After taking a year off in 2021, John Dillinger and the gang are preparing for a comeback.
The annual Dillinger Days event is making its return to the historic Hotel Congress on Saturday, January 15 – Sunday, January 16.
If you’ve been before, you’re aware that it’s best to gather up your gang for the event, which is known to be one of Tucson’s most wanted. This year, there are two days of fun — the Dillinger Days Pre-Party on Saturday and the re-enactment of John Dillinger’s downfall at the hands of Tucson law enforcement on Sunday.
There’s plenty of 1930s-style fun to be had, so pay attention to what’s happenin’ when.
Saturday, January 15
7 – 10 p.m.
For $10 per person, you can enjoy an evening of live music from Desert Melodies and Kings of Pleasure, Johnny Hotshot’s gun trick show, burlesque dancers, whiskey specials, and more at Hotel Congress. Plus, be sure to get decked out because you’ll have a chance to prizes at Dillinger Days’ best-dressed contest
A portion of proceeds will go to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation to help out with advanced training, technology, survivor’s help, education campaigns, firefighter health and wellness, and other support services.
For more information and tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
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Sunday, January 16
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Throughout the day, experience the reenactment of John Dillinger’s big shebang and tussle with Tucson law enforcement. Additionally, mobs of history buffs, fans of the 1930s era, and those that fancy themselves pop culture enthusiasts will be all around the hotel — paying homage to the Public Enemy No. 1.
Plus, vintage cars, live music, 1930s entertainment, a costume contest, cocktails, re-enactments, more.
Seatings for the shows are first-come, first-serve so take a glance at the schedule so you can start planning sooner than later.
Dillinger Days Reenactment Schedule
- 10 a.m. – Live music by Desert Melodies
- 11 a.m. – Dillinger Reenactment
- 11:30 a.m. – Live music by Desert Melodies
- 12:45 p.m. – Dillinger Reenactment
- 1:15 p.m. – Lecture: “History of Hotel Congress” by Ken Scoville
- 1:30 p.m. – Dillinger Historic Walking Tour, including a stop at the Dillinger Courtroom
- You’ll need to sign up on the Plaza
- 2 – 2:45 p.m. – Live music by Prison Band
- 3 p.m. – Dillinger Reenactment
- 4 p.m. – Lecture: “The 1930s, Tucson’s Last Quiet Decade” by Ken Scoville
- 5 p.m. – Live music by Mr. Boogie Woogie
Hotel Congress is located at 311 E. Congress St. For more information, 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.
