Gather up the gang because this is one of Tucson’s most wanted events.
The historic Hotel Congress downtown is hosting the annual Dillinger Days event from Saturday, January 18 to Sunday, January 19.
The experience takes you back to the capture of gangster John Dillinger, which happened right here in Tucson. Dillinger Days features whiskey tastings, appetizers, premium cigars, a gun trick show, live music, and entertainment related to the 1930s era.
The speakeasy event on Saturday night is from 6 – 9 p.m. and tickets are $45 per person. The experience gets you whiskey and gin tastings from different distillers and small bites.
Dillinger Speakeasy Alcohol Tastings
- George T. Stagg 15 Year — The star of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, awarded The Chairman’s Trophy at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Competition
- Hamilton Distillers Whiskey Del Bac — Recently named 7th Best Whiskey in the U.S. by Esquire Magazine
- The Botanist Islay Gin — This gin take you back to how early gins were created
- Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut — Every year Monkey 47 releases a gin that offers an unforgettable sensory experience — this year with a highlight of nutmeg
Dillinger Speakeasy Food Menu
Appetizers
- Shrimp cocktail on ice sculpture display
- Thompson automatics
- Salsa and dip bar
- Mushroom risotto cakes
Carving Station
- Roast beef carving station.
- Pork loin medallions and mustard au jus
- Smash potatoes
- Corn and chili pudding
Desserts
- Macarons
- Truffles
If you can’t make it to the Speakeasy on Saturday then be sure to check out the reenactments at Hotel Congress from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 19.
The show reenacts the capture of John Dillinger, will have historical artifacts exhibit featuring the actual Tommy Gun, has a vintage car show, and hosts historic lectures and historical walking tours of downtown. Also, the Local First Arizona Roadshow will be displaying several, great local vendors.
The shows are free and seating cannot be reserved this year, so it’s first come first serve.
Hotel Congress is located downtown at 311 E. Congress St. For more information, call (520) 622-8848, or visit hotelcongress.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
