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10 Spots for Celebrating Independence Day 2016

10 Spots for Celebrating Independence Day 2016

Jul 1, 20166 min read

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

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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Article written by:

Gloria Knott

Gloria Knott

More about Gloria
Gloria Knott was Tucson Foodie's 2016 journalism and social media intern. In October 2025, she founded Tucson Love Letter, a community-first publication that helps you explore the magic of Tucson.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!