September always feels like a new season for change, even when you’re long past the “back to school” days!
Take advantage of that feeling by getting out and exploring your city. It’s a new season to try a new type of cuisine (Sonora Restaurant Week), catch a show (The Lion King or Weird Al), or spend some time with your family (Corn Maze).
There’s tons going on in September—here are 13 things to do in Tucson this month!
1. Diaspora Showcase Africa, Koras & Guitars
Date and Time: Saturday, September 3 from 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Savoy Opera House, 6541 East Tanque Verde Road, #22
Cost: Tickets start at $69.00
What’s going on: This immersive experience features fashion designers, music, dance performances, and culinary art! After enjoying the music and dance, grab something delicious to eat, with cuisines from Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Zambia, and more.
2. Rhythm and Roots Concert Series
Date and Time: Multiple dates throughout September
Location: Various venues
Cost: Varies. Prices start at $10.00/ticket
What’s going on: Make September your month of music! The Rhythm and Roots Concert series, founded in 1996, is back in Tucson with a wide array of musical concerts and events. Check out the current lineup and enjoy some live music this month.
3. Sonora Restaurant Week
Date and Time: September 9-18
Location: Various restaurants
Cost: Set menus are priced at $25, $35, or $45
What’s going on: If you’re in the mood to try something new, this is the week to do it! With set menus at participating restaurants, you can try the best of the best they have to offer. It’s a great way to tap into your inner foodie and try a different kind of cuisine.
4. 5th Annual Lantern Festival
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10 from 3:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: San Pedro Golf Course, 926 N. Madison Avenue
Cost: $17.00 for admission and no lantern or $25.00 with a lantern
What’s going on: This is guaranteed to be an evening you won’t forget! The Lantern festival is a family-friendly event with music, dancing, art and crafts, and food and beverages. The night ends with an enchanting display of hundreds of lanterns being let up into the night sky.
5. Western Movies at Empire Ranch
Date and Time: Sunday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Boulevard
Cost: $25.00 in advance, $30.00 at the door
What’s going on: Come out to the ranch for a matinee showing of the old 1957 western, Gunfight at the OK Corral. Some portions of the movie were filmed right at Empire Ranch! Before the movie starts, a panel of film experts will provide some background context to the movie… then you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the show.
6. Broadway in Tucson: The Lion King
Date and Time: Multiple plays between September 14-25
Location: Centennial Hall, 1020 East University Boulevard
Cost: Prices start at $40.00/ticket
What’s going on: We’ve all seen the classic movie, but here’s your chance to see it live! Enter the Lion King world with stunning visual artistry, music, and theater. This musical adaptation has one six Tony Awards, so you know it’ll be something specia
7. Santa Cruz County Fair
Date and Time: September 16-18; gates open at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Sonita Fairgrounds, 3142 S. Highway 83
Cost: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6-12 (free under 6)
What’s going on: Bring out your whole family for a fun day at the fair! There’s live music, livestock shows, carnival rides, exhibitions, food vendors, mechanical bulls, and more.
8. Corn Maze and Craft Fair at the Orchard
Date and Time: Corn Maze opens on September 17 through to October 31; Craft Fair is September 17-18
Location: Apple Annie’s Orchard, 2081 Hardy Road, Willcox
Cost: Corn maze is $9.00 for 12+, $7.00 for ages 3-11. Add a hayride to your ticket for +$3.00
What’s going on: Get in the autumn spirit with a day at the apple orchard. It’s worth the drive to Willcox to explore the 12.5-acre corn maze. And if you go on September 17-18, you can also enjoy the craft fair with creators from all over the state selling their homemade crafts and wares.!
9. Texas Canyon Mountain Bike Race
Date and Time: Saturday, September 17 at 6:30 a.m
Location: 2100 N. Amerind Road
Cost: $45.00
What’s going on: With non-competitive, competitive, and child-friendly routes, this mountain bike race has options for any speed or skill. It’s a great chance to ride through the beautiful region of Texas Canyon, normally closed to the public. All proceeds go to the Amerind Foundation to further their work.
10. Monster Truck Nitro Tour
Date and Time: Saturday, September 17 at 1:30 or 7:30 p.m.
Location: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Avenue
Cost: Tickets start at $19.90
What’s going on: Get your adrenaline pumping at this epic event. You’ll see 10,000-pound cars compete in races, wheelie contests, and freestyle action. If you come early, you can meet the drivers at the pit party, too!
11. South Tucson Family Festival
Date and Time: September 24-25
Location: 2601 South 3rd Avenue
Cost: Free
What’s going on: A petting zoo, art, music, food, and magic—this family-friendly festival has it all! Dedicated to bringing the South Tucson community together, it’s a place for connection and celebration. Come on out and enjoy the fun!
12. Oktoberfest 2022
Date and Time: September 24-27
Location: MotoSonora Brewing Company, 1015 S. Park Avenue
Cost: $35.00
What’s going on: It may still be September, but it’s not too early to grab a beer and bratwurst and celebrate Oktoberfest! Admission includes a half-liter glass boot with either local or German beer, a bratwurst, and some fun music and games.
13. “Weird Al” Yankovic
Date and Time: Tuesday, September 27 at 7:30 p.
Location: Fox Tucson Theater, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Tickets start at $47.50
What’s going on: Back for the first time since 2019, Weird Al is ready to take the stage in Tucson for his “Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour.” He’ll play music from his 14 different studio albums in a bare-bones, no-frills setting—just Weird Al and the audience for a night to remember.
September’s a busy month around here! Whether you’re looking for a chill movie night, a date night out at a new restaurant, or seeing the legend Weird Al himself—there’s something for you in Tucson. Let us know what you get up to this month!
We also host many 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 on a tour and help you out!