This summer, Tohono Chul, the vibrant 49-acre botanic garden, arboretum and nature preserve that showcases the beauty, art and culture of the Sonoran Desert, is launching a whole new way to enjoy the garden with Chillin’ at the Chul events.
Beginning Saturday, May 23 and taking place Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. through Friday, August 28, these evening experiences offer live music, art, cool garden vibes, cold drinks, tasty food and family-friendly activities, including nature-based play courtesy of the Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden on Saturdays. Admission is free for Tohono Chul members and children under two years of age. General admission is $5 per person, with the exception of special free admission nights (as listed below).
“We’re excited to parter with Children’s Museum Oro Valley, multiple amazing musicians and other community businesses to offer a cool and entertaining way to spend your summer nights,” said Jamie Maslyn Larson, president and CEO of Tohono Chul. “Bring the family, make it a date night or just meander through property on your own to experience Tohono Chul in a whole new way.”
On specific dates throughout the summer, special experiences will take also place during Chillin’ at the Chul events in partnership with local vendors. The lineup is as follows:
Saturday, May 23
Chris Arpad (steel drums)
Gelu Italian Ice
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, May 29
Us Too Music Duo (rock, funk, country and smooth jazz)
Silent disco with Silent Adventures. Adult tickets are $15 and child tickets are $5. Register via www.silentadventures.com.
Saturday, May 30
PretendAZ (rock, 80s and dance hits)
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, June 5
Jacob Acosta and the Golden Hearts Band (country covers, SW acoustic)
Saturday, June 6
Cochise County All Stars (Americana, classic rock and folk)
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, June 12
Traveler (world fusion Celtic)
Saturday, June 13 – PLAYin’ at the Chul Special Event
Free admission
Mr. Nature’s Music Garden (children’s songs)
PLAY District Tucson garden takeover with local vendors, interactive activities, family fun and more, including after-hours access to Children’s Museum Oro Valley
Friday, June 19
The Beatle Brothers (Beatles cover band)
Saturday, June 20
John Hughes Music (jazz, blues and sax clarinet)
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, June 26
Music by Natalie Pohanic
Silent disco with Silent Adventures. Adult tickets are $15 and child tickets are $5. Register via www.silentadventures.com.
Saturday, June 27
NoethenButJazz (jazz ensemble)
Gelu Italian Ice
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, July 3
Ben Tully (folk-rock and acoustic rock)
Saturday, July 4 — Closed for Independence Day
Friday, July 10
Joe Bourne (jazz singer)
Saturday, July 11
Edna and Ely B-Cool (jazz, soul, Latin)
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, July 17
Free admission night
Music by Ruta Verbena
Monsoon Market
Saturday, July 18
Free admission night
Vinyl Grooves (‘60s through ‘80s rock)
Monsoon Market
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, July 24
AJ & Friends (classic rock and jazz)
Saturday, July 25
Music by Engel Indo and the All Stars
Gelu Italian Ice
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, July 31
Mambo Cat Trio (Latin, jazz, mambo, cha-cha and boleros)
Silent disco with Silent Adventures. Adult tickets are $15 and child tickets are $5. Register via www.silentadventures.com.
Saturday, Aug. 1
Zonaligno (rock, pop and Latin)
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, Aug. 7
Blue Dream (jazz vocals, soul and pop)
Saturday, Aug. 8
Gardenias (Latin, folk and pop)
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, Aug. 14
Naim Amor Jazz Trio (jazz and guitar noir)
Saturday, Aug. 15
Grupo Riken (Caribbean, Latin American and folk)
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, Aug. 21
Desert Music Project (Latin, bossa nova, instrumental and indie)
Saturday, Aug. 22
Low Stress (acoustic folk, indie and ambient)
Gelu Italian Ice
Children’s Museum Oro Valley pop-up in the Children’s Garden
Friday, Aug. 28
Garrett James & The Wanderers (classic rock and blues)
Silent disco with Silent Adventures. Adult tickets are $15 and child tickets are $5. Register via www.silentadventures.com.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Chillin’ at the Chul events. For more about Tohono Chul, visit www.tohonochul.org.
