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 are a few of the food-themed events happening in and around Tucson this year. Also, pay attention to the date of the event as some are earlier than Tuesday, July 4.
Red, White & Brew at Hacienda del sol Guest Ranch Resort
Monday, July 3 from 6 – 9 p .m.
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd.
Red, White & Brew returns to Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort! On Monday, they’ll be hosting an exciting evening featuring unlimited beer tastings from Arizona breweries, an American Independence Day-inspired buffet, and live music. Enjoy our beautiful resort grounds, delicious cuisine, and live entertainment during this unforgettable celebration.
Tickets are $70 per adult (buffet and beer) and $50 per adult for the buffet only.
Pre-Fourth of July Part at The Maverick
Sunday, July 2 beginning at 6 p.m.
6622 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
On Sunday, they’ll have an all-day Fourth of July party with $2 drafts and $3 wells from 6 p.m. to close. Plus, they’ll have beer combos with either hot dogs or burgers to munch on. Then, for entertainment, the band Unwound will perform live at 6 p.m., line dance lessons are at 5 p.m., and free pool all dang day (beginning at 6 p.m.).
Fireworks at Casino Del Sol
Monday, July 3 at 8:15 p.m.
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
The casino will be hosting free fireworks on Monday to celebrate Independence Day and its very own 29th anniversary. Be sure to check out at least one of the multiple restaurants on-site like PY Steakhouse and Bellissimo Ristorante Italiano.
The Star-Spangled Spectacular in Marana
Tuesday, July 4 from 5 – 9:30 p.m.
7548 N. Silverbell Rd.
Free attractions include the Car Show, splash pad, field games, inflatables, vendors, exhibitors, Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, and a Creation Station for Kids.
Marana’s largest Signature Event is nestled behind the Arizona Pavilions shopping center and within the Continental Ranch neighborhood, making it the perfect event for residents to walk to or enjoy the fireworks from many vantage points. Residents and visitors spend the day shopping and eating at the nearby stores and restaurants before coming over to enjoy an evening in the park.
Celebration & Lunch at Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
Tuesday, July 4 from 2 – 5 p.m.
1288 W. River Rd.
Admission is $10 at the door for non-members and then free for TCCC members and children 12 years old and younger. Your ticket includes a traditional fried chicken lunch with all the trimmings, too!
They’ll then be hosting a summer concert from 3:30 – 4 p.m. presented by The Chamber Orchestra of Tucson Orchestra Academy.
‘Diamonds in the Sky’ at Kino Sports Complex
Tuesday, July 4 from 6 – 9 p.m.
1288 W. River Rd.
For admission, this year Kino has partnered with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to collect donations in place of tickets. Anyone who wishes to attend the event can gain entry with the donation of one non-perishable food item or a $1 donation. The Community Food Bank will be present on the day of the event collecting the donations at the stadium entrances.
They’ll also be featuring a Sun Belt College Baseball League showcase game and a post-game fireworks spectacular. Gates open at 6 p.m. with pre-game ceremonies starting at 7 p.m. and the first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Fourth of July Tournament & Barbecue at Mr. Heads
Tuesday, July 4 at 8 p.m.
513 N. Fourth Ave.
The bar will be hosting a Super Smash Bros and Street Fighter video game tournament on Independence Day with barbecue food starting at 8 p.m. The actual competition begins at 9 p.m. and they suggest you bring your own controllers.
Fourth of July-Themed Movies at Casa Video & Film Bar
Tuesday, July 4
513 N. Fourth Ave.
Did you know Casa Video opens at 10 a.m. now? Yep, that’s a full day of freedom goin’ down at the classic video store and craft beer taproom. On Tuesday, they’ll be showing their favorite Independence Day movies and then at 7 p.m., they’ll have a Jon Cusack double feature (“One Crazy Summer” and “Better Off Dead”).
IndepenDANCE Party at the MSA Annex
Tuesday, July 4 from 7 – 10 p.m.
267 S. Avenida del Convento
Whether you’re a music lover, dance enthusiast, or simply looking for an exhilarating way to celebrate Independence Day, the IndepenDANCE Party is the place to be. Gather your friends and family, and come together to honor Tucson with a night of unforgettable music and celebration.
There will be several food trucks and three bars. Tickets at the door are $10 per person.
July Fourth Celebration in Oro Valley
Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 5 p.m.
23 W. Calle Concordia
Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks in the Town of Oro Valley. Come on out to James D. Kriegh Park from 5 – 9 p.m. to join the fun! This year’s event will be emceed by Frank Powers with a special musical guest Heart and Soul. Attendees can also enjoy food trucks, jumping castles, inflatable bumper balls, face painting, a beer garden, kids’ crafts, lawn games, and much more. Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be open until 8:30 p.m.
Discover more things to do in Tucson.
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.
