Tucson’s best free events and markets to visit this August

Tucson has several free and low-cost ways to enjoy the end of summer in August. Old Tucson’s Summer Night Market will feature local artists, live music, crafts and food vendors from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 8 and Aug. 22. Admission and parking are free, although shoppers should bring money for purchases.

The Gather A Vintage Market will offer antique and vintage home and garden items at 300 S. Park Ave. It runs Aug. 13 through 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Desert Haze Market will also bring vintage clothing, food and music to La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 15. Both markets are free to attend.

Other free activities include an open mic at Celestia Collective, an ice cream social at La Rosa and a poetry gathering on the Tiger’s Taproom patio at Hotel Congress. Valley of the Moon will host a Wonderland-themed market with local vendors, photo opportunities and activities such as teacup decorating and lip gloss making. Some activities and purchases will cost extra.

The MSA Annex Summer Night Market features more than 80 local makers and returns on the last Friday of each month through September. Tucsonans can also browse local goods at St. Philip’s Plaza from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays, or shop for yard art, home decor, jewelry and baked goods at the Foothills Mall market.

For those looking to meet people, Bring Your Own Craft Club meets Aug. 23 at Di Luna Candles. Other options include a Thursday run club, a monthly group bike ride from Transit Cycles to Dragoon Brewing, and a late-night games event at Snakes & Lattes. These events are free to attend, but food, drinks and shopping cost extra.