What's New

Follow developments related to the travel and tourism industry in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS

Once joked about as being a place you went only to pay for parking tickets, Tucson’s downtown has been a focal point of revitalization during the past few years. It’s anchored by the 9-year-old light rail, which connects the University of Arizona to downtown and new mixed-used businesses and residential developments west of the freeway. It’s turned downtown from a complex of blasé civic buildings to a thriving epicenter of activity that honors the area’s cultural heritage and innovative spirit. Now a new wave of restaurants, hotels, and attractions are opening in the downtown neighborhoods surrounding the light rail. Here’s a rundown of some of the most noteworthy updates.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH CAFE OPENS IN DOWNTOWN TUCSON - Tucson restaurateur Patricia Schwabe opened her latest venture, National, October 19, 2024, in Downtown Tucson. Located in the former Wig-O-Rama space, National is a fast-casual breakfast and lunch cafe and bar, offering house-baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and a variety of lunch options, including vegan and gluten-free items. The space also features a full-service bar serving craft cocktails, beer, wine, and packaged alcohol.

SOUTH AFRICAN-INSPIRED LOUNGE OPENING IN CITIZEN BUILDING – Boutique lounge, The Unicorn Zebra opened in August 2024 at the Citizen Hotel Building in downtown Tucson. The lounge will offer a selection of craft beer, South African wine and Cape Town-inspired cocktails and is owned by Sandy and Lourens du Plessis originally from Cape Town, South Africa. Unicorn Zebra is in the historic Citizen Newspaper building, which housed Tucson’s first newspaper. The lounge will open in August with future plans for a second-floor seating area and Airbnb rentals.

BARRIO VIEJO SEEKING NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION - One of Tucson’s downtown neighborhoods, Barrio Viejo, is seeking National Historic Landmark designation (info here). Barrio Viejo is the largest barrio in the U.S. and exemplifies Tucson’s connectivity to Mexico. Built in the mid-1800s largely by Mexicans, it was considered a poor neighborhood, was undervalued, and fell into disrepair for many decades in the 20th century. Then, in 1969, half of the neighborhood was bulldozed to make way for the Tucson Convention Center (which many people bemoan to this day). What saved the large, still-existing portion of the neighborhood was a small Catholic shrine called El Tiradito, dedicated to an adulterer who was, according to legend, murdered by his father-in-law. The neighborhood pushed for National Historic Landmark status for the shrine and succeeded, keeping the remainder of the neighborhood intact. Within the past few decades, there has been a renewed focus on Barrio Viejo and its historic buildings, including the restoration of Teatro Carmen, a 300-seat theatre, and the adjoining building, the one-time home of the Black Elks Club. The facades of these buildings was restored at the end of 2023, with the renewed interiors slated for 2025.

HOTELS

JW MARRIOTT STAR PASS RESORT IS CELEBRATING ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2025 - To celebrate, this AAA Four-Diamond resort began a $70 million renovation which will continue over the next four years. Already completed are new cabanas with upgraded amenities such as larger TVs, modular functionality to accommodate larger parties, and upgraded seating. Covered canopies and private coves have also been added to the Lazy River and the pool features additional seating capacity. The Salud Terrace received all new seating, fire elements and modern landscaping. Beginning in May 2025, all 575 guest rooms and over 100k square feet of meeting space will receive an extensive facelift with an estimated completion date of May 2026.

CASA ALCALDE AT HACIENDA DEL SOL – Tucked away within the iconic Hacienda del Sol resort, Casa Alcalde is a stunning new addition to Tucson’s luxury accommodations. This 3,400-sq.-ft. private residence features two bedrooms, two patios, and two and a half baths, offering the perfect blend of traditional and modern luxury. Casa Alcalde will be open for booking in February 2025 and can accommodate up to six overnight guests. It also provides a stunning boutique setting for private receptions of up to 35 guests. Guests also enjoy access to Hacienda del Sol’s award-winning amenities, including three pools, a luxurious spa, world-class dining, and lush gardens.

THE KENNEDY HOTELS OPENS IN TUCSON - The Kennedy Tucson, SureStay Collection by Best Western, opened its doors in December 2024. Recently renovated, this pet-friendly hotel offers a nostalgic nod to classic roadside motels while catering to today’s travelers with resort-style comforts.

THE TUXON HOTEL REBRAND – The Tuxon hotel transitioned from Design Hotels, affiliated with Marriott, to the voco brand by IHG in September 2024. This change aims to enhance the guest experience while preserving the hotel's cherished features, and the same dedicated team will continue to manage it. The 112-room modern boutique hotel, which opened on July 3, 2020, is located in the heart of Tucson near Sentinel Peak. By day, The Tuxon serves as a hub for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts, while by night, the pool area provides a relaxed, social setting for cocktails and conversation. Reflecting the city's renaissance and its stunning surroundings, The Tuxon offers an elevated and immersive experience.

RESTAURANTS

TUCSON’S FIRST WINE-BLENDING URBAN WINERY OPENS DOWNTOWN - Vertigo Wines opened its doors in March 2025, and it's bringing a first-of-its-kind barrel-to-glass wine experience to Tucson. Located in the Historic Train Depot downtown, this urban winery invites guests to go beyond traditional tastings by sampling wines straight from the barrel —a rare opportunity typically reserved for professional winemakers. Guests can also craft their own custom blend on-site and take a bottle home. Vertigo sources approximately 80% of its wines from Wilcox, Arizona, while also showcasing select varietals from regions like Napa Valley. Guests can enjoy curated charcuterie boards and small bites as part of the experience.

CROOKED TOOTH RELEASES “GIRL BEER” – In April 2025, the women of Crooked Tooth Brewing released "Girl Beer"—a bold, robust, and spicy imperial stout brewed with intention, heart, and cacao. Made with Monsoon Chocolate cacao husks and Pivot Produce chiltepin, this limited release challenges the outdated norms of what girls are supposed to like, do, and be. Crafted in honor of women’s herstory and legacy in brewing—dating back to the earliest alchemists—Girl Beer reclaims space in a world where men are too often the only ones recognized or celebrated. It’s a tribute to presence, power, and the passion of women in beer. Available on draft and in cans at Crooked Tooth Brewing.

NEW RESTAURANT OPENS IN THE SAM HUGHES NEIGHBORHOOD - Two beloved local businesses, Sonoran House and Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar, are joining forces to open The Village at Sam Hughes at 2513 E. Sixth St., the former home of Flora’s Market Run. Opened in June 2025, this new collaboration brings together Sonoran House’s signature coffee, tea, beer, and wine with Redbird’s craft cocktails and celebrated food menu. This marks the second location for both establishments, expanding their presence into the historic Sam Hughes neighborhood. Rincon Market, one of Tucson’s oldest neighborhood grocery stores, originally opened in 1926 and occupied the Sixth Street building from the early 1960s onward.

NEW BAR OPENS IN THE HISTORIC IRON HORSE NEIGHBORHOOD - La Esquina bar and gallery, opened in the historic Iron Horse neighborhood in January 2025. The venue, located at 630 E. Ninth St, showcases Mediterranean-inspired wines, a selection of local and imported beers, and an array of snacks.

BATA RECEIVES SUNSET AWARD - In September 2024, Tyler Fenton’s downtown Tucson restaurant, Bata, was recognized as one of the best places to eat in the West by Sunset magazine. Opened in spring 2022 in a historic 1930s warehouse, Bata was the only Arizona restaurant to make the prestigious list, which includes renowned Michelin-starred spots from California and Denver. This is the second national accolade for Bata this year, following its Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in June. Bata has earned multiple national honors, including mentions by Bon Appétit and Time magazine.

COFFEE SHOP OPENS IN HISTORIC BLENMAN-ELM DISTRICT – New coffee shop and artisan market, Sonoran House, opened in Tucson’s historic Blenman-Elm District in August 2024. Sonoran House puts a Tucson twist on coffee shop staples with its menu, which includes drinks like a Sonoran Fog and an Agave Latte. In their market, guests can shop from more than fifty local makers and artisans like Creative Kind, Prickly Posies, and Plant Casitas. Their mission is to offer small-batch, sustainably crafted coffee in a space that feels like home.

BORDERLANDS BREWCADE IS NOW OPEN - Borderlands Brewing Co opened their third location in Tucson's north side in November 2024. Borderlands Brewing North will be located at River Road and Craycroft Road near the Catalina Foothills and will sport an arcade bar theme and colorful murals by artist Sangre del Desierto.

ATTRACTIONS

LOOK TO THE SKY WITH TUCSON'S ASTRO TRAIL - Escape the city lights and immerse yourself in a world of stars on Tucson’s Astro Trail! As headquarters of DarkSky International, the greater Tucson area has long been a haven for stargazers and astronomers alike. The Tucson Astro Trail, available as a web app and printed guide, is your personal guide to the galaxy, exploring all dark-sky related stops in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Learn more about Tucson’s Astro Trail at www.visitTucson.org/AstroTrail,

PRECIOUS CARGO BRINGS ART PRESS AND COMMUNITY SPACE TO SOUTH TUCSON - Precious Cargo opened its doors in February 2025, supported in part by Night Bloom: Grants for Artists funding through MOCA Tucson and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The alternative small press and project space focuses on producing and distributing DIY visual arts publications, left-field artist multiples, and exhibition programming. It is a small publishing house, an experimental gallery, and a site for gathering. Precious Cargo is the latest branch of the American Institute of Thoughts and Feelings, an exhibition and arts organizing project based in the Sonoran Desert.

UNIVERSE OF SCIENCE NOW OPEN AT FLANDRAU SCIENCE CENTER AND PLANETARIUM - Opened in February 2025, this interactive, technology-driven exhibit invites visitors to connect with the wonders of science through immersive displays and hands-on experiences. Universe of Science features engaging activities such as unraveling the mysteries of the human brain, experimenting with the conditions to create a monsoon rainstorm, and exploring distant solar systems with insights from the James Webb Space Telescope. The exhibit also includes "Ask a Scientist" kiosks, where guests can access interviews with over 30 University of Arizona researchers. This exciting new addition comes as Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium celebrates 50 years of inspiring curiosity and discovery in 2025.

NEW MUSEUM FOR MILITARY VEHICLES - As one of the world's largest and most diverse aerospace museums, the Pima Air & Space Museum is now broadening its audience to historic military vehicle enthusiasts. The Tucson Military Vehicle Museum opened next to the Pima Air and Space Museum as a new, separate experience in March 2025, showcasing rare and interesting vehicles from all nations and eras. Visitors can expect dynamic activities and exhibits, demonstrations, riding and driving experiences, and STEM experiences for K-12 students.

FRIDA'S GARDEN BLOOMS AT TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS- Starting October 11, the Tucson Botanical Gardens invites visitors to step into Frida’s Garden, a vibrant new permanent exhibit inspired by the iconic artist’s home, La Casa Azul. Originally created for the San Antonio Botanical Garden, the immersive installation blends Frida Kahlo’s love of nature with the unique flora and spirit of the Southwest. Designed by landscape architect Maria Voris, the garden features signature “Frida-Blue” walls, a replica of the Aztec-inspired pyramid and Toad Pond, and six large-scale animal sculptures in the style of pre-Hispanic clay figures.

UPCOMING EVENTS

TUCSON MEET YOURSELF - Tucson Meet Yourself is an annual celebration of the living traditional arts of Southern Arizona’s and Northern Mexico’s diverse ethnic and folk communities. The free, three-day event features hundreds of artisans, home cooks, dancers, musicians and special exhibits that celebrate and honor beauty in all its diverse, informal, and everyday forms. Tucson Meet Yourself will take place in Downtown Tucson on October 17-19, 2025.

ALL SOULS PROCESSION - The All Souls Procession is one of the most important, inclusive and authentic public ceremonies in North America today. Myriad altars, performers, installation art, and creatives of all kinds collaborate to prepare their offerings for this amazing event. The All Souls Procession Weekend Honors the Ancestors and our lost loved ones and Celebrates Life. November 7-9, 2025.

DUSK MUSIC FESTIVAL - a two-day music, art, and culinary festival held annually in downtown Tucson. Known for its diverse lineup of musical acts, ranging from EDM to indie, rock, and hip-hop, as well as its focus on local food and art. The festival aims to energize and bring together diverse groups of people to celebrate the best of Tucson. November 15-16, 2025

EL TOUR DE TUCSON - El Tour de Tucson is Perimeter Bicycling’s flagship event and one of the largest bicycling events in America. Held annually, El Tour attracts over 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from around the United States and beyond. El Tour’s finish line/annual Downtown Expo & Fiesta, brings together cyclists and members of the greater Tucson community for a celebration of charities, community, health and fitness. November 22, 2025.

FOURTH AVENUE STREET FAIR - A family-friendly Top 100 event that has more than 350 artists who are excited to participate in this premier Tucson community event. Come, and stroll the streets, all on one floor and closed to automobile traffic, with wide aisles and ever-changing wares. See why this fair that started in 1971 has Tucson-event longevity — we're now celebrating the 50+ Spring and Winter Street Fairs. Fair admission is free. Ample parking is available on side streets and in nearby garages. December 12-14, 2025.

TUCSON MARATHON - The Tucson Marathon features a 50K Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay. The races start near Oracle and finish in Catalina and are known for their net downhill course and scenic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. December 14, 2025.

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