2nd Saturdays Downtown

This has been on going in Tucson for about a year or more, however I have to say that it is not what it used to be. I remember going in one of the first times and there were a lot of vendors, a lot of live music, even an outdoor movie. This time around they did not have as many things going on. A couple of street vendors, a food truck round up near a music stage but that was it.
I hope that they could bring it back to what it was. Maybe all the hype about the event died with the construction for the street car.

Lots of fun. Nice cross section of Tucson. Safe. Good for kids. Plenty of food options. Ample parking and now the street car.
Good FREE entertainment,
Even after a hot day you are in the shade and breeze makes it perfect.
I do a day of errands and shopping and then head downtown.
People are very nice and friendly and respectful.
Lots of different food choice.
The Navajo Indian fry bread and tacos are excellent.
I think they should pass a bucket at the main stage so we could all chip in some $ to help pay for the music and fun.

It’s like an art fair in downtown. If you have been to First Fridays in Phoenix, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. A lot of vendors and businesses open shop and sell trinkets, art and food. People gather and just hang out. Some businesses offer discounts. And there are some local bands playing here and there.
Unfortunately, the 2^nd Saturdays is only 2 blocks long on one street. You can walk the entire thing in about 10 minutes. It will probably get bigger one day but today is not the day. Come if you have nothing to do or want to eat at some food trucks.

It’s a nice monthly event with music, vendors, food, and games/​rides for kids. Some of the stuff is hokey but it’s something nice to do with family and friends. A lot of the local shops will also hold events and/​or sales during this time.

Loved all the food trucks that was in there esp planet of the crepes, which my hubby has been craving for some time now. There’s vendors everywhere selling their trades and my son got a bow and arrow that he’s been begging me to get him. We also enjoyed the live band that was performing there. It gives off good vibes and great entertainment and people are so alive.

This was a pretty cool event, though it’s much smaller than what I’m normally used to. They did have an awesome kids area though… complete with the fire dept letting kids sit up in a real firetruck!
There was a free movie being projected on the side of a building at one end, near the firetruck. There were belly dancers at the other end, near the food vendors. The problem was… there just wasn’t much in between.
I hope they cont. to have the fire trucks… the kids loved it. And on that note, I’d like to apologize for my friend cutting in front of all the parents and kids who were waiting for their turn in the firetruck. He didn’t see the line and I was way in the back, wondering where he went! lol I think he cut in line anyway… or else how did he get up there so fast?!
It’s still something cool and free to do on a lazy Sat night, if you’re in the area.
Might see ya there… if I lived in Tuscon.

Even with all the streets torn up. 2^nd Saturdays was still super fun! the live music and food booths were great. All thats missing is a beer garden!

This is a fantastic event for an otherwise pretty lackluster downtown Tucson (in terms of events)! If you took a snapshot of Scott & Broadway during a 2^nd Saturday, you’d be able to convince anyone that Tucson is an awesome place, and that downtown is quirky, fun, and the place to be! This event is just that good!
The entertainment is awesome! Sometimes at events, you have to wonder why certain entertainers were invited because they don’t fit with the vibe. This was not the case at the bunch of 2^nd Saturdays we’ve been to. The various entertainment matches the vibe of Tucson perfectly! The music is loud enough so you can hear it from the stage to the eating area, which is great so you can enjoy it while you eat.
I love the vendors that line the streets, selling cool, often handmade, items that you don’t see in stores every day. Lots of cool stuff to look at and buy, and a lot of it can make great gifts.
And I just love that the Pima County Library brings their book truck there sometimes, and they give away free books! It’s always a good thing to get books in the hands of the community.
The selection of food trucks and vendors at 2^nd Saturdays is pretty decent. So good, in fact, that we never eat from just one place. We tend to try as much stuff as our bellies can hold, and we don’t regret it one bit because most of the food is really delicious! I’d love to see maybe a couple more places join up, there seems to be room down one of the streets, but that’s just me being greedy to try more food.
Overall, we really love 2^nd Saturdays Downtown, and we will keep planning our 2^nd Saturdays around this awesome Tucson event!

We had attended the Belgian beer tasting at the Cup Café and this was a perfect way to walk off our mini-​buzz before heading home.
I only wish that we had planned better (we had plans later) and been able to stay longer to take in more of the experience — people watching, bands, street performers, food trucks — and patronize some more downtown establishments. The construction downtown and July heat did not seem to keep people away. I can only imagine how great this will be once construction on the streetcar line is complete and downtown is linked to the U of A. Wow!
This goes on once a month and this is the first time we had been here? We REALLY do need to get out from in front of the TV more.

I had a great time with the family last night! The entertainment by the Up With People group was awesome! The performers put on an exciting, vibrant and inspiring show that had the kiddos feeling good and dancing in the street! The kids loved it and enjoyed several other musical performances as we walked up and down Congress, and even hung out and watched a bit of a classic flick streaming on the wall of a building, and of course enjoyed some yummy eats. Wonderful event!

I never imagined myself enjoying Tucson so much [I know that probably sounds a bit ignorant]. A few of us were passing by here on our drive back to Los Angeles, and decided to stay the night and enjoy this second Saturday event. Tons of entertainment, great bands, amazing art, fun people, and delicious food! I sure as hell will be visiting again and hopefully soon ;D

2^nd Saturdays continues to impress. Tonight I introduced another friend to this super fun Tucson event. A huge highlight of 2^nd Saturdays is the various music that is playing. We started off by listening to the Railbirdz on the main stage. Next, we heard a great group of young guys playing as we were walking to the Rialto Arts Patio. Arrived at the patio and LOVED listening to Kevin and Tanishia give the crowd some incredible soul music. You cannot help but catch their groovy energy when you’re in the crowd. Thanks to Kevin for singing a crazy fantastic cover of Joe’s «I wanna know» and then «Superstition» by Stevie (my request). Then we headed to Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails to catch some Shakey Bones. They never disappoint!
I also enjoyed some delish ice cream from Isabella’s truck tonight! Highly recommend checking out 2^nd Saturdays Downtown!

2^nd Saturdays makes me heart Tucson. For one night every month, we can pretend we have a real downtown. Of course, my favorite part is the food trucks. Danny S. and I tried to work out way through all of them, but once I saw Planet of the Crepes, I had a one track mind. There is a pretty good little mexican mom and pop place that is worth a try for sure. Of course, free music is also a great draw. There are usually several different stages with music and a free show at Rialto or another theater. My complaint is the sidewalks. They are too narrow for all the action. Someone mentioned closing down Congress and bringing in more vendors to fill the streets. I think that is a great idea. But the parking/​driving situation would get a bit dicey.

OH MY GOODNESS! I’m in heaven!
Soooo, I’ve been wanting to go for sometime now and haven’t had the chance just due to schedule conflicts, but we had some good luck and just happened upon the right Saturday, after dinner at the HUB. WOOT!
What a blast!!! These events are my kind of thing. It brings me back to my «yoot» (youth)! Back in the day when I had not a care in the world and spent days at a time immersed in the culture that was The Grateful Dead! Everyone all together, no cares in the world, no color differentiation, lovin’ on everyone. What a life!!! I’m thinking they should do this every Saturday… wait, I mean every day!
Make some time to go! Enjoy local eateries downtown and then browse the many booths, of handmade jewelry, psychic readings, clay makers, artists and handmade treats! Stop to watch a great movie on the side of a building, dance with the drummers or tango with the stilt walkers! This place has it all! People watching is free!

Back in the day, Downtown Saturday Nights was hoppin’. I mean — so hoppin’ that I would repeatedly lose my parents and frantically have to search for them before I got lost in the crowds of locals. Only once did I get lost — and spent the next hour with a nice police officer until my parents were found. BCP… you know, — Before Cell Phones. The issues we had!
I love the mission of this event, but I feel as though it is still lacking a little. Splashing a movie on the wall of the building with a few chairs — some bouncy activities for kids — and tables set up near the food vendors is good — but I want more.
The carne asada burrito I ate was to die for, and this little lady told me there’s a cowboy that sells the best tri-​tip this side of Texas.
The vendor crafts are so-​so. The bars are open — but there isn’t much gallery space anymore (damn you, economy) and the outdoor music is OK, but nothing to ruffle your feathers about. I will continue to walk down there every second saturday for some good food and perhaps a celebratory churro — but I would love to figure out a way to bring out a little more life in this event. Does anyone feel the way that I do?

Of course it would take a Harry & The Potters concert to get me to finally attend a 2^nd Saturdays. I’ve wanted to go for a while, but when my dear friend, co-​Potter geek and fellow Unilocaler, Carol told me she also wanted to attend the FREE concert, I knew it was time. I mean, uh. .. .for the kids, of course.
Downtown was crazy busy! My hometown used to (and maybe still does) put on an event like this, but it was once a year. You mean to tell me this happens here every month? And I’ve missed it? Shame on me!
Our first stop was the concert at Hotel Congress which had something like a million people more than they were expecting so they had to add a second show. Honestly, I was happy to see so many people that also into Harry Potter. Ah. .. . I could talk for DAYS about this. Our husbands (not being the Potterheads that we are) decided to leave us to the concert and headed over to a downtown restaurant.
We were able to make it into the first show and then got to walk around. There were street vendors, more music, performances and specials in various shops. This is a great and fun way to spend an evening. Plus, there’s no entrance fee (which was not the case in my hometown downtown fest).
Yes, it was crowded and traffic was bad, but nothing that we haven’t seen before. I’ll be looking forward to see what will be happening in the upcoming 2^nd Saturdays Downtown!

If you’ve ever checked out my reviews, you’ve noticed a cluster around downtown in the Old Pueblo. That’s because I’m a sucker for a thriving downtown scene. While Tucson might not have the best, it’s got some spirit.
2^nd Saturdays Downtown is a showcase of the offerings to be had in the downtown area. Think of it as an excuse to check out the local shops, bars, restaurants and galleries.
But really, it’s so much more. It is, of course, an event in itself. There’s live music on multiple stages – something for everyone. Punk rock, rockabilly, folk, bluegrass, jazz, world music – these are just some tastes from the most recent event. There’s movies, street performers, vendors slinging tons of wares. Just colors and varieties everywhere you look.
Now officially one-​year old, this event seems to be finding it’s wings, and it’s identity. The only thing I wish would change is the traffic on Congress itself. I think the event would be so much better served if the entire street were closed to vehicles. But I’m a realist, and I know that won’t happen so easily in Tucson. But maybe as the event grows larger, it will become a reality.
Check it out – 2^nd Saturday of every month.

Previously called Downtown Saturday Nights, the newly named 2^nd Saturdays is an urban street fest featuring all of the great things that downtown Tucson has to offer. There’s music, food, street performances and vendors galore at this kid friendly celebration of the unique things that make T-​Town a great place to live, work and play. At this month’s event I listened to rock and roll at the festival stage, had the best peanut butter chocolate cupcake, watched an entertaining group of silver painted street artists and had the opportunity to connect with the community though the Unilocal Design a Tote Contest! Hats off to the event organizers for pulling everything together seamlessly. I’m excited for next month’s event on, you guessed it, the second Saturday.