Tucson may be a smaller city when compared to its northern neighbor, but its unmatched color and personality have made it a desert favorite and well-known border city. "The Old Pueblo” is home to the revered University of Arizona, the beautiful Catalina Foothills, the eccentric 4th Avenue and is the second largest city in Arizona. Its residents are proud and patriotic and have gathered together to pay homage to their great city’s birthday, taking place on August 20, with fun-filled events and free giveaways. Long live Tucson!
Doubletree Cookie Giveaway
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Stop by the Doubletree for a delicious complimentary cookie in honor of Tucson’s big day!
445 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson
234th Birthday Flag Ceremony
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
In full Tucson-theme, the five flags that have flown over this great city - American, Spanish, Mexican, Confederate, and the State of Arizona - will be presented in a ceremony to celebrate Tucson’s 234th birthday at Presidio San Agustin de Tucson Courtyard. The Tohono O'odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe flags will also be presented, as will a replica of the 28-star American flag that was brought by the Mormon Battalion and flown over Tucson on December 16, 1846. The ceremony will include an invocation, signing of a proclamation by distinguished guests, the honor guard presentation, along with music and dance. Don’t forget to dress in period costumes and sample a piece of the Tucson birthday cake!
SW Corner of Church Ave. and Washington St., Tucson
Sun Sounds of Arizona Open House
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sun Sounds will hold a free Open House for Tucson’s birthday! Come watch a live radio broadcast, and enjoy studio tours, beverages and sweets.
7290 East Broadway, Tucson
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Happy Birthday Tucson! Now come enjoy a free animal-friendly day at Reid Park Zoo.
22nd Street and Randolph Way, Tucson
Birthday Cake with the Ghosts
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 22nd Street Antique Mall, the Haunted Mall of Arizona, will celebrate Tucson’s birthday with free cake and, of course, ghosts. So bring the kids! Plus, two-hundred customers will be given a small scroll containing the history of Tucson.
5302 E. 22nd Street, Tucson
Free Milkshakes at Chick-fil-A
10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Want a free hand-spun Chick-fil-A milkshake? All you have to do is say “Happy Birthday Tucson” and you will receive a free 14 oz. milkshake for dine-in only.
3605 E Broadway, Tucson
4th Avenue Underpass Dedication and Party
4 to 11 p.m.
What better day to officially open the Fourth Avenue Underpass than on Tucson’s official birthday? This new project will create a major connection between the University of Arizona, 4th Avenue and area neighborhoods with downtown Tucson. The 4th Avenue Merchants Association, the Old Pueblo Trolley folks, the City of Tucson and project coordinators will be throwing a huge celebration on this very day at the Underpass. Don’t miss out!
434 E. 9th St., Tucson
Swing Dance Party
4 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate Tucon’s special day with a little dancing… swing dancing that is! The event will feature vintage cars, vendors, a fair and, of course, swing dance at the depot! Tickets for dance are $10 per person or $16.73 per couple. Event is in conjunction with the 4th Avenue Underpass Opening and takes place at Southern Arizona Transportation Museum.
414 N. Toole, Tucson
Certificates for Birthday Babies
any time on Aug. 20
If your baby is born on this special, special day at a Tucson hospitals or birthing centers, he or she will receive a special certificate with their names, birth date and a replica of the August 20, 1775 proclamation of the Presidio del Tucson.
Tucson Postal History Exhibit
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate Tucson's history through the lense of its postal history at a special exhibit of books, photos, postcards and other unique memorabilia on display at the Slusser Philatelic Library.
920 N 1st Avenue, Tucson
