Best of Tucson: 14 Things to Do in January 2026
Curated local events to help you start the year in Tucson with connection, culture, and community energy.
January in Tucson is the perfect reset; cooler desert days, clear winter nights, and a calendar filled with events that bring people together. From glowing gardens and live jazz to outdoor markets, art walks, and family-friendly festivals, this month offers something for every pace and every season of life.
At The Post Workspaces, we believe productivity thrives when life outside the office is just as intentional as the workday. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night under the lights, a weekend outing with the kids, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with your community in the new year, January is full of opportunities to do just that.
To help you make the most of it, we’ve curated 14 of the best things to do in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana this January — blending culture, music, markets, outdoor adventures, and moments of joy worth putting on the calendar.
1. Holiday Ice Rink – Downtown Tucson (Convention Center)
Date and Time: LAST DAY TODAY - Jan 4th (holiday season run).
Location: 📍Tucson Convention Center - 260 S Church Ave, Downtown Tucson
Cost: Ticketed per session (CLICK HERE for Tickets)
What’s going on: Lace up for some seasonal fun at Tucson’s city-center ice rink — perfect for a festive date night or a chill outing with friends.
2. LightsUp! – A Festival of Illumination at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Date and Time: Jan 1st - Jan 11th;· Select Nights | 6:00pm - 9:30 pm
Location: 📍Botanical Gardens - 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson
Cost: Ticketed (prices vary by night/timeslot)
What’s going on: Wander through glowing gardens, enjoy immersive light art installations, and experience one of the most beautiful holiday light events in Southern Arizona — a magical way to embrace the season.
3. Zoolights at Reid Park Zoo
Date and Time: January 1st - 4th | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: 📍 Reid Park Zoo – 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson
Cost: Tickets: $14.50 adult / $12.50 senior / $9.50 child (2–14) / free under 2
What’s going on: Wander through dazzling light displays, themed exhibits, holiday decorations, and enjoy festive treats and entertainment — a magical zoo experience for all ages.
4. First Thursday Art Walk Downtown Tucson
Date and Time: Thursday, January 8th | Evening hours
Location: 📍Downtown Tucson Arts District
Cost: Pay-what-you wish
What’s going on: Wander galleries, street art, live music, and late‑night eateries — a perfect creative outing for a date night or friends’ night out.
5. HeadlightsUp! – Vintage Light Car Show
Date and Time: Saturday, January 10th | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: 📍Botanical Gardens - 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson
Cost: Included with LightsUp! admission
What’s going on: Celebrate Botanical Gardens’ 50th Anniversary at the gardens’ LightsUp! with vintage cars decked out in lights and holiday flair — a fun twist for classic car lovers and family outings.
6. Tucson Jazz Festival
Date and Time: January 15–24 | Various times and venues
Location: 📍 Downtown Tucson & Fox Theatre
Cost: Ticketed (varies by event)
What’s going on: World-class jazz performances across Tucson, including Grammy-winning headliners and local talent.
7. Reid Park Zoo – Bear Affair & Family Fun
Date and Time: Saturday, January 13th | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 📍 Reid Park Zoo – 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson
Cost: Tickets: $14.50 adult / $12.50 senior / $9.50 child (2–14) / free under 2
What’s going on: Watch the zoo’s Andean bears enjoy enrichment activities and treats. Educational fun for families and animal lovers.
8. Dillinger Days 1930s Reenactment - Hotel Congress
Date and Time: Saturday, January 17th | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: 📍 Hotel Congress, 311 East Congress Street
Cost: Free (Reserve your spot for $5 donation)
What’s going on: The 2026 Dillinger Days family-friendly block party includes three Dillinger capture reenactments, historical artifacts exhibit featuring the actual Tommy Gun, vintage car show, historic lectures, historical walking tours of downtown.
9. St. Philip's Plaza Makers Market
Date and Time: Saturdays and Sundays | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 📍 St. Phillips Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend; bring money for food and shopping
What’s going on: Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
11. Starlight Movies in Marana – Family Flick
Date and Time: Friday, January 26 | 6:30 PM (weather permitting)
Location: 📍 Ora Mae Harn Park – 13250 N Lon Adams Rd, Marana
Cost: Free to attend (purchases optional)
What’s going on: Enjoy a family-friendly outdoor movie night under the stars with blankets, popcorn, and community vibes.
12. Heirloom Farmers Market at Steam Pump Ranch (Oro Valley)
Date and Time: Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 📍Steam Pump Ranch - 10901 N Oracle Rd., Oro Valley
Cost: Free admission; bring money for vendors
What’s going on: Browse local produce, artisan foods, crafts, live music, food trucks, and community vibes at this beloved outdoor farmers market — perfect for weekend family outings or casual morning strolls.
13. Rillito Park Outdoor Market
Date and Time: Sundays in January | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: 📍 Rillito Park - ( off N Campbell Ave, Tucson)
Cost: Free to attend (purchases optional)
What’s going on: One of Tucson’s most popular weekly markets features fresh produce, craft vendors, and food trucks — great for family weekend mornings and supporting local makers..
14. Tohono Chul Sundays in the Garden
Date and Time: Sundays | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 📍 Tohono Chul Gardens – 7366 N Paseo del Norte, Tucson
Cost: Included with admission ($15 adults/$6 kids)
What’s going on: Enjoy live music in the gardens with local performers, desert views, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Let January Inspire You
At The Post Workspaces, we’re more than just a place to work. We’re your home base for inspiration, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re chasing big goals or just need a peaceful space to focus—we’ve got the coffee, the community, and the Catalina Foothills view to keep you going strong into 2026.
Ready to jumpstart and refresh your routine in 2026?
Coworking and Dedicated Desk Memberships
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👉 Book a Tour or grab a Day Pass and come see why professionals across Tucson choose The Post.
Happy New Year from all of us at The Post!
-Chelle Peterson, Co-Founder, The Post Workspaces
