About Tucson
Balancing an urban hub with western roots can be a difficult thing, but Tucson, Arizona does it with style and grace. Though it may feel as though you are walking in the midst of the wild west when out in Tucson’s less developed areas, the inner city feels as though you are in an urban utopia, leaving you mystified and slightly amazed.
With just over half a million residents, Tucson is a great spot for a great vacation, and an even better place to host an event. With an active nightlife, plenty of entertainment options, and bright lights that glow all throughout the night, it’s a fantastic spot for hosting an event that’s both fun and memorable. And with dozens of event vendors, paired with hundreds of event venues, and more than enough attractions to count, it might be the premier place to host your next event.
Event Options in Tucson, AZ
- Caterers
Whether you are craving southern cooking or light hors 'd'oeuvres, there is sure to be a caterer in Tucson who is able to fulfill and exceed your food expectations with ease.
- Florist
Arizona is known for their unique and diverse flora, which means you may want to work with a florist who is familiar with the area’s specific offerings. This can lead to flower arrangements for your event that you could never have even dreamed of!
- Photographers
Whether you are planning a social gathering or a promotional event, you will surely want a photographer present to record everything that happens. Hire a local photographer for the best souvenir money can buy.
- Equipment Rental
Chairs, tables, speaker systems, and more are things that you will definitely need at your event, but may not have on hand. Working with a Tucson equipment vendor means that you can have direct access to what you need without having to purchase, store, set up, and tear down anything on your own!
- Entertainment Vendors
If you want your event to stand out among the masses, consider working with a Tucson entertainment vendor. There are plenty throughout the city who can offer your guests an unique and fun-filled experience.
Event Planning Companies in Tucson, Arizona
- Jane Castle Events
Jane Castle Events knows that great events require teamwork, and, boy, do they want to be on your team! Whether you want just a few pointers, or would prefer Jane handle all the details, this full-service event planner can give you exactly what you need. Named “Tucson’s most flexible event planner,” they’re a go-to choice for anyone seeking to plan a successful event.
- Louise Thomas Events Made Special
Louise Thomas has been involved in the Tucson event planning scene for over 30 years! She knows what it takes to pull off a truly spectacular event, and she approaches each new client with a blank slate, instead of with cookie cutter party plans. While she plans events around the nation, she’s based in Tucson, and loves her city more than anything. She’ll hook you up with the best vendors in town for a truly spectacular event.
- Confetti Event Planning
Whether you are dreaming of an elaborate gala, or you are pining after an intimate gathering, Confetti Event Planning has you covered. They are a full service event planning company that specializes in full and partial event planning for all kinds of Tucson events. Grab a quick consultation, and Confetti Events will be able to create a custom package for whatever event you are planning.
Pros and Cons of Having an Event in Tucson
Pros
- Plenty of sunshine
With close to 300 days out of the year being full of sun, you can expect blue skies more often than not! This can be a great reassurance, especially if you are hoping for an outdoor event.
- Outdoor spaces
There are countless parks and wildlife areas that you can both visit and potentially host your event at. Be sure to check out the spaces and see if they have what you are looking for.
- Vibrant nightlife
Though the city may feel like an old western, people still party like it's an urban oasis! While you may run across a few cowboy themed bars and restaurants, there are hundreds more with various entertainment, live music, and more.
- Reasonable prices
While the surrounding areas can reach uncomfortably high costs, Tucson has stayed relatively affordable. Make your event budget stretch further by utilizing Tucson based vendors and venues.
- Great food
Recently, Tucson, AZ was designated as a UNESCO “City of Gastronomy,” making it the first city to hold such a title in the United States. This means that Tucson is internationally recognized for it’s well-developed, vibrant, and diverse cuisine, featuring everything from Sonoran-style Mexican food, to Tucson style hot dogs.
Cons:
- The heat
With all those days of sunshine comes a heat that takes a special person to withstand it. Make sure you have an indoor oasis if you are planning on being in Tucson anywhere between June and early September.
- The wildlife
Reptiles, spiders, and more are often seen in houses, hotels, bars, and more indoor spaces. Be sure to keep an eye out for dangerous critters, especially at night.
- The roads
There are only 2 major highways (one and a half if you ask the locals), meaning it can be hard to get anywhere quickly, especially if that spot isn’t directly off the highway.
- Tourists
Tucson sees a huge influx of tourists in the winter season, which can cause a headache when it comes to traffic and general crowdedness. Make sure you account for the snowbirds who use Tucson to wait out their colder
Famous Event Locations in Tucson, AZ
Check out one of these famous Tucson attractions before or after your event!
- Saguaro National Park
Home of the famous Saguaro cacti, you will love wandering around this desert landscape in the heart of Tucson’s mountain district. Close to many venue locations, it’s a fantastic spot to gaze on the majestic cacti and other wildlife found in the park.
- San Xavier del Bac Mission
Take a step back in time and walk around the grounds of this historic church. A National Historic Landmark, the San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692, and features both historic architecture and beautiful detail. It’s great for a photo-op!
- Tucson Museum of Art
Get out of the heat and into some AC, and spend some time in the Tucson Museum of Art! With hundreds of pieces, TMOA has a variety of galleries and exhibits for you to explore, with plenty of air conditioning inside.