Heading into the fall semester at the University of Arizona calls for some fresh Tucson bucket list items. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a seasoned UA student, anyone can find something special in this list of the best things to do in Tucson throughout the rest of the year.
On Campus
Visit the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
Unleash your inner cosmonaut and take a trip to the science museum and planetarium.
Student cost: $11 for science center, $19 for science center and planetarium show.
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See “Les Miserables” live
Broadway in Tucson is bringing this masterpiece to life as the first show of its 25-26 season.
Ticket cost: $42+
When: Sept. 9-14.
Where: Centennial Hall
View School of Art Galleries
Experience local art on campus in exhibitions by UA art students and contemporary work from outside artists.
Cost: Free
When: Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Where: J. Gross Gallery, 1031 Olive Rd
Watch Jazz “n” AZ
Watch an explosive Jazz dance show with seasonal favorite works from the School of Dance.
Ticket cost: $15 for students
When: Sept. 16-18
Where: Stevie Eller Dance Theater
Stroll through the Center for Creative Photography
Visit one of the world’s finest academic art museums + its exhibition celebrating 50 years.
Cost: Free
When: Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cheer on at Arizona Wildcats Football games
Game day! Arizona sports are must-goes for every Wildcat.
Cost: Free with a ZonaZoo pass, individual ticket prices vary
When: Home games are Aug. 30, Sept. 6, Sept. 12, Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Nov. 22
Where: Arizona Stadium
Take aesthetic photos at the Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building
Get insta ready in the open air courtyard surrounded by ENR2’s incredible architecture
Cost: Free
When: Building is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: ENR2 Building
Take a tour at the Tree Ring Laboratory
Take a tour of the laboratory and learn how university researchers are studying and dating annual rings in trees.
Cost: Free
When: Check website availability
Where: Bryant Bannister Tree-Ring Building
Get creative in CATalyst Studios
Visit this unique, creative space built for students to borrow and use materials and learn how to 3D print, sew and more.
Cost: Most equipment is free, with materials for sale
When: Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. tp 6 p.m.
Where: Main Library
Around Campus
Grab a drink from Scented Leaf Tea House
Visit this café/tea house for one of the best study spots in Tucson.
When: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Where: 943 E University Blvd.; other locations in downtown, Tucson’s eastside and midtown.
Enjoy a bite from Time Market
Stroll and shop at this local grocery store and café with lovely outdoor seating (and some amazing pizza).
When: Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: 444 E University Blvd.
Find a new read at Antigone Books
This cozy bookshop features local authors and an assortment of gifts perfect for the upcoming holidays.
When: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 411 N 4th Ave.
Indulge in breakfast or drinks at Hotel Congress
This multifaceted (and haunted) hotel and venue feature a charming café, historic bar and frequent concerts.
When: Open Daily, hours vary
Where: 311 E Congress St.
Explore Tucson’s Vegan Eats
As the first United States UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson offers a variety of places to grab a bite. Vegan or not, take a trip around town and get some of the best vegan eats.
Restaurants: Tumerico, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Cafe Desta, Falora and Houlden’s Rise Above
Shop at the boutiques on University Boulevard
Get ready for Tucson’s nightlife with trendy and adorable women’s wear from Boutique 816, Swindlers, Pitaya and Collette Clothing.
Where: University Boulevard from Park Avenue to Euclid Avenue
Grab a sweet treat from HeeMee Coffee and Bakery
Delicious lattes, pastries and gourmet breakfast items are their specialty, and they have a second location coming to University Boulevard soon!
When: Open Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 20 E Congress St.
Play games at Snakes & Lattes
Plan a date night or girl’s night out at this unique board game lounge and bar with delicious comfort food.
When: Open Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 988 E University Blvd.
Try the chips, salsa and margs at Mi Nidito Restaurant
This South Tucson restaurant has some of the best margaritas in town.
When: Open Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: 1813 S 4th Ave.
Investigate the paranormal or get spooked at Old Tucson
People say the grounds of Old Tucson are haunted by numerous ghostly entities. Take a 90 minute ghost tour or experience Nightfall this spooky season.
When: Dates and times vary; check website for more information.
Where: 201 Kinney Rd.
Weekend Adventures
Stargaze at the Mount Lemmon Skycenter Observatory
Get away from the city and head to the observatory featuring SkyNights, DayTours and SummerSky.
Cost: $10 to $85
Where: 9800 E Ski Run Rd.
Take a Mural Bike Tour
Tucson Bike Tours offers a seven mile bike tour featuring 35 of Tucson’s finest murals.
Cost: $65
When: Almost everyday 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 215 N Hoff Ave.
Shop at Old Town Artisans
Take a stroll through the maze of eclectic art shops and a nature-adoring restaurant at this historic block of shopping and dining.
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson, 196 N Court Ave.
Take a tour under the stunning night sky from Sabino Canyon Road to the Bear Canyon Overlook.
Cost: $15
When: Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (may shift due to daylight)
Where: 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Walk through five and a half acres of native flowers and foliage as well as new nature exhibits every season.
Cost: $15 for Students
When: Open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily
Where: 2150 N Alvernon Way
Mercado Flea Market
Browse antiques and collectables from community vendors at one of the most popular markets in the area.
When: Every second Sunday of the month starting this October
Where: 100 South Avenida del Convento
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