Tucson Local Pulse

Tucson Festivals, Races, and Community Efforts - a Packed Weekend in the Old Pueblo


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Good morning, this is Tucson Local Pulse for Saturday, November 15, 2025.

We’re waking up today to a packed weekend and a city moving at full speed. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get right into it. Downtown is already buzzing as the Dusk Music Festival takes over Jacome Plaza—if you’re heading in that direction, be aware of major street closures. Stone Avenue from Alameda to Congress, and parts of Alameda, Church, and Pennington Streets, are blocked off through late Monday. The festival is drawing big crowds thanks to its blend of local bands and national acts, and this year, organizers are teaming up with the Greek Festival to boost security and traffic control. So, downtown is the place to be if you’re ready to dance or sample baklava.

On top of that, the Garmin Marathon Tucson Series is underway, with runners weaving through the city and more closures popping up along Congress, Granada, and the I-10 frontage road. These closures start before sunrise in some areas and last through the afternoon, so give yourself extra time if you’re downtown. If you get a chance to cheer on the runners, you’ll be supporting not only athletes but also local charities that benefit from the event.

The weather is perfect for outdoor events, starting cool in the mid-50s and climbing to a sunny, comfortable 74 degrees by midafternoon. Some light breezes could pick up dust, but overall, it’s a classic Tucson fall day—ideal for the marathon, festivals, and any outdoor family plans.

City Hall has been active this week. Tucson officials held a contentious public meeting with developers of Project Blue, the rumored Amazon data center complex near Valencia and Kolb. Residents voiced concerns about water use and transparency, but city leaders say the project will be water positive and won’t affect local electric rates. Still, many want clearer answers before the development moves forward.

Jobs and real estate continue to get a lot of attention. Tucson’s unemployment rate is holding steady at just over four percent, but many residents are voicing concern that wages aren’t keeping up with housing costs. The real estate market remains tight, with the median home price sitting just below three hundred and seventy thousand dollars. Several new apartment developments are breaking ground near Grant and Oracle, aiming to ease the housing crunch.

A highlight from our schools: The girls’ soccer team at Tucson High Magnet School took home the regional title last night, defeating Rincon with a score of three to one. Congratulations to the team for their skill and hard work.

On the business front, Cafe Ventana on Fourth Avenue is celebrating its grand opening this weekend, serving up locally roasted coffee and pastries—while we say a fond farewell to the historic Casa Fiesta Mexican Grill on Speedway, which closed its doors after nearly five decades.

Turning to public safety, Tucson police responded overnight to a burglary at a small electronics store on Broadway near Park Avenue. Officers made an arrest at the scene, and thankfully, no one was hurt. For the most part, violent crime has continued to trend downward this fall, according to new city data. Still, police remind us to stay vigilant, especially around crowded weekend events.

For the feel-good story of the day, volunteers from across Tucson will be gathering at Mission Gardens to plant heritage trees this morning. This community effort helps preserve Tucson’s natural history while strengthening ties between generations. If you’re looking for a way to give back, they’ll welcome more hands.

Other events to mark on your calendars—IMPACT Tucson is hosting a free school supply drive at Palo Verde Magnet High School today, and the Salvation Army’s community turkey drive continues on the northwest side as we gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday.

We love seeing Tucson come together—whether it’s for music, marathons, or making a difference. Thanks for tuning in to Local Pulse. Remember to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been Tucson Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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