DeGrazia Gallery 

ONGOING

DeGrazia Paints the Seri Indians and Ted DeGrazia’s “Unseen Landscapes” bring rare works out of storage and into public view for a limited time. It features paintings, watercolors and drawings from the museum’s collection. These exhibitions include pieces shown publicly for the first time as well as works unseen for decades. Visitors will wander through the ethereal adobe architecture and verdant desert garden of the historic foothills property. Hand built by DeGrazia, the 10-acre site stands as a testament to his legacy of artistic brilliance and his genuine connection to the region’s history, culture and scenery.  

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, 6300 N Swan, Tucson, various prices, various times, degrazia.org 

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

WildLife Photography 

JULY 2

Madaras Gallery will host an evening celebrating Arizona wildlife through art and education. Wildlife photographer Susan Hershey will showcase her detail-rich images of birds and other native species, including her acclaimed owl photography. The Arizona Raptor Center will present live educational demonstrations featuring three owls, including an elf owl. Guests can learn about wildlife conservation while exploring artwork that captures the beauty and spirit of Arizona’s natural world. 

Madaras Gallery, 3035 N Swan Road, Tucson, free admission, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., madaras.com

32nd Anniversary Fireworks Spectacular

JULY 3

Celebrate Casino del Sol’s 32nd anniversary with an evening of free entertainment and fireworks. Guests can enjoy live entertainment at the Tropico Lounge before heading to AVA Amphitheater for a fireworks display. AVA gates open at 7:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 8:15 p.m. The celebration offers a festive way to mark more than three decades of entertainment and hospitality. 

AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, Free and open to the general public, gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:15, casinodelsol.com

Fourth of July Waterslide Party

JULY 4

Celebrate Independence Day with an evening of live music and festivities at Hotel Congress. Doors open at 4 p.m., with the show beginning at 4:30 p.m. The all-ages event runs until 10 p.m., followed by 21-and-over access. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a Fourth of July party featuring entertainment in the heart of downtown Tucson. 

Hotel Congress Plaza, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, various prices, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. for all ages, dice.fm

The Star-Spangled Spectacular

JULY 4

Celebrate Independence Day at Marana’s Star-Spangled Spectacular, Southern Arizona’s largest Fourth of July festival and fireworks show. The free event features inflatables, splash pad fun, field games, vendors, exhibitors, a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo and Creation Station for Kids. Held at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, the celebration concludes with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Chairs, blankets, coolers and picnics are welcome. 

Crossroads At Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road, Marana, free admission, 5:00 to 9:30 p.m., maranaaz.gov

Diamonds in the Sky Celebration

JULY 4

Celebrate Independence Day at Kino Sports Complex’s Diamonds in the Sky event, featuring baseball, fireworks and family fun. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. game between the Sun Belt College League All-Star Team and Old Pueblo Tribes. Enjoy $2 hot dogs, drink specials, giveaways, games and prizes. Admission is free with a nonperishable food item or $1 donation to the Community Food Bank.  

Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, admission is one non-perishable food item or a $1 donation per person, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., kinosportscomplex.com

Fourth of July 250th 

Celebration at Tubac Presidio

JULY 4

Celebrate the Fourth of July at a free community event featuring food, activities, prizes and family-friendly fun for all ages. The celebration will also include a special ceremony honoring military veterans and their service to the nation. Veterans are encouraged to attend and participate. Bring family and friends for a day of patriotism, community spirit and appreciation for those who have helped protect America’s freedoms. 

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, 1 Burruel Street, Tubac, free admission and open to the public, 10 a.m. to noon, tubacpresidio.org 

Arizona Inn Fourth 

of July Celebration

JULY 4

Celebrate Independence Day at the Arizona Inn’s annual Fourth of July Celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 4. Set on the historic inn’s main lawn, the event features a summer feast, desserts, family-friendly fun and live music by Dos Sueños. The Tucson landmark continues a long tradition of community celebration, hospitality and holiday charm. 

Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm Street, Tucson, admission is $65 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and under while kids ages 5 and under are complimentary, 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., arizonainn.com/july4th/

Birding At El Rio Preserve

JULY 7

Monsoon season birding continues as attendees are asked to join Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources birding expert Jeff Babson to search for species such as Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo and Summer Tanger. Pre-registration is required and there is no day of registration on site. This event is designed for ages 12 and up. Attendees are asked to wear closed shoes, bring water and snacks and bring sun protection.

El Rio Preserve, 10190 North Coachline Boulevard, Tucson, $5 admission for residents and $6.25 for non-residents, 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., register at discovermarana.org