It’s one of Tucson’s most wanted events, and this year it’s hitting a major milestone.
The historic Hotel Congress downtown is hosting the 25th Dillinger Days event from Friday, January 18 to Saturday, January 19.
The experience takes you back to the capture of gangster John Dillinger in Tucson. It will feature whiskey tastings, appetizers, premium cigars, a gun show, live music, and entertainment related to the 1930s era.
The speakeasy event on Friday night is a hot item, and Tucsonans have already mobbed up the VIP Admission tickets. However, there are still General Admission tickets available at $40 per person. The experience gets you several whiskey tastings from different distillers and small bites from 7 – 10 p.m.
On Saturday, there’s going to be quite a commotion outside during the Dillinger Days Reenactments. There are a few shows throughout the day, but the seats outside of Cup Cafe are already selling out.
Tickets are $30 each and include a brunch entrée and non-alcoholic beverage — plus a 2019 Dillinger Days commemorative gift. The 11 a.m. show has already sold out, but there’s still room at the 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. shows.
Proceeds go to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation to assist with needs in the fire service community, such as advanced training, technology, survivor’s help, education campaigns, and more.
Hotel Congress is located downtown at 311 E. Congress St. For more information, call (520) 622-8848, or visit hotelcongress.com to purchase your tickets.
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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.















