Welcome your family by showing off some of the more interesting things Tucson has to offer. Here are five things for you and your family to do this weekend.
Arizona vs. Oregon State football game — If there’s one thing that really sums up UA school spirit, it’s Arizona Stadium on gameday. From the ZonaZoo representing the best student section in the nation, to the marching band and pom squad giving their all, to the football team putting its heart and soul into every second of every play. Not only will you and your family get to watch Arizona take on Oregon State, but you’ll also get to experience the exciting, adrenaline-pumping atmosphere that is created when a stadium is filled with 57,000 fans.
2nd Saturdays Downtown — Tucson is nothing without its art scene, both physical and performance, and what better way to show this to your relatives than with the 2nd Saturdays Downtown music festival.
Every second Saturday of the month, downtown Tucson transforms into a modern carnival with live music and performances throughout the night, vendors populating the streets and people from every walk of life enjoying the vibrant and artistic atmosphere.
Each week, the schedule of performances and activities changes and a program for this Saturday’s festival can be found online at 2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com.
Tucson Meet Yourself — Because of its location and history, Tucson has been a cultural hub ever since it was first inhabited; it has been a melting pot for Native Americans, Mexicans and southbound settlers.
While the overall culture of the city has absorbed elements of the three of these groups, each has also held onto their own customs and beliefs.
Featuring hundreds of artisans, exhibits, performances and more, this festival celebrates the traditions and beliefs behind the various groups that melded together to form the Tucson we know and love today.
Mount Lemmon — When people first visit Tucson, they’re often struck by the picturesque views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Not nearly as many take the time to explore it, however.
Break that trend and bring your relatives up the path to Mount Lemmon—with access to a car, it is extremely easy to get up the mountain. It does take a bit of time to reach Summerhaven at the very top, but there are a number of pull-offs along the way that offer spectacular views, especially Windy Point. Don’t forget your camera for the perfect photo opportunity.
Out to eat — After spending at least a month and a half in town—or many more months for non-freshman—you’ve probably visited one or two restaurants off campus and realized that Tucson’s food game is on point.
American, Mexican, Chinese, Thai and even sushi are all available in the immediate campus area, and as you venture further from the university, the options are practically unlimited.
Share your favorite place to enjoy dinner with your family and, if you are able to, pay for your parents’ dinners. The cost of a meal might not be able to cover all the time, money and effort they spent getting you to the point of being a UA student, but it’s a good start, and they’ll surely appreciate it.
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