Tucson’s 249-Year Legacy Celebrated at ‘All Things S-cuk Son’ Festivities

The 249th Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson is set to take place on Saturday evening at the Presidio Museum in Downtown Tucson. This event, organized by the Tucson-Pima Historical Commission, commemorates the founding of modern Tucson, marking the establishment of a Spanish fort near the Santa Cruz River in 1775.

Kicking off at 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy a performance by Mariachi Estrella Juvenil. Following this, a welcome and blessing will occur at 6:45 p.m., leading into a performance by the Kolencia Oficio Achalim Pascua Yaqui deer dancers at 7 p.m. Important to note, under Yaqui customs, photographing or recording the dancers is not permitted.

The festivities will continue with the Food Heroes Awards at 8 p.m., along with a special announcement from the Buffalo Soldiers: Southern Arizona Chapter. At 8:30 p.m., guests can witness a musket demonstration by the Presidio Garrison, followed by live music from Kevin Pakulis and Friends at 8:45 p.m.

Food options will include free eegees, along with tacos and fry bread available for purchase. Over 20 local organizations and associations will also be present, such as the Old Pascua Museum and the Yaqui Cultural Center, along with the Fort Lowell Cavalry.

Tucson’s “birthday,” or Founder’s Day, is celebrated on August 20, commemorating the selection of the Presidio of San Agustín del Tucson’s site by Spanish troops led by Don Hugo O’Conor in 1775. The 249th Celebration of All Things S-cuk Son/Tucson is a free, family-friendly event scheduled for Saturday, August 17, from 6-10 p.m. at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum, located at 196 N. Court Ave.