The Best of Tucson: 12 Things to do in May

Chelle Peterson
Justin Willman · Magic for Humans in Person

The sun is shining, and we’re ready to get out and explore Tucson! We love this city because there’s something for everyone, whether you’re artistic, love music, or enjoy being outdoors.

Here’s our roundup of the top 12 things to do in Tucson in May.

1. Friday Night Live 2022 Concert Series

Butch Diggs & The Pyramid Project performing in the Friday Night Live 2022 Concert

Date and Time: Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.; bi-weekly until August.

Location: Main Gate Square, 814 E. University Boulevard.

Cost: Free admission.

What’s going on: Come on out to see Tucson’s best! There will be local jazz, funk, Latin, jazz, and R&B musicians out to help you get your groove on.

2. 1st Saturday Art Walk

before the monsoon steinfeld gallery 1st Saturday Art Walk event poster

Date and Time: Saturday, May 7, from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: Steinfeld Gallery, 101 West 6th Street.

Cost: Free.

What’s going on: Enjoy an amazing new exhibit from the Steinfeld Gallery in the historic downtown Warehouse Arts District. There will be a wine bar reception and food trucks in the courtyard, so you can sit back and relax and enjoy the TF Jazz Trio after catching the exhibit.

3. Music Under the Stars

Music Under the Stars, Tucson Pops Orchestra 2022 free concert series event poster

Date and Time: Sunday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Location: DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, Reid Park, 900 S Randolph Way.

Cost: Free. 

What’s going on: Bring a blanket or chair to sit outside and enjoy an amazing outdoor concert by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. It’s a great event for the whole family to enjoy!

4. St. Philip’s Plaza Market

St. Philip's Plaza Market event poster, life is better in flip flops

Date and Time: Every Saturday and Sunday in May

Location: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Cost: Free. Bring money to shop.

What’s going on: This is the perfect weekend activity. The market has tons of local art, food, and gifts for you to purchase. It’s located in the historic St. Philip’s Plaza, with lots of shade for you to rest and relax in between vendors. 

5. Paint Nite

paint nite, hand painting with watercolor with a glass of water and color palette in the foreground

Date and Time: Sunday, May 8 at 8:30 p.m.

Location: Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E Toole Ave

Cost: $39.00

What’s going on: Grab a beer, grab a paintbrush, and let’s make some art! Master artist Elizabeth Grebler will guide you through this fun, interactive painting session. No experience is required.

6. Tucson Means Business Forum

Tucson Means Business Forum event poster

Date and Time: Thursday, May 12 at 11:30 a.m.

Location: City of Tucson, 255 West Almeda Street.

Cost: Free

What’s going on: This informational event is designed to help anyone who wants to start a business in Tucson. It will cover topics like licenses, building permits, inspections, and vendor registration.

7. Truth Tellers (Film)

Truth Tellers film poster

Date and Time: Thursday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m.

Location: YWCA Southern Arizona, Frances McClelland Community Center, 525 North Bonita Avenue.

Cost: Free

What’s going on: This new documentary was created by Richard Kane and chronicles the lives of American activists. It explores themes of peace, justice, indigenous rights, and racial equity. 

8. Bird Photography Class

photo of a colorful bird hanging on branch of pampas grass, Bird Photography Class

Date and Time: Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m.

Location: Sweetwater Wetlands, 2511 W Sweetwater Drive.

Cost: $69.00

What’s going on: Get up close to nature during this three-hour photography class. It’s a great way to learn more about photography and practice capturing birds in their natural habitat. 

9. Free First Time Homebuyer Education Class

Free First Time Homebuyer Education Class event poster

Date and Time: Saturday, May 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Location: CATALYST Arts & Maker Space by SAACA, 4500 North Oracle Road.

Cost: Free.

What’s going on: If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, this class will teach you everything you need to know! It’ll cover topics like the benefits of ownership, debt, and the right time to buy.

10. Glutes & Graze

Glutes and Graze event poster

Date and Time: Sunday, May 15 at 8:00 a.m.

Location: Beauty Republic, 1830 East Spring Street. 

Cost: $30.00

What’s going on: Get your sweat on with a booty-blasting workout! Then, fill up with a grazing brunch, complete with a complimentary mimosa!

11. Margarita Fest

Margarita Fest in Oasis at Wild Horse Ranch event poster

Date and Time: Saturday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m.

Location: Oasis at Wild Horse Ranch, 6801 North Camino Verde.

Cost: $30.00 for one, $50.00 for two.

What’s going on: Come on out and enjoy live music from DJ Karmuh and Backroads along with a margarita (or two, or three…). There will be dancing, food trucks, and drinks until 11:00 p.m.!

12. Justin Willman: Magic for Humans in Person

Justin Willman 12. Justin Willman: Magic for Humans in Person live on tour event poster

Date and Time: Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Fox Tucson Theater, 17 W Congress Street.

Cost: $27.50-$47.50

What’s going on: Justin Willman is a recently-nominated Critic’s Choice Magician and Comedian! He had a six-episode series on Netflix that debuted him as one of today’s top entertainers. His show is a combination of street magic, comedy, and social experiments. We know you’ll love it!


There are so many fun things to do in Tucson in May. Make sure to get out and enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer! We also host a bunch of great social and professional events at The Post Workspaces each month. If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, get in touch with us today. Our team would love to set you up with a tour and help you out!