Thrift Bus Tour | Tickets on Sale June 1

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Calling all Tucson Thrifters!

Join Goodwill of Southern Arizona as we partner with United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona to create a fun event that builds community and supports Opportunity Youth Programming.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 11am – 5:30pm

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We’ve curated an experience that goes beyond thrifting:

Join us as we go on a shopping spree to 4 Goodwill of Southern AZ stores on an air-conditioned Bee Line coach bus.

Go “behind-the-scenes” of what makes Goodwill #MoreThanAThriftStore with 3 exclusive mission center tours bringing resources and support to the communities who need it the most.

Enjoy sandwiches and sides for a delicious lunch catered by Kneller’s, sponsored by United Way.

Complete your perfect thrifting vibe with a delightful, fun refreshment from a local coffee cart, sponsored by United Way.

Build community with us as we connect with local thrifters, play games, and host giveaways!

Bonus Thrifty "Detours"

 

Goodwill Cherrybell Outlet

Fun fact! The Cherrybell Outlet is right across the street from the Goodwill of Southern AZ HQ with operational hours from 8am-8pm.

That means you can start the day or wrap up the night by treasure hunting by-the-pound at the outlet before the bus departs at 11:30am or after it returns at 5:30pm. Be sure to check it out!

4th Ave Adventures

Considering our 4th Ave store is the last shopping stop on our tour, we understand some folks may want to keep the party going! Feel free to stay on 4th Ave and enjoy everything it has to offer, just be sure to tell your on-bus hosts that you won’t be returning to the bus.

We can “check” your purchases from the day so you can enjoy your night on the town! You can pick them up back at HQ during our regular business hours (8am-4:30pm) on Monday, August 17.

*Please note you will be responsible for your own transportation once you choose to separate from the bus.

Why Join?

  • Celebrate sustainable shopping
  • Meet fellow thrifters – it’s a great friends’ day out!
  • Enjoy a curated shopping experience with perks
  • Support Goodwill of Southern AZ and United Way of Tucson & Southern AZ’s shared mission to help opportunity youth get resources they need to finish their education, find meaningful employment, and build a career!
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Accessibility & Safety

We want everyone to enjoy the Thrift Bus Tour! However, please note that this event involves boarding a standard passenger bus and visiting multiple store locations, each with varying layouts. If you have accessibility needs or questions about accommodations, please contact us in advance at imarketing@goodwilltucson.org so we can discuss options.

Safety First, Fun Always!

We’re all about good vibes and fun times—but safety comes first!

  • If anyone’s behavior gets too wild (like, not-fun wild), we reserve the right to end their thrift journey early—no refunds.
  • Our hosts and crew are here to keep the day smooth and fabulous, so please follow their lead.
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Photo & Media Release

By purchasing your ticket to this event, you grant permission for photographs, video recordings, or other media captured during the event to be used by Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona and its partners for promotional, marketing, educational, or other lawful purposes without compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This event is open to all who what to thrift around Tucson! We are following “airplane rules” for the event, so all children 2 years of age and older are required to have their own ticket and seat. Additionally, any children 2 years of age or younger need to be secure in a guardian/parent’s lap.

We’re taking the Thrift Bus Tour and bringing you more than thrifting!

Your ticket includes:

  • A reserved seat on an air-conditioned Bee Line coach bus
  • Round trip transportation to 4 Goodwill of Southern AZ stores
  • Exclusive “behind-the-scenes” tours at 3 Goodwill free community resource centers to learn more about our mission
  • Lunch catered by Kneller’s, sponsored by United Way
  • A fun drink from a local coffee cart, sponsored by United Way (because everyone knows thrifting gets better with a fun drink in hand!)
  • A swag bag, complete with a $10 Goodwill of Southern AZ gift card to kickstart your day of thrifting (First 10 participants to bring a bag of donations to check in will receive an additional $5 gift card!)
  • Fun, games, trivia, karaoke, community building, and so much more!

The bus will depart from (and return to) the Goodwill of Southern AZ headquarters at 1940 E Silverlake Rd, Suite #405.

Look for our reception area, we will have a check in table set up there where you can collect your swag bag, name badge and board the bus (first 10 participants to bring a bag of donations to check in will receive an additional $5 gift card)!

Parking will be available across our HQ campus, including in front of the Goodwill Youth REC Center located at 1920 E Silverlake Rd, Suite #207.

Check in begins at 11am and the bus will promptly depart at 11:30am!

If you’re looking for a way to spend some time in the area before the tour, our HQ is conveniently located across the street from our Cherrybell Outlet! Kickstart your day of thrifting by shopping by-the-pound, outlet hours are 8am-8pm.

Absolutely! You’ll have about an hour to shop at each of the store stops.

Think of this like your standard thrift haul, then kick it up a notch! Bring what you’d typically bring on your thrift shopping days: a form of payment, inspo boards, dream thrift finds lists, etc.

We don’t have any official dress codes or themes for the event. We’d love to see you rock your favorite thrifted finds in your closet so far, but above all else make sure to be comfy!

If you need to leave early, we understand. Unfortunately, the bus won’t be able to make any detours as we have a very packed schedule. That means you will need to coordinate your own transportation.

In the event you need to leave early, please connect with your on-bus hosts so we know everyone is safe and accounted for. We can “check” your purchases for you to keep them safe until you’re able to collect them from our HQ during regular business hours (8am-4:30pm).

We will keep designated storage totes under the bus to carry all your treasures! We’ll be tagging purchases as you store them to ensure what you bought goes home with you.

If you leave the route early at any time, we can “check” your purchases for you to collect back at our HQ during regular business hours (8am-4:30pm) on Monday, August 17.

Of course! We will have box lunches catered by Kneller’s, sponsored by United Way of Tucson & Southern AZ. You will be able to select your sandwich and side during ticket purchasing.

You will also get the chance to pick off the menu from a local coffee cart, because the perfect thrifting experience isn’t complete without fun drink in hand!

We’re also bringing snacks and waters to the bus!

We’ve got you covered! Our friends at Kneller’s are including vegan and gluten-free options on the menu.

We’ll do our best to make sure all other snacks have something for everyone as well. However, due to the nature of the event, we may not be able to accommodate all dietary needs. Feel free to bring your own snacks on the bus too.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding dietary restrictions, reach out to the event organizers at imarketing@goodwilltucson.org

Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else, just contact event organizers at imarketing@goodwilltucson.org by 12pm (noon) the day before the tour (Friday, August 14).

For any questions, email the Goodwill of Southern AZ team at imarketing@goodwilltucson.org