Things to do in Tucson.

Tucson's mild climate and the areas cultural and historic uniqueness make it perfect for all types of events and the Arizona Riverpark Inn hotel is conveniently located to Southern Arizona's many attractions.

Area Events.  While in Tucson, or prior to your trip, make plans to explore the area, attend a festival or concert, see a film, visit a museum or attend a sports event. Tucson offers something for everyone -- fiestas to music and film festivals, gem shows to sports. Explore the distinctive cultural heritage of Tucson and the surrounding area. With its fusion of European Catholic and Native American traditions you can attend Yaqui Easter ceremonials, a Mariachi Festival, visit the Poetry Center, the Arizona State Museum's Mexican mask collection, the astronomical research site on Kitt Peak, go bird / wildlife watching, attend an art walk or attend a dark sky program. Tucson is one of only 14 cities in the U.S. with a symphony as well as ballet, opera and theatre. Outdoor sporting opportunities abound. And, if you are a cycling enthusiast, Tucson is the place for you as it has 700 miles of bike lanes including 50 miles of off-street bike paths. 

Family Friendly.  Tucson is family friendly and there are a number of things to do with children including Breakers Water Park, Funtastics Family Fun Park, Golf N Stuff, the Reid Park Zoo, the Children's Museum of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios and the Pima Air and Space Museum.  Do remember to check local listings to confirm time, location and fees where applicable.

The Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show at the Riverpark Inn.  The 2013 show was a great success and remains the most diverse jewelry, gem and mineral show in Tucson -- a premier buyer's location for more than 30 years. The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase is one of the largest gem extravaganzas in the world and some 55,000 of the world's buyers and sellers of rock of all shapes and sizes travel to Tucson for gem shopping.  Plan now to attend next year's show -- February 1-February 13, 2014.  

• 5/3 - 39th Annual Rodders Day Show
• 5/3 - The 5th Annual Agave Festival at Hotel Congress Plaza
• 5/3 - NKF Cadillac Golf Classic at Hilton El Conquistador Country Club
• 5/3-4 - Young Composers Project Reading Sessions
• 5/4 - KFMA Day at Kino Stadium
• 5/4 - Star Night Party : Catalina State Park
• 5/5 - Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Kennedy Park
• 5/4-5 - 28th Annual Tucson Folk Festival - downtown Tucson
• 5/5 - Cinco de Mayo 10K & Fun Run
• 5/7-12 - Million Dollar Quartet at the Tucson Music Hall 
• 5/8 - The Manhattan Transfer at Fox Tucson Theatre
• 5/10 - Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb
• 5/11 - National Train Day at the Southern Arizona Transporation Museum
• 5/11 - 22nd Annual Noche de las Estrellas
• 5/12 - Tucson 5000 Run/Walk
• 5/13 - Mariachi Extravaganza at the Gaslight Theatre
• 5/18 - FC Tucson's first home match against the SoCal Seahorses at Kino Sports Complex
• 5/17 - Il Divo - AVA Amphitheater
• 5/18 - FC Tucson vs SoCal Seahorses at Kino Sports Complex
• 5/19 - Tony Bennett - AVA Amphitheater
• 5/25 - All Breed Horse Competition (ABC) Buckle Series
• 5/30 - Juanes - AVA Amphitheater

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According to a recent story in USA Today's Travel Section, Tucson is one of the 10 great places for urban cycling in the country. The recently expanded Rillito River Park Trail -- a 23-mile path offers traffic-free access to Tucson and Pima County parks and trailheads.

Did you realize you can take a behind-the-scenes look at how University of Arizona engineers and scientists build the next generation of giant telescope mirrors? Reservations are required to tour the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab, call 520.626.8122. Cost is $8 for students and $15 for adults.

Whether you are attending a special event or an alumni meeting, high-school or military reunion, conference or an annual meeting the Riverpark Inn is the perfect hotel. We welcome you to Tucson and encourage you to take time to enjoy what our city has to offer.

Make your hotel reservations today for the Arizona Riverpark Inn so you, your family and friends can at one of the areas nicest hotels while experiencing all that Tucson has to offer.

Area Attractions

• Downtown Tucson.

  As the cultural and historical heart of what was the "Old Pueblo", downtown Tucson has something for everyone. Downtown Tucson boasts ten nearby historic districts, plus the arts district, which is the home of many unique galleries and artist workshops. Downtown is Tucson's cultural hub and features performances by local theater, opera, symphony and ballet companies, as well as touring Broadway Shows and national performing artists. Downtown Tucson’s historic landmarks include St. Augustine Cathedral, the old Pima County Courthouse and two historic railroad depots. There is plenty of shopping, great restaurants, night spots and more. Take the Presidio Trail walking tour of downtown Tucson and don’t miss anything!
• The Rialto Theatre. Established in 1920 the Rialto Theatre is dedicated to offering the most diverse possible array of entertainment in an historic setting for downtown Tucson. The Rialto hosts a broad array of performers and talent, including rock bands, heavy metal, hip hop, jam bands, jazz, flamenco, jazz, country film and comedians -- everything from Rock to Bach, to borrow a favorite phrase from a 70's infomercial. The Arizona Riverpark Inn hotel is the perfect lodging choice for you and your friends when attending events at the Rialto. Visit www.RialtoTheatre for details regarding forthcoming shows.

• Tucson Mercado San Agustin (MSA).

  The Mercado San Augustin is located West of I-10 in the Menlo Park neighborhood of downtown on the corner of the Avenida del Convento and Congress Street. Focused on small, independent business growth, this will be Tucson's first public market with 18 small businesses and a vendor mix that offers a little something for everyone. The businesses include Agustin Brasserie, Taqueria el Puebilto, La Estella Bakery, Dolce Pastello, Taxco Silveria, San Agustin Trading Company, Sonoran Snow Cones and Mercado Kitchen. Visit mercadosanagustine.com for additional information.

• Tucson Mission San Xavier del Bac.

  This historic church has been restored to look as it did in the 1790's when it was built. A visit to the mission will take you back to the old days of Spanish exploration and settlement in Mexico and the American southwest. The Mission is still served by the Franciscan Friars and is an active church for people in the area.

• Tucson Reid Park Zoo.

  Come and visit more than 400 different animals from all over the world including the seven-acre expansion, the Expedition Tanzania exhibit which opens on March 28, 2012. The new exhibit features an elephant habitat with a pool and a mud wallow that accommodates a family of three African elephants. Always check the daily schedule at the Zoo gate as new opportunities for guests to interact with staff and observe animals in a new way is constantly evolving with ongoing classes, programs, camps and special events. You might even be able to go behind the exhibits and cages and get a glimpse of how the zoo operates! Did you know that you can even schedule a birthday party at the zoo?

• Tucsons Mt. Lemmon.

  Take the scenic road to the top of Mt. Lemmon for spectacular views of the entire valley. Mt. Lemmon is the United States southern-most ski center and is 20-30 degrees cooler year-round. Mt. Lemmon and Summerhaven are nestled among the lush forests of the Coronado National Forest and are one of the Southwest's "sky islands". A not-to-be-missed attraction.

• Saguaro National Park in Tucson.

  The giant Saguaro cactus is familiar to us all from John Wayne's movies. It is the living symbol of the American West and gives its name to this national park, whose two districts feature more than 164 miles of hiking trails. Saguaro National Park is a must-see for visitors and a must-do for backpackers and hikers.

• Old Tucson Studio.

  Arizona’s “Hollywood in the Desert.” Since 1939, more than 300 feature films and television westerns featuring scenes of the Arizona desert have been filmed here. Film and television shoots are going on throughout the year. A great place for a special party, Old Tucson Studios has spacious facilities, top-flight banquet menus, and of course lots of entertainment including stunt shows, gunfights and musical revues as well as unique shops. See OldTucson.com for additional information.

• Tucson Kitt Peak National Observatory.

  Astronomy buffs will not want to miss this. The Kitt Peak National Observatory is actually the hub of a group of observatories that conduct nighttime observations of the stars, planets and galaxies, and daytime observations of the sun. The observatory is just 56 miles southwest of Tucson and has a visitor’s center, open daily.

• Tucson Tohono Chul Park.

  There is no better place to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert than Tohono Chul Park. When the wildflowers come out, it’s truly a spectacular sight. Events such as lectures and workshops are regular features.

• Tucson Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

  Aviation enthusiasts will want to visit the base, only 8 miles east of the Riverpark Inn, which has the largest aircraft storage facility in the United States. Tours to the public can be arranged through the Pima Air & Space Museum.

• Tucson Pima Air and Space Museum.

  Ranked as the sixth best aviation attraction in the United States according to traveler ratings, the Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the worlds largest, non-government funded aerospace museums. Adjacent to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the museum occupies 80 acres with 48 aircraft on display. The Pima Air & Space Museum's new restaurant, the Flight Grill is now open. The new quick-service grill features an expo kitchen, comfortable furniture and floor to ceiling windows. You can enjoy a variety of foods from the restaurant or the patio as aircraft take-off and land just across the street at David Monthan Air Force Base.

• Tucson Sabino Canyon.

  Talk about history. Columbian mammoth wandered the area around 12,000 B.C. Later local Indian tribes used the creek for irrigation purposes. Cavalry soldiers in the 1800's came to make use of a swimming hole that’s still there today. Hiking trails, an outdoor tram ride, a museum and six galleries of displays and pictures round out the offerings of this unique Tucson attraction.