Labor Day weekend is always jam-packed full of parties, barbecues and get-togethers, and Tucson is no exception. From musical performances to resort getaways and even an earth-friendly festival, celebrating the end of summer has never been so fun. Read on for our picks of Tucson’s best events with which to let loose and welcome the arrival of fall.
Labor Day Jazz All-Star Celebration of Motown
In celebration of Motown Records’ 50th anniversary, The Westin La Paloma Resort will be hosting the Labor Day Jazz All-Star Celebration of Motown on Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by AZ Entertainment and Events, the festivities will include tribute performances by an all-star jazz and R&B group, drink and dinner specials and a special resort price ($99) for guests staying overnight, followed by a Sunday brunch concert. 520.429.9803, www.azentertainmentandevents.com.
Jovert Steel Drum Band at La Encantada
Summer’s not quite over yet—celebrate the end of our superwarm season at the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s Summer Concert Series, the Jovert Steel Drum Band performance on Sept. 5 (the band is comprised of Tucson High Magnet School students). The event will take place on the lower level courtyard of the La Encantada shopping Center at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be a lively and theatrical one, as the Jovert Steel Drum Band will offer up a mix of Calypso and island music. Drinks, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase. 520.797.3959, www.saaca.org.
HoCoFest Music Festival, downtown Tucson
If you’re looking for a fun place to hang out with friends, enjoy worldly food and listen to unique indie music, head to downtown Tucson, Sept. 3-6. In addition to the 40-plus bands playing inside Hotel Congress’s Club Congress as well as outdoors, HoCoFest will feature an eco-fair and solar-powered entertainment venues; a family fair; a barbecue; a fashion show; vendors; and more. 520.247.4141, www.hocofest.com.
Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo
For a family-friendly way to enjoy the holiday weekend, take a trip back to the Old West and bring the kids to the Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo, taking place Sept. 5-7 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. The cooler Sonoita climate will lend itself to the perfect day outdoors—pre-rodeo begins at 1 p.m. with the kid’s rodeo. Presented by the Santa Cruz County Fair & Rodeo Association, rodeo events include the wild horse race, ladies barrel race, bull riding, team roping and much more. 520.455.5553, www.sonoitafairgrounds.com.
Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run
If you’re looking for a way to shed the excess calories you consumed at Labor Day barbecues over the weekend, sign up for the Southern Arizona Roadrunners’ Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run. On Monday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 a.m., the run will take place at Saguaro National Park East, in the Rincon Mountain foothills. The run will offer both two-mile family walks as well as an eight-mile jaunt. Be prepared to wake up early, however, because registration will take place from 5:15 to 6 a.m. 520.991.0733, www.azroadrunners.org.
