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!
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. We’ll also be hosting a best-dressed contest! So break out your favorite 1930s digs, and join us for a fun Saturday night!
This event has sold out in the past, we suggest getting tickets early!TicketsGet ready for a swingin’ time with the Tucson Jazz Festival on the Hotel Plaza!
Join us at Hotel Congress for the biggest Mardi Gras celebration like no other! Grammy Nominee Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & the Ils Sont Partis Band will be jamming out on the Plaza stage, plus, we’ll have some of Louisiana’s favorite foods available for purchase throughout the night!