CATALYST Fall Events

Since its establishment in 2019 by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), CATALYST Creative Collective has been Tucson’s premier space for creative connection and community celebration.

Located in Tucson Mall, CATALYST hosts music and dance recitals, art workshops, culinary classes, gallery openings, fundraisers, and much more.With over 14,000 square feet of versatile space, CATALYST offers flexible-use rooms, high-speed WIFI, vibrant art installations, and everything you need to bring your creative vision to life. Whether you’re planning an intimate workshop or a large fundraising event for up to 200 guests, our community hub is ready to welcome you.

Join us at one of our many upcoming events or partner with us in 2025 to make your creative projects a reality!

Available Spaces to Rent Onsite Meeting with Remote Meeting Capacity | Special Dinners, Fundraising Events, and Group Outings | Private Functions | Summer Camps | Classes & Instruction | Movie Screenings | Coworking | Performing Arts Rehearsal and Recital Space |Film, Podcast, and Music Production Space

Location

CATALYST Creative Collective
4500 N Oracle Rd Suite 110, Tucson, AZ 85705 
1st Floor of the Tucson Mall in between Sears and Dillards

VENUE AND SPECIAL EVENT RENTAL OPTIONSCATALYST ONLINE EVENTS CALENDARQUESTIONS ABOUT CATALYST?August is full of exciting new partnerships and creative happenings at CATALYST! We’re thrilled to welcome Uniquely Made Cookies to the CATALYST Kitchen—offering 100% vegan, locally made treats for pop-ups, events, and custom orders. Our August Artist-in-Residence, The Tucson Tasty Show, will host a series of free culinary workshops and live tapings that highlight the vibrant food scene in Southern Arizona. From dance rehearsals and family-friendly art nights to producer meetups and weaving drop-ins, our calendar is packed with opportunities to learn, create, and connect. Plus, free music classes with Tucson Youth Music are open for registration, and we’re seeking volunteers to support their growing program each week at CATALYST!

Welcome new Culinary Partner UNIQUELY MADE COOKES!

We are excited to welcome Uniquely Made Cookies as a culinary partner in the CATALYST Kitchen! Created by Tucson-native baker Unique, these 100% vegan cookies are anything but ordinary—each cookie is dairy-free and egg-free and handcrafted with local love. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat at an upcoming pop-up or planning a special event, Uniquely Made Cookies has you covered. Custom orders (minimum one dozen per flavor) are perfect for dessert tables, grab-and-go options, or memorable gift bags. MORE INFO: www.uniquelymadecookies.com

August Artist-in-Residence THE TUCSON TASTY SHOW

The Tucson Tasty Show explores the culinary and restaurant community in Southern Arizona and their goal is to highlight local chefs, bakers, wine makers, and coffee roasters. Whether a household name or just getting started, The Tasty Show interviews anyone who is creating something in the Tucson culinary scene! Listen to the show on iHeart Radio as well as Fox11, ABC, The CW, and Arizona58.  For the month of August, the Tasty Show will be hosting workshops, classes, demos and even live tapings of the radio show! 

FREE WORKSHOPS WITH LOCAL CULINARY ARTISANS

Sat Aug 2       2-3pm | Barrio Bread Workshop Wed Aug 6     4-5pm | Page Springs Cellars Workshop Thu Aug 7       4-5pm | Small Business Financial Literacy Series Wed Aug 13   1-2pm | Ignite Food Service Demo Thu Aug 14     4-5pm | Small Business Financial Literacy Series Thu Aug 21     4-5pm | Small Business Financial Literacy Series Mon Aug 25   11am-12pm | Button Brew demo Wed Aug 27   1-2pm | Mouth of the South salsa workshop Thu Aug 28     4-5pm | Small Business Financial Literacy Series    RSVP: https://www.thetastyshow.com/event-list  www.thetastyshow.com

UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS

Esperanza Dance Project – Call for Dancers

Mondays and Thursdays from 6-9pm Join this powerful community of movers using dance, multimedia, and storytelling to spark conversation and healing around childhood sexual trauma. Open to dancers ages 14+, rehearsals take place Mondays and Thursdays from 6–9 PM here at CATALYST Creative Collective inside Tucson Mall.Whether you’re driven by performance, purpose, or a passion for change—this is your call to action. Email esperanzadanceproject@gmail.com for more info! MORE INFO

Art Mixer – A Unique Paint and Sip Experience

A unique paint and sip experience. Please call Art Mixer at 520-490-9400 to book your painting appointments or group events, either in our studio inside CATALYST or at your own venue. BYOB after 4pm and you may bring nonalcoholic beverages and snacks anytime. Appointments are highly recommended! Friday, September 5 from 5:30pm – 9pm | Kid’s Night in/Parent’s Night Out!

MORE INFO

Tucson Music Producer Bring Your Own Gear Meetup

August 101-5pm FREEThe Tucson Ableton Live User Group is hosting a BYOG (Bring Your Own Gear) Meetup! Tucson-based musicians, DJs, producers, sound enjoyers, noise freaks, DAWless divas, and hardware heads are invited to come hang and conjure forbidden waveforms and connect with the community! Show off new tracks you’re working on, improvise, collaborate, teach, and lean. This is an opportunity to not only show off your gear, but more importantly what can do with it. Table space and power will be provided, as well as a PA for shared use. We recommend bringing your own cables along with headphone (or small speakers) for setting up your own sound island. All ages and skill levels welcome! Questions? Email kevin@saaca.org 

Grow your HUSTL

August 135:30-7pmFREEReady to kickstart your side hustle? Hosted by HUSTL Financial, this is your chance to learn how to Grow or launch your hustle with a rock-solid financial foundation! Whether you’re a freelancer, solopreneur, or dreaming of a side gig, this workshop will give you practical tools to succeed. Bring your hustle ideas and let’s make them happen!  Questions? Contact us at angie@hustlfinancial.com MORE INFO

Community Craft Closet with The Cinnamon Girls 

August 16 | Weaving3:30pm – 6:30pm FREE

Led by Tina Howard and Caroline Gardner—collectively known as The Cinnamon Girls, a Craft Conspiracy—the Community Craft Closet is an open and inclusive fiber arts initiative designed to make textile-based arts accessible to all. Drop in to gather free materials, donate supplies, or enjoy live demonstrations of weaving, spinning, knitting, crochet, felting, and visible mending. Whether you’re a seasoned fiber artist or just getting started, this is a space to learn, create, and connect with others in a welcoming environment. Follow the Cinnamon Girls on Instagram:@cinnamongirlscc

Baking Around the World: Homeschool Program with Antsy Nancy

Fridays from August through December10am-12:30pmAntsy Nancy has partnered with CATALYST to offer our monthly baking programs to home school families. Students will register for the multi-week program with a different theme each month! The Homeschool Program is ideal for ages 6+, but each child is different and has different experience levels and needs. Please contact Antsy Nancy with questions or concerns.  MORE INFO

Emerging Wisdom: Conversations and Creativity Around Menopause August 23 & 30 | 3pm – 6pmEmerging Wisdom: a bilingual offering of creativity and conversation to bring women of all ages to share their stories in a safe and supportive space. Let’s break the stigma, connect together with one another & challenge the cultural gaps in knowledge, care, and empathy surrounding menopause and aging. Una oferta bilingüe de creatividad y conversación para reunir a mujeres de todas las edades para compartir sus historias en un espacio seguro y de apoyo.Rompamos el estigma, conectémonos unos con otros y desafiemos las brechas culturales en el conocimiento, la atención y la empatía que rodean la menopausia y el envejecimiento.MORE INFO

HealthRhythms Group Drumming with AARP

September 3 | 10:30am – 11:30am

Join AARP Arizona for a fun, free and interactive drum circle led by a trained HealthRythms facilitator. HealthRythms has been proven to reduce stress levels, boost the immune system, and promote joy and a sense of well-being. No musical experience required, if you have a heartbeat- you can drum! Please bring your own drum if you have one, and limited drums will be provided.MORE INFO

Wood Burning and Leather Working class with Lorelai’s Literary Foundation  

September 13 | 1-3pm

Adventures in Art with Lorelai’s Literary Foundations. Learn how to make art on both wood and leather mediums. Guest instructor Avery Claridge walks you through the process of turning wood and leather into something beautiful and striking. Participants can choose wood, leather, or both (for an extra fee)! Cost is $25 per project and includes the use of tools, personal instruction from our teacher, and either a wood piece or leather belt to take home with you after the class. Text ADVENTURE to 520-900-2170 or comment here for more information and to reserve your spot! Walk-ins will be welcome, but supplies may be limited.

A Taste of the Caribbean: A Culinary Experience with The Tie Kitchen

September 13 | 5-7pm

Presented by the CATALYST Creative Collective & The Tie Kitchen in association with Vertigo Wines. Join us on Friday, September 13 for a vibrant and flavorful evening celebrating Caribbean cuisine and culture.This special dinner experience features a thoughtfully curated menu by Chef Alex of The Tie Kitchen, whose passion for Caribbean flavors will transport your taste buds to the islands. The evening will be infused with warmth, hospitality, and culinary storytelling, elevating food into a powerful form of cultural expression.PricingEarly Bird (August 8–16): $80/personGeneral Admission (After August 16): $125/personPre-paid reservations onlyRSVP at 520-348-5420 or visit www.thetiekitchen.comMORE INFO

Free Music Lessons with Tucson Youth Music 

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays3:30-6:30pm Tucson Youth Music is now enrolling for their 2025–2026 program year, with free classes beginning September 2, 2025! This long-standing Tucson-based nonprofit offers free music education to children across the community, led by high-quality music teachers in a safe, nurturing environment. Whether your child is just beginning their musical journey or ready to build on their skills, Tucson Youth Music offers a joyful, supportive place to grow. MORE INFO

Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra 

CATALYST is proud to partner with the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra for their 2025-26 season, Symphonic Echoes. From soaring romantic melodies to captivating modern soundscapes, each performance will take you on a journey through the depth of human experience — expressed in a way only music can. Rehearsals are held at CATALYST and performances take place at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucson and DesertView Performing Arts Center in SaddleBrooke. MORE INFO

VOLUNTEER AT CATALYSTSAACA is working to coordinate volunteer docents with CATALYST Creative partner Tucson Youth Music (TYM), a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to music education for Tucson’s underserved youth that provides free music classes at CATALYST three days a week. TYM is in need of volunteers to help check students in and out of class at CATALYST in the Tucson Mall. Docents will also help monitor family waiting areas and classrooms and assist with registration and equipment lending. Please visit the sign-up link below for more information. Fall Schedule (Starting in September) Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 3:15pm – 6:30pm VOLUNTEER