Tucson Presidio Museum
Cultural and Living History Events
Historic Re-enactment, Demonstrations, and Displays
The Presidio comes alive to give visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of Tucson’s residents during the late 18th-century New Spain Period and the 19th-century Mexican Republic and American Territorial Periods.
Fall Garrison Day
Saturday, October 24
10 am – 1 pm
Enjoy the opening of the Día de los Muertos Ofrenda Exhibition with musket and cannon demonstrations by the Presidio’s Spanish Garrison. More demonstrations TBA!
Presidio’s Frontier Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 5
10 am – 2 pm
Watch Carrillo K-5 Magnet School’s students perform Las Posadas (a singing procession of Mary and Joseph looking for lodging before the birth of Christ). The event will also include historic demonstrations, crafts for the whole family, and of course musket and cannon firings!
Frybread with sweet and savory toppings will be available for purchase by Sheri’s Traditional Foods
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Cultural Events
Celebration of S-cuk Son/Tucson 251+
Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 pm
Enjoy pop-up displays from historic and cultural organizations all around the museum accompanied by the music of Mambo Cat Trio. Brandylion Spirits will be open for business.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 12, 6 – 9 pm
Celebrate Tucson’s Mexican history and heritage with Ballet Folklorico and mariachi performances, along with a representative from the Mexican Consulate delivering the traditional cry for independence, El Grito! Finish the evening with a lecture on the history of El Grito by Dr. Luis Coronado Guel, Director, SBS Mexico Initiatives.
Día de los Muertos
Opening Reception Friday, Oct. 23, 5 – 8 pm
Join us for an opening reception for the annual Ofrenda Exhibition in partnership with Tucson-Mexico Sister Cities.
Saturday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
The Presidio Museum will host ofrendas created by the community. Presidio staff, board members, and volunteers will create public ofrendas to honor veterans, friends & family of the Tucson Presidio Trust, and pets.
Frontier Holiday Celebration
Sat, Dec. 5, 10 am – 2 pm
This year, we have the honor of joining Carrillo K-5 Magnet School in celebrating their 90th anniversary of Las Posadas (a singing procession of Mary and Joseph trying to find lodging before the birth of Christ performed by their students).
The event will also include historic demonstrations, crafts for the whole family, and of course musket and cannon firings!