There’s a heck of a lot of new things to do!
Here are some of this month’s highlights. You can also check out our Events section on the website to see what’s going on any day of the week.
Haiku Hike
Final day is Sunday, June 1
Downtown Tucson
The annual Haiku Hike, presented by the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP) and the University of Arizona Poetry Center, is a literary competition showcasing 20 winning haiku poems printed on acrylic signage in planters located on Congress Street and Stone Avenue.
Antsy Nancy’s Summer Camp
Enroll Now for June and July Classes
5655 E. River Rd. #101
Heidi Yribar, the creative mind behind the DIY workshops, announced this year’s Summer Camps — six weeks of fun and creativity. There’s going to be cake decorating, French baking, a spa week, breakfast baking, arts and crafts, and “baking around the world” classes.
Kids and Teens Summer Cooking Camp in Tucson
Enrollment for classes from Monday, June 2 to Monday, July 28
1060 W. Magee Rd.
From Monday, June 2 to Monday, July 28, parents can enroll their kids in hands-on sessions, giving young chefs a chance to suit up in their very own chef’s hat (which they’ll get to decorate and keep). They’ll also build a recipe book throughout the week and earn a certificate at the end to show off what they’ve learned.
Each camp session is five days, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day, for kids between the ages of 11 and 18 years old.
$5 Fridays at Tucson Botanical Gardens
June 6-September 26
2150 N. Alvernon Way
“The coolest place in midtown Tucson just got cooler! Visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens for just $5 on $5 Fridays from June 6 through September 26 (except Friday, July 4 when the Gardens is closed.) Members visit for free, as usual. Enjoy a summer stroll under the canopy of 100-year-old shade trees, the lush green tones of over 20 specialty garden spaces, and a delicious $5 Friday Root Beer Float at the café, Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill.”
Cooking Class: Craft Fresh Mozzarella With Chef Matthew
Saturday, June 7
6800 N. Camino Martin #160
“Under the guidance of Chef Matthew, you’ll learn how to create this delicious cheese from scratch. Begin the class with an introduction to the ingredients and techniques to craft mozzarella cheese using whole milk. Plus, discover the portions to add citric acid, kosher salt, and vegetable rennet. Then, Chef Matthew will teach the techniques to stretch and pull the cheese into perfect portions to cut into balls. You’ll end the class by learning how to pair your fresh mozzarella with tomato slices or rustic Italian bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.”
Vegan Tucson Night Market
Saturday, June 7
4502 N. First Ave.
Vegan Tucson Night Market, hosted by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie, is back on Saturday, June 7, from 6 to 10 p.m.
The upcoming experience marks the two-year anniversary. We’ve learned a lot from that first Vegan Tucson Night Market, including the fact that vegans love Tucson’s food scene, and we needed a much bigger space to fit them all.
With free parking and plenty of room for at least 60 vendors, the market is returning to the Rillito Park at 4502 N. First Ave.
Tucson’s Coffee Scene Featured in New Documentary Series
Sunday, June 8
1110 S. Sixth Ave.
There’s a free community screening of “Coffee: The Universal Language” on Sunday, June 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Pidgin Palace Arts, 1110 S. Sixth Ave.
Tucson’s coffee scene is in the spotlight in this six-party docu-series, which was recently picked up by PBS, featuring Curtis Zimmerman of Presta Coffee Roasters, Jonathan Ortiz of Cariño Coffee Bar, Amy Smith of EXO Roast Co., and Blair Smith of Ally Coffee.
Get your free tickets ASAP at eventbrite.com.
Second Sunday Brunch at Skyline Country Club
Sunday, June 8
5200 E. St. Andrews Dr.
The country club at 5200 E. St. Andrews Dr. just announced its Second Sunday Brunch Series, open to the public beginning Sunday, June 8.
Brunch will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month: June 8, July 13, August 10, and September 14. Reservations are required, and seating is limited, so save your spot by emailing reservations@skylinecountryclub.com or calling (520) 299-1111.
World Margarita Championship
Saturday, June 14
245 E. Ina Rd.
Just in time for Father’s Day weekend, the World Margarita Championship—hosted by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Tucson Originals Restaurants—is set against the scenic backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. You’ll sample original margarita creations and paired small bites from restaurants competing for the coveted “Judge’s Choice” and “People’s Choice” awards for “Best Margarita” and “Best Bite.”
AC Hotel’s Rooftop Pool Parties
Saturday, June 14, June 21, and June 28
51 E. Broadway Blvd.
“These pool parties are all about bringing people together to celebrate summer in an elevated yet approachable way,” said Elyse Mundew, Director of Sales at AC Hotel Tucson Downtown. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Yes Good Pony and Queer AF to create unique themed experiences that showcase the best of Tucson’s vibrant culture.”
Father’s Day: Food, Music & More for Dad in Tucson
Sunday, June 15
Multiple Locations
Save the grilling for another day! This Father’s Day has special dishes, cheap pints of beer, and meal deals that are big enough to feed the entire family. Keep in mind that we’ll be adding to the list each day leading up to Dad’s big day, so check it occasionally if you haven’t found the perfect meal for your parent.
Cocoa & Lavender Cooking Class with David Scott Allen
Saturday, June 28
2201 E. Roger Rd.
David will demonstrate (and share tastes of) three delicious tomato-forward recipes: Classic Tomato Soup, Tarte aux Tomates, and Homemade Tomato Ketchup with Fries! These vibrant dishes celebrate the peak of tomato season and showcase the incredible flavors of the Tucson Village Farm market.
Whether you’re looking for new summertime staples or ways to impress your guests with fresh, flavorful creations, this class will inspire and delight.
All proceeds benefit the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador Program, supporting youth in cultivating healthy lifestyles and leadership skills.
Discover more things to do in Tucson.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
