The DL: City center to simmer with Labor Day fun

If you're staying in town this holiday weekend, Downtown has plenty to keep you entertained, with food, music and more on the books. You'd have to work hard to not find something to enjoy over Labor Day.

Hotel Congress will have a variety of music every night as they celebrate HOCO Fest, with tunes to suit almost any taste. Friday night is Latin Night, one of the most popular annual events at Hotel Congress, featuring Sergio Mendoza, Camillo Lara from Mexican Institute of Sound, and Gabriel Sullivan, plus yet-to-be-named "surprise guests." HOCO Fest Saturday — completely free, by the way — kicks things off early with a Labor Day barbeque. Check out Art Mart, comprised of over 30 artisans on the plaza, and a dozen of Tucson's favorite musicians playing on both the indoor and outdoor stages. Yes, all for free. The HOCO party keeps going on Sunday, with more barbeque and music from The Frank and Woody Show, Chuck Wagon & the Wheels, Ned Sutton and the Rabbits, Scout Niblett, and other local and national acts.

Slightly quieter fun can be found around Downtown this weekend as well. Maynards Market and Kitchen continues their summer wine series with a tour of Anderson Valley wines paired with a three-course meal. After dinner, catch the Winding Road Theater Ensemble perform their interpretation of Joan Didion's bestselling memoir with a powerful one-woman play, "The Year of Magical Thinking," about a story about loss and grief and a 40-plus year marriage.

In the mood to dance? Many of Downtown's popular clubs will be rocking, with DJs at On A Roll Sushi, Playground and Zen Rock, both Friday and Saturday nights. If you want to enjoy the play but can't make it Friday night, catch "The Year of Magical Thinking" either Saturday and Sunday. Or enjoy dinner and music at Cushing Street Bar & Grill on Saturday night, as they present their weekly Saturday Jazz Showcase along with their award-winning drinks and fine cuisine.

Family friendly fun abounds on Sunday. Science Sundays at the Children's Museum Tucson gives kids of all ages the opportunity to interact with hands-on science fun. Admission is $2. Over at the Joel D. Valdez Main library, puzzle fans gather to trade their puzzles at the Puzzle Exchange. Also at the library, The Drawing Studio presents the Art of Summer Art Exhibit, a visual art immersion program for teens and youth.

As always, Downtown's 100-plus locally-owned stores and restaurants await, providing unique food, gifts, clothes and more. Next week, one more restaurant will be joining the  dining scene, as Good Oak Bar opens in the Rialto Block. More proof that if you're not Downtown, you're missing out.