Tucson, AZ --It’s a great time to learn about Tucson’s history and heritage! Its 2026, and the USA is celebrating its 250th anniversary, also known as its semiquincentennial. The Presidio Museum is pleased to announce Arizona Statehood Day and a sneak preview of its new bar, “Brandylion”!
ARIZONA STATEHOOD DAY - February 14, 2026 10 am – 2 pm Included with museum admission
Why is Arizona the Valentine State? Because it became a state on February 14th, 1912! Visit the Presidio Museum for a fun-filled day of activities and history exploring what makes Arizona, Arizona!
Not only is Arizona known for its diverse people and cultures, but it was historically known for the 5 C's: cattle, copper, cotton, citrus, and climate. Enjoy activities and demonstrations highlighting these 5 C’ and see how they impacted our community throughout our history. Also discover what life was like for the people of Arizona under the various flags that flew over the state from New Spain to statehood.
Demonstrations, displays, and activities include the making of fresh tortillas, musket drills, cannon firings, mining, learning to rope a cow, blacksmiths, and more! In honor of Arizona being the Valentine State, sample Mexican hot chocolate at the comal!
Special lectures free with event admission: 11:30 am: Arizona: A Haven from Tuberculosis by Dr. Rudy Byrd 1:15 pm: Arizona's Rocky Road to Statehood by Mauro Trejo.
ALSO ON FEBRUARY 14th - BRANDYLION BAR SNEAK PREVIEW
Zocalo Hospitality is thrilled to celebrate Arizona Statehood Day with a sneak peak of the soon to open cocktail lounge (and tea house), “Brandylion”, located on the grounds of the Presidio Museum in the historic 1907 duplex, on the corner of Court Street and Washington Avenue in the heart of the historic Presidio District.
A limited selection of the bar's full menu will be available to those of drinking age, as well as a limited selection of tea and snacks for all museum visitors. This new downtown watering hole blends craft cocktails with local ingredients, heritage and history to create a unique experience only found here in Tucson. Check out the new duplex interior including Southwestern Art Deco motifs. Sample tea and snacks featuring the best local ingredients that played an important part in Tucson’s history and culture.
We offer our thanks to the staff, volunteers and leadership at the Presidio Museum, as well as to Rio Nuevo for helping to make the vision for Brandylion a reality. We look forward to celebrating Arizona Statehood Day and giving Tucson a preview of its newest watering hole! Stay tuned for more details on the official grand opening, full craft cocktail and charcuterie menus.
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