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.
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 façades of these buildings were restored at the end of 2024 and their renewed patio is slated to open in 2026 to the public. The patio will feature community events, live music, and outdoor dining with the theatre interiors slated to open in 2027.
HOTELS
FIRST HYATT REGENCY HOTEL COMING TO DOWNTOWN TUCSON- Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in collaboration with HSL Properties and Desert Hospitality Management, announced their plans to open the Hyatt Regency Tucson Convention Center, expected in late 2027. Located in the heart of Downtown Tucson and steps away from the Tucson Convention Center, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Leo Rich Theater and Tucson Arena, the hotel's multi-million-dollar renovation will feature 291 guestrooms and suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an enhanced pool experience and approximately 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.
TEMPO BY HILTON COMING TO UPTOWN IN 2026 - As a part of the Foothills Mall redevelopment, Tempo by Hilton Tucson Uptown is slated to open in early 2027. With Tucson based Bourn Companies overseeing the redevelopment and Valencia Hotel Group managing the property, the five-story hotel will feature 144 guest rooms, wellness-focused amenities, and 3,000 square feet of meeting space. Design elements will be inspired by Tucson’s cultural heritage, adding a new hospitality destination to the growing mixed-use development. The hotel will complement existing and planned residential, retail, office and entertainment components in the Uptown district.
FRESHLY ROOTED CULINARY PROGRAM AT LOEW'S VENTANA CANYON RESORT- Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is participating in the new Freshly Rooted by Loews Hotels initiative which focuses on ingredients that are Certified Humane, fully traceable, and free from antibiotics, hormones, steroids, and artificial additives. This culinary program, which brings sustainability to the forefront of the company's food and beverage offerings, features unique, hand-crafted salads made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients which supports the local community, promotes environmental responsibility, and delivers a Sonoran culinary experience.
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 Winter 2026.
EXPERIENCE LUXURY GLAMPING NEAR SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK - Inspired by true Conestoga designs, Solana Spanish Villas will bring the spirit of the 19th-century American West into the modern age with their Luxury Conestoga Wagons for an authentic southwest glamping experience in March 2026. Set within a mesquite bosque and minutes from Saguaro National Park East, the four beautifully crafted wagons will deliver an unforgettable blend of rustic elegance and contemporary convenience with full access to the Solana estate amenities which include a swimming pool, pickleball courts, and walking paths.
RESTAURANTS
HIDDEN SPEAKEASY OPENS IN DOWNTOWN TUCSON - Chef Daniel Scordato's speakeasy, Emerald 29 opened in June 2026, inside Downtown Tucson's Historic Treasury 1929. The subterranean lounge features secret alcoves, lush banquettes, a restored vault and live music. The sophisticated cocktail program highlights Sonoran Desert inspired flavors, like the "Sandia Fría" cocktail; made with chili-infused tequila, watermelon, lime and a tajín rim. Emerald 29 also offers an extensive zero-proof program and a selection of small bites. In keeping with its Prohibition-era spirit, the venue will close on select nights; guests are encouraged to check social media before visiting.
NEW SI CHARRO! CONCEPT OPENING AT THE CATALINA FOOTHILLS - A new concept from Si Charro! is set to open in April 2026 at the corner of Sunrise & Kolb, at the base of the Catalina Foothills. The Hills by Monica will be a neighborhood café, will offer casual breakfast and lunch service, followed by an elevated dinner experience. The menu will highlight seasonal flavors in an approachable style, all served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
TUCSON CHOCOLATE FACTORY OPENING ON 4TH AVENUE - Opening their new brick-and-mortar in March 2026, Tucson Chocolate Factory brings its award-winning, small batch chocolate creations to 4th Avenue. Known for their unique confections using the highest quality certified fair trade cocoa beans, Tucson Chocolate Factory also highlights locally sourced ingredients, from prickly pear and saguaro fruit to locally harvested honey, fresh cream and citrus, celebrating the flavors and traditions of the Sonoran Desert.
FLYING V RESTAURANT REOPENS WITH REIMAGINED DINING EXPERIENCE - Following a two-month renovation, Flying V Restaurant reopened in February 2026, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in the Catalina Foothills. The beloved dining destination debuts a refreshed desert-inspired interior, expanded patio with sweeping canyon views, new private dining space and a revamped menu led by Executive Chef Ryan Clark and Chef de Cuisine Tyler Lapotosky, highlighting Southern Arizona ingredients, mesquite-fired flavors, premium steaks and inventive cocktails. The reimagining extends beyond the plate with updated branding that pays homage to Tucson’s historic Flying V Ranch, which once operated on the site, blending the spirit of the original guest ranch with a modern identity that positions Flying V as a destination within a destination once again.
NEW BAR OPENING IN THE HISTORIC PRESIDIO NEIGHBORHOOD - Brandylion, a new bar opening February 2026, next to the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, brings a brandy-focused concept from Juniper co-owners Elliott Morse and Kellner Brown to the historic Presidio neighborhood. The space will feature what is expected to be the largest selection of brandy in the Southwest, alongside classic cocktails, a dedicated non-alcoholic program, and daytime afternoon high tea. Designed to complement the surrounding cultural district, Brandylion will also host live entertainment, courtyard events, and light bites from nearby partners, helping draw visitors to the Presidio neighborhood.
LOS MILICS TASTING ROOM OPENS IN DOWNTOWN TUCSON – The Los Milics team behind the award-winning vineyard and tasting room in Elgin, Arizona opened a tasting room in Downtown Tucson in January 2026. Their menu will consist of wine tastings along with their signature shared plates to start, with plans of adding lunch and brunch as they settle into their new home.
JAPANESE-INSPIRED BURGER JOINT OPENS AT THE MSA ANNEX - BŌS Burger, a new Japanese-inspired burger restaurant, opened at the MSA Annex in the Mercado District in early December 2025. The eatery brings Japanese-style cooking to the local food scene with menu items featuring Wagyu beef, Japanese-inspired sauces, and katsu sandwiches. The team, which also owns Kukai in the MSA Annex, also plans to expand the concept with a bar in the near future.
HIDDEN HEARTH BAKERY OPENS AT THE MERCADO DISTRICT - Hidden Hearth Bakery, a new micro and wholesale bakery led by two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist baker Alexander Phaneuf, opened late November 2025 at the MSA Annex. Specializing in whole-grain breads and fresh-milled flour, the bakery sources its ingredients from local foodways and showcases grains from Southern Arizona and the broader Southwest, including West Texas to western Arizona. Operating without a traditional retail storefront, Hidden Hearth offers a pickup window for pre-packed orders. The bakery also plans to host pop-up events, and expand its menu including wood-fired pita, falafel, and pizza.
URSA RESTAURANT OPENS IN TUCSON - Chef Aaron Lopez’s acclaimed concept, Ursa, opened in Fall 2025 at 110 E Congress St. in Tucson’s historic Central Block Building. Honoring the Sonoran, Mojave, Great Basin, and Chihuahuan deserts, Ursa’s menu highlights indigenous ingredients, drought-tolerant crops, and sustainable foraging in collaboration with local foragers, including the Akimel O’odham-owned Ramona Farms and Native communities to craft dishes rooted in tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. The menu will push the boundaries of the region’s native ingredients, using experimental and time-honored techniques to craft unexpected dishes inspired by Lopez’s fine dining background, and aims to be zero waste by preserving and utilizing all parts of the ingredient. Ursa will also offer a robust beverage program including craft cocktails, wine and beer utilizing local spirits and flavors.
CHARRO STEAK & DEL REY OPENS SECOND LOCATION - Charro Steak North opened in August 2025 in the Casas Adobes Plaza at 7109 N. Oracle Road. This expansion will bring the restaurant's mesquite-grilled steaks, sustainable seafood, and Sonoran-inspired dishes to the northwest side of Tucson. The original Charro Steak, located downtown, has been a staple since 2016 and is known for its commitment to local ingredients, sustainably sourced seafood, and grass-fed, all-natural beef.
NEW RESTAURANT OPENED IN THE SAM HUGHES NEIGHBORHOOD - Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar will opened a second location in Fall 2025 at The Village at Sam Hughes at 2513 E. Sixth St., the former home of Flora’s Market Run. 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.
ATTRACTIONS
MISSION GARDEN LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES – In June 2026, Mission Garden was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing it as one of the nation’s oldest continuously cultivated landscapes. Located at the base of Sentinel Peak ("A" Mountain), Mission Garden sits on the ancestral O’odham village of Cuk Ṣon, where communities have farmed and gathered for more than 4,000 years. This designation honors Mission Garden’s cultural and historical significance, from Indigenous agricultural traditions to the founding of Mission San Agustín del Tucson in 1692, while helping preserve and share Tucson’s rich agricultural heritage with future generations through educational programs, events, and community engagement.
NEW CASINO DEL SOL LOCATION TO OPEN - The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is set to open its third gaming property, Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam ("Three Suns" in Yoeme, the language of the Pasqua Yaqui people), November 2026. The 163,000-square-foot entertainment destination near Interstate 10 will bring hundreds of jobs and feature a 52,000-square-foot gaming floor with more than 900 slot machines, table games, a sportsbook, and bar-top gaming stations. A striking 26-foot copper dome and a large mural by Tucson artist Joe Pagac will serve as key attractions. The property will also offer four dining options, including OP Grill, Sewa Market, and three bars.
FRIDA'S GARDEN BLOOMS AT TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS- Starting October 11 2025, 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.
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,
UPCOMING EVENTS
SOUTHWEST WINGS SUMMER BIRDING AND NATURE FESTIVAL - This annual family-friendly event based in Sierra Vista includes a pre-festival jamboree, live animals, guided field trips, and free programs. August 5-8, 2026
AMERICA'S BEST MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL - Curated by 30+ of the Southwest’s most celebrated chefs and culinary partners, the festival invites guests to explore regionally inspired tasting experiences that showcase the depth and beauty of Mexican cuisine. The event unfolds across distinct culinary regions—including Northern Mexico, Central Mexico, the Pacific Coast, and Southern Mexico & the Yucatán Peninsula—each brought to life through authentic dishes, live music, visual art, and cultural storytelling. August 8, 2026 at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.
SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL - Gather in the Sonoran Desert during the summer monsoons to see unique species of birds not found anywhere else in the country. Experience bird photography and art workshops, free talks and panels, a vendor expo, and guided field trips all around Southern Arizona led by expert birding guides. August 12-16, 2026
TUCSON FALL GEM SHOWS - Tucson Fall Gem Shows have become a time-honored tradition. Each year around Labor Day Weekend, several shows operate in Tucson, and 2026 will be no exception! With five large shows running and multiple full-time, permanent show venues open for business, it's a great time to enjoy all the shows have to offer without the crowds! Watch this space as we grow and multiply! September 3-6, 2026.
SALSA, TEQUILA AND TACO CHALLENGE - In its 18th year, the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge returns as a bold expression of Southern Arizona’s culinary and creative energy. Hosted by Arts State Arizona at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, this one-night experience brings together the region’s top chefs, mixologists, and artists for an evening where flavor, culture, and community take center stage. Guests will explore a vibrant showcase of more than 40 local restaurants and beverage innovators, each presenting their most imaginative salsas, tacos, and cocktails. September 6, 2026.
TUCSON MEET YOURSELF - The Annual Tucson Meet Yourself (TMY) Folklife Festival will return to its traditional downtown location. Upholding the spirit of festivals past, all programs highlight the uniqueness of the TMY experience and long-lasting relationships with community tradition holders. Tucson Meet Yourself is a free, three-day folklife festival where more than 500 artists, tradition bearers, musicians, dancers, and cooks share the everyday practices — the food, the music, the craft, and the stories that define their communities. October 16-18, 2026.
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For More Information, Contact:
Cindy Aguilar
Vice President of Communications
1 (520) 770-2145
Mo Olivas
Communications Manager
1 (520) 770-2163
Sofia Moraga Franco
PR & Communications Manager
1 (520) 770-2147
