I’m sharing 18 of my favorite fall things to do in Tucson!
Hello friends! How is the day so far? I hope you are having a great morning so far. I sign up for a dance cardio class and then spend the rest of the day getting my September Fit group workouts ready to go. Join us here! New workouts come out on Sunday.
August acts like he has to be somewhere. I can’t believe next week is already September! Fall is almost here and Tucson is absolutely dreamy in the fall. The mild weather makes it a long and beautiful season for different activities, and there are also many festivals and events that can make me enjoy the season even more. Today, I’m sharing a collection of activities you can do to experience the beauty of fall in all its glory in Tucson. From hiking in one of the many Saguaro National Parks to touring the University of Arizona, there is nothing short of fun to do here! I’d love to hear some local friends chime in in the comments if I’m missing anything!
18 Fall Things to Do in Tucson
1) All Souls Procession Weekend
The All Souls Procession is one of my favorite activities of the year. This year, it is November 3 – November 5. You can see details and photos here. This event attracts so many different types of people and they all walk the parade route together, with their beautifully painted faces, costumes and carrying handmade ofrendas to honor those who have passed. With all the division in the world, it’s a great reminder that we’re all human. it’s a meaningful experience that our whole family enjoys.
From their website:
The All Souls Procession is one of the most important, inclusive and authentic public ceremonies in North America today. The Procession began in 1990 with a ritual performance created by local artist Susan Johnson. Johnson mourned her father’s death, and as an artist, she found solace in a creative, celebratory approach to memorializing him. Johnson says, “From the beginning, it was different ethnic groups of people, different cultures, but also all these different art forms together.”
After it began, many artists were inspired to continue, developing the Procession into its modern incarnation. Today we find ourselves marshaling over 150,000 participants through the streets of downtown Tucson for a two-mile human-powered procession culminating in the ceremonial burning of “The Urn.”
The Urn is filled with the public’s hopes, offerings and wishes for those who have passed. A myriad of altars, artists, installation art and creatives of all kinds collaborate to prepare their offerings for this amazing event. All Souls Procession Weekend honors our ancestors and lost loved ones and celebrates life.
2) Cowboy cookout at Tanque Verde Ranch
We love cowboy cooking at Tanque Verde Ranch and it’s one of our favorite dinner spots to take out-of-town guests. It’s outdoors so we can enjoy the dreamy Tucson fall weather, they have live music, a BBQ buffet (the cobbler is to.die.for) and the BEST prickly pear margaritas. Even better? Turn it into a short stay!
3) Sonoran Desert Museum
Arizona’s Sonora Desert Museum is truly a unique Tucson experience, and when the weather is nicer, you can see more animals. There is a wonderful butterfly exhibit and you get the chance to see desert foxes, javelinas, scorpions (AHH) and other desert creatures up close and personal. This is a huge hit with the kids. It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it!
4) Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival
Marana has really upped its game in recent years, and what was a smaller pumpkin patch with a petting zoo and a few activities has turned into a full-on fall festival. They have multiple rides (including swings, slides, Corn-ado carousel and train), lots of great food, games and activities for the whole family. Definitely check it out! A little tip: go early in the season rather than close to Halloween.
5) Apple Annie’s Produce and Pumpkins
Apple Annie’s is an orchard and farm located in Williams, AZ (about an hour and 15 minutes from Tucson). You can pick your own produce, including apples and peaches, and they also have a corn maze and craft show for September and October. Get the pie – you won’t regret it!
6) Tucson Know yourself Festival
October 4,5,6, 2024 in Downtown Tucson. Three days of music, dance, folk arts and food from Tucson’s many cultures. My family and I refer to this event as Tucson Eat Yourself because you will simply go and eat all the delicious food including elote, kettle corn, tacos and shaved ice from many street vendors. While enjoying your meal, you can watch some of the performances by local musicians and dancers, representing a variety of cultures.
7) Tombstone Hellorado Days
We haven’t taken the kids to Tombstone yet, but I feel like they’re the perfect ages, especially since Liv is so into the story. Helldorado takes place every third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October and consists of gun shows, street entertainment, fashion shows and other entertainment.
8) Reid Park Zoo
We have a small zoo here in Tucson, which makes it perfect for spending an hour or two with kids. They usually host a Halloween event with elaborate light displays and trick-or-treating stations.
9) A trail ride at TRAK or Tanque Verde Ranch
A trail ride is the perfect way to enjoy the weather, spend some time outdoors, and enjoy a new experience that you might not get to do all the time (unless you’re P, who is a pro). Both TRAK and Tanque Verde Ranch offer test rides for various levels of riding experience and length of time.
10) Mount Lemmon Oktoberfest
Mount Lemmon is a Tucson treasure. It’s 45 minutes to an hour away and the scenery changes dramatically. You leave cacti and brown dirt for huge pines, greenery and much cooler weather (20-30 degrees colder!). They have an Oktoberfest event or you can even start the day picnicking, hiking and enjoying pizza and a cookie from the Cookie Cabin.
11) Pima Air and Space Museum
This is another one of our spots to get out-of-towners, especially since the pilot has some plaques and patches on display. It’s fun to see the different aircraft, especially with the history of our Tucson Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the exhibits are amazing.
12) Live music in downtown Tucson at the Hotel Congress Plaza
Hotel Congress often has live music on weekends and is a great place to enjoy a cocktail and some music/dancing. They feature local artists and also small artisan booths, such as handmade accessories and jewelry. Bonus: dinner at BATA, then head to Hotel Congress for music and drinks.
13) Buckelew Farm Terror in the Corn Maze
Buckelew Farm is a bit of a hike (about an hour) and has a huge pumpkin patch + haunted attractions if that’s your thing (not my thing lol). You you can see the details here if you’re looking for a more eerie experience.
14) Hike in Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is my favorite hiking destination in Tucson. You can explore many of the trails or take a tram ride to the top and walk down. Don’t forget to check out all the trails and a full guide to hiking Sabino Canyon here. You can often see water and wildlife on the trail, and the views are amazing.
15) Fall Gaslight Show- The Wizard of the Rings
Gaslight is another Tucson treasure! Their melodramas are always based on popular shows and movies, and the audience is encouraged to cheer for the hero and root for the villain. They serve popcorn and a full 50s diner menu while you enjoy the show.
16) Visit the Botanical Gardens of Tuscon
Get ready to ply leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in a vibrant kaleidoscope of fall colors at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. From wandering through the enchanting Japanese garden to marveling at the flowering desert plants, this oasis is a must for nature lovers. Plus, rumor has it that even the squirrels do a few burpee workouts to stay in shape among all those trees!
17) Picnic at Agua Caliente Park
Pack the picnic basket and head to Agua Caliente Park for fall fun under the Tucson sky. With endless green fields, picturesque ponds and soothing hot springs, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Just make sure those fall winds don’t blow your sandwiches away – trust me, I speak from experience!
18) Mission San Xavier del Bac
Travel back in time and explore the stunning Mission San Xavier del Bac, a true architectural gem located in the heart of southern Arizona. Marvel at the intricate details of this centuries-old Spanish mission and you’ll soon feel a sense of calm wash over you. Fun fact: Did you know this mission was actually built by hand, brick by brick? Talk about dedication!
Remember, these are just a few of the fall wonders you can experience in Tucson, AZ. So grab your hiking boots, pack some water and get ready to embrace the perfect combination of nature, culture and adventure. And if you spot squirrels lounging on the hiking trails, be sure to congratulate them for staying fit in the desert heat!
What are some local fall events that you look forward to each year?
xo
Gina
