More than two centuries old and looking better than ever, Tucson will celebrate its 235th birthday with a city-wide celebration.
The festivities will kick off on August 20th with a ceremony at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson that will feature the five flags that have flown over the city of Tucson since its establishment. The five flags flown over Tucson - American, Spanish, Mexican, Confederate and the State of Arizona - are presented in a ceremony that celebrates Tucson’s 235th birthday. The Tohono O'odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe flags are presented,including a replica of the 28-star American flag that was brought by the Mormon Battalion and flown over Tucson on December 16, 1846. The event will be held from 8:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. and admission is free.
Several venues around the city will be hosting their own bashes honoring Old Pueblo’s graceful aging. Many of the events in and around Tucson will offer free and family events for the monumental birthday throughout the month of August. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun will host one of dozens of events offering free birthday cake. The Downtown Tucson Fox Tucson Theatre, The Loft Cinema, and Arizona Historical Society are among other organizations planning free festivities for the whole family. Below are a few more festivities to ring in No. 235.
Hotel Congress, downtown at 311 East Congress Street, is the host for Tucson's official Birthday cake and will be serving cake all month long.
Tucson's Birthday at the Zoo. Kids ages 0-14 can visit the Zoo for free all day. Animal demonstrations, feed the giraffe ($2), and even some birthday treats for the animals. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.
4th Avenue Annual Underpass Party. Fourth Avenue Merchants Association presents a free party to celebrate Tucson's 235th birthday in the heart of Tucson's Entertainment District with music prizes, trolley rides, and more, 4-11 pm. www.VisitTucson.org.
To Learn More
Tucson's Birthday Celebrations, 520.327.7544, www.TucsonsBirthday.org.
Presidio San Agustin de Tucson Courtyard, SW Corner of Church Ave. and Washington St. Tucson, 520.577-6261.
Reid Park Zoo 3400 E. Zoo Court, www.tucsonzoo.org.
4th Avenue Underpass Party, www.VisitTucson.org.
