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

Tucson residents looking for ways to enjoy August without spending much can find free markets, neighborhood gatherings, creative meetups and nightlife across the city. Many events offer free admission, though visitors should plan to bring money for food, drinks, shopping or optional activities. The lineup ranges from Old Tucson and the MSA Annex to La Rosa, Valley of the Moon, Hotel Congress and several other local gathering places.

Old Tucson’s Summer Night Market returns on August 8 and August 22, giving shoppers two opportunities to browse the town square from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Local artists, craft vendors, food sellers and live musicians will be part of the evening. Admission and parking are free, while purchases from vendors will cost extra. The market is designed for an evening visit, when the setting sun gives way to lights, music and handmade goods.

The MSA Annex also hosts its Summer Night Market on the last Friday of every month through September. More than 80 local makers are expected, making this one of the larger recurring shopping events on the list. Admission is free, but visitors should bring money if they want to buy from the vendors. The annex is at 267 S. Avenida del Convento, a location that also serves as the meeting point for a separate community bike ride.

Several events center on neighborhood connection rather than shopping. La Rosa will host an ice cream social for midtown residents, with drink specials, a performance by Mr. Nature and soft serve from Sisters. The listing does not provide a date or time, but the gathering is presented as a casual way to meet neighbors. La Rosa is also the site of Desert Haze Market on August 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. That market will feature vintage clothing vendors, food and music, with merchandise ranging from shirts and pants to dresses.

For vintage shoppers, Gather A Vintage Market will be open August 13 through August 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by shorter hours on August 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is at 300 S. Park Ave. and will focus on vintage and antique items for the home and garden. Entry is free, although shoppers will need to pay for anything they take home. Another free shopping opportunity is planned at Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd., where vendors will offer yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and other items. The listing does not specify the mall market’s date or hours.

St. Philip’s Plaza offers a regular weekend option, with local makers and live music from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. The plaza, at 4280 N. Campbell Ave., also gives visitors the chance to stop at one of its restaurants and other eateries. Valley of the Moon will offer a more whimsical market experience, featuring a tea cup decorating station, a create your own lip gloss station, an elixir making activity, local vendors and Wonderland themed photo opportunities. Admission is free, but some activities and purchases will cost extra. Costumes are encouraged, and the event is at 2544 E. Allen Road.

People who want to participate instead of shop can choose from a variety of creative and social gatherings. Celestia Collective, at 1122 N. Stone Ave., hosts an Open Mic Second Saturdays event where attendees can sing, perform stand-up comedy, dance, use puppets or read poetry. The Bring Your Own Craft Club meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on August 23 at Di Luna Candles, 2700 N. Campbell Ave. Participants can bring a craft and a coffee for an informal get-together. At Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., the Tiger’s Taproom patio provides a setting for people to listen to poetry or share their own work beneath the lights.

Tucson’s nightlife offerings also include a goth themed dance event at the Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave. The evening will feature dark wave, new wave, old school industrial, and traditional and contemporary goth music. At Snakes & Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd., a late night event will combine immersive music, hosted games, prizes and craft cocktails. Both events are described as free to attend, though guests should expect to pay for drinks and food.

For active residents, a Thursday run club meets at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Seventh Street for a four mile run at a slower pace. The route passes murals and the Rattlesnake Bridge, and the group stops at a bar afterward for drinks. More information is available through the club’s Instagram page. Cyclists can join the West Side community ride on the third Thursday of each month. Riders meet at Transit Cycles, 267 S. Avenida del Convento, at 5:30 p.m., with the ride beginning at 6 p.m. The group travels to Dragoon Brewing, where $1 pints will be available and Muncheez food truck will serve food. The ride itself is free, while drinks and food cost extra.