Best Ways to Enjoy the Cool(er) Summer Evenings in Tucson

summer-evenings-tucson

Because of soaring daytime temperatures, a number of Tucson attractions are offering extended evening hours and programming.

If you're stir-crazy from sitting inside all daylong, sunset is the right time to head outside and appreciate the cool(er) breezes that will hopefully be passing by.

2nd Saturdays in Downtown Tucson

Photo By: 2nd Saturdays  Downtown
Photo By: 2nd Saturdays Downtown

Live music, food vendors, children's activities, and other performers - the 2nd Saturday of every month...yearround!

  • LOCATION: Downtown Tucson
  • DATES: 2nd Saturday of every month - June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13
  • TIME: Approximately 6:00pm-12:00am, with some daytime activities - check the weekly schedule
  • COST: Free. The outdoor entertainment is all free to the public, and most other shows are free.
  • QUESTIONS? Call 520-326-9686.

Cool Summer Nights at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Photo By: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Photo By: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is pleased to offer themed weekly activities and extended hours for "Cool Summer Nights" - running every Saturday night between May 31-August 30. Ocotillo Cafe and Ironwood Terraces Restaurant are both open for dinner.

  • LOCATION: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson
  • DATES: Saturday Evenings - June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30
  • TIME: Approximately 6:00pm-10:00pm - check website for weekly programming
  • COST: $19.50 for adults; $17.50 for seniors; $15.50 for youth (ages 13-17); $6.00 for children (ages 4-12); FREE for children 3 and under
  • QUESTIONS? Call 520-883-2702.

Cox Communications Movies in the Park at Reid Park

Photo by: Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
Photo by: Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance

All movies begin at dusk. Attendees are invited to bring their own blankets and chairs. A variety of food vendors will be available on-site beginning at 5:30pm.

Movies in the Park will also feature free family activities, beginning at 5:30pm prior to each movie, including face painting, balloon twisters, arts and crafts activities, and more.

  • LOCATION: Reid Park, DeMeester Outdoor Performing Arts Pavilion, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson
  • DATES: Rotating Fridays - June 20, July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29
  • TIME: Activities and food sales begin at 5:30pm. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 7-7:30pm)
  • COST: Free Admission,
  • QUESTIONS? Call 520-797-3959.

Friday Night Live! at Main Gate Square

Image By: Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
Image By: Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance

The Friday Night Live! Jazz Summer Concert Series is presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance.

  • LOCATION: Main Gate Square, Geronimo Plaza, between Park Avenue and Euclid Avenue on University Boulevard
  • DATES: Alternating Fridays - June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 22
  • TIME: 7:00pm
  • COST: Free.
  • QUESTIONS? Call 520-797-3959.

Night Wings at Pima Air & Space Museum

Night-Wings-at-Pima-Air-&-Space-Museum
Image By: Pima Air & Space Museum

Each Night Wings evening features one “main attraction.” Main attractions in the past have been radio-controlled jets, LEGO® Robotics, and a fan favorite, the Physics Factory. Refer to the website’s online event calendar for the special attractions of upcoming Night Wings events. There are also 12 to 15 different aviation-related activity stations that will engage children as they learn about flight. Some offer small prizes and others award a prize at the end of the night!

The Flight Grill restaurant is open until 8:30pm offering dinner specials on burgers, salads, pizza, and ice cream. 

This is also a great opportunity to see some of the museum’s fantastic planes against a sunset backdrop. For only $4 more, you can ride the tram and breeze around the 150 outdoor planes.

  • LOCATION: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson
  • DATES: 4th Saturday of June, July, & August - June 28, July 26, August 23
  • TIME: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • COST: Adults pay $10. Kids 12 & under are FREE.
  • QUESTIONS? Call 520-574-0462.

Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo

Photo By: Reid Park Zoo
Photo By: Reid Park Zoo

Enjoy the Zoo and cooler evening temperatures at a series of themed nights featuring different Zoo Keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, enrichment making activities, crafts, and scavenger hunts. You can eat dinner or a snack at the Zoofari Market, listen to live music, visit vendor booths, ride the train, and cool off in Kenya Get Wet water area.

  • LOCATION: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson
  • DATES: Friday Nights - May 23, May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11
  • TIME: 5:30pm - 8:00pm
  • COST: $9 adults; $7 seniors; $5 children (ages 2-14); $2 off admission for zoo members
  • QUESTIONS? Call 520-791-4022.

Twilight Thursdays AND Sunset Saturdays at Tucson Botanical Gardens

Photo By: Tucson Botanical Gardens
Photo By: Tucson Botanical Gardens

TWILIGHT THURSDAYS: Enjoy summer nights at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Café Botanica will be open and serving dinner from 5-8:00 pm. (No admission charge to the Gardens if reservations are made at the cafe). Guests are welcome to bring in their own dinner and picnic in the Gardens. $8 Adults, $4 children 4-12, Members Free.

Photo By: Tucson Botanical Gardens
Photo By: Tucson Botanical Gardens

SUNSET SATURDAYS: Join the Tucson Botanical Gardens for a fun-filled evening once a month, featuring food, drinks, live music and fun. Sunset Saturdays at the Gardens will host a diverse lineup of local musicians; Café Botanica will have delicious, local fare and desserts available for purchase, with a $8 menu option, Isabella’s Ice Cream truck will be serving refreshing and unique flavors and a beer and wine will be available for purchase. $9 Adults/$5 members, $4 children 4-12/Member child $3.

  • LOCATION: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson
  • DATES: Every Thursday (June-September) for TWILIGHT THURSDAYS; 4th Saturday of the Month for SUNSET SATURDAYS
  • TIME: 5:00pm-8:00pm for both
  • COST: See admission fees above.
  • QUESTIONS? Call 520-326-9686.

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How do you like to pass the summer evenings in Tucson?

TucsonTopia contains both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses and organizations in and around Tucson, Arizona. Any reference made here to local businesses, services, classes, etc. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities.
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