If you don't live or work near the University or downtown, you may not be aware of the BIG NEWS of the week. The Sun Link Streetcar opens on Friday, July 25 to great fanfare, much excitement and FREE rides for three days. If you haven't recently explored the neighborhoods served by the Streetcar, this is a great weekend to check them out. There are lots of discounts and celebratory events for the whole family! If you DO live or work near these neighborhoods...well, then I'm preaching to the choir. You've been seeing this event in the making for a long time. Will I see you on the line this weekend?
Streetcar Service Times this weekend:
Friday: Approximately 10 AM (after ribbon cutting ceremonies and opening celebrations) to 2 AM with rides every 10 minutes until 6 PM, every 20 minutes from 6 PM to 10 PM and every 30 minutes after 10.
Saturday: 8 AM-2AM, every 20 minutes until 10 PM and 30 minutes during late night hours.
Sunday: 8 AM-8PM, every 20 minutes.
Click HERE for a map of the Sun Link route.
Here are some of the events that are great for kids and adults alike. There are also many events for the 21+ crowd, so if you're planning a date night or girls' night out, click HERE for a full schedule of events.
University of Arizona:
This weekend is a great time to take the kids to explore the University. There will be raffles, interactive expos and free water at each of the Streetcar stops in this area. Plus, you can hop on and off to visit all of the museums in this area, like Flandrau Science Center, Arizona State Museum and the UA Poetry Center. Click HERE for times and admisisons rates for the various museums.
Main Gate Square:
Hop off the Streetcar at Main Gate Square for many merchant and dining discounts. For kids there is a Ben's Bells Mosaic Scavenger Hunt, Face painting and balloon art at Dunkin Donuts, the Instrument Petting Zoo from the Civic orchestra of Tucson, live music and much more. Click HERE for times and details.
4th Avenue:
4th Ave. is also featuring shopping and dining discounts, plus free live music nearly all weekend. HERE is where you can find a more detailed schedule and information about discounts.
Downtown:
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art downtown on Friday for FREE, 1/2 price admission all weekend to the Tucson Museum of Art, and FREE classic cartoons at the Fox Theatre on Friday from 11 AM-5 PM and Saturday 3 PM-9 PM. The Ben's Bells Mosaic scavenger hunt is going on downtown, too. Plus dining and shopping deals and more! HERE is more information.
Mercado District
There will be live entertainment throughout most of the weekend in this district, including the Viva Performing Arts Folklorico Dancers, Mariachis, the Tucson High Marching Band and much more! Click HERE for a schedule.
For additional information on rates after this weekend, tips on how to ride the streetcar, and the history of the Sun Link Streetcar, visit www.sunlinkstreetcar.com.
