additional options for adults and families. The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave., is hosting an afternoon dance party featuring Italo, funk and other music, with an early start for people who want to be home before late night. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, offers an hour of all levels yoga among its miniature galleries, followed by time to explore the museum. At Hunter’s Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway, visitors can combine a movie with time spent cuddling cats. Book lovers can discuss queerness through romance novels at Why Choose: A Romance Bookstore, 402 E. Fourth St., and attendees are encouraged to bring recommendations.

Outdoor and hands on activities give residents ways to spend the weekend beyond the central entertainment districts. Roots and Spirit at McCormick Community Garden, 2950 N. Columbus Blvd., invites people of all ages and experience levels to participate in mini classes and demonstrations focused on caring for a garden. The Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St., is hosting an exchange for unused art and craft supplies, allowing people to bring materials they no longer need and take home something new. Tucson Foodie’s weekly challenge asks participants to visit a locally owned restaurant connected to that week’s theme, submit a receipt photo and enter for prizes. The challenge is free to join.

Several recurring attractions extend the choices beyond this single weekend. Reid Park Zoo offers $3 admission on Tuesdays throughout June and July, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, has $5 Fridays through Sept. 25. Saturday nights at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, offer cooler temperatures, nocturnal animal viewing, themed activities and stingray touch opportunities from 6 to 10 p.m. through Aug. 29. Admission is listed as $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children ages 3 to 12.

Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, is offering a summer series with music, spirits and food from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 28. On Saturdays, the venue is partnering with Children’s Museum Oro Valley for family friendly nature play. Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights add keeper talks, animal encounters, face painting, games and live music, with admission listed as $12 for adults and $8.50 for children ages 2 to 14. Other seasonal possibilities include tours and workshops at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm in Oracle, with some workshops available at the Lavender Manor on East Fourth Street in Tucson, and Presidio Museum walking tours covering subjects such as Barrio Viejo, public art, murals, the Turquoise Trail and Death After Dark. Residents can also join a Thursday four mile run club that passes murals and Rattlesnake Bridge before stopping at a bar, or take the monthly West Side group bike ride from Transit Cycles to Dragoon Brewing. Event times, registration requirements and availability vary, so attendees should check the individual event listings before heading out.