The highly anticipated Tucson Meet Yourself festival returns to downtown Tucson this Friday, October 4, 2024. Celebrating local culture, the three-day event will feature live performances, diverse food vendors, and folklife exhibits.
Road closures begin tomorrow, affecting traffic throughout the weekend, but festival-goers can enjoy free transit options for easy access.
What to Expect at Tucson Meet Yourself
Since 1974, Tucson Meet Yourself has been a beloved event, spotlighting Tucson’s multicultural heritage.
Attendees can immerse themselves in the flavors, sounds, and traditions of the city’s diverse communities. From live folk music to dance performances and craft exhibitions, this year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of local culture.
The festival runs from Friday, October 4, through Sunday, October 6, in downtown Tucson. Organized by the Southwest Folklife Alliance, the event showcases food, music, dance, and art from Tucson’s many cultural groups.
- When: Friday, Oct. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024
- Where: Downtown Tucson
- What: Food, music, dance, and folk arts from Tucson’s diverse cultures
Road Closures: Plan Your Trip
With thousands of visitors expected, several downtown streets will be closed to make space for festival activities. Road closures will start tomorrow, October 1, and last until early Monday morning, October 7. Here’s a breakdown of which roads will be closed and when:
Road |
Closure Period |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pennington St. (Church to Scott) | Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. – Monday, Oct. 7, 4 a.m. | Closed to all travel. |
| Stone Ave. (Alameda to Congress) | Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. – Monday, Oct. 7, 4 a.m. | Alameda intersection remains open. |
| Church Ave. (Pennington to Alameda) | Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. – Monday, Oct. 7, 4 a.m. | Closed to all travel. |
| Church Ave. (Congress to Alameda) | Friday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. – Monday, Oct. 7, 4 a.m. | Congress intersection remains open. |
Additional Advisory: Ongoing construction on Stone Avenue may result in further road restrictions between Broadway and McCormick Street. Motorists are advised to expect delays and plan accordingly.
Stay Safe and Aware
For the safety of all, visitors should obey traffic signs and instructions from personnel guiding traffic. Whether driving, biking, or walking, caution is encouraged when navigating around the festival area.
Free Transit Options: Sun Tran and Sun Link
To ease the inconvenience of road closures, Sun Tran is offering free bus fares throughout the weekend. Riders can take any Sun Tran route serving downtown to get to the festival.
For those staying late, the Sun Link streetcar is a great alternative, as most buses stop running before 9 p.m. The streetcar conveniently connects festival-goers to key locations downtown, including the Tucson Convention Center (TCC) and the Mercado District.
Sun Link Streetcar Stops:
- Granada/Cushing Street (for the TCC)
- Avenida del Convento/Congress Street (for Mercado District)
With free transit and easy access via the streetcar, attendees can enjoy a worry-free visit to the festival without the hassle of parking or navigating road closures.
Enjoy Your Weekend
Tucson Meet Yourself offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant and diverse cultures.
Whether you’re attending for the food, music, or arts, make sure to plan ahead for road closures and take advantage of the free public transit options.
Enjoy the festivities and be part of this community celebration!
Sources: THX News & City of Tucson.
