Featured Story
May 8, 2013
A Backstage Peek into the Evolution of Fifth and Congress
By Maria Inés Taracena As the area begins to fill up with locals, the undecipherable whispers of a few people grow into a mass of unanimous chatter for what’s coming to a little intersection of Downtown Tucson. It’s a Thursday afternoon on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Congress Street. What began as a party [...]
Read more...Current StoriesView all Stories
May 24, 2013
Streetcar Construction Info for Week of May 27
The following information was culled from the Tucson Modern Streetcar newsletter, found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent to these [...]
May 24, 2013
Let It Rain! Celebrate the Día de San Juan Fiesta at Mercado San Agustin
By Maria Inés Taracena Traditions are what keep us close to our roots. Some have been part of our native culture since the beginning of its existence, and others have been influenced by a melting pot of people from different corners of the world. Throughout history, the Southwest has had people come in and out. There [...]
May 23, 2013
Food Trucks, Music Kick Off MOCA’s Summer Exhibition Series
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is kicking off their summer exhibitions opening with two new exhibitions, Planet of the Crepes and Kadooks serving up delicious food on the Plaza, cash bar featuring Borderland Brewing Company and music provided by DJ Buttafly. The festivities begin at on Saturday, May 25th from 6-8pm at MOCA, 265 [...]
May 22, 2013
Celebrate the 80th Birthday of Tap Room Bartender Tiger
Visit Hotel Congress on any given day and poke your head inside the Tap Room. You’ll find Tom Ziegler, better known as Tiger, bustling about behind the bar, pouring drinks and telling jokes to the regulars that come to visit him. Tiger has been a mainstay at the Tap Room for the last fifty-four years [...]
May 20, 2013
Streetcar Construction Info for Week of May 20
The following information was culled from the Tucson Modern Streetcar website, found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent to these [...]
May 18, 2013
CandyStrike Brings Gorgeous Handmade Clothing, Radiant Attitude to Downtown
by Bree Collins On the outskirts of Downtown, a few spaces down from Skrappy’s, is a little haven of body-positivity. CandyStrike, located at 197 E. Toole Ave., offers a stunning array of redesigned vintage clothing for plus-size women. This is frisky, adventurous plus-size clothing that women want to wear. As there is not a huge [...]
May 15, 2013
Etherton’s Summer Exhibition will Feature Exceptional Photography & Mixed Media
Etherton Gallery will present its summer exhibition, Unpacked: The Art Fair at Home, a selection of the exceptional — and exceptionally rare — photography and mixed media that Etherton exhibits at fine art fairs in New York, Los Angeles and Palm Springs. The exhibition opens June 18 and closes August 31, 2013. Unpacked features a [...]
May 13, 2013
When Literature Comes to Life
By Maria Inés Taracena It began with a story about a girl and her father. It’s the middle of the night, and a much anticipated meteor shower is nearby. After two failed attempts at waking up her brother, the girl ends up watching the shower alone with her dad. It’s a simple setting, but it became [...]
May 10, 2013
Streetcar Construction Info for May 10-May 17
The following information was culled from the Tucson Modern Streetcar website, found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent to these [...]
May 7, 2013
Non-profit, Collaborative Workspace Gangplank Finds New Home Downtown
Gangplank Tucson invites the community to celebrate the grand re-opening of their new collaborative workspace located Downtown in the historic Pioneer Building at 100 N. Stone Ave., Suite 110, on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:30pm-9:30pm. Gangplank Tucson is a non-profit, collaborative workspace without physical or financial barriers providing resources and education for local entrepreneurs and [...]
May 7, 2013
Beer Tastings at Hotel Congress are Back in Time for Summer
There’s nothing like a tall cold one on a hot summer day! Starting this May, the summer beer tastings and dinners at Hotel Congress are back by popular demand. Last summer, Hotel Congress answered to sold out crowds of beer-lovers, who tasted brews and noshed on substantial snacks from Cup Café. This year’s summer schedule [...]
May 3, 2013
Streetcar Construction Info for May 5-May 10
The following information was culled from the Tucson Modern Streetcar website, found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent to these [...]
May 2, 2013
Proper Bursts Into the Already Bustling Downtown Restaurant Scene
by Bree Collins Downtown Tucson is experiencing a renaissance with a parade of new restaurants, including Proper, the most recent vision by Flagstaff-based Paul Moir. Taking up the entire corner of Congress St. and 5th Ave. where the Rialto Exhibition Center used to be, this upscale eatery will be opening its doors Monday, May 6th. [...]
May 1, 2013
May the Fourth Be with You at Hotel Congress on Saturday, May 4
Come party day and night at Arizona’s premier “Force”-tival. Think Halloween, but Star Wars! Bring the whole family early and enjoy a free photo booth, costume & trivia contests, spelling bee, Clone Wars on the big screen and themed food and drink. Max Cannon will be your host. There will be Jedi-Training for the kids [...]
April 30, 2013
Enjoy Naturally Raised, Locally Sourced Burgers & More at Tucson’s Diablo Burger
by Bree Collins Sounds of construction shake Downtown as final touches are put on Tucson’s version of Diablo Burger. The much-loved burger joint, hailing from Flagstaff and owned by Derrick Widmark, now belongs to Tucson. Diablo Burger is already in harmony with Downtown’s focus on community sustainability as the restaurant strives to source as many [...]
April 30, 2013
2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta & 1st Annual Tortilla Festival
Tucson Parks and Recreation Department presents the Second Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Fort and Tucson’s First Annual Tortilla Festival. This will be a celebration of Mexican folklore, art, music, and tortilla sampling. Come and learn the art of tortilla making and dress in your best Mexican outfit! You may even win a [...]
April 30, 2013
Cinco de Mayo Tareada to Benefit the Dia de San Juan Fiesta
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo like a Tucsonense at the Dia de San Juan Fiesta Committee’s Cinco de Mayo Tareada and Silent Auction, Sunday, May 5, 2013, 2-7 p.m. at the historic El Casino Ballroom, 437 E. 26th St. Proceeds will directly fund the production of this year’s El Dia de San Juan Fiesta, which will [...]
April 29, 2013
David Bromberg Quintet Headlines 28th Annual Folk Festival
The Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association is proud to announce the 28th Annual Tucson Folk Festival Saturday & Sunday May 4th & 5th in Downtown Tucson. Centered in El Presidio Park, this year’s festival will feature five stages: Plaza Stage in El Presidio Park (just east of city hall); Courtyard Stage on the grounds of the [...]
April 26, 2013
Streetcar Construction Info for April 26-May 3
The following information was culled from the Tucson Modern Streetcar website, found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent to these [...]
April 25, 2013
Free Movie at Hotel Congress Shows Brazilian Artists Attempts to Subvert Censorship
See a free screening of the film Worst Possible Illusion: The Curiosity Cabinet of Vik Muniz, featuring the Tropicalia music of Os Mutantes, on Saturday, May 27th at 7:30pm on the Hotel Congress Plaza, 311 E. Congress St. Os Mutantes, the highly influential 60s psychedelic pop band, will play at Club Congress on Tuesday April [...]
April 25, 2013
Biologist Sergio Avila Presents “Sky Islands of the Santa Cruz Valley” in Free Lecture
Biologist Sergio Avila presents “Sky Islands of the Santa Cruz Valley” from Sergio Avila noon – 1 p.m. at the Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave. in the lower level meeting room in the latest of the series of free lectures by Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance. The May 7 talk is [...]
April 24, 2013
Only One Rule at 5th Annual Agave Fest – No Margaritas Allowed!
Tucson’s best bartenders will go head to head to be named the winner of the 5th Annual Agave Fest, kicking off Cinco de Mayo weekend at Hotel Congress on Friday, May 3 at 7pm. Ally Baron will return to the Hotel Congress Plaza to defend her title against a new crop of bartenders who want [...]
April 24, 2013
New Pioneer Building Exhibit Showcases Area Artists In Thrall to Texture
The third Pioneer Building exhibit of the season celebrates the interplay of texture and form in a wide range of media, including Western landscape painting, two- and three-dimensional formal abstraction and origami-influenced collage. Visitors will find much to surprise and delight the eye—from the dramatic contrast of light and shadow in the late Nancy Denzler’s [...]
April 23, 2013
Streetcar Construction Update for Week of April 22
The following information was culled from the Tucson Modern Streetcar website, found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent to these [...]
April 22, 2013
City High Block Party is Free Fun for the Whole Family
Celebrate youth! Celebrate community! Join City High School for the 5th annual Pennington Street Block Party on Friday, April 26, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 p.m on Pennington Street. The Pennington Street Block Party is a family-friendly event in the heart of Downtown Tucson celebrating what young people do to make our community a better place. Fun for all ages! Musical [...]
April 12, 2013
Streetcar Construction Update for Week of April 15
The following information was culled from the Tucson Modern Streetcar website, found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent to these [...]
April 12, 2013
Downtown Links Update Letter
Project Update April 2013 Phase II: St. Mary’s Road/6th Street, I-10 to Church Avenue Roadway Improvements. The re-construction of St. Mary’s Road began in November 2012 and is still on schedule for completion in January 2014. Access has been reduced to one lane in each direction, plus a turn lane. However, there will be some [...]
April 12, 2013
Fiesta Grande – Travel Information
Grande Avenue will be the host of the annual Fiesta Grande this weekend, April 13th and 14th, 2013. The Fiesta swap meet runs from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Further information about Fiesta Grande can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiesta-Grande/153900724674515. Below is the vehicular travel [...]
April 12, 2013
GABA Bicycle Swap Meet – Travel Information
Fourth Avenue will be the host of the Greater Arizona Bicycle Association (GABA) Swap Meet this Sunday, April 14, 2013. The swap meet runs from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Further information about the GABA Bicycle Swap Meet can be found at www.bikegaba.org. Below is the vehicular travel restrictions associated with this event. GABA Bicycle [...]
April 10, 2013
Sunday, April 14 Events
Sunday, April 14 Greater Arizona Bicycle Association (GABA) Bike Swap 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM 4th Avenue Fiesta Grande 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 13 – 6:00 PM , Sunday, April 14 Grande Avenue between Speedway and St. Mary’s Road Spring Bazaar at Mercado San Agustin 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 13 – 6:00 PM, Sunday, April 14 [...]
April 10, 2013
Friday, April 12 Events
Friday, April 12 Old Pueblo Walking Tours 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM Local Genius Awards Gala 2013 6:00 PM Museum of Contemporary Art 265 S. Church Ave. The Greg Morton Band 6:30 PM La Cocina at Old Town Artisans 201 N. Court Ave. Meet the Author: Carolyn O’Bagy Davis 7:00 – 9:00 PM Antigone Books [...]
April 10, 2013
Saturday, April 13 Events
Saturday, April 13 2nd Saturdays Downtown USA Climbing Youth Competition 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Rockls and Ropes 330 S. Toole Ave. Chess & Science Festival, All-Girls Chess Tournament 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Flandrau Science Center 1601 E. University Blvd. Let’s Get Fit 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tucson Children’s Museum 200 [...]
April 10, 2013
Barrio Brewing Triples Its Beer Production
by Teya Vitu Barrio Brewing owner Dennis Arnold has a new office. Don’t expect to find a desk, chairs for visitors or family photos. This new office does have a huge window, maybe 30 feet across. The view’s not much: a couple distant warehouses. But Dennis Arnold is in heaven. He climbs a few steps [...]
April 8, 2013
Streetcar Construction Update for Week of April 8
The following information is provided by the Tucson Modern Streetcar weekly newsletter, also found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent [...]
April 8, 2013
Tucson Young Professionals Fasion Show Features Diverse Designers, Styles, Boutiques & Brands
Join Tucson Young Professionals at the Fox Tucson Theatre on May 10 for The Four Elements Fashion Show, starting at 8:30 p.m. The night begins with an exclusive VIP reception where you will have the opportunity to mingle with the models and designers, as well as your fellow Tucson professionals. Enjoy light desserts from local [...]
April 5, 2013
Bicycle Scavenger Hunt Raises Funds to Empower Youth Through Bicycles
El Grupo presents its 10th Annual Bicycle Scavenger Hunt, brought to you by New Belgium Brewing, as a fundraiser to support its mission of empowering youth through bicycles on Sunday, April 21, 2013. The super fun, challenging and family-friendly event will start at 9am at Armory Park in downtown. You bring your bike (and friends!). [...]
April 4, 2013
If You’re Not Downtown This Weekend, You’re Missing Out On All the Fun!
With so much to do in Downtown Tucson this weekend, you’re going to need a game plan: CLICK THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFO: PARKING DINING NIGHTLIFE Saturday, April 6 Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers Rialto Theatre 318 E. Congress St. 8:00 PM Wicked – The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz TCC Music Hall [...]
April 3, 2013
Cylovia Tucson – Travel Information
The following information is from the City of Tucson’s recent news release. Questions may be directed to Public Information Officer Michael Graham at (520) 837-6686 or michael.graham@tucsonaz.gov. Downtown and South Tucson will be the host of the first of two planned Cyclovias this year on April 7, 2013. The event begins at 10 a.m. and [...]
April 3, 2013
Streetcar Construction Update for Week of April 1
The following information is provided by the Tucson Modern Streetcar weekly newsletter, also found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent [...]
April 3, 2013
Web Marketplace ArtFire.com to Launch Maker Space in Historic Bates Mansion
Tucson based web marketplace ArtFire.com will be moving their software development and web marketing team to the former home of the Mountain Oyster Club, the Bates Mansion, located at 283 N Stone. Company founders John Jacobs and Tony Ford will launch a new artisan focused maker space on the property, called “Maker House”. ArtFire will [...]
April 3, 2013
Chess Fest Puts the Fun into Pawn to King 4
By Teya Vitu Chess has the reputation of being deadly serious and cerebral. That’s not what you’ll find at the 6th annual 9 Queens Chess Fest on April 13 at Hotel Congress. 9 Queens makes chess fun. Chess Fest offers face painting. You can make your own king and queen crown. “This is such fun,” [...]
April 2, 2013
Best Beer & Film Festival Comes to Fox Theatre on April 20
Mark your calendars early for a special screening of the Best Beer and Film Festival April 20th at the Fox Theatre! Doors open at 6 for food and beer pairings. The Damion Alexander Team at Long Realty and New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a wide variety of award- winning beers, [...]
March 29, 2013
Pop-Up BBQ Puts a Seattle Twist on Barbecue
by Teya Vitu Seattle BBQ? Even Redman Jarrell wonders about it. “I don’t know if there’s even such a thing as Seattle BBQ,” Jarrell said. That has not stopped this Seattle native from putting a Seattle twist on a cuisine much more attached to Texas, Kansas City, Tennessee and North Carolina. You can try it [...]
March 28, 2013
Adobe Homes in Barrio Viejo Will Open for a Home Tour
by Teya Vitu Don’t wait too long to secure tickets for the first public tour inside a half dozen adobe homes in the Barrio Viejo Neighborhood since the year 2000. Even with 1,200 tickets available, the tour is expected to sell out, perhaps days or even a week before the Home Tour of Historic Adobes [...]
March 27, 2013
Streetcar Construction Update for Week of March 25
The following information is provided by the Tucson Modern Streetcar weekly newsletter, also found online at TucsonStreetcar.com. If you have any questions or concerns, call the info line at 624-5656 to speak to a team member about the project. Roadway closures indicate areas where roads are closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian access adjacent [...]
March 27, 2013
Celebrate Easter in Downtown Tucson!
Spending the day in downtown Tucson is always a good plan. With parks, museums, theaters, music venues, movie theaters, shops, restaurants, bars and more, there is always something new and exciting to do! And Easter weekend is no exception! We have exciting events and special dining offers that are sure to please the young and young [...]
March 26, 2013
All Downtown Streetcar Tracks Should Be in Place in About a Month
by Teya Vitu During March, 4th Avenue and University Boulevard became the first stretches to take on the look of how the 3.9-mile route of the Sun Link Tucson Modern Streetcar will appear. The track work is finished on those two streets, and the power lines above the tracks – the Overhead Contact Systems – [...]
March 25, 2013
Bicycles Will Rule the Streets for Cyclovia Tucson
Traffic weary Tucsonans will have twice as many opportunities to experience car-free streets as Cyclovia Tucson is set to return with two events on April 7 and April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On April 7, Cyclovia Tucson will once again connect Downtown to South Tucson, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience [...]
March 21, 2013
TCC Arena Will See Major Renovations
by Teya Vitu New life is being infused into the Tucson Arena at the Tucson Convention Center. The TCC is the centerpiece of the Rio Nuevo District, and now will have $6.5 million in improvements – the largest renovation the Arena has seen since it opened in November 1971 with the Ice Capades and an [...]
March 21, 2013
25 Tucson Restaurants to Participate in TMA’s CRUSH Wine • Food • Art Festival
Enjoy the pleasures of food and wine while bidding on fabulous art, luxurious trips, fine wine, and more at the sixth annual CRUSH Wine • Food • Art Festival on April 5, 2013. This popular festival is a major fundraiser for the Museum and sells out every year. Celebrate the “art” in “party” at the [...]