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Dillinger Days 2023: Historic two-day event returns to Hotel Congress

Dillinger Days (Photo courtesy of Hotel Congress)

Dillinger Days 2023: Historic two-day event returns to Hotel Congress

Jan 4, 20232 min read

Gather up the gang and all of your closest cool cats because one of Tucson’s most wanted events is taking over the historic hotel downtown. Hotel Congress is hosting the annual Dillinger Days event from Saturday, January 14 – Sunday, January 15.

Dillinger Days at Hotel Congress (Photo courtesy of Hotel Congress)
Dillinger Days at Hotel Congress (Photo courtesy of Hotel Congress)
The spectacle honors the capture of America’s most notorious outlaw by the Tucson Police and Fire Departments. Each year, Hotel Congress steps back in time with vintage cars, live music, 1930s entertainment, local vendors, reenactments of Dillinger’s capture, and more.

What’s happenin’ on Saturday, January 14

Keep in mind that there are two days of events. First up, the Dillinger Speakeasy is from 7 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 14. Tickets are $15 per person and the evening will feature live entertainment from Kings of Pleasure, Desert Melodies, and the Johnny Hotshot Gun Show. Plus, whiskey specials, premium cigars, and a best-dressed contest will be going down as well.

So, break out your favorite 1930s digs and purchase your tickets ahead of time at dice.fm. A portion of proceeds benefits the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation to assist with unmet needs in the fire service community in the areas of advanced training, technology, survivor’s help, education campaigns, firefighter health and wellness, and other support services.

And one more thing: If you’d like to dine at the Cup Cafe, the crew highly recommends reserving your table well in advance. Additionally, the Plaza Eats food truck will be open and serving up delicious bites throughout the evening.

What’s happenin’ on Sunday, January 15

On Sunday, January 15 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., the free and family-friendly Dillinger Days kicks off.

“Experience the re-enactment of John Dillinger’s downfall at the hands of Tucson law enforcement, famously known for succeeding with Dillinger’s arrest when the FBI couldn’t,” Hotel Congress shared about the event. “Mobs of history buffs, fans of the 1930s, and pop culture enthusiasts crowd the historic Hotel Congress annually to pay homage to the man that famously earned the title Public Enemy No. 1 and his nationally-renowned apprehension.”

Tickets are free but you can still purchase admission (for free) so that you’re reminded to show up on Sunday. There’s going to be a reenactment at the hotel, a vintage car show, live music, walking tours, and plenty of other fun.

Hotel Congress is located at 311 E. Congress St. For more information and to keep up with the latest, follow Hotel Congress 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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