Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area

Birds of Mission Garden
2026-10-08 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Phoenix) | Mission Garden, 946 W Mission Ln, Tucson, AZ, 85745
At Mission Garden, meet at the front gate

Walk around beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden’s expert birders. We’ll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for beginning and intermediate birders to learn about many of the birds common to the greater Tucson area. Check in with the roadrunners. We always check the hummingbird feeder! Take the opportunity to learn about the history of Tucson’s agriculture and some of the crops that have been important here.

Plant Propagation at Borderlands Restoration Network
2026-10-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-20 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-22 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-27 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Borderlands Nursery & Seed, 42 San Antonio Road, Patagonia, 85624, United States
Spend your morning at Borderlands Nursery & Seed with a great group of plant lovers propagating native plants that will restore the landscapes of the borderlands. Bring water and be prepared for outdoor work.

Nightfall at Old Tucson
2026-10-08 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-09 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-10 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-11 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-15 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-16 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-17 17:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-18 17:00 - 23:00 and 4 more dates | Old Tucson, 201 S Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85735-9321, United States
The darkness returns. Evil never stays buried for long, and Nightfall at Old Tucson rises again for its 34th year, running from October 1st through October 31st. Darker haunted mazes, more sinister scare zones, and live entertainment await across 22 acres of pure Halloween terror. Judge Blackwood presides and the verdict is in. Your time has come. Get your tickets now at oldtucson.com

Boat Tours at Patagonia Lake State Park
2026-10-10 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-11 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-17 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-18 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-24 09:00 - 12:30, 2026-10-25 09:00 - 12:30 | Patagonia Lake, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Patagonia,, AZ, 85624, United States
Every Saturday and Sunday, $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under)

9 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
10:15 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
11:30 a.m. Lake Discovery Tour
Twilight Tour on Saturdays only. Time varies.

Please call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791.
Boat rentals are available at the Patagonia Lake Marina.

Docent Led Tour
2026-10-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Empire Ranch, 16655 E. Empire Ranch Rd, Sonoita, 85637, United States
Docent Led Tour of the Empire Ranch House. 11 am to noon. Reservations are required by 5 pm the day before the tour. Click here to make a reservation. Free. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station.

Sarah Mcquaid Live Concert
2026-10-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Tubac Presidio State Historic Park & Museum, 1 Burruel St, #1296, Tubac, A, 85646, United States
Sarah McQuaid is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose lush vocals, masterful musicianship, and captivating storytelling create an unforgettable live performance. Blending folk, blues, and atmospheric instrumentals, her music reflects her diverse background and invites audiences into an intimate, heartfelt journey. Known for her warmth and engaging stage presence, Sarah’s concerts leave audiences inspired, moved, and deeply connected.
There will be light bites and refreshments for the show as well!

Archaeology Day
2026-10-24 08:00 - 11:00 | Mission Garden, 946 W Mission Ln, Tucson, AZ, 85745
At our monthly (fourth Saturday) Archaeology Day, representatives of Tucson’s archaeology community come to Mission Garden to teach practical hands-on skills. Archaeology Southwest will be doing their Hands-on Archaeology program. It allows kids of all ages to try out fascinating ancient technologies. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center is represented at these events, also presenting interactive programs about things like pinch pots, pendants, and cordage. John Palacio speaks about and demonstrates making replicas of petroglyphs. Come join in any time between 8am and 11am.
