Catalina Nights
Catalina State Park
First, Third and Fifth Fridays of the Month Varies by Date
Night hiking is an exciting way to experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies. On a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail, learn about the desert’s nocturnal animals like scorpions and bats. Enjoy a constellation tour featuring a variety of cultures and astronomy facts. Please bring a flashlight and a jacket. Caution: The hike begins and ends on a steep hill with slippery gravel. Children ages 5 years old and up are welcome to participate. The hike will take approximately 1.5 hours.
Meet at the main trailhead parking lot near the restrooms. Program is fee but standard park entry fees apply or bring your Arizona State Parks annual pass. Event is weather permitting.
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Registration is required. Register here and search "Catalina" for the events.
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| October 2, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. |
| October 16, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. |
| October 30, 2026 - 6:30 p.m. |
| November 6, 2026 - 6 p.m. |
| November 20, 2026 - 6 p.m. |
| December 4, 2026 - 5:45 p.m. |
| December 18, 2026 - 5:45 p.m. |
| January1, 2027 - 6 p.m. |
| January 15, 2027 - 6 p.m. |
| February 5, 2027 - 6:30 p.m. |
| February 19, 2027 - 6:30 p.m. |
| March 5, 2027 - 7 p.m. |
| March 19, 2027 - 7 p.m. |
| April 2, 2027 - 7:30 p.m. |
| April 16, 2027 - 7:30 p.m. |
| May 7, 2027 - 7:45 p.m. |
| May 21, 2027 - 7:45 p.m. |
| June 4, 2027 - 8 p.m. |
| June 18, 2027 - 8 p.m. |
| July 2, 2027 - 7:45 p.m. |
| July 16, 2027 - 7:45 p.m. |
| August 6, 2027 - 7:30 p.m. |
| August 20, 2027 - 7:30 p.m. |
| September 3, 2027 - 7 p.m. |
| September 17, 2027 - 7 p.m. |
| October 1, 2027 - 6:30 p.m. |
| October 15, 2027 - 6:30 p.m. |
| October 29, 2027 - 6:30 p.m. |
| November 5, 2027 - 6 p.m. |
| November 19, 2027 - 6 p.m. |
| December 17, 2027 - 5:45 p.m. |
| December 31, 2027 - 5:45 p.m. |
MORE EVENTS
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Saturdays, July 4 - September 26
Monsoon Magic
Did you know Arizona actually has five seasons? Monsoon Magic is an interactive nature exhibit where you’ll learn about the wildlife and meteorology of the southwest’s rainy season.
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Saturdays (September-October)
Introduction to Birding by Ear
Listen for birds, learn their common sounds, and grow familiar with your local birdlife. All skill levels are welcome!
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Saturdays, October - April
Saturday Nature Program at Catalina State Park
Learn about the fascinating Sonoran Desert at this family-friendly program featuring live reptiles!
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Oct. 3 | Oct. 17 | Nov. 7
Music in the Mountains Concert Series
Celebrate Arizona’s vibrant music scene with a breathtaking view of the mountains! Please bring a chair, and feel free to bring food, drinks, and your best dance moves.
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Sunday, October 4, 2026
Everyone Runs Trail Race
Challenge yourself to a trail race at your own pace! Multiple race options and packages are available.
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First and third Mondays, October - April
Catalina State Park - Past, Present, Future
Join one of our park volunteers to explore the history of Catalina State Park and its surroundings from the 1850s to today, and get a sneak peek of exciting upgrades planned.
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2nd & 4th Fridays, October 9 - April 23
Nature Journaling at Catalina State park
Learn the practices of Nature Journaling through focused observations of the flora, fauna and geology while connecting to the beauty of Catalina State Park.
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Oct 10 | Dec 11 | Feb 13 | Apr 24
Star Party at Catalina State Park
Imagine what you can see with telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at Catalina State Park! Join us for an exciting, educational Star Party!
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Sun, Weds and Select Mon, Oct 18 - May 17
Guided Bird Walks at Catalina
Located in the Tucson Sky Islands Important Bird Area, Catalina State Park is home to 150+ species of birds. Experienced birding guides will help you spot and identify beautiful birds as you walk through the park for 3-4 hours. This is an Outdoors250 event.
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Sundays - check dates in description
Sunday Geology Walk at Catalina
How were the Santa Catalina Mountains formed? What are some of the different rocks in the park? Learn about the geology of the park with experienced geologist, Karen.
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First Saturdays of the Month (October-May)
Buffel Slayers
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
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Second and fourth Mondays, through May
Romero Site Interpretive Hike
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. The Romero Ruins Trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. There are no restrooms on-site. There is no shade on the trail so please bring plenty of water and sun protection like a hat and an umbrella. Limited to 20 people: first come, first served. Meet at the Romero Ruins Ramada. This is an Outdors250 event.
