Over 50 fun events happening in Tucson during the month of September 🍂✨

September gives Tucson residents a packed calendar of ways to get out of the house as the summer heat slowly eases. The month’s lineup includes food festivals, live music, cultural celebrations, family activities, markets, comedy, dance parties and hands on art events. More than 50 events are listed, with options spread across downtown, midtown, the west side, the east side, Marana and the Interstate 19 corridor. Some are free, while others require tickets, advance registration or money for food and shopping.

Food is one of the month’s biggest themes. Sonoran Restaurant Week returns as a 10 day celebration featuring more than 100 local restaurants. Participating businesses will offer prix fixe menus at a 20 percent discount, giving diners a chance to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene at a lower price. The Vegan Night Market is also returning to the food pavilion at Rillito Park, with vegan food, drinks, live music and more. Admission is free, although visitors should bring money for vendors. Another food focused gathering pairs local chefs with craft breweries for small plate creations and beer pairings. Guests will vote on their favorite dish at the event at Savoy Opera House.

Several events offer shopping and a chance to support local makers. The Made in Marana Market, scheduled for the morning of Saturday, Sept. 5, will bring together local vendors, baked goods, drinks and food trucks. Gather A Vintage Market will run for four days at 300 South Park Avenue, featuring vintage and antique pieces for the home and garden. Admission is free to both markets, but shoppers should plan to pay for purchases. EcoGro will also host a free night market with food, shopping and music. Other gatherings include a book swap celebrating Dolly Parton at Celestia Collective and a plant themed bingo event at Green Things Nursery, where participants can meet fellow plant lovers and take home a plant. The nursery event costs $10 and requires calling ahead to reserve a spot.

Comic book and pop culture fans will have a major downtown destination at the 17th annual Tucson Comic Con at the Tucson Convention Center. Thousands are expected to attend, with gaming, cosplay, interactive activities and celebrity appearances. Hotel Congress will extend the Comic Con atmosphere after the convention with live music, costumes, giveaways, vendors and surprise guests. That after party costs $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the event. Other entertainment options include a dance party honoring the 20 year anniversaries of Hannah Montana and High School Musical, as well as Seoul Electric, a K pop and electronic dance party hosted by Tucson Asian Night Market at La Rosa. The latter will include live music, a Korean vendor courtyard, a photo booth and karaoke.

Tucson’s music calendar reaches across genres and generations. Twenty five local musicians will be randomly placed into new bands, then challenged to write three original songs, learn a cover and perform the results. Proceeds from that Hotel Congress show will benefit KXCI Community Radio, with tickets priced at $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event. Local musicians will also pay tribute to Dolly Parton at La Rosa, with proceeds going to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Foundation. The Tucson Hip Hop Awards return for a fifth year with live performances, awards and a red carpet. Another inclusive La Rosa event will combine dancing with drag performances.

September also brings celebrations rooted in Tucson’s communities and history. A family friendly gathering at Hotel Congress will feature folklorico dancing, live music, food, drinks and lowriders. Mexican Independence Day will be celebrated at John F. Kennedy Park with music, dance performances, food, vendors and children’s activities. Admission is free, though visitors should bring money for food and shopping. Hotel Congress will mark the holiday early with a performance by Mariachi Herencia De Corazon. Park Place will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, performances and crafts. These events provide opportunities for residents to spend time together while recognizing Mexican and broader Hispanic cultural traditions.

The month’s arts and specialty events include a free queer zine making session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, with all materials supplied. At the Tucson Museum of Art, a screening of Problemista will take place in the historic Casa Cordova courtyard, accompanied by local food, a cash bar and treats from the Chinese Chorizo Project. Hunter’s Kitten Lounge will offer a watercolor class centered on creating a cat themed artwork. Artsy Babes Club will host a junk journaling event inspired by 2000s pop divas, with a scrap pack, photo booth picture and free drink included with admission. A Practical Magic viewing party at Galaxy Theaters will include a movie ticket, goodie bag, tarot readings, a simmer pot bar and photo booth.

Nature and the changing season are also part of the schedule. As part of the Dragonfly Festival, Bugs and Bites will feature local experts discussing dragonflies, fireflies and bee flies. A drag and burlesque showcase created with the Sonoran Institute will connect the festival to the Sonoran Desert and the Santa Cruz River. The event costs $15 for advance tickets and $25 on the day. People looking for a quieter activity can join a free yoga class at Park Place, offered by Studio Fuerza for beginners and experienced participants alike, though online registration is required. There is also a clown themed event with DJs, vendors, balloon animals, food from Odd Dogs, photos and flash piercings. Advance tickets cost $12, or $14 on the day, and attendees are encouraged to wear clown outfits.

Several activities focus on family participation, remembrance and community service. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s HungerWalk will take place Sept. 12 during Hunger Action Month. Participants can walk at Sam Lena Park at Kino Sports Complex, with a special tour through the Country Club warehouse and Nuestra Tierra Garden, join the walk at Historic Canoa Ranch in Green Valley, or participate virtually. The 9/11 Tower Challenge at the Tucson Convention Center honors people who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks, along with first responders and members of the military. Participants climb the equivalent of the Twin Towers’ 110 floors, while nonparticipants can attend for free. Families can also see Pretendy Time, an improv show at Tucson Improv Movement where children may have the opportunity to join performers onstage. Exact details for many events are provided through their individual event pages, making those listings the place to confirm schedules, registration requirements and ticket information before heading out.