guides

Tucson Summer Evening Events for Families

By East Tucson Macaroni Kid August 19, 2018


Temperatures are soaring during the day, but while summer days are hot, summer evenings are cool!  From May through August, Tucson has a variety of evening activities that the whole family can enjoy. From outdoor movies and concerts to animal encounters and more, this guide will help you find the coolest evening family fun in Tucson!

Note: All events are subject to change based on weather and other factors. Before you head out, please use the links to check venue updates or call to verify.   

Thursdays

Cinema La Placita Outdoor Film Series. Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM from May-August. Classic movies in an outdoor setting. $3 admission per person includes popcorn. Note: Not all Cinema La Placita movies are appropriate for children, but many are. Check the schedule each month to determine which movies your family may enjoy. NEW LOCATION: In the Plaza of the Tucson Museum of Art downtown.

Fridays

Cox Movies in the Park. FREE family-friendly movies at Reid Park, Demeester Performing Arts Pavilion.  Select Fridays, May-July.  Food vendors on-site, jumping castles, arts & crafts and more. Activities start at around 6 PM and movies start at dusk. 2018 Schedule: May 25: Coco, June 8: Paddington 2, June 22: Jumanji,  July 6: Wonder Woman, and July 20: Star Wars the Last Jedi

Friday Night BBQs at Tucson Racquet Club Weekly on Fridays through September 30, 5:30-8:30 PM. Listen to live music, swim in the pool, and enjoy great BBQ fare. $4 entrance fee for non-members, free for members.

Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo.  Fridays through August 3, 6:00-8:00 PM. Cool off at the zoo! Don’t miss an evening at the zoo in the cooler temperatures, with animal encounters, live music, crafts and face painting for the kids, and gift shop discounts. $10.50/adults, $6.50/children 2-14; 1/2 off admission for zoo members. Purchase tickets on-line here.

Saturdays

Cool Summer Nights at the Desert Museum. Weekly on Saturdays, May 26 through September 1, 5:00-10:00 PM. The desert comes alive at night when nocturnal animals awake. Bring a flashlight to explore, and participate in special activities for each weekly theme (click here to see each week's theme). Regular admission applies. Admission rates can be found here.

Night Wings at Pima Air and Space Museum. Saturdays June 23 & July 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The museum remains open so that you can enjoy the aircraft in the cooler evening. Lots of hand-on activities for children and adults alike. Flight Grill open for dinner! $10 evening admission. Kids 12 and under are FREE!

Udall Park Concert Series (Arizona Symphonic Winds): Saturdays May 12, 19, 26 & June 2 at 7:00 PM. Bring a blanket or chairs and some snacks and enjoy a FREE evening of music.  

Valley of the Moon FREE First Saturdays: Valley of the Moon is a historic storybook land in the heart of Tucson. Every first Saturday of the month Valley of the Moon is open to the public for FREE. Wander among the historic structures looking for fairies and exploring this magical Tucson treasure. Summer 2018 dates: June 2, July 7, August 4. 

Sundays 

Music Under the Stars. Reid Park DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center. Sundays at 7:00 PM, May 13, 20, 27, June 3 & 10. This FREE outdoor concert series is performed by the Tucson Pops Orchestra and beloved by people of all ages. Arrive early, bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic, and prepare to enjoy a wonderful evening of music.



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