Lots to do on August 20 — from the early morning flag raising downtown, to recreational activities for children (and a pinata); followed by lunch or dinner at Chick-fil-A near El Con Mall, and a big blast beach party (lots of sand but no ocean) party tonight on 4th Avenue — all for Tucson’s birthday and all free.

For more to do on August 20 and for the remainder of Tucson’s Birthday month of August (and beyond), go to the official website: www.tucsonsbirthday.org

—Tucson’s Birthday Flag Raising Ceremony

Aug 20, 2011

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Admission: Free
Contact Name: Diane Salyers
Email: diane.salyers@tucsonaz.gov
Location: Presidio San Agustin del Tucson
Address: 133 W. Washington St. Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-837-8119

The five flags that have flown over Tucson – American, Spanish,Mexican, Confederate, and the State of Arizona – will be presented in a ceremony to celebrate Tucson’s 236th birthday. The Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe flags will also be presented, as will a replica of the 28-star American flag that was brought by the Mormon Battalion and flown over Tucson on December 16, 1846.

—Para Los Niños-Territorial Games for Children

Aug 20, 2011

Time: 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Admission: FREE
Contact Name: Monica Smith
Email: Tortelita@aol.com
Location: Tucson Presidio
Address: Washington & Church Downtown Tucson 85700
Phone: 219-1380

Los Decendientes del Presidio hosts an event for school age children following the Flag Ceremony to celebrate Tucson’s Birthday. The event will provide them an opportunity to discover and personally experience the recreational activities available to children in that historic era. This will be an enriching hands-on experience including story-telling, clay marbles, ring-toss, a pinata and more!

—Chick-fil-A El Con

Aug 20, 2011

Time: 10:30am-10pm
Admission: free
Contact Name: d kephart
Email: marketing.cfaelcon@yahoo.com
Location: Chick-fil-A at El Con
Address: 3605 E Broadway 85716
Phone: 520-321-4232

Celebrate Tucson’s birthday with a FREE #1 combo meal today. Say Happy Birthday Tucson at register. One meal per person present please. Come join the fun!

—4th Avenue to Main Gate Beach Party

Aug 20, 2011

Time: 5-9pm
Admission: FREE
Contact Name: Kurt Tallis
Email: kurt@fourthavenue.org
Location: 4th Avenue Between University Blvd and 9th Street
Address: 316 N. 4th Avenue 85705
Phone: 520-624-5004

4th Avenue Beach Party 5-9 pm, Fourth Avenue between University and the Underpass.

SOUTH BEACH
Fourth Avenue Activities include:
• Free Live Music at 5 locations along 4th Avenue (See the website for a map.)
• Prizes and giveaways with the Wheel of 4ortune (Spencer Park) • Merchants will be offering 236 Specials throughout the day and night 
• Dunk Tank to sink Tucson notables benefiting Ben’s Bells
 • Balloon and Face Painters.

NORTH BEACH
Main Gate Square Activities include:
• Free live music by “Just Cruzin”
 • 30 Foot Slip & Slide
 • Merchants will be offering 236 Specials throughout the night
 • Balloon and Face Painters
 • Tucson’s Birthday Cake.
All the details are at http://www.fourthavenue.org/.

Enjoy the festivities and the birthday cake. Happy Birthday Tucson.

UPDATE: for Flickr photo sets of some of these events, click here.