The Best of Tucson: 10 Things To Do in May

Chelle Peterson
A list of things to do in Tucson and Oro Valley in May 2021

Looking for some amazing events, festivals, and things to do in the Tucson and Oro Valley areas this month? 

We’ve got you covered.

Here are 10 unmissable things happening in our community this month.

1. Sculpture Park Exhibition

An installation at the Sculpture Park Exhibition

Date and Time: Wednesday through Saturday, May 1 until July 4, from noon until 5:00 p.m.

Location: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road

Cost: Free

What’s going on: See 20 large-scale sculptures by local and regional artists as part of the “Rough Terrain” exhibition hosted by SculptureTucson.

2. Jazz Friday at Cup Cafe

Jazz Friday at The Cup Cafe

Date and Time: Friday, May 7, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Location: Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free but make sure to make a reservation!

What’s going on: The Tucson Jazz Festival and Hotel Congress have teamed up to bring jazz music to the plaza every Friday night. Jed Paradies is the featured artist on May 7.

3. The Tucson Harley Spring Car Show

Date and Time: Saturday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Location: Harley-Davidson of Tucson, 7355 N. I-10 Frontage Road

Cost: Free!

What’s going on: If you love cars and motorbikes, then this is the event for you! Cruise over for a spring car and bike show at Harley-Davidson of Tucson. See who wins best chopper, best cruiser, best touring, best sport and enjoy free food and prizes. Or, if you’ve got a car or bike you want to enter into the contest, get in touch with Tucson Harley to register!

4. Wine and Donut Pairing

Date and Time: Sunday, May 9, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Location: AZ Hops and Vines, 3450 AZ-82 in Sonoita

Cost: $25 per ticket

What’s going on: Wine? Good. Donuts? Good. Wine and donuts? Very good! Check out this unique and delicious event at AZ Hops and Vines. Featuring Amy’s Donuts, you’ll get to try six wine and and donut pairings, and even get a free souvenir glass. 

5. Viva Cars and Coffee

Date and Time: Saturday, May 22, from 9:00 a.m. until noon

Location: Viva Coffee House, 9136 E. Valencia Road

Cost: Free to attend but bring a few bucks for a cup!

What’s going on: It’s a big month for car lovers! Viva Coffee House is hosting a free car show with fresh coffee. Bring your own vehicle or head down just to check out the amazing vehicles on display.

6. The Tortoise and the Hare Drive-in Show

The Tortoise and the Hare Drive-in Show

Date and Time: Nightly on Fridays and Sundays from May 7 to 22

Location: Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road

Cost: Tickets starting at $30 (book online!)

What’s going on: Looking for a night out that offers fun for the entire family? Then check out the drive-in showing of The Tortoise and the Hare presented by Live Theatre Workshop. This drive-in radio show can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own vehicle or you can wear masks and sit in lawn chairs in front of your vehicle.

7. Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Drive-Thru Market

Date and Time: Every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Location: Mercado San Agustin, 165 S. Linda Ave.

Cost: Free to attend but bring money for drive-thru shopping! 

What’s going on: What’s better than starting your day with a cruise through a farmers’ market to get your hands on some fresh produce and tasty treats? Stock up for the weekend ahead at the Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Drive-Thru Market’s new location!

8. Make It! Workshop

Date and Time: Saturday, May 22, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Location: Children’s Museum, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: $15 per person

What’s going on: If you’re looking for an incredible evening full of creativity, fun, and building, for the kids, you’ll love Make It! Workshop. From hammers to saws and glue guns, kids will get the chance to explore tools, design, build, and create projects at Children’s Museum’s outdoor monthly workshop. 

9. Sushi 101 Virtual Class

Sushi 101 virtual class

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 19, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Location: Online!

Cost: $40 per screen

What’s going on: Experience the thrill of making sushi! It’s an artform as well as a treat for your taste buds. Expert sushi Chef Tommy Begay III will guide you step-by-step through the process and share his secrets to making great sushi.

10. Hike Tumamoc Hill 

People hiking up Tumamoc Hill in Tucson

Date and Time: Anytime

Location: Tumamoc Hill Rd, Tucson

Cost: Free!
What’s going on: Hike Tumamoc Hill for scenic views and nature pictures. Tumamoc has implemented safety measures to promote social distancing and prevent the spread of coronavirus. This hike is about 3.1 miles and can take up to two hours round trip, so be sure to bring water and snacks!


We also host a ton of great social and professional events at The Post Workspaces each month.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in learning more about, or if you’d like to book a tour of our space, get in touch with us today. Our team is available to speak with you.