Dillinger Days - Celebrate Dillinger's Famous Capture & All Things 1930's at Hotel Congress
In one fateful day in January 1934 Hotel Congress caught fire and the Tucson Police caught a gangster.
Big Day for a sleepy desert town!
In honor of this Tucson First Responder accomplishment, The Hotel Congress hosts the annual two-day spectacle celebrating the capture of America’s most notorious outlaw by the Tucson Police Department and the Tucson Fire Department. Experience the re-enactment of his downfall at the hands of Tucson law enforcement, famously known for succeeding with Dillinger’s arrest when the FBI couldn’t. Mobs of history buffs, fans of the 1930’s, and pop culture enthusiasts crowd the historic Hotel Congress annually to pay homage to the man that famously earned the title Public Enemy No. 1 and his nationally renowned apprehension. Part of the proceeds from the event go to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation to raise funds to assist with the unmet fire-service community needs in the areas of advanced training, technology, survivor's help, education campaigns, firefighter health and wellness, and other support services.
Speaking of firefighters, The actual fire truck that assisted in saving the Hotel Congress on that day, will be here as well!
DAY ONE- Dillinger Days Speakeasy
Dillinger Days weekend begins with the Dillinger Speakeasy, an exclusive Hotel Congress experience to travel back to the 1930’s. Celebrate the first night of Dillinger Days weekend with exclusive whiskey tastings, tasty snacks, live music, dancing, premium cigars, a gun trick show, and era-related entertainment, including old gangster movies screenings. This event has sold out in the past, we suggest getting tickets early.
WHEN: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
WHERE: Hotel Congress, 311 East Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701
WHO: Ages 21 and older
COST: Tickets are $15 per person.
DAY TWO - Dillinger Days Celebration and Reenactments
The 2024 Dillinger Days family-friendly block party includes three Dillinger capture reenactments, historical artifacts exhibit featuring the actual Tommy Gun, vintage car show, historic lectures, historical walking tours of downtown, land ive music From Bees Knees.
WHEN: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
WHERE: Hotel Congress, 311 East Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701
WHO: Family-friendly, open to public
COST: FREE!
For more event information visit
https://hotelcongress.com/calendar/signature-events/dillinger-days/
See below for complete event itinerary
DILLINGER DAYS ITINERARY
SATURDAY JANUARY 20TH DILLINGER SPEAKEASY
7pm doors. Whiskey tastings, vintage cars, cigars, signature appetizers
7pm -7:40pm: Plaza Stage Live music from Bees Knees
7pm Club Stage – Movie Screening “The Public Enemy” James Cagney
7:50-8:35pm Plaza Stage: John Dillinger gun show, Dancehall Darlings, costume contest
8:30 Club Stage: Movie Screening: “Scarface” original, from 1932.
8:45-10pm Plaza Stage live music from the Hot Club Of Tucson
SUNDAY JANUARY 21st
Schedule:
10am start. Vintage Cars and Historic Fire trucks. Food and drink concessions
10-10:45am Lecture: “A Nine Ring Legal Circus, Ten Eventful Days in Tucson” (Club)
10-10:45am Bees Knees (Plaza)
11am: Dillinger Reenactment (5th Ave)
11:45am-12:30pm: Lecture: “The 1930s, Tucson’s Last Quiet Decade” (Club)
11:45am-12:30pm: Bees Knees (Plaza)
11:44am –12:30pm Prison Band (Maynards lot)
11:45am Historic Walking tour
1:00pm: Dillinger Reenactment (5th Ave)
1:45-2:30pm: Lecture: “History of Hotel Congress” (club)
1:45-2:45pm: Prison Band (Maynards lot)
1:45-2:45pm: Bees Knees (Plaza)
1:45pm: Dillinger Historic Walking Tour
3pm: Dillinger Reenactment (5th Ave)
4pm Event winds down
About Hotel Congress:
Built in 1919, the Historic Hotel Congress has been at the heart of the cultural community of Tucson for nearly 40 years, providing an immersive entertainment experience through art, music, and food, forever connected to the vibrant history of the city. The complex features the hotel, three music venues, two restaurants, and seven bars.
For more information visit hotelcongress.com
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