The Best of Tucson: 11 Things To Do in May 2025

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Updated: May 1, 2025

Spring is in full swing here in Tucson and Oro Valley, and May brings the perfect mix of sunshine, community spirit, and can’t-miss events. Whether you’re soaking up live music under the stars, strolling through local markets, or cheering on a hometown sports team, this month is bursting with opportunities to get out, explore, and connect.

From cultural festivals and outdoor movies to fitness events and Mother’s Day celebrations, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best things to do around town this May. Whether you’re a Tucson local, an Oro Valley neighbor, or new to Southern Arizona, these events are a great way to support local artists, businesses, and organizations—just by showing up. Mark your calendars and come be part of what makes our community so special.

  1. Props and Pints Beer Fest

Date and Time: Saturday, May 3rd; 4-8pm; 

Location: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Rd. 

Cost: Tickets start at $65

What’s going on: This one-of-a-kind beer fest blends aviation, military history, and craft brews for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy live music, a fire show, food trucks, flight simulators, and an exclusive tour inside the legendary Queen of the Skies.

2. Makers Market at The Tuxon 

Date and Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025; 7-10pm 

Location: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway 

Cost: Free, but bring money for shopping 

What’s going on:  Local maker Lilith & Daughters curates this seasonal market at The Tuxon, showcasing 30+ local vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, baked goods, art, stickers, and more creative finds.

3.  Blossom and Bond with Mom

Date and Time: Saturday, May 10th; 12:00 p.m.-  3:00 p.m.

Location: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to Attend 

What’s going on: Join us to celebrate the love and joy of motherhood with an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and memorable moments. Pre-register to receive a free gift and be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a Park Place gift basket!

4. Taylor Swift Light Show 

Date and Time: Saturday, May 10th;  6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m

Location: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd. 

Cost: Tickets are $18.95

What’s going on: The Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium is bringing Taylor Swift’s biggest hits to life with a dazzling laser light show you won’t want to miss.

5.  Mother’s Day Paint and Sip

Date and Time: Saturday, May 10th; 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.  

Location: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Rd. 

Cost: $45/per person 

What’s going on:  Celebrate Mother’s Day with a fun and creative afternoon painting alongside your mom while enjoying mimosas! A guided instructor will walk you through creating complementary partner tree paintings. All art supplies are provided.

6.  Tucson Asian Night Market

Date and Time: Saturday, May 10th; 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  

Location: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd.

Cost:  Free to Attend – bring money for food and shopping 

What’s going on: Brought to you by the creators of @vegantucsonnightmarket and in collaboration with Tucson’s Asian community leaders, the first-ever Asian Night Market is set to debut on Saturday, May 10, at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center.

7.  Waila with the Alianza 

Date and Time: Friday, May 16th, 6:30 p.m. 

Location: Tohono Chul, 7366 N Paseo del Norte

Cost: $10 

What’s going on: Dance the night away to the sounds of Gertie and the T.O. Boyz at the Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras fundraiser, featuring an evening of live music, indigenous crafts, and local food vendors

8.  Oro Valley Battle of the Bands 

Date and Time: Friday, May 16th, 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. 

Location: Riverfront Park, Amphitheatre

Cost: Free, but bring money for food and beverages

What’s going on: Get ready to groove with five incredible high school bands as they light up the stage at Riverfront Park! Show your OV spirit by bringing a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the performances, and savor treats from on-site food trucks offering tasty bites.

9.  Pirate and Mermaid Day at Trail Dust Town 

Date and Time: Saturday, May 17th,  2:00 pm.

Location: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 

Cost: $15 per person, $5 for babies two and under

What’s going on:  Live out your mermaid and pirate dreams at this fun-filled event featuring live music, costume contests, swashbuckling games, amusement rides, and the chance to mingle with fellow pirates and mermaids!

10.  520 Day Music Festival

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 20th – 5:00 p.m. 

Location: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15 for advance tickets, $20 on day of show

What’s going on: Club Congress is celebrating 520 Day with a high-energy music festival featuring local favorites like Get A Grip, Maldita Gente, and Far Out.

11.  TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run/Walk

Date and Time: Saturday, May 31st – 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

Location: 200 S. 6th Ave. 

Cost: Various 

What’s going on: Join us for Tucson’s biggest charity run—the TMC Meet Me Downtown 5K Night Run/Walk! In addition to the race, enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, the Pueblo Vida beer garden, and exciting prize giveaways.

Planning Events in Tucson

May in Tucson and Oro Valley is filled with energy, local festivals, and community connection. Planning to attend one of these great events—or thinking about hosting your own? The Post Workspaces is here to support you. Our modern, professional space offers flexible options, from fully furnished private offices to our versatile Flex Space perfect for small gatherings, workshops, and community events.

Our experienced Community Management team is ready to help you find the ideal workspace or meeting spot to match your goals. New to event planning? We’ve got a simple guide to help you choose the right venue with ease.

Whether you’re building a brand, launching a new project, or looking for a supportive place to work part-time, The Post offers dedicated desks, virtual office packages, and flexible private office memberships. Plus, we love bringing people together—Contact us about upcoming events or schedule a tour today to see how we can help you grow and connect this season.