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🌵 explore the magic of Tucson
✨ DM your niche Tucson questions
💌 founded by journalist @gloriaeknott
🫶 est. October 2, 2025

Early this year, @homeward.books posted a year in Early this year, @homeward.books posted a year in review — they inspired me to do the same!

I’ve asked you for donations — I think you deserve to know where that money is going and what all you’re supporting. Here’s a look at Tucson Love Letter’s first year, from events to articles to money.

However you support TLL, thank you for being here. This wouldn’t be possible without you. <3
October means Cyclovia 🚴‍♀️🛼 The 25th October means Cyclovia 🚴‍♀️🛼 The 25th @cycloviatucson takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 along a route that spans downtown to/from South Tucson. It’s not a race, but a three-mile car-free block party organized by @lsatucson ✨ You’ll find free activities, music, food trucks and more!

🔗 Read the full story in the slides or click the link in my bio! See the full Cyclovia route at cycloviatucson.org 👀

#tucson #tucsonarizona #tucsonaz #tucsonevents
how i spent my birthday weekend in tucson aka how how i spent my birthday weekend in tucson aka how many times i went to @tucsonmeetyourself and @scentedleaf

💓 places visited:

🍩 @calsbakeshop, 2707 E. Broadway Blvd.
🫖 @scentedleaf, 3025 E. Speedway Blvd. (but there are four other locations!)
🗝️ @office.of.collecting, traveling museum
🎨 @tucsoncreativereuse, 419 N. 4th Ave.
🖌️ @reartaz, 2434 N. Pantano Rd.
🩷 @tucsonmeetyourself, held for three days each October
🐌 @slugfestaz, one-day music fest
🛍️ Salem Night Market at @mourningstarcurio and @bloodless.tattoo
🐐@tucsonvillagefarm’s goat cafe, open select Sundays at 2201 E. Roger Rd.
🌮 @ameliastucson, 5553 E. Grant Rd. but there’s another location on Oracle!
VOTE VOTE VOTE 🗳️ Here are four dates in Tucs VOTE VOTE VOTE 🗳️ Here are four dates in Tucson and Pima County to bookmark:

🩷 Oct. 23: Last day to request a mail-in ballot.
🧡 Oct. 27: Mail your ballot by this day.
💛 Oct. 30: Last day to vote early in person (emergency voting is Oct. 31 and Nov. 2).
🩷 Nov. 3: Election Day! Vote in person or drop off your early ballot. Ballots must be returned by 7 p.m.

📞 Visit recorder.pima.gov or call 520-724-4330 for more information about locations, times and more!

Need information about propositions and candidates? @azluminaria is my go-to — azluminaria.org/voting ✍️
okay I said 15 things in the intro but I included okay I said 15 things in the intro but I included 18 because it was SO HARD TO CHOOSE AND THERE ARE SO MANY MORE EVENTS HAPPENING IN TUCSON THIS WEEKEND 🫪 see more at tucsonloveletter.com/events :)

✨AD: Thank you to @la_suprema_works for sponsoring this Reel! Save the date for Mercado La Suprema, happening 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at 319 W. Simpson St. <3

🦁 Boo at @reidparkzoo, Oct. 21-25 — characters, games, magic shows, candy / $14-$16

🎶 Music Against the Machine by @no_desert_data_center, Oct. 22-27 — music fest opposing data centers, held at 5 locations / $10-20 suggested donation

🌍 Passport by @djherm, Oct. 22 — global music dance party at @zeraisintlbar / $10

🎪 Dark Circus by @desertgothclub, Oct. 23 — renaissance-themed oddities market w/ music at @hotelcongress / $10+

🎃 Nightmare on Congress, Oct. 24 — costume contests & music at @hotelcongress / $12+

🔮 Tarot Garden, Oct. 24 — readings at @dilunacandlestore

🤘 MCR Listening Party, Oct. 24 — listen to The Black Parade at @calsbakeshop

🧚 A Real Life DND Shopping Episode by @womenplaydnd, Oct. 24 — DND event w/ storytelling by DMs, crafts, games at @tucsoncatalyst

🛍️ One of a Kind Market, Oct. 24 — 40+ vendors & crafts at @bensbells Broadway

🤠 Ghosts & Boots, Oct. 24 — “Casper” screening & costume contest at @official_tucsonrodeo

👻 Night of Fright, Oct. 24 — trick-or-treating, performances, activities at @pimaair / $25 parking

🌱 Plant Sale by @pimacountymastergardeners, Oct. 24 — shop plants at @uarizonacooperativeextension

🏳️‍🌈 @runbiggay5k, Oct. 24 — 5K around Armory Park / $25+

🎬 Movies in the Park by @tucsonward5, Oct. 24 — “Coco” screening at Gunny Barreras Memorial Park

💭 What Can We Do As Non-Elected Officials? by @tucsonyoungprofessionals, Oct. 24 — learn how to get involved, held at @soazbigs

🚲 @cycloviatucson, Oct. 25 — car-free block party downtown to/from South Tucson

👗 @deserthazemarket, Oct. 25 — shop vintage clothing at @larosatucson / $5

👚 Clothing Swap, Oct. 25 — bring clothes, take clothes, fundraiser for @tucsonvillagefarm / $12

‼️ monthlong Halloween events include @maranapumpkinpatch, @traildusttown, @terrorinthecorn, @oldtucson + more!
GOATS & COFFEE 🐐☕️ @tucsonvillagefarm opene GOATS & COFFEE 🐐☕️ @tucsonvillagefarm opened a cutie goat cafe at 2201 E. Roger Rd. It’s open select Sundays from 8-11 a.m. Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8 with coffee, tea and pastries ✨

🥤I got a mint tea, lemonade and chocolate chip cookie for $15

#tucson #tucsonarizona #tucsonaz
ily, @tucsonmeetyourself <3 The festival continue ily, @tucsonmeetyourself <3

The festival continues 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 in Jacomé Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave. ✨

I’m doin’ a lil talk with @somostucson about community journalism at 1 p.m. Saturday on the Folklife Here stage, located in the mural parking lot between Congress and Pennington 🤍

🍽️ Food shown:

@uafasa — lumpia ($6 for 3 small rolls), ube babingka ($3)
@pasifika.collective — butter mochi ($3)
@espressoul_cafe — chai ($7 i think!)
@herculeanchicken — Herculean Chicken ($15)
@empanadas_el_dominicano — carne molida empanada ($5 for 1), morir soñando ($7)
Elif’s Kitchen — spinach and cheese gözleme ($15)

#tucson #tucsonarizona #tucsonaz #tucsonevents #tucsonfood
It’s official! @monsoonmystics’ new location i It’s official! @monsoonmystics’ new location is now open 🔮🫶 Torrie Dueñas moved her witchy shop from a space on Saint Marys Road to a location along Fourth Avenue — specifically the former home of Celestial Rites, which also happens to be the first Tucson store Torrie ever shopped from.

Find witchy skincare, incense, herbs, jewelry, tarot decks and more, plus readings on weekends and aura photography! The new store is located at 543 N. 4th Ave.

🔗 Read the full story by swiping through the slides or click the link in my bio!

#tucson #tucsonarizona #tucsonaz #tucsonart
thank you to everyone who came to the Tiny Things thank you to everyone who came to the Tiny Things Market last night 🤍 i love tucson, i love artists, i love teeny thing things!!!!!

@artknacky 
@byndbooks 
@cactuscloudsart
@darbyhunterart
@shopcoycreative
@enjoycrochetandknit 
@goodnessglass
@karolina.olivia 
@lila_art_az
@littlethorngoods
@madeitmikayla
@mehgan.onthe.moon
@mini.michis.888
@momotin.studio 
@office.of.collecting
@stitchinghourneedlecrafts
@tucsonmuseumofart
Truth be told, @tucsonmeetyourself is my Disneylan Truth be told, @tucsonmeetyourself is my Disneyland. Every October, more than 100,000 people gather for three days in downtown Tucson over a shared love of Tucson’s many cultures.

This year’s folklife festival takes place 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 around Jacomé Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave. Expect food, performances, demonstrations, vendors, talks and more — including a special collaboration with The Smithsonian! Admission is free 💓 See the full schedule and all 50 food vendors at tucsonmeetyourself.org <3

🔗 Read the full story in the slides or tap the link in my bio!! 

#tucson #tucsonarizona #tucsonaz #tucsonevents
@atekei_treats is bringing back Sabor ng Bayan, a @atekei_treats is bringing back Sabor ng Bayan, a celebration of Filipino culture 🇵🇭✨ I’m so excited to be tabling aaaand I’ll be organizing a toy drive in support of @sunnyside.foundation! Bring an unwrapped toy or gift for babies through teens <3

Ate Kei is hosting the celebration complete with food, vendors, a clothing swap, performances, karaoke and a lumpia-eating contest! It takes place 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Coalition Space, 311 E. 7th St. 🫶💗

#tucson #tucsonarizona #tucsonaz #tucsonevents
THISSSS WEEEKENDDDD 🫶 Head to my website to see THISSSS WEEEKENDDDD 🫶 Head to my website to see more things to do in Tucson!!

✨AD: @cycloviatucson returns Oct. 25 to activate three miles of car-free streets, open to people of all ages and abilities. Walk, bike, roll, skate to enjoy neighborhoods and participate in free activities. Visit cycloviatucson.org or see the full route!

🖼️ Free Third Thursday, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 15 — free admission, music + the release of the UA Garden Workshop’s Almanac at @mocatucson

❤️ @tucsonmeetyourself, Oct. 16-18 — festival w/ food, performances & more from cultures throughout Tucson, held at Jácome Plaza in @downtowntucson

🎶 Puro Reggaeton, 9 p.m. Oct. 16 — reggaeton dance party at @larosatucson // $10

🎡 Not Too Frightful Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 16 — rides, stunt show, characters at @traildusttown

🛍️ Salem Night Market by @bloodless.tattoo & @mourningstarcurio, 6-10 p.m. Oct. 17 — 30+ vendors w/ oddities & goth items + tattoos, music at 236 S. Scott Ave.

🛹 @slugfestaz, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 17 — 12 bands, vintage vendors, skatepark at @4thavecoalition // $32

🎬 Marana Fall Festival by @maranaparksrec, 2-9 p.m. Oct. 17 — rides, music, “Hocus Pocus” screening, food at Marana Heritage River Park

🍬 Boo Bash by @cityoftucson, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 17 — trunk-or-treating, games, food at Lincoln Park

🍭 HallOVeen Spooktacular by @ovparksandrec, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 17 — trunk-or-treating, music, inflatables, crafts at James D. Kriegh Park

🪴 Fall Plant Sale, Oct. 17-18 — shop desert-adapted plants at @tohonochul

🥦 Fall Vegetable Start Sale, 8-11 a.m. Oct. 17 — shop veggie starts at @tucsonvillagefarm

🌱 Plant Sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 — shop wildflowers, landscape plants, veggie/herb starts at @nativeseedssearch

👻 Night at the @arizonahistoricalsociety, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 17 — trick-or-treating, ghost tours, crafts, movie // $10 per family

🎸 Open Music Circle by @_amity.andi_, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 17 — jam session at @groundworkstucson

🎵 @tiosandtias Day Boogie, 2-8 p.m. Oct. 18 — enjoy funk, rap, R&B, Latin music + more at @hotelcongress // $25.24

🎃 ALL MONTH, expect events like @maranapumpkinpatch & @terrorinthecorn
RATTOBERRRR 🐀🎀 Thank you to everyone who acc RATTOBERRRR 🐀🎀 Thank you to everyone who accessorized rat plushies with us last night at @crookedtoothbrewing 🫶

We have another Rattober event on Oct. 30 which is sold out!!! <3 If @momotin.studio and I do another in the future, do you have any animal requests? 👀👀👀 Rats again? Something else? Let us know!

✨ Inspired by @mint_to_be_okc who SOMEHOW SOME WAY happens to be from Tucson?!!!
The inaugural @slugfestaz is next week!! Expect 12 The inaugural @slugfestaz is next week!! Expect 12 bands spanning 10 genres, a skatepark and 7 vendors set up with vintage clothing 🛹✨ Slugfest takes place 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at @4thavecoalition, 311 E. 7th St. Get tickets ($32) and sign up to skate at slugfestaz.com 🐌

🔗 Read the full story by swiping through the slides or click the link in my bio :) <3
@corazondelbarriotucson is a nonprofit arts center @corazondelbarriotucson is a nonprofit arts center founded by the owners behind @galeriamitotera — it’s home to 8,000 square feet of space that will soon fill with art workshops, artist residencies, clubs, markets and more creative events.

Get a first look at the space during the grand opening 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at 30 W. 28th St. Look for an events calendar sooooooon <3

🔗 Read the full story by swiping through the slides or click the link in my bio!

📸: @nievesmontano of Galeria Mitotera, which is located at 1802 S. 4th Ave. 🫶✨
It’s almost time for the first-ever Arizona Quee It’s almost time for the first-ever Arizona Queer Zine Fest, happening courtesy @azqueerarchives 📝🩷 The festival takes place Oct. 9-11 at @thehistoricy, 738 N. 5th Ave. The festival centers queer voices, experiences and perspectives through an open mic, a vendor market and a zine-making party!

📸: zines by @ana_santos_acinas, who is a vendor at the Arizona Queer Zine Fest, photographed by @wildhoneyphotog; and a collection of zines owned by Ames Meeks, co-director of Arizona Queer Archives.

🔗 Read the full story by swiping through the slides or click the link in my bio!
THIS WEEKENDDDD 👻🎃 @golfnstufftucson is orga THIS WEEKENDDDD 👻🎃 @golfnstufftucson is organizing Monster Mash, a Halloween party with haunted mini golf, a costume contest, a pumpkin-carving contest, spooky mocktails and a trinket trade by @darbyhunterart (who is the artist behind the castle drawing on the flyer!!). Plus, get food from @wildwestmeatmarket ✨

@desertgothclub and @tucsonloveletter are organizing a lil vendor market as part of the event — swipe to see who will be there and a peek at the sweet and spooky items they’ll be bringing 👀

Monster Mash takes place Saturday, Oct. 10 at @golfnstufftucson, 6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd. The party is 5-10 p.m. though some activities will end at 9. Monster Mash is free to attend! Haunted mini golf is $20 per person. This is an all ages event — haunted mini golf is suitable for ages 13+ but there will be a second family-friendly golf course open :)

@blancoboneboutique
@bronwyn_dierssen_art
@celestialmetalart
@createtostaysane
@st.thomasgurl
@dirtyteacupdesigns
@dizzycult.art
@emiliaxocosmetics
@eyeofthrift
@ixchelfields
@j.grace.s
@jace_hopkins_art
@momotin.studio
@phatqueer
@raedaystudio
@thatsavage_artist
@seanpaultoys
@sonorantwist.treats
@purgatory.eve
@stubbornworn
@thelovebrujita
@yarnomaly
@yellowbirdfarm
@braidsbyileigh
Things to do in Tucson this weekend 💓 Head to t Things to do in Tucson this weekend 💓 Head to tucsonloveletter.com/events for more <3

✨AD: Thank you to @rootedintegrativewellness for sponsoring this Reel! Their shop recently restocked for the holidays with puzzles, wellness items and gifts. Join them for their Autumnal Grounding Market on Oct. 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1600 N. Tucson Blvd.

📝 Arizona Queer Zine Fest by @azqueerarchives, Oct. 9-11 — vendors, teach-in, open mic at @thehistoricy

🧙‍♀️ Witches Market, 5-8:30 p.m. Oct. 9 — vendors, food, tattoos at @dilunacandlestore

🍬 Trunk-or-treat by @cityoftucson, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 9 — trunk-or-treat & haunted house at Quincie Douglas Center

🪩 Tiny Beats, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 9 — kids dance party at @zemamsethiopiancuisine // $1

🎃 Monster Mash, 5-10 p.m. Oct. 10 — haunted mini golf, rides, vendors & more at @golfnstufftucson w/ help from @tucsonloveletter & @desertgothclub

🔮 Witches’ Bazaar by @inkedgoddesscreations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Oct. 10 — 60+ vendors, readings, entertainment at @traildusttown

❤️ Poets in the Park by @dirtyverbs, 4 p.m. Oct. 10 — poetry, food, music at Armory Park

🌙 Barbara’s Moonlight Mercadito, 4-9 p.m. Oct. 10 — vendors, music, raffles benefitting @barbaraslegacyfoundation at Las Milpitas Community Farm

👚 Kids Clothing Swap by @second.hand.sara, 12:30-3 p.m. Oct. 10 — bring/take kids clothing at @crookedtoothbrewing

🗝️ Trinket Trade by @darbyhunterart, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 — trade trinkets at @harrisonroadantiques

👜 Totes & Trinkets by @gatherandglowclub, 2-4 p.m. Oct. 11 — decorate a tote bag + enjoy elote bar at @bookmansaz Speedway // $48

🕰️ Mercado Flea, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 — 50+ vendors w/ vintage items at @mercadodistricttucson

🛍️ Slow Makers Market by @larreaskincare, 1-7 p.m. Oct. 11 — vendors w/ art, tattoos, readings at @slowbodybeer

🍽️ Soul Food Sunday by @cookinwitcort, 12 p.m. Oct. 11 — soul food pop-up at @brickboxbrewery

🎧 Audiobook Walking Club by @stacksbookclubaz & @tucsonloveletter, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 11 — listen to an audiobook while walking downtown, meet at @hotelcongress

👻 ALL MONTH: Nightfall at @oldtucson, @terrorinthecorn, @slaughterhouse_tucson, @maranapumpkinpatch
there are a million events in october, here are 27 there are a million events in october, here are 27 of them!!!! head to tucsonloveletter.com/events for more :)

Nightfall, dates through Oct. 31 — haunts, scares, shows, rides at @oldtucson / $37+

@slaughterhouse_tucson, dates through Nov. 1 — haunted house w/ immersive sets & characters / $20+

@terrorinthecorn, dates through Nov. 1 — scare scenes & corn maze / $35+

@maranapumpkinpatch, dates through Oct. 31 — pumpkin patch w/ activities for kids / $30+

Arizona Queer Zine Fest by @azqueerarchives, Oct. 9-11 — zine vendors, teach-in, open mic at @thehistoricy

Witches Market, Oct. 9 — vendors, food, tattoos at @dilunacandlestore

Not Too Frightful Fridays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 — rides, stunt show, characters at @traildusttown

Witches’ Bazaar by @inkedgoddesscreations, Oct. 10 — 60+ vendors, readings, entertainment at @traildusttown

Monster Mash, Oct. 10 — haunted mini golf, rides, vendors, activities at @golfnstufftucson w/ support from @tucsonloveletter & @desertgothclub

Poets in the Park by @dirtyverbs, Oct. 10 — poetry performances, food, music at Armory Park

Audiobook Walking Club by @stacksbookclubaz & @tucsonloveletter, Oct. 11 — walk downtown while listening to an audiobook, meet at @hotelcongress

@tucsonmeetyourself, Oct. 16-18 — food, performances & more from cultures through Tucson, held at Jácome Plaza

@slugfestaz, Oct. 17 — live music, skate park, vintage clothes at @4thavecoalition / $32

Salem Night Market by @mourningstarcurio & @bloodless.tattoo, Oct. 17 — goth & occult vendors, food, tattoos

Fall Festival by @townofmarana, Oct. 17 — music, movie, vendors, rides & more at Marana Heritage River Park

Boo Bash by @cityoftucson, Oct. 17 — trunk-or-treating, games, food at Lincoln Park

Hall-OV-een Spooktacular by @ovparksandrec, Oct. 17 — trunk-or-treating, inflatables, crafts, food at James D. Kriegh Park

Boo at @reidparkzoo, Oct. 21-25 — characters, trick-or-treating, games / $14-$16

@tucsoncelticfestival, Oct. 23-25 — Celtic music, food, games at Rillito Park / $22.24+

Nightmare on Congress, Oct. 24 — music, vendors, costume contests at @hotelcongress / $12+

✨CONTINUED IN COMMENTS
60 seconds of water sounds courtesy Sabino Dam 🫶

📍5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. $8 per vehicle to park. Sabino Dam is about 30 minutes walking from the parking lot. Take the Bear Canyon trailhead east of the visitors center. Walk the dirt path, turn right at the pavement then follow the pavement down — the dam is on your right! It’s a mostly flat walk with a few rocky areas close to the dam.

#tucson #tucsonarizona #tucsonaz
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Tucson Love Letter

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Tucson, AZ 85726

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