The US city of Tucson is celebrating its 250th Birthday in 2025, making it the best time to discover the distinct culinary culture, history and adventure offered by this Southern Arizona city, according to Visit Tucson.
Next year will mark 250 years since Tucson’s founding, which correlates to the founding of the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, in 1775.
Whilst Southern Arizona has undergone many changes since then, Tucson has maintained the multicultural roots the city was founded on 250 years ago.
A celebration will take place at the Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson on August 25, 2025 which will acknowledge the rich cultures of people who lived in the region over thousands of years, including the O’odham, Yaqui and Apache.
The free fiesta will feature performances that celebrate the variety of cultures that make the region special including mariachi, live music and dance. Furthermore, 2025 also marks 10 Years as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for Tucson.
The city’s culinary scene has evolved from thousands of years of agricultural history and a border that encompasses distinct Mexican and Native American traditions that led to its designation as the United States’ first UNESCO World City of Gastronomy in 2015 and its reputation as “America’s Best Mexican Food.” Visit Tucson launched America’s Best Mexican Food Field Guide this year, spotlighting a trail of local Mexican restaurants giving users a true taste of Tucson.
Tucson is also known for its Dark Sky and Astro Tourism. The Headquarters of Dark Sky International (formerly known as International Dark Sky Association), in the greater Tucson area has long been a haven for stargazers and astronomers alike. Visit Flandreau Science Center & Planetarium, Steward Observatory that celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2025 to learn about the university’s astronomy missions and other projects.
Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the city is surrounded by five mountain ranges that are perfect for adventure lovers. Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss a stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is widely recognized throughout the world as a model institution for innovative presentation and interpretation of native plants and animals featured together in ecological outdoor exhibits. Wildlife enthusiasts can indulge in birdwatching with over 500 species of birds just waiting to be spotted along the Tucson Birding Trail.
The Tucson Rodeo Parade turns 100 in 2025 and is set to take place on February 20, 2025. During the past 100 years, the Tucson Rodeo has become the largest outdoor winter rodeo and one of the top 25 rodeos in the United States.
For information on where to stay and how to explore Tucson, its food scene and the stunning Sonoran Desert, please visit https://www.visittucson.org/
