Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tours
ONGOING
The University of Arizona’s Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab produces some of the world’s largest telescope mirrors, combining expertise in physics, optics and advanced manufacturing. Located beneath Arizona Stadium, the facility helps enable astronomical discoveries through innovative mirror-making technology. Tours are offered Monday through Friday, with times available online.
Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, 933 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson, $25 adult tickets and $20 for students, various times, mirrorlab.arizona.edu
Mini Time Machine Museum
ONGOING
Explore a unique collection of 11 hand-painted die-cast model cars and miniature vehicles featured in the Arizona State Museum’s “Traditions in Motion” exhibition. Created by Native artists, the pieces showcase how Indigenous communities blend heritage and contemporary culture through customized vehicles and other forms of transportation. The exhibit highlights a dynamic artistic tradition that transforms everyday objects into expressions of identity, creativity and cultural pride.
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, museum admission, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., theminitimemachine.org
Sonoran Restaurant Week
SEPt. 4 through SEPt. 13
Sonoran Restaurant Week celebrates Southern Arizona’s dining scene with 10 days of specially priced breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants. Sponsored by Visit Tucson and produced by Tucson Foodie, the event also highlights Tucson’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation.
Various restaurants, Tucson, Fixed-price menus discounted by 20%, tucsonfoodie.com
Steps Forward
SEPt. 11
Ballet Tucson presents “Steps Forward” at 7 p.m. Sept. 11, featuring original works choreographed and performed by company members. Audience members can vote for their favorite piece to earn a mainstage encore later this season. The evening concludes with a choreographer Q&A moderated by Artistic Director Margaret Mullin.
Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 West Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, various prices, 7:00 p.m. start time, ballettucson.org
Roasted Chile Festival At Heirloom Markets
SEPt. 11 through SEPt. 13
Celebrate chile season at Heirloom Farmers Markets’ 24th Annual Roasted Chile Festival, Sept. 11-13. Enjoy locally grown and Hatch chiles, fresh-roasted specialties, live music and dozens of local vendors at markets across Tucson. Select locations also feature children’s activities, Taste of the Market and Maria’s Ristras.
Heirloom Farmers Markets – Rillito Park, 4502 North 1st Avenue and various locations, Tucson, free admission, 8:00 a.m. to noon, heirloomfm.org
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
SEPt. 12
Celebrate Tucson’s Mexican history and heritage with an evening of music, dance and tradition honoring Mexican independence. Enjoy performances by Danzacultura Mexicana and Los Changuitos Feos, followed by the Mexican national anthem, the traditional El Grito ceremony and a presentation on its history by Dr. Luis Coronado Guel.
Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Avenue, Tucson, free admission, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., tucsonpresidio.com
Historical Film Tours
SEPt. 12
Step into Hollywood’s Old West at the historic Mescal Movie Set, featured in films including “Tombstone,” “The Quick and the Dead” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Visitors can enjoy a 60- to 70-minute guided walking tour of the iconic set. Admission is $20 with advance reservations required. Children 17 and younger are admitted free.
Mescal Movie Set, 1538 N Mescal Road, Benson, $20, advance reservations required and Children 17 & under are free, tours run at 6:30 & 7:00 p.m., mescalmovieset.com
In The Next Room
SEPt. 13 through SEPt. 27
Invisible Theatre launches its 55th season with Sarah Ruhl’s “In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play),” a comedy exploring intimacy, technology and human connection. Directed by Christina Walker, the production runs Sept. 13-27, with previews Sept. 13 and 15 and opening night Sept. 16. The production is recommended for adults 18 and older.
Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. First Avenue, Tucson, various prices, various times, invisibletheatre.com
Solya: Queen of Texas
SEPt. 15
Catch Solya live at Club Congress with special guest Tele Novella for an evening of indie music. The West Texas-born songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brings songs from her debut album, “Queen of Texas,” recorded using analog equipment in Lockhart, Texas. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Ages 16 and older.
Club Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, various prices, 7:30 start time, hotelcongress.com
José González: Against The Dying Of The Light Tour
SEPt. 17
Experienced singer-songwriter and guitarist José González live in concert. With more than 1 billion streams and performances spanning major international festivals and the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony, González brings his carefully crafted sound to the stage for an intimate performance showcasing the artistry that has earned him a worldwide following.
Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, various prices, 7:30 p.m. show time, foxtucson.com
Boots & Bourbon At White Stallion Ranch
SEPt. 17 through SEPt. 20
Experience the working West with horseback riding, cattle work and horsemanship clinics Sept. 17-20. After days under the Arizona sun, unwind with ranch-raised beef, whiskey tastings and desert evenings. This three-night immersive ranch experience offers guests an authentic connection to the horses, land and traditions of cowboy life.
White Stallion Ranch, 9251 W. Twin Peaks Road, Tucson, call or email for reservation, whitestallion.com
