Kick-off your summer right with these cool Tucson happenings! (In chronological order.) This is just a sampling for the month of June, for a full list and lots of activities and ideas for your next trip around Tucson and southern Arizona, check out visitTucson.org.
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7th Annual Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run/Walk
June 01, 2013
Event Location: 200 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-326-9383
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The biggest running block party in Arizona features a fast course, free food, live music, free Children’s One Mile, and after-party throughout Downtown Tucson. Meet special guest Lorraine Moller, four-time Olympian, bronze medalist in the 1992 Olympic Marathon in Barcelona, and former Boston Marathon champ. Cash for winners, raffles for all, age group awards, and plenty of post-race food and drink. Come run the Downtown streets for a fun nighttime 5k. Have your photo snapped at the PhotoFunBooth. After the race, relax at Hotel Congress for the best Racing After-Party around. Start/finish in front of the Children’s Museum, Tucson – with a new course on Sixth Avenue.
Summer Art Cruise
June 01, 2013
Event Location: 154 E. 6th St., Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone: 520-629-9759
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Central Tucson Gallery Association presents self-guided tour and receptions at galleries in and around downtown. Get free maps/schedules at Davis Dominguez Gallery and other participants.
Summer Film Series at The Fox
June 01, 2013
Event Location: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-547-3040
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Tucson’s vintage movie palace, the Fox Tucson Theatre, screens a series of favorite movies on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with evening and matinee showings all summer long. Watch family-friendly classics and Hollywood treasures in beautiful, Southwestern Art Deco surroundings with pitch-perfect acoustics.
National Trails Day
June 01, 2013
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Celebrate National Trails Day with a visit to a state or national park, national forest, or nature center in Tucson or Southern Arizona, and experience our great outdoors.
Diamonds of the Desert
June 01 – August 31, 2013
Event Location: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 North Kinney Road 85743, Tucson, AZ 85743
Phone: 520-883-2702
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Don’t miss this unique new exhibit celebrating the Museum’s 60th diamond jubilee. View this collection of rare-colored diamondbacked rattlesnakes paired with beautiful diamond gemstones! In June, enter for a chance to win a gift certificate from Sheffield’s Diamonds - the Museum’s diamond partner for this extraordinary exhibit.
Music Under the Stars: George Blum and José Leonardi Reyes
June 02, 2013
Event Location: Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: 520-721-2068
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The Tucson Pops Orchestra perform with special guests George Blum and José Leonardi Reyes at the Reid Park band shell.
Arizona Smith and the Relic of Doom
June 02, 2013
Event Location: Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone: 520-886-9428
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The Gaslight Theatre presents a musical adventure with Arizona Smith in the quest for the Relic of Doom.
Psychedelic Furs in Concert
June 06, 2013
Event Location: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-740-1000
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The Rialto Theatre presents an all-ages concert with 1980s New Wave band Psychedelic Furs, famed for such major hits as “Love My Way,” “Pretty In Pink,” “Heaven,” “The Ghost In You,” and Heartbreak Beat. Performing with My Jerusalem at Rialto Theatre.
Bat Bridge Discovery
June 06, 2013 – August 29, 2013
Recurring weekly on Thursday –>
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Every Thursday evening at dusk, in June, July, and August, docents from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are stationed at two “Bat Bridges” in town: River/Campbell and at Pantano River Park (located at Pantano/22nd). Every night at this time of year, huge clouds of Mexican free-tailed bats swirl out from under Tucson bridges at sunset and fly into the twilight sky. The bats start flying at sunset (about 7:30 p.m.) and usually fly north. This is a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy beautiful sunsets and appreciate firsthand this awesome spectacle. Docents will have bat detectors and hands-on materials and will be available to answer questions. We recommend arriving 40 minutes prior to dusk.
Tucson Padres vs. Sacramento River Cats
June 06, 2013 – June 09, 2013
Event Location: Kino Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 520-434-1367
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The Tucson Padres play the Sacramento River Cats in a four-night stand. Thirsty Thursday is presented by Tucson Weekly, K-HIT 107.5, and La Poderosa. Sunday, June 9th is Military Appreciation & Bark in the Park, presented By Chase; on this night, all active military members get free admission, and you can bring your dog to the ballpark. Gates open 6:00 PM
Lorenzo de Monteclaro & Maribel Guardia in Concert
June 07, 2013
Event Location: Kino Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 520-434-1367
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The Tucson Padres presents an appearance by two of Mexico’s greatest performers, Lorenzo de Monteclaro and Maribel Guardia, who will perform in concert for the first time in 25 years after the June 7 Padres game against Sacremento at Kino Stadium. The concert is presented by La Poderosa, Univision, and TAP Royal. Tickets are now on sale at the Kino Stadium box office.
Summer Jazz Concerts at Main Gate: Domingo DeGrazia
June 07, 2013
Event Location: 814 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: 520-622-8613
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A concert by Domingo DeGrazia — who blends Spanish guitar passion with the flair of flamenco music. His music couples dynamic rhythms with vibrant Latin, salsa and rock drum beats — at the Summer Jazz Concert Series in Geronimo Plaza at Main Gate Square… more
Garlic, Onion & Music Festival at Agua Linda Farm
June 07 – June 09, 2013
Event Location: 2643 E. Frontage Road, Amado, AZ 85645
Phone: 520-398-3218
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Enjoy tasty food, live music and more at Agua Linda Farm’s annual festival to celebrate the harvest of garlic and onions grown on site in Amado, south of Tucson, at the 6th Annual Garlic, Onion & Music Festival at Agua Linda Farm. Come celebrate the harvest! Sweet onions and savory garlic, fresh from the farm will be ready for you to stock up on in our farm store! Good food to eat, live music and fun! It is cooler down here than in Tucson or Phoenix and this event is in the evening – so don’t let the summer heat keep you inside!
2nd Saturdays Downtown
June 08, 2013
Event Location: 110 E. Pennington St., Tucson, AZ 85701
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Downtown Tucson will be alive with street performers, food, live music, many new vendors and promenade strollers for the June 8 “2nd Saturdays Downtown.” 2ND Saturdays fills Congress St. from Toole Ave. to Church Ave. with family friendly activities for all ages… more
Moonlight Madness Tours
June 08, 2013
Event Location: Titan Missile Museum, 1580 W. Duval Mine Rd., Green Valley, AZ 85614
Phone: 520-625-7736 – reservations required
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Beat the heat and tour the Titan Missile Museum by the light of the full moon! Special activities for the kids include launching seltzer rockets, sampling space food and taking the astronaut test. Fun for the whole family on the second Saturday night of the month, June-September
Splash! at La Encantada
June 08, 2013
Event Location: La Encantada Shopping Mall, 2905 E. Skyline Dr., Ste. 279, Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: 520-797-3959
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Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance hosts an evening of fashion, music, creative food and cocktails from local restaurants, with local artists creating paintings onsite for auction or sale. All proceeds go to support arts education programs in local schools, at La Encantada Shopping Mall.
FC Tucson vs Fresno Fuego
June 08, 2013
Event Location: Kino Sports Complex, Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 520-434-1011
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FC Tucson semi-pro soccer team plays against Fresno Fuego FC for an evening of fun at Kino Sports Complex.
Natural Seductions
Through June 08, 2013
Event Location: Etherton Gallery, 135 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701-
Phone: 520-624-7370
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Three of the most accomplished landscape painters of the Southwest come together in Natural Seductions to transform Etherton Gallery into a lush wonderland. This exhibition showcases Jim Waid’s vibrating, abstract canvases and hand-colored prints, sourced from the Sonoran Desert; the densely abundant foliage inspired by travel to exotic locales in Jane Abrams’ paintings; and the intimately scaled, stylized topographies sprung from Robert D. Cocke’s fertile imagination. Tucson painter Jim Waid is represented in over 40 major public collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and is the recipient of the 2013 Arizona Governor’s Art Award. The exhibition will run through June 8.
Music Under the Stars: Tucson Pops Concert
June 09, 2013
Event Location: Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: 520-722-5853
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The Tucson Pops Orchestra, led by Music Director and Conductor Laszlo Veres, perform under the stars at the Reid Park band shell.
Primavera Cooks! at Lodge on the Desert
June 12, 2013
Event Location: Lodge on the Desert, 306 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: Reservations: 520- 308-3104
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Lodge on the Desert hosts a multi-course gourmet wine dinner prepared with help from apprentice chefs and sommeliers to raise funds to support services for Tucson’s homeless and working poor.
Monsoon Awareness Safety Fair
June 13, 2013
Event Location: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: 520-747-7575
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Local safety organizations — Tucson Electric Power, VAISALA, the American Red Cross, U.S. Forest Service, Pima County Regional Flood Control District, Southern Arizona Rescue Association, and fire departments — will participate in a safety fair, at Park Place Mall.
Oro Valley Concert Series: Greg Spivey Band
June 13, 2013
Event Location: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Phone: 520-797-3959
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Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance presents a concert of current and classic country and rock-and-roll music at Oro Valley Marketplace.
Park Place Guitar Festival
June 14, 2013 – June 15, 2013
Event Location: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: 520-797-3959
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Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance presents a festival with live guitar performances and jam sessions, vendors and exhibits, guitart and kids zone at Park Place Mall.
Bisbee Pride Weekend
June 14, 2013 – June 16, 2013
Event Location: 11 Lowell Avenue, Bisbee, AZ 85603
Phone: 520-366-8878, (520) 432-2216
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Bisbee Pride’s fun-filled GLBT pride celebration includes a street fair, Miner’s and Madame’s Street Dance, ghost and walking tours, golf tournament, pool party, and pub crawl in the artsy former mining town.
Tucson Padres vs. Reno Aces, Father’s Day Game and Fireworks Spectacular
June 14, 2013 – June 17, 2013
Event Location: Kino Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 520-434-1367
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The Tucson Padres minor league baseball team takes on the Reno Aces at Kino Stadium. Frosty Friday June 14 with $2 beer, margaritas, soft drinks and tacos. Post-game Fireworks Spectacular Saturday, Jun 15, presented By GIANT Convenience Stores, Western Refining, Tyson Any’tizers. Father’s day celebration Sunday, Jun 16. Also Military Appreciation & Bark in the Park, presented By Chase. All active military members get free admission. Bring your dog to the ballpark. 4-Pack Monday Jun 17. Gates open 6:00 p.m.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo with Cheap Trick
June 16, 2013
Event Location: AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ 85757
Phone: 1-800-344-9435
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Casino del Sol presents in concert Pat Benatar, and special guest Neil Giralda with ‘Cheap Trick’, at AVA Amphitheater.
Tucson Padres vs. Las Vegas 51s
June 18, 2013 – June 21, 2013
Event Location: Kino Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 520-434-1367
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Eegee’s Free Ticket Tuesday, Jun 18. Pick up free tickets to any Tuesday game at your local eegee’s location. Weiner Wednesdays Jun 19, enjoy $1 hot dogs, all night long. It’s also Social Media Night. Go to the Tucson Padres Facebook page to see this week’s great offer. Thirsty Thursday, Jun 20. ZOOperstars! appearance on Friday, Jun 21, presented by Express Locations. Gates open at 6:00.
Sabino Canyon Evening Rides
June 19, 2013 – June 21, 2013
Event Location: 5900 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone: 520-749-2327
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Experience Sabino Canyon — Riparian wonderland in Coronado National Forest — at night aboard a tram. Night is a special time when desert creatures emerge from daytime siestas to prowl around the cool desert floor, and the moon gently illuminates the silhouettes of stately saguaro cacti. During April-June and September-November, Sabino Canyon Tours offers evening rides three nights per month.
Twilight Third Thursdays: Jenny Day & Tesoro
June 20, 2013
Event Location: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520-326-9686 ext. 10
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The Tucson Botanical Gardens hosts an evening of glorious visuals and vocals at twilight every third Thursday, June 20, July 18, August 15, and September 19. June 20 program features painter Jenny Day, These trace remains; a concert by Tesoro, flamenco and Latin jazz rhythms, named Best Latin Band at the TAMMIES (Tucson Area Music Awards) in 2013.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
June 20, 2013 – June 23, 2013
Event Location: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 1-800-745-3000
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The all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts, and never-before-seen performances at TCC Arena.
Summer Jazz Concerts at Main Gate: Real Tears
June 21, 2013
Event Location: 814 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719
Phone: 520-797-3959
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Jazz fusion concert featuring Real Tears, a Tucson band performing a contemporary repertoire of jazz, blues, and R&B, at the Summer Jazz Concert Series in Geronimo Plaza at Main Gate Square, generally every other Friday night. The band is comprised of seasoned Tucson musicians Jose-Luis Sandoval (saxophones), Lew Lepley (keyboards, vocals), Tom Galarneau (bassist, vocalist), Ed Durazo (drummer) and will be joined by and featuring percussionist extraordinaire and international recording artist Miguel Bazemore. more
Salute to the Buffalo Soldiers
June 21, 2013 – June 23, 2013
Event Location: 326 E. Allen St., Tombstone, AZ 85638
Phone: 520-457-3511
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Celebration includes street entertainment, a parade, car show, the Buffalo Soldiers Parade down historic Allen Street, and other activities in Tombstone, AZ.
Night Wings at Pima Air & Space Museum
June 22, 2013
Event Location: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ 85756
Phone: 520-574-0462
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Pima Air & Space Museum hosts tram rides until sundown; a walking tour of indoor hangars; hands-on activities for kids. The Flight Grill will be open for dinner. 8:00 pm last admission.
Cyndi Lauper at Fox Tucson Theatre
June 23, 2013
Event Location: 17 W. Congress, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-547-3040
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Fox Tucson Theatre presents the ‘Still So Unusual Tour’ with Grammy Award-winner Cyndi Lauper.
Sun-Day on the Solstice
June 23, 2013
Event Location: Kitt Peak National Observatory
Phone: Call (520) 318-8726 to register
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Kitt Peak National Observatory provides tours of the world’s largest solar telescope with observation of the sun and hands-on activities (registration required). Become a “Human Sundial” and more. A $20 non refundable deposit is required if not canceled prior to 48 hrs. State Route 86 (Ajo Way)/Junction 386, Tucson, AZ 85726
Lola Alvarez Bravo and the Photography of an Era
Through June 23, 2013
Event Location: 1030 North Olive Road, Tucson, AZ 85721
Phone: 520-621-7968
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The current exhibition at the UA Center for Creative Photography — Lola Alvarez Bravo: The Photography of an Era — sheds new light on one of Mexico’s most important photographers. Originally organized by the Diego Rivera Studio Museum in Mexico City, along with the National Council for Culture and the Arts / National Institute of Fine Arts, this traveling exhibition presents a selection of fine prints from the González Rendón Archive, a recently discovered body of materials that encompass the long arc of Lola’s career. This exhibition runs through June 23.
El Dia De San Juan Festival
June 24, 2013
Event Location: 100 S. Avenida Del Convento, Tucson, AZ 85745
One of Tucson’s traditional summer events marks the day the monsoon rains start to build. The celebration honors St. John the Baptist (patron saint of water), and features a traditional procession and the blessing of an altar. The public is welcome to join in the procession. There is the famous charreada (Mexican rodeo), mariachis, folklorico dancers, and live music. Charros and escaramuzas will perform on horseback. There will also be games and activities for children and families; booths and tables offering information on services available to the public, and food and refreshments on sale. Staged on the corner of Congress Street and Avenida del Convento at the Mercado San Agustin.
Summer Safari Nights: Reid Park Zoo
Through July 12, 2013
Event Location: 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: 520-881-4753
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Enjoy viewing your favorite animals, and enjoy playing games, making crafts and more at Reid Park Zoo on summer Friday evenings through July 12.
DeGrazia Watercolors
Through July 31, 2013
Event Location: 6300 N. Swan Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: 520-299-99191
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Artist Ted DeGrazia primarily used watercolors for sketching, illustration, fabric design, and studies for oil paintings but for several years he focused on them as a serious art form of their own. This selection of watercolors from the early 1950s features DeGrazia’s bold brushwork, vivid colors, and beautiful spreading patterns created with wet-on-wet painting techniques.
Cinema La Placita: Movies Under the Stars
Through August 29, 2013
Event Location: 110 S. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-326-5282 (recorded information).
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On May 23, catch THE THRILL OF IT ALL (1963), starring James Garner and Doris Day at Cinema La Placita. This outdoor movie series screens classic domestic and international movies in the La Placita Village courtyard on Thursday evenings, May-October. Pull up a chair or spread a blanket and enjoy a movie with fresh popcorn under the stars.
Cool Summer Nights at Desert Museum
Through August 31, 2013
Event Location: 2021 North Kinney Road 85743, Tucson, AZ 85743
Phone: 520-883-2702
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum stays open after sundown on Saturday evenings all summer long as the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal creatures come to life. Learn all about pollinating bats, stars in Tucson’s night sky, lightning photography, fluorescent minerals, kissing bugs, and more. Enjoy serenade of Native American flutes and more. To see a list of each night’s different themes and activities, check out the Summer Saturday Evenings schedule on desertmuseum.org. This special programming begins at 6 p.m.
Science Sundays at Children’s Museum Tucson
Through September 01, 2013
Event Location: 200 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-792-9985
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Fun hands-on science-related activities for kids and their families, featuring specials guests from Tucson’s preeminent science community, and discount admission, every Sunday at the Children’s Museum Tucson, May 26-September 1.
SkyNights at Mount Lemmon SkyCenter
Through September 02, 2013
Event Location: Mt. Lemmon, AZ
Phone: 520-626-8122
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Explore the night skies from the summit of Mount Lemmon using the Arizona’s largest public telescope during a 5 hour program. View spectacular sunsets and atmospheric phenomenon. Reservations required.
Mount Lemmon Sky Ride
Through September 02, 2013
Event Location: 10300 Ski Run Rd., Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619
Phone: 520-626-8122 (9:00 am to 4:00 pm MST)
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The Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley ski lift is open as a Sky Ride, Thursdays through Mondays, during summer. The Sky Ride to the summit and back takes about one hour, and travels from 8,200 feet in elevation to 9,100 feet in elevation. Watch for wildlife and summer birds. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is the southernmost ski area in the United States, and, compared with the Tucson valley, temperatures here are 30º cooler in the aspen and Ponderosa pine forest.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is a small enclave of shops with the Iron Door restaurant, the Miner’s Sweet Tooth café selling homemade cookies and fudge, Grub Stake patio café, and the Motherlode Gift Shop. The Sky Ride is located a 30-mile drive north of central Tucson, on the slopes of Mount Lemmon in the Coronado National Forest.
Chico Macmurtrie and Ken Shorr Exhibitions at MOCA
Through September 29, 2013
Event Location: 265 S. Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 520-624-5019
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The summer exhibitions at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) include Chico MacMurtrie’s Chrysalis, the most recent installation of inflatable architectural structures using robotics and innovative technology, and Ken Shorr’s Action Through Redaction, which chronicles the artist’s forays into the dark psyche of corporate and government bureaucratic culture using photography, film, video, installation, and sculpture. The exhibitions will run through September 30.
Reptile Ramble
Through October 25, 2013
Event Location: Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704
Phone: 520-742-6455
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Tohono Chul’s Reptile wranglers, Tom McDonald and Ed Moll, have rounded up quite a cast of our scaly, slithery and shelled locals this year on Fridays at 10 through October 25 at the Overlook at Tohono Chul.
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