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Cool Summer Nights
Open till 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays
June 6 - August 29, 2026
The Desert Museum is lovely during the day, but it’s even cooler after dark! Join us every Saturday night throughout the summer to beat the heat while learning something neat! The desert comes alive at night as nocturnal animals awake. Bats perform aerial acrobatics in pursuit of dinner, beavers splash around in their pond, and scorpions glow green under black light. Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, feel the touch of a stingray, or participate in special nightly activities. See the schedule below for weekly themes.
Exhibit Closing Times
Some exhibits close early for safety reasons or so that the animals can get some shut eye! The Mixed Aviary will close at 7:00 p.m. Jun-Jul and 6:30 p.m. Aug, and the Desert Loop Trail will close at 7:30 p.m. Jun-Jul and 6:30 p.m. Aug.
Shopping and Dining Closing Times
The Mountain House Gift Shop (near the entrance) is open until 10:00 p.m.
The Ironwood Gift Shop (near the restaurant complex) is open until 10:00 p.m.
The Ocotillo Café is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
The Ironwood Terraces Restaurant is open from 11:00 a.m.. until 9:00 p.m.
Phoebé’s Coffee Bar is open throughout the day until 10:00 p.m..
A few menu items from the Ocotillo Café
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| (gf) Birria — Slow cooked beef on corn tortillas with pepperjack cheese, served with cilantro, onion, radish and consume for dipping | Southwest Bbq Burger — prime rib steak burger, pineapple braised pork, pepperjack cheese, red onion, and house made chipotle Dr. Pepper barbeque sauce, served on grilled bun with roasted jalapeno | Chef’s Sonoran Dawg — All beef frank wrapped with applewood smoked bacon, topped with pinto beans, blended cheese, fresh salsa fresca, mustard, and charred jalapeno aioli on a fresh house baked bolillo roll | (gf) Sopes — Lightly fried masa shells, with refried beans, shredded chicken, cotija cheese, cilantro, radish, and topped with salsa verde |
PRO TIP
Please remember: rattlesnakes are more active as it gets dark. They are important members of our natural environment but if you spot one, please alert any volunteer or staff member and maintain your distance. Make sure to be alert of where you place your hands & feet. Thank you!
Find My Music!
Weekly Themes & Activity Schedule
Activity schedules subject to additions and changes — check back often for the latest updates!
June 6 — World Ocean Night
Start off the summer with a trip to the beach! Explore desert-ocean connections at World Oceans Night at the Desert Museum, with interactive activities, expert lectures, and the ever-popular Stingray Touch! Bring your flashlight and explore, experience live animal encounters, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, feel the touch of a stingray, and more!
Signature Drink — Ocean Breeze: Vodka, Grapefruit Juice, Cranberry Juice, Club Soda
- Travels in the Sea of Cortez
- Julie Xelowski-Brooker presents exceprts from her sailing log.
- Ecological Health of the Gulf of California
- Ben Wilder talks about his work examining the health of this unique and vital body of water.
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Conservation Activities and Information
- Hands-on activities and education from:
Desert Dolphins, Dive Shop, UA-MACS, Biosphere 2, and CEDO - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Eugene Boronow
- Enjoy music from this "Sophisti-Folk" musician.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
June 13 — Astronomy Night
Tucson is arguably the best city for stargazing in the United States. View the wonders of the night skies at one of our telescope stations and enjoy space-themed activities! Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, feel the touch of a stingray, and learn more about star maps from our Docents.
Signature Drink — Lost in Space Martini: Orange infused Vodka, Triple Sec, Orange punch
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Natalie Pohanic
- Dance under the stars while listening to the Dream Folk sounds of this local Song Lady.
- 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
June 20 — Desert Dwellers
The desert comes alive at night as nocturnal animals awake. Bats perform aerial acrobatics in pursuit of dinner, beavers splash around in their pond, and scorpions glow green under black light. Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, feel the touch of a stingray, or participate in special nightly activities. First 250 guests (starting at 6:00 p.m.) receive a FREE blacklight flashlight!
Signature Drink — Bobcat Strawberry Mule: Vodka, Strawberry Syrup, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Nicosa
- This Oracle-based musician brings Indie Rock, and Latin Pop to the desert.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
June 27 — Western Night
Signature Drink — Sweet Tea Mojito: Mint infused Vodka, Lemonade, Iced Tea
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Mamma Coal
- The sounds of Country and Americana music set the mood for tonight!
Website - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Presentation in the Warden Oasis Theater
- Mr Johnson Sr., Tohono O'odham Cowboy/Rancher.
- 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Presentation: Ranching and Conservation in the Altar Valley
- Cool off in the Warden Oasis Theater while listening to this presentation by Sarah King from the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance.
Sarah became the Alliance's Executive Director in 2020. She joined the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance staff team in 2011 as the Community Outreach and Education Coordinator, and also served as the Alliance's Program Director for several years. Sarah lives in the Altar Valley, where she lives and works on the King's Anvil Ranch, with her husband, Joe. They have two kids, who are the 5th generation to live on the Anvil Ranch, which was founded in 1895. Sarah received her degree in history from Davidson College in 2008. Prior to working with the Alliance, she was a backcountry horseback guide on guest ranches in Montana and Arizona. Sarah cares deeply about collaborative conservation in the Altar Valley, and the future of the valley as an open, working landscape. - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
July 4 — The Magic of Monsoons
Incredible lightning storms and the intoxicating aroma of creosote after the first rain are two of our favorite things about Monsoon! Meet experienced storm chasers and photographers and learn about this summertime season. Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, and feel the touch of a stingray.
Signature Drink — Electric Lemonade: Vodka, Blue Curacao, lemonade, topped w/ sprite
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Asphalt Astronaut
- Asphalt Astronaut is an ambient pop music artist from Tucson, AZ, taking inspiration from artists like Ethel Cain, Mitski, and Daughter.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
July 11 — Radical Reptiles
All things reptilian are in the spotlight tonight! Learn about the Tortoise Adoption Program and meet some of the tortoises available for adoption. There will also be a mini Plant Sale featuring several desert-adapted plants. Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, and feel the touch of a stingray.
Signature Drink — Snake in the Grass: Vodka, Creme de menthe, Lemonade, splash of lime
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Halsero
- Slither and glide to the Hip Hop, and Dance/Electronic sounds of this Tucson-based Beatmaker.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
July 18 — Rocks and Stars
Round two of celebrating the spectacular starry skies, but this time we're sprinkling in some extra stardust (aka music and minerals)! View the wonders of the night skies at one of our telescope stations and enjoy space-themed lectures, live rock music, and visiting our friends from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society. Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, and feel the touch of a stingray.
Signature Drink — Desert Starlight: Silver Rum, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Grenadine
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Jacob Acosta
- Rock out under the stars with this international "Country Pop/ Zonafolk" recording and performing artist based in Tucson, Arizona with a musical degree in classical guitar and education.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
July 25 — Taste the Desert
Discover the Flavors and Traditions of the Sonoran Desert! Ever baked with mesquite flour or tasted pickled cholla buds? These unique desert ingredients aren’t just delicious — they can boost food security, improve health, and protect the environment. Join us for a flavorful celebration of the Sonoran Desert’s rich food heritage! Sample creative bites from local chefs featuring desert-adapted ingredients and learn about the history and future of desert foodways. Come explore how the resilient flavors of the desert can nourish both the body and the land. You can also bring home a pepper plant from our Plant Sale!
Signature Drink — Great Horned Owl: Spiced Rum, Butterscotch Schnapps, Peach Brandy, Ginger Schnapps
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Unified Field Theory
- Groove to the Jazz sounds of this local band.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
August 1 — Insectopia
Let’s celebrate incredible insects and amazing arthropods! The Sonoran Desert is a hot spot of insect diversity and this is your chance to meet them. Get a bugs-eye view of many of the million species of arthropods that make the Sonoran Desert their home. Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, and feel the touch of a stingray. First 250 guests (starting at 6:00 p.m.) receive a FREE blacklight flashlight! What glowing insects will you discover throughout the night?
Signature Drink — Bee's Stinger: Jalapeno infused Vodka, Lemon Juice, honey lemon syrup
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Desert Music Project
- Enjoy the multi-genre instrumental tones of this duo.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
August 8 — Wolf Night
Signature Drink — Grey Wolf Paloma: Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, Agave Syrup
- 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
August 15 — Bat Night
Are you feeling batty? Come celebrate the only flying mammals — bats! The evening will be filled with fun, educational activities, talks, and crafts designed to help you better appreciate these amazing aerial acrobats! Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a local beer and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, and feel the touch of a stingray.
Signature Drink — Bat Bite: Malibu, Cold Brew Coffee, Vanilla Syrup
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Unified Field Theory
- Groove to the Jazz sounds of this local band.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
August 22 — Dino Night
Signature Drink — Jurassic Punch: Vodka, Fruit Punch
- 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Music by Jacob Acosta
- Travel back in time with this international "Country Pop/ Zonafolk" recording and performing artist based in Tucson, Arizona with a musical degree in classical guitar and education.
Website - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Art Exhibits
- Make sure to check out the current art exhibits in the Ironwood Gallery and the Baldwin Education Building!
- 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stingray Touch Exhibit
- Admission: $2 Members / $4 Non-members
Visitors are able to create their own moments with these captivating creatures at the Stingray Touch experience. The pool features cow nose stingrays that guests can interact with. Be touched by a ray! - 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Packrat Playhouse
- This indoor play space allows children to discover the desert through the eyes of a packrat! Packrat Playhouse may reach capacity. 30-minute reserved play times are available at the Packrat Playhouse entrance.
- Throughout the Night
- Look for Museum Docents around the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
August 29 — Teacher Appreciation Night
Signature Drink — Prickly Pear Mimosa: Champagne, Orange Juice, Prickly Pear Syrup
