With summer in the rearview mirror, it’s time to prepare for a whole other season of fun events and activities here in Tucson.
From concerts to the annual KidsFest to community celebrations, there are a lot of fun things to do in Tucson this month. Here are 14 of our top picks for things to do in Tucson in September 2023.
1. Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler
Date and Time: Monday, September 4; rolling start times from 5:30 a.m.
Location: Saguaro National Park (East)
Cost: $50.00
What’s going on: Join Tucson’s iconic running race inside the amazing Saguaro National Park. This 8-mile route goes through a scenic tour, and don’t forget to stay for the post-race festivities!
2. Aladdin
Date and Time: September 5-10
Location: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $40.00
What’s going on: Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. You’ll love the magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle at this family-friendly event.
3. Nanini Library’s Storytime in the Park
Date and Time: Wednesdays in September at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Richardson Park, 3500 West Green Trees Drive
Cost: Free to participate
What’s going on: Ms. Sandy hosts a weekly outdoor family storytime (ages 0-5 years) at Richardson Park. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy some stories out in the beautiful nature.
4. Tucson Kidsfest
Date and Time: September 9-10
Location: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Avenue
Cost: $13.00 general admission
What’s going on: Bring out the little ones for a day in the cool air-conditioned Tucson Convention CEnter for the biggest indoor event for kids and families in the city. This year features the Ninja Nation Pro Course, carnival rides, laser tag, and a chance to meet JJ from CoComelon.
5. First Annual Grandparents Day Event
Date and Time: Sunday, September 10
Location: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free general admission; $8.00 for unlimited rides on the Pollyanna Park and train ride
What’s going on: Hosted by Young at HeART, this event is designed to celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. There will be a pancake breakfast, face painting, rides, snacks, and storytime.
6. Sonoran Restaurant Week
Date and Time: September 8-17, 2023
Location: Various restaurants
Cost: Various prices
What’s going on: Celebrate the best of Southern Arizona dining during this 10-day event across the city. Perfect for date night, a meal with friends, or a family outing.
7. Lyte Sky Lantern Festival
Date and Time: Saturday, September 16
Location: Location to be announced to ticket holders
Cost: $35.00 general admission
What’s going on: Experience a magical moment with hundreds of others in Tucson as you light up the sky together. All lanterns are eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable and the event is committed to creating a safe event for everyone.
8. The Book of Mormon
Date and Time: September 15-17
Location: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $45.00
What’s going on: Called the “best musical of the century” by the New York Times, the Book of Mormon is not one to miss. It’s a musical comedy that follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries traveling across the world.
9. Santa Cruz County Fair
Date and Time: September 15-17
Location: Santa Cruz County Fair & Rodeo Association, 3142 S. Highway 83
Cost: $5.00 general admission
What’s going on: Head to the Sonita Fairgrounds for a day at the fair! There will be all your favorites: livestock shows, carnival rides, rodeo, live music, food vendors, and more.
10. Modest Mouse
Date and Time: September 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street
Cost: Tickets start at $46.50
What’s going on: If indie rock is your vibe, this is the concert for you. Modest Mouse is known for hits like “Float On” and “3rd Planet”—come hear them live in concert! The perfect date night or evening with friends.
11. Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band
Date and Time: September 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Linda Rondstadt Music Hall, 260 S Church Avenue
Cost: Tickets start at $210.00
What’s going on: Catch this living legend live in Tucson! Ringo has been touring with the All Starrs in 2022 and continued into 2023, playing music from their recent EP.
12. Pima County El Tour Loop De Loop
Date and Time: Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7:00 a.m.
Location: The Chuck Huckelberry Loop (join in at any point)
Cost: Free to participate, but encouraged to raise funds for charitable beneficiaries
What’s going on: Join fellow riders for an invigorating bike ride along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop. There will be an after-party at Rillito Park Race Track with live music, drinks, food, and giveaways. All proceeds go to charitable initiatives with El Tour de Tucson.
13. Tucson Pride
Date and Time: Friday, September 29 (parade) and September 30 (festival)
Location: Downtown Tucson and Armory Park (parade) and Reid Park Georges DeMeester Performance Center (festival)
Cost: The parade is free to attend; tickets to the festival are $15.00
What’s going on: Join the vibrant and inclusive 2023 Tucson Pride celebrations to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. Join the colorful and fun parade on Friday and then keep the party going at Saturday’s festival, complete with entertainment, activities, food trucks, and beer or liquor vendors.
14. Heirloom Farmers Market
Date and Time: Saturdays in September
Location: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N Oracle Road, Oro Valley
Cost: Free to attend; bring money for food, produce, art, and more
What’s going on: It’s the last month of the Farmers Market in Oro Valley, so make sure to take a Saturday to explore this awesome event. There are over 30 vendor stalls selling produce, food, art, and more.
So, what are you most excited for this month? We hope you find a lot of fun things to do in Tucson this September!
We also regularly host fun events for our community at The Post—contact us today to learn more and get set up with a tour!