Main Gate Square
A lively urban hub near the University of Arizona, buzzing with global eateries, specialty shops, and late-night entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free outdoor movies & jazz concerts
Main Gate Square
Best Time
Free outdoor movies & jazz concerts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively urban hub near the University of Arizona, buzzing with global eateries, specialty shops, and late-night entertainment.
"Awesome place to be. Lots of college folks everywhere. It's a good time!"
🎯 Parking App Essential
Download 'GoTucson Parking' to pay for parking and avoid $75 tickets. Meters also available.
🚗 Ride the Streetcar
Use the Sun Link Streetcar to easily access Main Gate Square and other downtown areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woops! BakeShop
Main Gate Square
Indulge in delicate French macarons and delicious pastries, a sweet treat near campus.
The Loft Cinema Outdoor Screenings
oLiv Courtyard, Main Gate Plaza
Enjoy free film screenings under the stars during summer evenings, a perfect blend of movie magic and Tucson nights.
Fox in a Box Escape Room
Main Gate Square
Test your wits and teamwork in thrilling escape room challenges, a fun adventure for groups.
Diverse Global Eateries
Main Gate Square
Savor a world of flavors, from Indian butter chicken to poke bowls and French-inspired bakeries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate Parking Hassles
Embrace the Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Parking App Essential
Download 'GoTucson Parking' to pay for parking and avoid $75 tickets. Meters also available.
🚗 Ride the Streetcar
Use the Sun Link Streetcar to easily access Main Gate Square and other downtown areas.
🎶 Summer Concerts
Enjoy free live jazz concerts on Friday evenings during the summer.
☕ Coffee & Macarons
Grab a coffee and try the famous macarons at Woops! BakeShop. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Parking App Essential
Download 'GoTucson Parking' to pay for parking and avoid $75 tickets. Meters also available.
🚗 Ride the Streetcar
Use the Sun Link Streetcar to easily access Main Gate Square and other downtown areas.
🎶 Summer Concerts
Enjoy free live jazz concerts on Friday evenings during the summer.
☕ Coffee & Macarons
Grab a coffee and try the famous macarons at Woops! BakeShop.
🎲 Board Games & Coffee
Snakes & Lattes offers food, coffee, and a fun selection of board games.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Main Gate Square is a vibrant hub praised for its lively atmosphere, diverse dining options, and engaging entertainment, especially its free summer concerts and outdoor movies. While parking can be a challenge, the convenient streetcar access and abundance of unique shops and eateries make it a popular destination for students and locals alike.
"Great live music venues. The sound is amazing"
Amy Pedata
"Awesome place to be. Lots of college folks everywhere. It's a good time! 😁
P. S. Download the "GoTucson Parking" app on your smartphone for paid parking, which is typically during business hours. Parking is roughly $1 to $3. Otherwise suffer a $75 parking ticket! You can also use your card or coins at the parking meter. Paid parking is for 30 mins to 2 hours max."
Jesus Is Lord
"Since my boyfriend brought me here, I have been obsessed with this place. This is an amazing shopping center. There are a bunch of cute boutiques, cafés, and diverse types of restaurants. They also offer jazz concerts during the summer. One of my favorite parts is the fact that the streetcar goes straight through Main Gate Square so I can ride to any part of downtown Tucson I want to go. Many of the reviews on here are unfair because they are reviewing an individual restaurant rather than the shopping center itself as a whole."
Kitty Leen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Main Gate Square is easily accessible by car, and the Sun Link Streetcar stops directly at the Main Gate Sun Link Station, making it convenient for exploring downtown Tucson.
Yes, paid parking is available during business hours. Use the 'GoTucson Parking' app or meters to pay. Expect to pay $1-$3 for short stays. Avoid tickets by paying promptly.
The Sun Link Streetcar generally runs every 15 minutes, with increased frequency to every 10 minutes during peak hours. Check their schedule for exact times.
If you are near the University of Arizona campus, Main Gate Square is a pleasant walk away. It's located along University Boulevard.
The area is generally pedestrian-friendly. The Sun Link Streetcar is also accessible. Specific venue accessibility may vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Main Gate Square is an open public area. Individual shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues within the square will have their own admission policies or cover charges.
There are no general entrance fees for Main Gate Square itself. However, specific events like outdoor movie screenings or concerts may have associated costs or require advance booking. +1
Hours vary by establishment, but many shops and restaurants stay open late, especially catering to the university crowd. It's best to check individual business hours. +1
Yes, Main Gate Square frequently hosts free events such as summer jazz concerts and outdoor movie screenings presented by The Loft Cinema. +1
For Fox in a Box Escape Room, it's recommended to book your session in advance online through their website to secure your preferred time slot. +1
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Main Gate Square boasts a diverse culinary scene, featuring global eateries like Indian restaurants, poke bowls, French bakeries, and cafes.
Yes, you'll find a variety of specialty shops and cute boutiques offering fashion, gifts, and more, perfect for browsing.
Woops! BakeShop is renowned for its macarons and pastries, while Espresso Art Cafe offers great coffee.
Snakes & Lattes is a popular spot that combines food, coffee, and a wide selection of board games for a fun social experience.
Locals often recommend Jimmy's Pita and Poke for their delicious bowls and HeeMee Coffee + Bakery for its sweet treats and coffee.
🎫 ✨ Entertainment & Activities
Main Gate Square offers a range of entertainment, including live music, outdoor movie screenings by The Loft Cinema, and interactive escape rooms like Fox in a Box. +2
Yes, The Blind Pig is a popular bar in Main Gate Square, offering a lively atmosphere, especially for those associated with the University of Arizona.
Absolutely! Main Gate Square hosts free summer jazz concerts and outdoor movie nights, making it a great spot for affordable entertainment. +1
Fox in a Box offers themed escape rooms where you solve puzzles and challenges to 'escape' within a time limit, perfect for team-building or a fun outing. +2
Outdoor movie screenings and board game cafes like Snakes & Lattes can be enjoyable for families. The general atmosphere is also welcoming. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider visiting Snakes & Lattes for a fun afternoon of board games and snacks, which can keep children entertained for hours. Many of the restaurants offer casual dining options suitable for younger palates.💰 Budget Travelers
👫 Couples
+1 Alternatively, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the diverse international restaurants, followed by a stroll through the lively square. The summer jazz concerts also provide a lovely ambiance for a date night. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The University of Arizona Connection
This close relationship is evident in the types of businesses found here, from casual eateries and bars to shops selling university merchandise and apparel. The Sun Link Streetcar further solidifies this connection, providing a direct and convenient link between the university campus and other key areas of Tucson, making Main Gate Square an easily accessible destination for anyone looking to experience the university's surrounding culture.
A Culinary Adventure
+1 For a more savory experience, Jimmy's Pita and Poke offers delicious bowls, while HeeMee Coffee + Bakery provides a delightful combination of baked goods and coffee. Beyond these highlights, explore numerous other cafes and restaurants that serve diverse palates. Whether you're craving a quick bite between classes or a leisurely dinner, Main Gate Square's restaurant scene is sure to satisfy. Don't forget to check out spots like The Blind Pig for happy hour specials.
Entertainment Under the Stars & Beyond
+1 These events are perfect for a relaxed evening, often accompanied by food vendors. Additionally, the Main Gate Concert Series features free live music, adding a melodic backdrop to your evenings. For those seeking a more interactive thrill, Fox in a Box Escape Room provides challenging puzzles and immersive scenarios that test your problem-solving skills.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit