Springtime in Tucson is the short period between face-biting, 60-degree weather and a scorching 100-degree summer. It is the time when everyone can begin to venture outdoors and explore all of Tucson’s activities.
1. 2nd Saturdays Downtown
Each month, hundreds of people gather on Congress Street to experience nd Saturdays Downtown. The event has performances throughout the day, and vendors line the street from Stone Avenue to Sixth Avenue. Many local museums also participate in this event, offering special deals on admission.
2nd Saturdays Downtown is a fun way to get out and enjoy the nice weather while exploring some of the local companies’ wares in Tucson.
2. Studying on the grass
The UA is home to many hidden spots to lay back, relax and study on a nice day. For instance, the grassy area in front of the Arizona State Museum, and the grass behind Old Main Fountain are popular locations for students to hang out and work on homework on a nice, spring day.
Bring a blanket and some food, and have a picnic while you study. Or, just lay down and close your eyes while the afternoon sun warms you up.
3. Visit the San Xavier del Bac Mission
Now that it is not too cold, and not too hot, it is the perfect time to venture over to the Mission and explore Tucson’s history. Visitors are able to participate in a docent-led tour, or they can wander around the property at their own pace. There is also a gift shop, and, occasionally, the Tohono O’odham people will sell fry bread outside.
It is a beautiful building with a long history of its own, which makes it easy to spend an entire day learning about it. The mission and gift shop are open until 5 p.m. every day and is open to the general public.
4. Farmers’ Market at the University of Arizona Medical Center
Every Friday — from October to April — the UAMC is home to a farmers’ market on the College of Medicine patio. The market is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and is open to the general public for free — just don’t bring your dogs.
Each week, there are approximately 20 vendors at the market selling their wares. FoodInRoot hosts the event. “We love the benefits it brings,” the FoodInRoot website states, “providing fresher and better tasting foods, promoting health and wellness, creating sustainability in the environment, boosting the local economy, and having fun!”
5. Old Tucson
Old Tucson is about a half-hour drive going east on Speedway Boulevard from the UA and continuing on Gates Pass Road. Old Tucson has everything, including Old West shows, movie history museums, rides or restaurants, and there is truly something for every kind of college student.
Tickets for general admission are about $18 for those over 12 years of age and about $11 for children ages 4 to 11; those younger can get in free. Admission includes shows and tours, though other items, such as certain rides, food and games, are available at an extra cost. Old Tucson is currently open every day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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