Catalina Foothills, AZ July 2024

The Explore Issue!

The Heat is On!

As you settle in with our July issue, you have undoubtedly felt the full brunt of our summer season.

By now, we should be able to assess the accuracy of weather predictions made in the Spring. You see, we were predicted to experience higher temperatures and lower-than-normal monsoon rains this Summer.

Whatever the case, there are so many ways to escape the heat while we await the rains. Roadhouse Cinemas offers a cool den for the parched. Fox Tucson Theatre has a solid line-up of movies and other performances to keep you cool and entertained.

Or how about a thrilling expedition to Mt. Lemmon or Chiricahua Peak? Your family can delve into nearby caves, a fascinating adventure that awaits until the scorching sun subsides. And for the adults, a hidden speakeasy bar in the basement could be the perfect cool-down spot.

For many, the extreme climate is just part of the fun. Sure, the pickleball courts are less active at midday, which is good (pack plenty of water and don your favorite hat).

For a truly enchanting experience, consider a nighttime visit to the ArizonaSonora Desert Museum. Here, you might be treated to breathtaking sunsets and the captivating sight of nocturnal critters, a unique and memorable adventure.

Whatever you do, don't sweat the heat

JEFF

HERR, PUBLISHER

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Jeff Herr | jeff.herr@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Megan Ewing | megan.ewing@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sybil Velarde | sybilvelarde@gmail.com

Nicole Smith | nicolesmithtxex@gmail.com

Elena Chabolla, Jeff Herr, Megan Ewing

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Emily James

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Dr. Martin carefully documents progress through every procedure

PROACTIVELY RESTORE AND SHOWCASE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE

Bright Summer Whites

Entrusting your smile to a professional team that feels like family is essential to making informed choices about your general dental health and cosmetic options.

Ventana Dental combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional family values to offer patients a mouth makeover worth smiling about. Alexandra Martin, DMD, is celebrating five years at the helm of Ventana Dental in the Catalina Foothills on Kolb Road. Dr. Lane McCoy joined the practice in 2019 after serving eight years in the Air Force. The dentist duo works with a solid team of energetic women who prioritize communication and customer satisfaction in their practice.

Ventana Dental provides general dentistry services and several cosmetic makeover options to give you a smile worth showing off. Transformation can occur through basic polish, whitening, or minimally invasive tooth contouring. Other options, such as veneers or clear aligners, can create a custom smile that gives you more confidence in socializing, networking, or Zooming.

New technology in biocompatible veneers makes this option an expanding trend in cosmetic dentistry. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain cemented onto teeth to mask misshapen or discolored teeth. Your teeth and gums must be healthy to be a candidate for veneers.

A typical clear aligner program can be completed between 6 and 18 months. Invisalign and Spark are familiar brands in the clear aligner category. This discreet, clear orthodontic system involves gently moving the teeth through trays similar to a retainer. No wires or brackets are required. Patients transition to a new set of trays approximately every two weeks.

Oral health is the gateway to general health and well-being, and straight teeth are less likely to trap food, which can also reduce the risk of gum disease. Aligning the teeth for a better bite can prevent grating and increase the longevity of your teeth.

Maintaining good hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly helps prevent gum disease and decay. Regular dental checkups remove plaque and tartar and enable dentists to spot potential problems sooner rather than later, allowing time to treat them accordingly. To keep your smile healthy, Ventana Dental recommends visiting the dentist every three to six months for a checkup and cleaning.

Entrusting your smile to a professional team that feels like family is essential to making informed choices about your general dental health and cosmetic options. Ventana Dental cultivates a comforting and welcoming atmosphere to ensure patients are well cared for. Dr. Martin’s positive dental experience as a kid lured her into the profession. Her vibrant personality and energy are contagious in her communication with the team and patients. Her general excitement of a smile reveal with before and after pictures never gets old.

Smiling offers so many benefits beyond pure aesthetics. Smiling can improve your mood, lower your stress level, and boost your immune system. A brighter, whiter smile offers people a new outlook on life filled with pride and confidence. Call Ventana Dental to explore your options for a sensational smile makeover.

Tucson's Premiere Organic Boutique Salon

Healthier Hair Begins Here!

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@studiotucsonsalonaz

GREAT BEGINNINGS,

OUTCOMES Brilliant

DEVELOPING WORLD-CLASS EDUCATORS FUEL STUDENT GROWTH AND SUCCESS

ARTICLE BY ELENA CHABOLLA

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF

While great beginnings are a given for students at Catalina Foothills School District come August, teachers new to district schools have had their own great beginnings since the summer of 2014. The Great Beginnings: Systems for Success teacher induction program welcomed its next cohort in July.

“Studies have shown that the number one school-based factor affecting student achievement is teacher quality. Our program leverages professional learning to improve planning and

instructional practices and increase teacher self-efficacy and retention,” said Leah Glashow Mandel, CFSD’s Director of Professional Learning. “An investment in our teachers is an investment in our students,” she added, noting that teachers learn the skills to have the greatest impact on student achievement.

Great Beginnings, Glashow-Mandel said, is largely focused on making visible what is typically invisible. “We guide new teachers to unpack the relationship between what happens in the classroom and the infrastructure beneath the surface. We like to tell new teachers that there is no ‘magic’ teacher and no ‘magic’ students — that every engaging and effective lesson is the result of a skillful teacher’s deliberate planning and implementation.”

Kailey Sammons, a third-grade teacher at Manzanita Elementary School, was new to teaching when she participated in the program and said Great Beginnings was a guiding light through the challenges she faced. “Having an experienced mentor by my side offering valuable insights and observing my classroom practices, was invaluable. Her guidance equipped me with essential tools and strategies, transforming my teaching approach and bolstering my confidence,” Sammons said. The key takeaways from the program were immensely valuable and included learning to, “actively utilize available support, seek answers by asking questions, and embrace both positive feedback and successes. The program emphasized the importance of celebrating the good moments while also giving myself grace during challenging times.”

Anthony “Tony” Gerrettie, an English teacher at Catalina Foothills High School who participated in

"Her guidance equipped me with essential tools and strategies, transforming my teaching approach and bolstering my confidence."

the program in July 2023, said he felt immediately at home when the program began. “The Great Beginnings program was instrumental to my success as a new-tothe-district teacher,” said Gerrettie, who came to the job with 15 years of experience in education. “I learned my values aligned with the district’s in ensuring all students are given the opportunity to learn. The program is important as it offers strategies to increase student

CONTINUED >

engagement, a vital component of the high school’s (and district’s) overall success.”

Gerrettie said that what he is most looking forward to now is “incorporating the best of what I saw with my skills and with what the Great Beginnings program and my colleagues have taught me. Those unique experiences help me to be the best version of myself in the classroom.”

Beth Jurgensen, a Learning Support Specialist since 2015 who started her teaching journey at CFSD in 2006, said that her primary mission in this latest role is to facilitate professional learning for teachers in their first three years in CFSD. She noted that this is done through interactive seminars and coaching. “We use the Cognitive Coaching model, which emphasizes mediating thinking through questions designed to prompt teachers to think deeply about their practice and shift their perspective to make more effective decisions,” Jurgensen said. “One coaching cycle consists of a planning conversation to determine the goal and strategies to reach it, a classroom observation where we collect information the teacher would like to analyze, and a reflecting conversation to process successes and determine next steps,” she added.

Melissa Taylor, a first-grade teacher at Sunrise Drive Elementary School — the same school she attended as a child — came to the district in 2016 with 12 years of experience in education. She said she received more support in the beginning stages of her new role at CFSD than she did in the time she worked at another area school district. Since going through the Great Beginnings program, she has become a teacher mentor as well as a curriculum design expert. “As soon as someone is needed to represent first grade in curriculum design, I am always the first one to volunteer. Being on all these design teams is a lot of work, but it also helps me be a better leader. Being a teacher is a very hard job and when you add in all these new changes, it makes it even harder. If I can help make their job easier by learning firsthand and helping the transition process, it makes me feel like I am making a difference.”

While the levels of experience vary greatly among Gerrettie, Sammons, Taylor, and Jurgensen, they all agree on this: the Great Beginning teacher induction program provides invaluable tools and resources for a successful journey; the rewards of teaching a diverse student population with different needs, stressors, and learning styles far outweigh the challenges of being a public school teacher in this day and age.

As first-grade teacher Taylor put it: “When I go into my classroom every day, I pretend I am an actress trying out for the biggest role in my entire life. I try to make everything a fun game while still teaching them the knowledge they need. I want those kids to feel like a family. I want them to have fun. They are little and shouldn’t have to grow up so fast….we are learning but our learning is fun and exciting. Those little smiling faces come into the classroom needing love, structure, and a safe place and it is our job to give them exactly what they need and deserve.”

PONDEROSA CACTUS

ARTICLE BY JEFF HERR

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FOX TUCSON THEATRE

Great Weekends With Movie Classics Sundays

FUN FILMS AT THE FOX TUCSON THEATRE

SUNDAYS THIS MONTH

This is Spinal Tap July 13, 7:30 p.m

In 1982, the legendary British heavy metal band Spinal Tap attempted an American comeback tour, accompanied by a fan who was also a filmmaker (Rob Reiner). The resulting documentary delivers biting satire and raucous rock and roll.

Frozen Sing-Along July 21, 2:00 p.m.

When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff to break the icy spell. They encounter mythical trolls, a comedic snowman, harsh conditions, and magic at every turn.

Wizard of Oz July 7, 2:00 p.m.

When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz.  They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and on the way, they meet a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

July 14, 2:00 p.m.

Down on his luck private eye Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) gets hired by cartoon producer R.K. Maroon (Alan Tilvern) to investigate an adultery scandal involving Jessica Rabbit. An untimely murder sends the storyline spinning.

Ziggy Marley; Circle of Peace Tour July 23, 7:30 p.m.

Ziggy Marley, an eight-time Grammy winner, has carved his own path as a musical pioneer, infusing the reggae genre with funk, blues, rock, and other elements through mindful songcraft.

Sunset Boulevard July 27, 7:30 p.m.

From the unforgettable opening sequence through the inevitable unfolding of tragic destiny, the film is the definitive statement on the dark and desperate side of Hollywood.

ARTICLE BY JEFF HERR

Chirping There? Who's

Across our desert landscapes, early mornings are usually filled with songs sung by birds of all kinds.

However, the challenge of spotting these feathered creatures amidst the mesquite trees and desert shrubs can be quite a task. And sometimes can be frustrating for younger bird watchers or newbies.

Here’s where a unique tool comes into play—a free app designed for the whole family. This app can identify a bird either by its song or through a smart photo, adding a fun twist to your birdwatching experience.

APP LISTENS AND IDENTIFIES BIRD SPECIES NEAR YOU. GREAT FAMILY FUN!

The Merlin app developed at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology can identify a species through a series of Q-and-A prompts (What size is it? What location? What color?), or by listening to its vocalization to compare against a massive database of recordings. Or even do an analysis of your smartphone photos on the go!

As the app gathers audio of the bird, it begins showing possible matches. Pretty soon, many types of birds are listed in the Merlin app.

This is where the app truly shines. For a quick ‘check-in,’ you can set your phone outside and let it do its work. As the app gathers audio of the bird, it begins showing possible matches. Pretty soon, you have a stack of identified birds, each flashing yellow in the app with each individual chirp. It’s like uncovering a hidden world of birds right in your backyard.

In a midtown survey, we encountered Lucy’s Warbler, a Lesser Goldfinch family, a Bell’s Vireo, an Ash-Throated Flycatcher, and an Abert’s Towhee. Connecting the bird with their song makes it easy to single out your favorites during a walk.

Head to the foothills where you might pinpoint the stunning black Phainopepla, White-winged doves, and Gila Woodpeckers.

At Sweetwater Wetlands Park north of Silverbell Golf Course, explore a whole different set of winged neighbors, including Clapper Rails, Least Bitterns, and Mallard Ducks.

Or head south to Madera Canyon where you might find a Scott’s Oriole, Summer Tanagers, or a Blue Grosbeak. And wherever you are, start a recording at dusk to connect with our nocturnal wonders like a nightjar or the petite Flammulated Owl.

For those with a competitive streak, challenge your friends and family to see who connects with the most species or even the rarest birds identified. It’s healthy fun for the whole family. And might just foster a lifelong love and appreciation for the gems lurking all around us.

BB BEAUTY LOUNGE EMSCULPT

BB Beauty Lounge offers a comprehensive suite of FDA-approved services designed to enhance beauty, confidence, and overall well-being. One of BB Beauty Lounge's distinguishing features is its unwavering focus on the medical aspect of aesthetic services Led by a team of experienced and highly qualified medical professionals, the spa ensures that every procedure is conducted with precision, safety, and efficacy

For those seeking a transformative and medicallybacked beauty experience, BB Beauty Lounge emerges as a top choice, embodying the perfect fusion of artistry and expertise in the pursuit of timeless beauty.

Emsculpt uses electromagnetic energy to cause the muscles to contract quicker and more intensely than what can be achieved through sit-ups or a CrossFit routine. Emsculpt’s highly focused HIFEM® energy helps build firm muscle and reduce fat cells up to 30% at the same time, in a 30-minute session.

For the best results we recommend you have 4 to 6 sessions, 1x/week. One session is the equivalent to 30,000 sit-ups or 20,000 squats during this non-invasive and FDA approved treatment, now offered at BB Beauty Lounge!

Applicable areas include abdomen, glutes, thighs, biceps, triceps, calves

Vibrant living. Breathtaking views.

La Posada at Pusch Ridge is more than senior living –it’s a tapestry of life, woven with opportunity, connection and endless possibilities. Nestled amidst the stunning Catalina Mountains, our life-plan community offers exceptional living, designed to empower you to thrive and reimagine your best years.

OPENING SPRING 2025

Thursday, August 1

Tuesday, August 6

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE, ATSYBILSKITCHEN.COM

Recipes To Enjoy All Summer Long

Longer days and later sunsets indicate that dinner-party season is in full swing. Summer is the perfect time to gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and try out these delicious recipes.

STRAWBERRY MUDDLE

Six servings

This drink involves little more than crushing berries at the bottom of a glass, dropping in a lemon slice, ice, and a good slosh of Prosecco. As tempting as it may be, don't stir it. The ice cubes act as a weight to hold down the berries, ensuring a fruity aroma in each sip.

ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 1/2 cups chopped, hulled strawberries

• 6 thin lemon slices

• 750ml bottle of Prosecco, chilled

• Ice

• Basil, optional to garnish

directions:

Stir sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to a boil, creating your syrup. Allow the syrup to cool. Divide strawberries among your 6 glasses, adding 1 tablespoon of syrup to each and mashing with a muddler. Add a lemon slice to each and mash to release flavor. Add several ice cubes to each glass, then fill with Prosecco.

MOZZARELLA STUFFED PORTOBELLOS

Six servings

These mushrooms are slathered in a mouthwatering balsamic marinade and grilled to perfection, a wonderful addition to any dinner party.

ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 7 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

• 3 garlic cloves, minced and divided

• 6 large portobello mushrooms, stemmed

• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup green onion

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

directions:

To prepare, whisk together oil, 6 teaspoons vinegar, and 1 garlic clove in a small bowl for your marinade.

Using a spoon, scrape out the gills from your mushrooms and place the mushrooms on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush the marinade over both sides of your mushrooms, arranging for the hollow side to face up. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Mix Panko bread crumbs, mozzarella, parmesan, green onion, oregano, thyme, and remaining 2 garlic cloves in a medium bowl. Drizzle butter and the remaining teaspoon of vinegar over the breadcrumb mixture and toss. Divide breadcrumb mixture among the mushrooms, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges and packing down slightly.

Place your mushrooms on the grill, stuffing side facing up. Cover the grill and cook until the cheese melts and juices bubble at the edges of the mushrooms. Rearrange mushrooms occasionally for even cooking, about 6 minutes. Do not turn over.

GRILLED GAZPACHO SALAD WITH SHRIMP

Six servings

Tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and bell peppers mingle to create this main-course salad that is bursting with flavor.

ingredients:

• 2 medium heads of garlic, separated into cloves, peeled

• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, separated

• 1 1/2 pounds uncooked large shrimp, deveined with shells intact

• 8 plum tomatoes, halved

• 2 bunches green onions, root ends trimmed

• 1 pound sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices

• 1 red bell pepper, quartered, cored

• 1 yellow pepper, quartered, cored

• 1 1/2 large English cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise

• 2 slices country bread

• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

• 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

• Lime wedges

directions:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Set aside 2 garlic cloves for bread slices and place the remaining garlic on a double layer of heavy-duty foil. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of oil over the garlic before folding up and sealing the packet. Place directly on the grill rack and cook until garlic is tender and golden, about 30 minutes. Once finished, open the packet and allow the garlic to cool.

Toss shrimp (in shells) and 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium bowl, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Combine plum tomatoes, green onions, sweet onion, both peppers, and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Arrange cucumber halves and bread slices on a baking sheet and brush with 2 tablespoons of oil. Sprinkle all the vegetables with salt and pepper.

Grill shrimp until just opaque, about 2 1/2 minutes per side; transfer to another bowl and cool. Grill vegetables until crisp-tender. Turn frequently, about 3 minutes for tomatoes and green onions, 5 minutes for cucumbers, and 15 minutes for sweet onion and peppers.

Transfer to a large-rimmed pan. Grill bread slices until just beginning to crisp and grill marks appear, about 2 minutes per side. Rub bread with reserved garlic cloves, then discard the garlic cloves.

Peel shrimp and transfer them to a large bowl. Cut all vegetables and bread into 1/2-inch pieces, and add them to the shrimp along with any accumulated juices.

Stir in the grilled garlic cloves and grape tomatoes. Whisk vinegar, hot pepper sauce, and remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl, pouring over the salad and tossing to coat. Stir thinly sliced basil into the salad, season with salt and pepper, and serve with lime wedges.

Our innovative cleaning method and top-of-the-line machinery allow us to clean thoroughly and more effectively. There is a minimal water drain. The pool water will be lowered only 6 - 8 inches below the tile line for full access and deep cleaning.

local experiences

Arizona is notorious for its summer sun, though locals have developed a few tricks for keeping cool over the years. Our particular favorite? Indulging in an icy treat.

Sweet Summer Fun

Blue Ice Gelato | Authentic, homemade ingredients are the name of the game at this gelato shop. Blue Ice Gelato is the only gelato store in the state licensed to pasteurize its own base. With more than 50 flavors available, your tastebuds will be occupied all summer long.

6878 E. Sunrise Dr. | blueicegelato.com

Frost | What started as a childhood friendship has blossomed into an empire as Jeff Kaiserman and Stephen Ochoa have shared their gelato with the world. Originally founded in Tucson, Frost brings the taste of Italy directly to our doorstep.

Multiple Locations | frostgelato.com

Sundaze Yogurt | This family-owned business makes you feel at home the moment you walk through the doors. Discover a variety of tasty options on the menu, with a whopping 75 unique flavors to choose from. Don't forget the toppings!

4777 E. Sunrise Dr | sundazeyogurt.com

Megan has spent the bulk of her life living in the desert and has learned to adapt to scorching temperatures. If there's one tip she has for keeping cool in the summer, it's to grab an ice cream cone and allow your body to cool down from the inside out.

AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST

Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa

Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.

Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.

Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive,

ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE

“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”

18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.

A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.

The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-totable dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and CONTINUED >

“The views are breathtaking , and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation.”

encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.

After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com

JULY 1ST

Seeds, Saguaros, and Skeletons

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Ironwood Gallery, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson | 10:00 AM

The "Seeds, Saguaros, and Skeletons" exhibition features talented artists on the faculty of the Art Institute at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The exhibit reflects the intricate biodiversity that defines this arid landscape — seed pods as vessels of potential and renewal, and the haunting beauty of skeletons as testimony to the cycle of life. Through 4:00 PM daily until September 1, 2024.

JULY 3RD

FC Tucson vs. Arizona

Arsenal - 4th of July Party

Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson | 7:00 PM

FC Tucson, Tucson's professional soccer club, plays against Arizona Arsenal at Kino North Stadium. There will be an Independence Day celebration with post-match fireworks.

FC Tucson is competing within USL League Two Men's Premier Soccer League. USL League Two is the leader in pre-professional soccer in America

JULY 4TH

Oro Valley July 4th Celebration

James D Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley | 5:00 PM

Fireworks! This year’s event will be emceed by Frank! Powers, with a special musical guest, Heart and Soul. Attendees can also enjoy food

trucks, jumping castles, face painting, a beer garden, kids' crafts, a photo booth, lawn games, and much more through 9:15 PM.

JULY 4TH

Tombstone 4th of July

Medigovich Field, 411 N. 9th Street, Tombstone | 6:00 PM

Tombstone hosts a small-town July 4th celebration with evening festivities and food vendors. The fireworks begin at dusk at Medigovich Field off of Mountain View Road, north of Highway 80. The party lasts until 9:30 PM.

More 4th of July events to be announced soon!

JULY 5TH

Tucson Saguaros Baseball

Club vs. Austin Weirdos

Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson | 7:00 PM

The Tucson Saguaros will return to play in the Pecos League's Pacific Division, which will consist of the Tucson Saguaros, Alpine 6 Cowboys, Austin Weirdos, and the Roswell Invaders.  Games are at Kino Sports Complex.

The club is a member of the Pecos League, an independent baseball league not affiliated with Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball.

JULY 9TH

Free Public Visits to NOIRLab

Kitt Peak National Observatory, 950 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson | 9:00 AM

Visitors will be led on a walking tour of the NOIRLab Headquarters at the University of Arizona and attend a presentation on NOIRLab and its facilities, taking place in the Main Conference Room. Visitors can also view the Sun through safe solar telescopes (weather permitting). The visit is available through September 6, 2024. Book a visit at the NOIRLab website.

JULY 11TH

Cool Summer Nights at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson | 4:30 PM

Every Saturday evening in July, enjoy stunning sunsets, star-specked skies, night-blooming plants, and animals reappearing from their daytime naps. Bring your flashlight, grab a beer, wander, explore, and experience a live animal encounter.

Special themes include Creatures of the Night (July 6), Caturday Night Live (July 13), Radical Reptiles (July 20), and The Magic of Monsoons (July 27).

JULY 13TH

Getting Started with Stop-Motion Animation

4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110, Tucson | 4:00 PM

In this workshop, you will be provided with all the tools needed to get started with Stop-Motion Animation, as well as other resources to advance your skills. Discover basic concepts, the best tools and apps to use, and tricks that make your ideas come to life. Bring a phone or tablet that has the Stop-Motion Studio application.

JULY 13TH

Sweet Corn Extravaganza

6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox | 7:00 AM

Calling all corn lovers! Discover sweet corn picked at the peak of the season at Apple Annie's produce farm — a treat you won't want to miss.  Enjoy hot roasted sweet corn and a great day of family fun on the farm at Apple Annie's Produce & Pumpkins in Willcox, open until 5:00 PM on weekends only.

JULY 31ST

Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival

Cochise College, 901 Colombo Avenue, Sierra Vista | 9:00 AM

This family-friendly event has expertly guided field trips, a pre-festival Jamboree, free programs — including some new ones just for kids — plus exhibitors, vendors, live animals, and a keynote buffet dinner.

Enjoy free morning bird walks on the college campus and learn from esteemed ornithologist, artist, and author Julie Zickefoose, this year's keynote speaker.

Activities through August 3, 2024.

AUGUST 3RD

HarvestFest at Sonoita Vineyards

Sonoita Vineyards, 290 Elgin-Canelo Road, HC 1 Box 33, Elgin | 1:00 PM

Sonoita Vineyards Winery in Elgin kicks off its harvest season with wine tastings, souvenir glasses, and a grape-stomping competition at 1:00 PM during the annual festival. There will be live music all day and food trucks on site until 5:00 PM.

AUGUST 4TH

UB40, Inner Circle, and Third World

AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson | 8:00 PM

Immerse yourself in a reggae extravaganza at AVA Amphitheater. Brace for an unforgettable night as UB40, the iconic reggae legends, bring their chart-topping hits and infectious rhythms to life. Joining them are Inner Circle and Third World, two reggae powerhouses known for their groundbreaking contributions to the genre.

Want to be featured?

Ballet Tucson Is Back

This Season's Line-Up Is Hot Off The Press

Margaret Mullin, Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson, has unveiled the performance line-up for the 2024-2025 season.

As artistic director, Mullin steers Ballet Tucson forward, choosing dancers, performances, and the overall artistic direction of the company.

This year, the season will run from September until March, featuring an exhilarating seven company premieres and the return of classics like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake Act II.

Audiences can expect to experience world-class ballet in their own backyard, with internationally acclaimed and crowd-favorite choreographers crafting beautiful, complex pieces this season.

We can assure you, drawing from experience of years past, that you will be blown away by the passion and sheer talent of the folks at Ballet Tucson. Visit ballettucson.org for more information. Here’s to the upcoming season!