Sometimes dads need a break. With Father’s Day weekend on the horizon, start to plan something fun now.
To get Dad in the mood, area events begin with the annual margarita contest set for Saturday, June 14. That’s not all. There are barbecues and fun family activities planned, too.
Here is a sampling of what the city has to offer:
Tucson Originals Restaurants World Margarita Championship
JUNE 14
No one can go wrong with a margarita in hand, especially when that margarita is crafted by some of the Old Pueblo’s finest. Pair that with special bites from local chefs competing for the titles of Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards, and dad will definitely be the winner.
There will be live music and interactive arts experiences, meet and greets with the culinary creators and raffle drawings. Proceeds benefit the Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Alliance; the organization is also the sponsor.
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, 245 E. Ina Road, Tucson, tickets start at $80, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., saaca.org
Park Place Mall’s Dads, Vibes and Rides
JUNE 14
Some dads really dig rods and rides so take him to Dads, Vibes and Rides, “a high-octane, family-friendly event,” set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Boulevard. The local car group “4 the Streets” will show super cars and classic rides outside Entrance 6 by the Sonoran Skylines mural. Guests can vote for their favorite cars, which will receive special recognition.
Meanwhile, inside the mall at the Center Court, dads and children will receive a special gift and activity, respectively. Gifts are limited. Look for appearances by the Tucson Police Department, SWAT team and the U.S. Army, offering families an opportunity to explore their tactical vehicles.
Car enthusiasts who would like to showcase their own rides may register by emailing [email protected].
Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, free, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., parkplacemall.com
Astronomy Night at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
JUNE 14
View Tucson’s beautiful night sky at one of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s telescope stations with the fam. Space-themed activities included. Bring a flashlight and explore the grounds, grab a local beer and experience the animal encounter, the Packrat Playhouse, touch a stingray and learn about star maps.
The signature drink for the night is the “Lost in Space” martini.
Touch a stingray from 6 to 9:30 p.m. There is a cost of $2 for members and $3 for non-members. Stargazing takes place from 6 to 10 p.m., followed by a talk at the Noir Lab from 7 to 7:45 p.m. The evening ends with a presentation by Ruskin Harley of the International Dark Skies Association from 8 to 8:45 p.m. Throughout the night, docents will be interpreting the desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions and rattlesnakes. Both gift shops and Phoebe’s Coffee Shop will be open until 9 p.m., while the Ocotillo Cafe and the Ironwood Terraces Restaurant will stay open until 10 p.m.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, tickets start at $39.95, with discounts for children, 6 to 10 p.m. desertmuseum.org
Father’s Day Barbecue at Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa
JUNE 15
Westin La Paloma’s executive chef Devin Pinto and his culinary team have cooked up the perfect Father’s Day barbecue. Lounge poolside while the team grills up elevated takes on Sonoran dogs, baby back ribs and burgers with elote corn on the cob, pasta salad and potato salad. Finish the meal with chocolate-dipped bacon and sliced watermelon.
Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, various pricing, noon to 6 p.m., marriott.com
Topgolf
SUNDAYS
It’s never too hot to hit the driving range at Topgolf, where the open bays are air conditioned. Plus, there are lots of good eats and drinks to order. They can provide all the needed equipment and players may select from their favorite games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Block Party and Angry Birds. Sunday is Funday at Topgolf, so bays can be rented for $30 an hour and accommodate up to six players.
Topgolf, 4050 W. Costco Drive, Tucson, various pricing and times, topgolf.com
Sonoran Sunrise Balloon Tours
ANYDAY
Give dad the ultimate gift: a Sonoran Sunrise Balloon Tour, which travels over the Sonoran Desert, Tucson Mountains, Saguaro National Park West and the agricultural expanse of Avra Valley. The flight lasts for more than an hour and is followed by a continental champagne brunch. The ride travels 10 to 15 miles at altitudes typically between 500 and 4,000 feet above the Tucson area, weather permitting. Passengers must be in good physical condition and able to participate in normal outdoor activities, such as hiking. Getting in and out of the basket is very similar to climbing over a barnyard fence or mounting a horse, so participants must be in condition to do that. It is also expected that passengers have sufficient physical strength to support the weight of their body, able to hang on to the rope handles during significantly bumpy and deceleration upon landing.
Sonoran Sunrise Balloon Tour, tickets start at $250, with discounts for teachers, students, military with ID, teens and children, 520-235-5355, tucsonballoonrides.com
