Happy Tuesday, Tucson. In today’s edition: Vintage jewelry sale, breakfast with Santa, an evening with Suzy Bogguss: a swingin’ little Christmas, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Southern Arizona government roundup: Facing marathon meetings, Pima County supervisors are set to pilot study sessions. Tucson was set to swear in Kevin Dahl, Selina Barajas and Miranda Schubert as councilmembers on Tuesday — read the full roundup.

Safeguarding lungs in drylands: The University of Arizona has secured a five-year, $14.8 million federal grant to study and mitigate hazardous dust and fungal spores from mine tailings affecting Arizona mining communities — learn more about the projects.

Shifting priorities in higher ed: Arizona’s public universities are reworking enrollment strategies after record years. UA is shrinking for student success, ASU grows via online programs, and NAU stabilizes with graduate and regional investments — see how each university adapts.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate the 31st Downtown Parade of Lights
• Celebrate Frontier Holidays at Presidio Museum
• Attend the free Holidaze Bash IV
• Stroll 4th Avenue’s 56th Winter Street Fair
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Major water recycling push: Tucson is moving ahead with a “toilet-to-tap” project, seeking a firm to design and build an advanced purification plant that would treat 2.5 million gallons daily. The $86.7 million facility targets supply reliability (including PFAS-impacted areas) and Colorado River conservation, with a contract expected in spring 2026 and completion by June 2031. Read the full story.

A milestone for science: UA’s Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium turns 50 on Saturday, Dec. 13, and is celebrating with free admission, a kids’ animated show, and a star talk. A history exhibit runs through spring. For half a century, Flandrau has helped Tucson explore science, from ocean depths to outer space. Get details on the celebration.

Burrito craving unlocked: Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, Seis Kitchen rolls scratch-made burritos… think birria, adobo steak, and veg-friendly calabacitas, plus a legit breakfast burro lineup (El Jefe says hi). Feeling extra? El Capitán smothers sustainably sourced shrimp in red chile glory.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🏜️ Desert Museum Travel: Río Sonora Heritage Tour @ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | Wednesday (12/3) at 8:00am – Grab your passport and let the Desert Museum whisk you to Río Sonora for four days of missions, mezcal, and old-school hospitality. Think Magdalena to Baviácora, folklorico, farm-fresh meals, and stories from Jesús García and tour ace Stephen Bernier. Real, relaxed, unforgettable.

📚 History Social @ Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block | Thursday (12/4) at 5:30pm – Settle in for an evening of storytelling, culture, and Tucson history guided by Mauro Trejo IV, whose passion for local heritage makes every session feel like a behind-the-scenes tour. The monthly meetup continues while the Sosa-Carrillo House gets its glow-up, and each talk brings a fresh angle on the city’s layered past. It’s free, it’s fascinating, and it’s your chance to brush up on history the fun way.

🎄 An Evening with Suzy Bogguss: A Swingin’ Little Christmas @ Fox Tucson Theatre | Thursday (12/4) at 7:30pm – Holiday mood activated, courtesy of Suzy Bogguss and a swingin’ Nashville band. Expect Christmas standards, a few fresh originals, and the 90s hits you still know by heart, all wrapped in sing-alongs, sentiment, and that effortless voice. Ugly sweater optional, chair dancing encouraged.

🖼️ The Skin We Live In: Paintings, Prints, Photography, Drawings @ Pima Community College | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – If your idea of a good time is art that looks you in the eye, this group show delivers. Paintings, prints, photos, and drawings dig into bodies, identity, and desire, with visiting talent from Mexico City and Spain, thoughtful locals, and free admission, imagine that.

🛍️ Hermitage Night Market @ Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter | Friday (12/5) at 4:00pm – Kick off the holiday season with a cozy night market packed with over 15 local vendors and all the festive feels. It’s the perfect place to snag unique gifts, support small makers, and maybe say hello to a whiskered resident or two. Holiday shopping just got a little more fun.

This weekend

💍 Vintage Jewelry Sale @ Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church | Saturday (12/6) at 8:00am – Swing by Beautiful Savior on Thornydale for a vintage jewelry sale that puts the mall to shame. Think rings, earrings, necklaces, matching sets, and bracelets, all new in original boxes, plus watches and Christmas sparkle. Hosted by Joy Circle, with proceeds to charities.

🎅 Breakfast with Santa at Desert Farmer @ Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa | Saturday (12/6) at 8:00am – Skip the mall chaos and let Desert Farmer handle the holiday magic. Seasonal breakfast, cookie decorating, and a Polaroid with Santa, plus a frame kit so the kids can DIY the keepsake. Open to everyone, no reservations, just plenty of pancake-fueled holiday cheer.

🎉 Home for the Holidays Holiday Gala @ Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Trade errand-running for a festive luncheon with the Arizona Opera League of Tucson, complete with a three-course meal, wine pairings, and live arias. Bid a little, shop a little, support the upcoming season and statewide education programs.

🛍️ Dreamland Market @ Ramada Tucson | Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – Holiday shopping calls for local makers, cozy sips, and zero mall parking drama. Over by the Mercado on Cushing, this whimsical market serves handmade gifts, food trucks, music, and plenty of photo ops. Bring the kids, your bestie, and a tote, leave the stress.

📰 Tucson Weekly @ Fort Lowell Museum | Sunday (12/7) at 9:00am – Stretch your legs and your local cred on a leisurely, under-a-mile walk at Fort Lowell, back before Tucson had flyovers and fighter jets. Tour adobe ruins of the Quartermaster’s, Officers’ Quarters, barracks, and hospital, then enjoy the museum, admission included. Members $20, general $35.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 Heist @ Temple of Music and Art – 7:30 pm
• 12/3 Pedro the Lion and more @ Undertow – 8 pm
• 12/4 Golden Swarm Senior @ Northminster Presbyterian Church – 2 pm
• 12/4 Jacob Khalil @ The Century Room – 6:30 pm
• 12/4 A Year With Frog and Toad @ Live Theatre Workshop – 7 pm
• 12/5 Barnaby and the Butcher @ The Jackrabbit Lounge – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Holidays in Hawai’i @ Fox Tucson Theatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Emo Nite @ Club Congress – 9 pm
• 12/6 Mamma Coal and more @ Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium – 11:00 am
• 12/6 Holidaze Bash IV @ Union Public House – 1 pm