10 Spots for Celebrating Independence Day 2016


July 1, 2016
By Gloria Knott
By Gloria Knott

With Independence Day right around the corner, prepare yourself for burgers, hot dogs, and lots of barbecue.

If you just aren’t in the mood to throw your own barbecue celebration, below are 10 spots in Tucson offering Fourth of July dining deals and events.

Since the Fourth falls on a Monday this year, many resorts and restaurants are celebrating the holiday a day early, so make sure to pay close attention to the dates.

Throw on your favorite patriotic gear, indulge in tasty food, and find a nice seat to watch the fireworks.

Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Road
(Credit: Casino Del Sol)
(Credit: Casino Del Sol)

On Sunday, July 3 at 7 p.m., AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol will host a “Fireworks Extravaganza.” The Extravaganza not only celebrates Independence Day, but will also celebrate Casino Del Sol’s 22nd anniversary.

The Extravaganza includes a firework show, music, and food specials.

Oh, and don’t forget — KISS is performing on Monday, July 4.

For more information, visit casinodelsol.com.

Desert Diamond Casino

7350 S. Nogales Highway
(Credit: Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment)
(Credit: Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment)

The Fourth of July discounts and specials at Desert Diamond Casino only apply to tribute card holders, which is a free membership available to members and veterans of the military.

At Desert Diamond’s Tucson location, specials include complimentary admission to the buffet from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., or 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can also receive $20 off the check at the Diamond Cafe or $10 off the check at the food court.

At the Sahuarita location, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, specials include complimentary admission to the buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can also receive $10 off the check at the Diamond Grill.

For more information, visit ddcaz.com.

Hacienda Del Sol 

5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Road
(Photo Credit: Hacienda del Sol)
(Photo Credit: Hacienda del Sol)

Join Hacienda Del Sol for their Red, White, and Brew celebration on Sunday, July 3.

In addition to live music and beer tastings, Hacienda Del Sol will offer outdoor grilling and an indoor buffet.

The menu includes chicken, pigs in a blanket, brisket, beef sliders, stuffed trout, tri tip, cole slaw, berry salad, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, Hawaiian rolls and assorted dinner rolls, and a fruit, vegetable, and cheese platter.

Dessert includes s’more brownies, cookie sandwiches, flourless chocolate cake, watermelon lime paleta, berries and cream panna cotta, cupcakes, sugar cookies, banana cream pie, strawberry mango bar, and cherry tarts.

The event is priced at $45 per person, $30 without any beer tastings, and $15 for children of ages 7-14. Children 6 and under eat for free.

For more information, visit haciendadelsol.com.

Hilton El Conquistador

10000 N. Oracle Road
(Credit: Hilton El Conquistador)
(Credit: Hilton El Conquistador)

Hilton El Conquistador is hosting their annual Stars & Stripes Extravaganza on Monday, July 4.

The event will offer a buffet from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a 30-minute firework show at 9 p.m.

Among the many items offered, the buffet includes salads, herb roasted chicken, green chili pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork ribs, blueberry and apple pie, and strawberry shortcake.

Tickets are priced at $55 per person, $25 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under eat for free.

For more information, visit hiltonelconquistador.com.

James D. Kreigh Park

23 W. Calle Concordia 
(Credit: Ricuras de Venezuela)
(Credit: Ricuras de Venezuela)

Oro Valley is hosting a free Fourth of July celebration at James D. Kreigh Park from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4.

The event includes interactive games and giveaways for the crowd, and performances by cover bands The Mockingbirds and 80s and Gentlemen. Fireworks kick off at 9 p.m. from Hilton El Conquistador.

The event will also offer free activities for kids, including tie-dying, face painting, crafts, and jumping castles.

Food for the event will be provided by nine food trucks, featuring Angela’s Mexican Food, Bella’s Gelato Shop, Fruit Shack Smoothie & Yogurt, JMB’s BBQ, Mutt’s Brats, Ricuras de Venezuela, Road Running Wood Fired Pizza, Southwest BBQ, and Tucson Kona Ice.

Pets are not permitted at this event.

For more information, visit orovalleyaz.gov.

Loews Ventana Canyon

7000 N. Resort Drive
Casks and Cooks at Loews Ventana Canyon 4 (Credit: Loews)
Casks and Cooks at Loews Ventana Canyon 4 (Credit: Loews)

Loews Ventana Canyon will be celebrating Independence Day on Sunday, July 3 with barbecue, pool games, a dine-in movie, and fireworks.

Canyon Cafe at Loews Ventana Canyon hosts a Blues, Brews, and Barbecue Brunch every Sunday. Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and costs $42 for adults, $21 for children 6-12, and $5.95 for children 5 and under. Reservations are required.

Loews Ventana Canyon also hosts pool games weekly, and dine-in movies on the weekends. On Sunday, bring your kids to watch Disney’s Inside Out.

And of course, fireworks start at 8 p.m.

For more information, visit loewshotels.com. To make reservations, call 520-615-5496. 

Old Tucson Studios

201 S. Kinney Road
(Credit: Flickr/stuart_spivack)
(Credit: Flickr/stuart_spivack)

Old Tucson Studios will be hosting weekend-long Independence Day celebrations.

From Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4, Old Tucson is offering free admission for children under 11. The park will offer a flag ceremony, a musical presentation, games for children, and a parade on the Fourth.

The weekend will also feature a pie-eating contest, beer tastings, and on-site smoked barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and snacks.

For more information, visit oldtucson.com.

The Overlook

10555 N. La Cañada Drive
(Credit: The Overlook)
(Credit: The Overlook)

The Overlook in Oro Valley is hosting a Stars & Stripes Barbecue Dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 4, with live music until 9 p.m., and a firework showing from Hilton El Conquistador.

Dinner includes barbecue pork, burgers, drink specials, and ice cream.

Dinner is priced at $20 for adults, $12 for children 5-12. Children under 5 eat for free. Reservations are recommended.

For more information and to make reservations, call 520-229-5366.

Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain

15000 N. Secret Springs Drive
(Credit: Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain)
(Credit: Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain)

The Ritz-Carlton is hosting their annual Red, White, and Brew Barbecue buffet event on Sunday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The buffet includes grilled mahi, ribs, chicken, burgers, nacho and salad bars, side dishes, fruit, handmade milkshakes, and a dessert section. The event will also offer lawn games and music.

The buffet is priced at $55 for adults, $20 for children under 12.

The Ritz is also offering a fireworks hike for $50 per person, which is a guided hike to a fireworks viewing location.

If that’s not quite enough, CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar will offer a la carte sushi and sake for $20 per person from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 1.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com. To make reservations, call 520-572-3401.

Westin La Paloma Resort

3800 E Sunrise Drive
(Credit: Westin La Paloma Resort)
(Credit: Westin La Paloma Resort)

This year, Westin La Paloma Resort celebrates their 30 year anniversary.

To help celebrate their anniversary and the holiday, the resort is hosting weekend-long Fourth of July activities for the family. From Friday until Monday, hotel guests can enjoy pool games and backyard activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Westin will play two dine-in movies, Inside Out, and Max.

On Sunday, July 3, a DJ will be poolside, in addition to a performance by cover band 80’s and Gentleman later in the evening.

Sabino’s Pool Bar & Grill serves cocktails, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and barbecue such as ribs, chicken, or pulled pork. The Westin will have a fire pit available for s’mores on Friday and Saturday night, and guests can order pizza and salad while watching one of the dine-in movies.

For more information, visit westinlapalomaresort.com.

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