Summer is not an easy time in Arizona, with temperatures reaching triple digits for what seems like months on end. It’s hard to get motivated to get off the couch and go out. Rising prices aren’t helping either.
We all need something to look forward to in order to make it to October. The Tucson Local Media Crew has developed a summer guide to help you to survive and stay engaged during the hottest time of the year.
Watch a flick
The Loft Cinema will offer movie experiences for different ages throughout the summer. The nonprofit movie house is celebrating sci-fi films from 1982 during the summer. They will be showing “Conan the Barbarian,” “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior,” “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Poltergeist,” “Blade Runner: The Final Cut,” John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” and “The Beastmaster.”
As part of Loft Kids Fest, the venue will have 11 free days of entertainment, each Saturday and Sunday from May 31 to June 29. It will start off with the “Looney Tunes” Outdoor Movie Party! on Friday, May 30, at Himmel Park. As part of the series, the venue will be showing popular family-friendly films and offering games, activities, popcorn, giveaways and raffles. The screenings will be accompanied by showings of new animated short films from different parts of the world.
Throughout the summer, movie fans can see some of their favorite cult classics. The theater will be playing flicks such as “Big Trouble in Little China,” “Bound, “Friday the 13th” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”
For times, titles and tickets, go to loftcinema.org
Improvise it
Getting through the summer requires creativity and imagination. You can tap into this side of yourself by taking a class with Unscrewed Theater or Tucson Improv Movement (TIM).
Unscrewed has an upcoming Improv Basics class starting Saturday, June 7. This eight-week course explores the fundamentals of improv, including listening and collaborating as a team. For those who are more advanced, the company will have ImprovBlox courses on topics such as Group Mind and Stagecraft. These six-week courses start Saturday, May 31.
TIM will be offering classes for different levels throughout the summer. TIM Gym from Sunday, June 1, to Monday, July 28, will focus on different improv skills.
The school will also have classes such as Stand Up 201: Joke Writing from Sunday, June 8, to Sunday, July 13; Stand Up 201: Scene Work and Characters from Saturday, June 14, to Saturday, July 19 and Improv 101: Basics from Wednesday, July 9, to Wednesday, Aug. 13. The beginning-level Improv 101: Basics class is focused around the phrase “Yes, And.” The 201-level classes allow improv players to take their writing and scene work to the next level.
unscrewedtheater.org/training-center
tucsonimprov.com/school
Enjoy the moonlight
The summer can be an ideal time to go for a walk or hike and take in the moonlight. One popular spot is West Anklam Road at Tumamoc Hill Road, South of St. Mary’s Hospital, 1601 W. St. Mary’s Road.
This year, there will be full moons on June 11, July 10 and Aug. 9. One option is to view the moon, stars and Tucson’s city lights from the Tumamoc Hill trail.
A 1.5-mile walk from base to top, with a 700-foot rise in elevation, offers a great cardio workout, a place to meditate, and a spot to hang out with friends and family. It can be a challenging climb. It is an asphalt trail, but the second half has an angled slope. You may see grandmas in high heels, moms pushing baby carriages and energetic children along the trail.
There are benches throughout the trail to stop, take a break and take in the view. Along the way, you can experience Tucson’s plant and animal life.
desertlaboratory.arizona.edu
See animals
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo’s popular Summer Safari Nights are returning on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., starting May 23. The event includes zoo keeper talks, animal encounters, feedings, carousel rides, crafts, games, shopping experiences, face painting and glitter tattoos. Each week, there will be a special theme, such as “Kick off to Summer,” “Celebrating World Oceans Day” and “Happy Father’s Day!” On some themed days, visitors will be encouraged to dress for the beach or as their favorite real or mythical ocean creature. On these nights, Tucson Parks and Rec will offer special “Ready, Set, Rec” games. Guests can also grab a refreshing drink or bite to eat at the Flamingo Grill and listen to live music from Tucson bands. reidparkzoo.org
Listen to music or go to storytime
Fox Tucson Theatre
17 W. Congress Street, Tucson
Fox Tucson Theatre caters to people with different interests and backgrounds, as well as varying generations. This summer, the historic venue will have different types of events for adults and children. On Wednesday, June 11, the theater will have a special “Storytime at the Fox” session, which combines books, theater and popcorn for youth audiences. The nationally touring Simon & Garfunkel concert show “The Graduates: The Sound of Simon & Garfunkel” will visit Saturday, June 14. Best known for “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” Grammy, CMA- and AMA-award-winning artist Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform at the Fox on Saturday, June 21. She will be joined by Grammy, CMA and Americana-award winner Brandy Clark. The “Monsoon Literacy Celebration” on Saturday, July 12, will connect children to books through film, a singalong, story time and hands-on activities. Throughout August, music lovers can see bands from different genres. This includes Buddy Guy on Wednesday, Aug. 6; the Gin Blossoms on Monday, Aug. 11; Keb’ Mo and Shawn Colvin on Tuesday, Aug. 12, and Burton Cummings from the Guess Who on Wednesday, Aug. 20. foxtucson.com
The Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress Street
Don’t let the summer get you down. The Rialto has your back.
Take, for example, on Friday, June 6, look for Queer and Femme PRIDE Night (at 191 Toole, just around the corner) and United We Dance: The Ultimate Rave Experience. Salute classic rock ‘n’ roll at That Arena Rock Show, set for Thursday, June 19; and catch Kurt Vile and the Violators on Thursday, June 12. rialtotheatre.com
Binge Movies
We all spend a lot of time at home watching movies in the summer. Kanopy offers a collection of classic, independent, and international films that you can watch from your air-conditioned home. They are free to watch if you have a Pima County Public Library card. All you have to do is add your card number, and you can access up to five free films a month.
The site offers films in different genres, along with read-along storybooks. Movie buffs will find a selection of historical drama, action, true crime, comedy, children’s, thriller, horror and sci-fi films. kanopy.com/en/pimalibrary
Take a hike
Madera Canyon
In Madera Canyon, temperatures can still reach the ‘90s during the summer months, but shade from oak trees and a breeze can make it bearable to visit. One of the most popular experiences is the Madera Canyon Hiking Trail, which goes for over 5 miles and reaches an elevation of over 900 feet. The trail offers a scenic experience for people of different skill levels, from casual exercisers to die-hard hikers. The area is known as a birding destination, so visitors are encouraged to bring their binoculars. fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/recreation
Visit a garden
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N. Alvernon Way
At Tucson Botanical Gardens, a living museum, you can connect with nature through different artistic, scientific, cultural and historical experiences. Founded in 1964 by horticulturalist and collector Harrison G. Yocum, the gardens offer 20 curated spaces, a butterfly greenhouse, seasonal art exhibitions and special programming and classes. One of the newest attractions, “The Great Garden Express” lets guests experience classic model trains in an interactive way, as they pull passenger cars, go over bridges and wind their way past historic Arizona landmarks. The Grant Road Improvement Project might impact your visit to the gardens. tucsonbotanical.org
Take a slow ride
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
No one wants to hike in the hot sun, yet there’s still a way to admire our beautiful desert: on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. The tram will take you to see either Sabino Canyon or Bear Canyon. The tour lasts about an hour and includes headphones with narration about the history and topography of the area.
The tram is slow, so there’s plenty of time to look. Tickets are $15 for adults, with discounts for kids.
Even with the tram available, some will want to hike. For them, the park offers a tram ride to a couple of trailheads. Dress appropriately and bring lots of water. Picnic tables and a small gift shop and ranger station are also available.
sabinocanyoncrawler.com
Check out a museum
Arizona History Museum
949 E. Second Street
Remember the “Big One?” Of course not; you weren’t even born yet, but learn all about World War II, a very important event in our nation’s history. The exhibit, “Proud to Serve: Arizona Stories from World War II.”
This exhibit showcases the untold stories of Arizonans who contributed to the war effort, highlighting the diversity and resilience of our community, both on the battlefield and at home.
While you’re there, visit a real-life stagecoach, see John Dillinger’s vest, and imagine getting a haircut at Romero’s Barbershop. Finally, walk through an underground mining tunnel. It’s all there.
arizonahistoricalsociety.org
This article appears in May 15-22, 2025.