Fridays on Fourth: Night life on a budget

July 26, 2017

A glance inside Skybar’s perpetually open doors shows a hip and colorful atmosphere filled with disco balls, karaoke and abundant crowds. Skybar is known for its solar-powered operations along with affordable drinks and spunky community events.

Several restaurants, bars and shops on Tucson’s historic Fourth Avenue offer exclusive discounts and deals to customers every Friday. “Fridays on Fourth” is a unique way for the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association to attract more customers to the Avenue during the slower summer months.

Incoming and returning UA students can rack up the savings and experience a different side to Tucson by shopping, dining and drinking locally. There will be extended happy hours and a plethora of drink specials available as well.

Fourth Avenue customer Maryjane Gilbert, 26, said she heard about the event from advertisements and Facebook.

“I absolutely love taking advantage of Friday sales on Fourth Avenue,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert has been doing some back-to-school shopping at Creations Boutique and often spends her Friday nights at Sky Bar drinking beer.

“I hope they continue to do Friday’s on Fourth when school starts up again,” said Gilbert. “UA students will love it!”

Manager Josia Beasley, 31, at Brooklyn Pizza Company said he likes Fridays on Fourth because it brings more business to the area.

“Fridays on Fourth is a great way for the community to come out and support our local businesses,” Beasley said.

Brooklyn’s offers two free scoops of gelato with any whole pizza purchase. Beasley hopes that people will come out and enjoy frozen gelato to combat the intense Tucson summer heat. He also participates in Fridays on Fourth every week by grabbing a drink at Mr. Head’s Art Gallery and Bar.

Employee Lindsey Moyer, 23, at Brooklyn Pizza Company said she has noticed more customers asking about the Fridays on Fourth specials.

“Fridays on Fourth is a great way attract more customers that might not have considered shopping and eating on Fourth Avenue before,” Moyer said.

She said she enjoys grabbing a drink at Bar Passé or grabbing a bite to eat at The Garage Eatery & Pub after her long shifts on Fridays.

“I hope more businesses on Fourth Avenue decide to participate,” Moyer said.

There are currently 17 restaurants and 11 retail stores that participate every Friday. Below is a list of some of the discounts currently being offered.