News Releases

Fourth of July Specials: Midsummer holiday celebrations in Tucson generally begin early and end late, with much of the fun happening during the cooler mornings and evenings. The Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort will host its Fourth of July Extravaganza, July 3-5. The resort is offering guests two- and three-night packages that include entertainment, pool fun and family games, dining specials, and a huge fireworks display on July 4. Four miles south of the resort, Tohono Chul Park's gardens and nature trails will be open free of charge on July 4, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., but park buildings will be closed. Old Tucson Studios and KHYT-FM will present "Celebrate Freedom" at the movie location and theme park; this daylong event will include games for kids, mechanical-bull riding, live bands, fireworks, and more, July 5. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort continues its Saturday night "Dive-In Movies" this summer at the pool; "Star Wars Episode Four: A New Hope" screens July 5.

Jazz at the Resorts: The Tucson Jazz Society has the hottest tickets to the coolest summer jazz parties. Just in time for Father's Day, American Idol regular Paul Jackson Jr. and his band will take the stage with legendary guitarist Chuck Loeb at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, June 14. To celebrate America's birthday, saxophonist David Fathead Newman and the Tucson Jazz Orchestra will headline the second summer concert at Starr Pass Resort, July 5. Across town at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, renowned trumpeter Rick Braun and his award-winning ensemble will play, July 6. All three shows begin at 7 p.m. More information, including details about resort room-rate specials, is at the Tucson Jazz Society website or (520) 903-1265.

Evenings in the Park: Reid Park will play host to three evening events this summer. At DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, the Tucson Pops Orchestra will present its Music Under the Stars free concert series on Sundays, May 11 through June 15; and the Tucson Parks and Recreation department's popular Shakespeare Under the Stars program will stage free performances of  "The Merry Wives of Windsor" on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between June 20 and 29 (520-791-4873). At Reid Park Zoo, which houses more than 400 animals on 17 acres, the Tucson Zoological Society will present its first-ever MonZoon Magic summer concert series featuring varied musical acts and animated movies Friday evenings, beginning May 30. Reid Park is Tucson's largest urban park, covering 131 acres in central Tucson.

Get Out of the Kitchen: Heat is not the only thing summer brings. Summer dining specials at Tucson Originals restaurants are highly anticipated by locals who are looking for an excuse to get out of the kitchen and let someone else to the cooking. Summer is also a perfect time to take advantage great prices at many of Tucson's most popular restaurants. Between June 1 and August 31 members of Tucson's family of local independent restaurants will offer a variety of food and beverage deals, with some restaurants including entertainment and special events.

Starry Nights at the Gardens: Summer visitors to both Tucson Botanical Gardens and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will have ample opportunities to enjoy Tucson's starry nights. The Tucson Botanical Gardens will stay open every Thursday until 9 p.m., June 5 through August 28, and offer stargazing, music, dancing, food, and more as part of its new Twilight Thursdays event series. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will continue its Summer Saturday Evenings program, staying open on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., June through August.                 

Downtown is for Families: Even in the midst of ongoing revitalization, families can find fun things to do in Downtown Tucson. The Tucson Children's Museum will stay open until 8 p.m. and charge only $1 admission on Monsoon Mondays, between Memorial Day and mid-August. The Tucson Museum of Art will offer its Family Art Days series of free, hands-on art making events at 1 p.m. on June 1, July 6, and August 3. The Fox Tucson Theatre will present its Summer Film Series featuring children's movies, Saturdays at 11 a.m.; and classic movies, Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.,  June 14 through August 16. The Southern Arizona Roadrunners has organized the Meet Me Downtown 5K, a fast and fun event for runners and walkers that starts and finishes at La Placita Village on June 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Mars Madness in Midtown: The University of Arizona is the first public university to lead a mission to Mars. On Memorial Day weekend, a team of international scientists, led by UA's Peter Smith, will run the Phoenix Mars Mission from the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory's Phoenix Science Operations Center in Tucson. Displays about this historic mission are on view at the UA's Sonett Visitor Center, Monday-Friday. A planetarium show, MarsQuest is playing at Flandrau: The UA Science Center, Thursdays through Sundays. The historic Fox Tucson Theatre will host Mars Day at the Fox on June 28, with activities including screenings of two classic movies, "Earth Versus Flying Saucers" and "Angry Red Planet."

Pick Your Own Produce: Strolling through the orchard and picking your own tree-ripened fruit is a summer treat at Apple Annie's Produce and Pumpkins. The orchard and farm, located in Willcox, in the Sulphur Springs Valley southeast of Tucson, opens for summer business, July 1. Visitors may pick their own produce or select from the farm stands filled with a variety of high-quality, fresh fruits and vegetables. Upcoming harvests include the Sweet Corn Extravaganza, July 12-13, July 19-20; and Peach Mania Festival, weekends between July 19 and August 17.

Pottery Exhibition is Largest: The newest exhibition at Arizona State Museum has the world's largest and most comprehensively documented collection of Southwest Indian pottery, with some 20,000 whole vessels. The Pottery Project exhibition recently opened and features a fully interactive, multi-media virtual vault; video interviews with archaeologists and potters; and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Lodge on the Desert is Expanding: Lodge on the Desert is undergoing a multi-million dollar expansion. When complete in early 2009, the boutique resort will occupy nearly five acres in mid-central Tucson and feature 100 guest rooms and suites, a new lobby, swimming pool and spa, plus expanded conference facilities. An expansive lawn will be available for weddings and social events. The property was designed as a private residence and completed in 1931. The home was sold in 1936 and the new owner opened for business as Lodge on the Desert. The Lodge has since been operated as a resort facility, except during World War II when it served as an apartment hotel for service personnel. The current owner is Coastal Hotel Group.

Celebrate Tucson's Birthday: August 20, 1775 is Tucson's birthday. A community birthday celebration is being organized through the efforts of Los Descendientes del Presidio de Tucson and Los Cascarones, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to celebrating Tucson's history, arts, culture, and more. Public events taking place in August may be posted on the Happy Birthday Tucson website calendar if the event features a public birthday wish to the City of Tucson. To volunteer help during the celebration, send an e-mail to emailvolunteer@tucsonsbirthday.org.

Free Tucson Travel Information: The Tucson Visitor Center La Placita Village in Downtown Tucson serves as the portal for visitor information about the Tucson region. Get helpful advice, brochures, and fun Tucson souvenirs here, seven days a week.

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