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Fourth of July 2021: Tasty bites, refreshing drinks, & pool parties

Fourth of July 2021: Tasty bites, refreshing drinks, & pool parties

Jun 28, 20215 min read

Aside from the crackling and grumbling sound of nearby fireworks, there may be a different kind of thunderous roar coming from your belly this Fourth of July.

Luckily, there are a few events happening around the city that complement the colorful explosions in the sky. Below you’ll find the likes of barbecue food, pool parties, pool parties involving beer, a local brewery’s anniversary, and more.

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Keep checking back for more events as we get closer to the holiday.

1912 Brewing Company

2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Taproom at 1912 Brewing Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Taproom at 1912 Brewing Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)

This is sort of a double whammy when it comes to celebrations because it’s their sixth anniversary, too.

For their sixth year, they’ll have some new beer releases, two different beer slushies, a new can release, food from The Blacktop Grill starting at noon, and then Daniela’s Cooking beginning at 4 p.m.

For more information, follow 1912 Brewing Company on Facebook. 

Bella’s Gelato Shoppe

2648 E. Speedway Blvd.
Bella's Gelato Shoppe
Photo courtesy of Bella’s Gelato Shoppe on Facebook

With the extreme heat cookin’ up the streets of Tucson, this grand opening couldn’t come at a better time.

Bella’s Gelato Shoppe, which originally debuted as a food truck, is opening up its brick-and-mortar location at 2648 E. Speedway Blvd on Friday, July 2.

It’s been a long journey for Bella’s Gelato Shoppe’s owner, Elizabeth Sebring, who purchased the gelato truck back in 2015 from the original owners, Ken Dungey and Lisa Erickson. The shop, which used to be a Baskin-Robbins, was slated to open sometime between September and October 2020, but, like many things, the grand opening was interrupted by the pandemic.

Bella’s Gelato Shoppe is located at 2648 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, follow Bella’s Gelato Shoppe on Facebook or visit bellasgelato.com.

Board + Brie Tucson

Online Only
Board + Brie Tucson
Photo courtesy of Board + Brie Tucson on Facebook

The Summer Solstice board just may be the perfect addition to the upcoming holiday weekend. The board serves up to eight people on a handmade board for only $75.

You’ll want to place your order online sooner rather than later.

For more information, follow Board + Brie Tucson on Facebook. 

Hotel McCoy

720 W. Silverlake Rd.
Pool at Hotel McCoy (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Pool at Hotel McCoy (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The artsy hotel is throwing a Fourth of July party for those who book a room on Sunday, July 4. Plus, you can get 25-percent off with the promo code “LETFREEDOMRING” if you book soon enough.

Each guest will get a goodie bag of Fourth of July-themed fun, a free check-in drink, complimentary breakfast, entertainment by Paul the Piano Man, and food from Dre’s Seafood and BBQ food truck.

For more information, follow Hotel McCoy on Facebook. 

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

7000 N. Resort Dr.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Photo courtesy of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is hosting a holiday celebration along with incredible savings.

They’ve currently got a “Fourth of July Weekend Celebration Package” available from Thursday, July 1 – Wednesday, July 7 that includes several food-driven options. All resort activities are complimentary for guests, with exception of food and beverage.

Here’s a list of all of the events happening over the holiday weekend:

Saturday, July 3

Sunshine and Sangria Pool Party and Dive-In Movie

Kick-off the holiday weekend with poolside drink specials all day at Bill’s Grill like Frozen
Watermelon Sangria and Electric Lemonade. The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down;
when families can enjoy a dive-in movie night under the stars.

BBQ & Beer Pool Party

Enjoy fun in the sun with a live DJ, poolside barbecue, and drink specials including buckets of beer.

Sunset Beach Party

From 5 – 8 p.m., don’t miss poolside fun under the stars featuring a live band, food & drink specials, and more.

Sunday, July 4

Fourth of July Pool Party

During the day enjoy poolside drink specials and a live DJ. Bill’s Grill poolside eatery will be
serving a holiday barbecue with corn, potato salad, and coleslaw.

Red, White & Blue BBQ at Coyote Corral

In the evening, a festive barbecue dinner is happening at Coyote Corral featuring grilled favorites,
hamburgers, and hotdogs. Enjoy complimentary snow cones, popcorn and drinks, live music,
drink specials, and a holiday-themed movie under the stars.

Cascade Lounge

Beat the heat all weekend long in Cascade Lounge with live music and specialty drinks like
Strawberry Limeade and Raspberry Moscato Margaritas.

For more information, visit loewshotels.com.

MSA Annex

267 S. Avenida del Convento
Westbound at the MSA Annex
Westbound at the MSA Annex (Photo by Kate Severino)

If you’ve been itchin’ to dance and let loose, this event is for you.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, the MSA Annex is hosting an IndepenDANCE Party with the high-energy cumbia of Tucson’s Los Esplifs, DJ Herm, the Flam Chen Fire Dancers. There’s also going to be food trucks, which have yet to be announced.

Tickets are only $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

For more information, follow MSA Annex on Facebook. 

Sand-Reckoner Winery and Vineyards

Multiple Locations

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Sand-Reckoner Winery and Vineyardsjust is launching its newly redesigned labels with parties at two local hotspots, Westbound and The Downtown Clifton, this Fourth of July weekend.

The award-winning vineyard is hosting sundown parties with boozy ice pops and frosé custom-made with Sand-Reckoner Rosé. These events are free to attend and summer beach attire is encouraged.

Saturday, July 3 from 7 – 10 p.m.

Pop-Up Pool Lounge at Westbound
  • 267 S. Avenida del Convento
  • Music by DJ PC Party
  • Boozy Pops
  • Wine specials
  • Lounge pools

Sunday, July 4 from 7 – 10 p.m.

Americana Barbeque at The Downtown Clifton
  • 485 S. Stone Ave.
  • DJ Rob Moonlite
  • Barbecue and the fixings
  • FrosĂ©
  • Photo Opportunities

For more information, follow Sand-Reckoner on Facebook. 

The Tuxon

960 S. Freeway
The Tuxon
Photo courtesy of The Tuxon on Facebook

Dive into cool vibes and a hip scene, the ultimate spot for a day at the pool.

On Saturday, July 3, The Pool Bar at The Tuxon is a “little Rodeo Drive meets the rodeo parade.” They’ll be having live DJ sets, bites to eat, and drinks to indulge in like cold boozy slushies and local craft drinks. This event is open to hotel guests only, so make sure to book your room by calling (520) 372-2853.

For more information, follow The Tuxon on Facebook. 

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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On a hierarchical tier list of comfort food, mac and cheese ranks among the top. An ideal mac and cheese blends rich creaminess with a kiss of crunch. A velvety cheese sauce coats every noodle without being lumpy or gloppy. Chefs use blend of artisanal cheeses to create depth and sharpness. Roasted poblano, salty cured meat, and crunchy breadcrumbs add texture and complexity without overwhelming the dish. The right pasta shape, such as cavatappi or shells, helps the sauce adhere better than standard elbow macaroni and offers a more toothsome bite.

In this list, we highlight some of the spots with stand-out mac and cheese in Tucson. Share your favorites with us in the comments.đź§€

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Tucsonfoodie.com 
#tucsonfoodieOn a hierarchical tier list of comfort food, mac and cheese ranks among the top. An ideal mac and cheese blends rich creaminess with a kiss of crunch. A velvety cheese sauce coats every noodle without being lumpy or gloppy. Chefs use blend of artisanal cheeses to create depth and sharpness. Roasted poblano, salty cured meat, and crunchy breadcrumbs add texture and complexity without overwhelming the dish. The right pasta shape, such as cavatappi or shells, helps the sauce adhere better than standard elbow macaroni and offers a more toothsome bite. In this list, we highlight some of the spots with stand-out mac and cheese in Tucson. Share your favorites with us in the comments.đź§€ @beyondbreadbakerycafe @charrosteak.delrey @choicegreenstucson @eclecticcafetucsonjm @hubdowntown @janetandrays @redbird_scratchkitchen @saguarocornerstucson @barnyard_az @corktucson @jackrabbitloungetucson @tridentbargrill @trulandburgers Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie
After a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground.

Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out.

@bison_witches 
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Tucsonfoodie.comAfter a concert at Congress, a long shift, or a night out on Fourth Avenue, you might not want to stay up even later to cook. Thank you, late night kitchens. The options span more than just drive-thrus and dollar menus. From Sonoran hot dogs and solar-baked pizza to fresh gyros and craft cocktails with bar bites, Tucson’s late-night scene covers serious ground. Some spots stay open past 2 a.m., while others offer late-night happy hours that make the decision even easier. This guide rounds up places to eat late in Tucson after 10 p.m., whether you need a full meal or just something to hold you over. Hours can change after this article is updated, so check ahead before you head out. @bison_witches @brooklynpizzaco @bumsteds @elliottsoncongress @gentlebens @omars_hiway_chef @hubdowntown @karameloking @kontiki_tucson @miramontetucson @pocketspoolandpub @quesos_on_4th @red_garter_tucson @sisterstucson @surlywenchpub @jackrabbitloungetucson @tridentbargrill @uncorked_bar @uniontucson @urbanpitaaz @woodennickeltucson Tucsonfoodie.com
Tucson’s resorts offer some of the region’s most memorable dining, from Sonoran-inspired steakhouses to poolside grills with mountain views. Whether you’re staying overnight or stopping in for dinner, these properties make the meal part of the experience.

Additionally, the variety across these resorts featured here spans far beyond a single style of dining. Guests can settle into a fine-dining room overlooking the Santa Catalinas, grab tacos by the pool, or join a chef-led cooking class before dinner. Each property brings its own take on desert hospitality, so this guide breaks down where to eat and what makes each spot worth the trip.🧳🌞

@arizonainn 
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Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazTucson’s resorts offer some of the region’s most memorable dining, from Sonoran-inspired steakhouses to poolside grills with mountain views. Whether you’re staying overnight or stopping in for dinner, these properties make the meal part of the experience. Additionally, the variety across these resorts featured here spans far beyond a single style of dining. Guests can settle into a fine-dining room overlooking the Santa Catalinas, grab tacos by the pool, or join a chef-led cooking class before dinner. Each property brings its own take on desert hospitality, so this guide breaks down where to eat and what makes each spot worth the trip.🧳🌞 @arizonainn @canyonranch @casinodelsolresort @playddcsoaz @elconquistadoresort @haciendadelsolaz @jwstarrpass @lodgeonthedesert @loewsventana @miravalarizona @miravistaresort @omnitucsonnational @solana_spanish_villas @tanqueverderanch @jthtucson @ritzcarltondovemountain @westinlapaloma @whitestallionranchaz Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz
@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. 

Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life.

The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more.

From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter.

Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. 

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life. The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more. From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter. Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz