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
Colors Of The Stone
sept.3
Colors of the Stone at Casino Del Sol Resort features 300 artisan exhibits during its four-day fall event. Visitors can explore handcrafted works and participate in workshops and demonstrations covering jewelry making, beadwork, metalsmithing, fiber arts, mixed media and other techniques.
Casino del Sol Resort, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, free admission, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., register at colorsofthestone.com
Tucson Fall Gem Shows
SEPt. 3 through SEPt. 6
The Tucson Fall Gem Shows return around Labor Day weekend in 2026, continuing a longtime tradition for gem and mineral enthusiasts. Five large shows are expected to operate alongside several permanent show venues, offering visitors a chance to browse without the larger winter crowds.
Various locations, Tucson, Check website for admissions, various times, visittucson.org
Milagros de Esperanza
SEPt. 4
The Fox Tucson Theatre will host an evening honoring Julie Gallego, founder and director of Viva Performing Arts Center, who died June 8 from pancreatic cancer. The celebration will feature performances by Viva Folklórico Dance Company and Mariachi Sonido de México, recognizing Gallego’s nearly four decades of cultural arts education.
Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress Street, Tucson, various prices, 7:00 p.m. start time, foxtucson.com
17th Annual Tucson Comic-Con
SEPt. 4 through SEPt. 6
Tucson Comic-Con returns Sept. 4-6 with celebrity guests, cosplay, gaming, collectibles, panels, screenings and interactive experiences. The family-friendly pop culture convention features guests from television, movies, comics and video games. New this year, children 12 and younger receive free admission with an adult ticket holder.
Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, various prices, various times, tucsoncomic-con.com
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
Twin Peaks Community Market
SEPt. 5
Discover fresh flavors and handmade finds at the expanded Twin Peaks Community Market in the American Furniture Warehouse parking lot near Tucson Premium Outlets. Shop local produce, artisan crafts and delicious food while enjoying live music and a welcoming community atmosphere that makes supporting local businesses easy and fun.
6595 W. Marana Center Boulevard, Tucson, free admission, 8:00 a.m. to noon, discovermarana.org
Old Tucson ‘Summer
Night Markets’
SEPt. 5
Attendees are asked to join Old Tucson for its Summer Night Markets. The Summer Night Market will have an array of arts, crafts and food events for a summer evening of strolling the historic Main Street and Town Square, supporting local artists, enjoying live music, tasty food and drinks.
Old Tucson, 201 S Kinney Road, Tucson, free admission, 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., oldtucson.com
TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 5K
SEPt. 7
The 53rd annual Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5K Run/Walk takes runners through the cactus forest of Saguaro National Park East. Organized by Southern Arizona Roadrunners, the event features challenging paved courses, awards, souvenir shirts and post-race activities. Registration includes a day pass to the park.
Saguaro National Park East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Road, Tucson, various prices, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., runsignup.com
Art & Appetizers
SEPt. 9
SAAG Gallery will kick off its new Art & Appetizers season with demonstrations from nine artists teaching workshops in fall 2026. Attendees can preview techniques, register for upcoming workshops and enjoy refreshments from Bubbe’s Bagels. The event also includes drawings for a free workshop registration and a Bubbe’s Bagels gift card.
Southern Arizona Arts Guild, 1745 E. River Road, Tucson, free admission, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., southernarizonaartsguild.com
