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Fourth of July 2021: Tasty bites, refreshing drinks, & pool parties

Fourth of July 2021: Tasty bites, refreshing drinks, & pool parties

Jun 28, 20215 min read

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 you’ll find the likes of barbecue food, pool parties, pool parties involving beer, a local brewery’s anniversary, and more.

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Keep checking back for more events as we get closer to the holiday.

1912 Brewing Company

2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Taproom at 1912 Brewing Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Taproom at 1912 Brewing Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)

This is sort of a double whammy when it comes to celebrations because it’s their sixth anniversary, too.

For their sixth year, they’ll have some new beer releases, two different beer slushies, a new can release, food from The Blacktop Grill starting at noon, and then Daniela’s Cooking beginning at 4 p.m.

For more information, follow 1912 Brewing Company on Facebook

Bella’s Gelato Shoppe

2648 E. Speedway Blvd.
Bella's Gelato Shoppe
Photo courtesy of Bella’s Gelato Shoppe on Facebook

With the extreme heat cookin’ up the streets of Tucson, this grand opening couldn’t come at a better time.

Bella’s Gelato Shoppe, which originally debuted as a food truck, is opening up its brick-and-mortar location at 2648 E. Speedway Blvd on Friday, July 2.

It’s been a long journey for Bella’s Gelato Shoppe’s owner, Elizabeth Sebring, who purchased the gelato truck back in 2015 from the original owners, Ken Dungey and Lisa Erickson. The shop, which used to be a Baskin-Robbins, was slated to open sometime between September and October 2020, but, like many things, the grand opening was interrupted by the pandemic.

Bella’s Gelato Shoppe is located at 2648 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, follow Bella’s Gelato Shoppe on Facebook or visit bellasgelato.com.

Board + Brie Tucson

Online Only
Board + Brie Tucson
Photo courtesy of Board + Brie Tucson on Facebook

The Summer Solstice board just may be the perfect addition to the upcoming holiday weekend. The board serves up to eight people on a handmade board for only $75.

You’ll want to place your order online sooner rather than later.

For more information, follow Board + Brie Tucson on Facebook

Hotel McCoy

720 W. Silverlake Rd.
Pool at Hotel McCoy (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Pool at Hotel McCoy (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The artsy hotel is throwing a Fourth of July party for those who book a room on Sunday, July 4. Plus, you can get 25-percent off with the promo code “LETFREEDOMRING” if you book soon enough.

Each guest will get a goodie bag of Fourth of July-themed fun, a free check-in drink, complimentary breakfast, entertainment by Paul the Piano Man, and food from Dre’s Seafood and BBQ food truck.

For more information, follow Hotel McCoy on Facebook

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

7000 N. Resort Dr.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Photo courtesy of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is hosting a holiday celebration along with incredible savings.

They’ve currently got a “Fourth of July Weekend Celebration Package” available from Thursday, July 1 – Wednesday, July 7 that includes several food-driven options. All resort activities are complimentary for guests, with exception of food and beverage.

Here’s a list of all of the events happening over the holiday weekend:

Saturday, July 3

Sunshine and Sangria Pool Party and Dive-In Movie

Kick-off the holiday weekend with poolside drink specials all day at Bill’s Grill like Frozen
Watermelon Sangria and Electric Lemonade. The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down;
when families can enjoy a dive-in movie night under the stars.

BBQ & Beer Pool Party

Enjoy fun in the sun with a live DJ, poolside barbecue, and drink specials including buckets of beer.

Sunset Beach Party

From 5 – 8 p.m., don’t miss poolside fun under the stars featuring a live band, food & drink specials, and more.

Sunday, July 4

Fourth of July Pool Party

During the day enjoy poolside drink specials and a live DJ. Bill’s Grill poolside eatery will be
serving a holiday barbecue with corn, potato salad, and coleslaw.

Red, White & Blue BBQ at Coyote Corral

In the evening, a festive barbecue dinner is happening at Coyote Corral featuring grilled favorites,
hamburgers, and hotdogs. Enjoy complimentary snow cones, popcorn and drinks, live music,
drink specials, and a holiday-themed movie under the stars.

Cascade Lounge

Beat the heat all weekend long in Cascade Lounge with live music and specialty drinks like
Strawberry Limeade and Raspberry Moscato Margaritas.

For more information, visit loewshotels.com.

MSA Annex

267 S. Avenida del Convento
Westbound at the MSA Annex
Westbound at the MSA Annex (Photo by Kate Severino)

If you’ve been itchin’ to dance and let loose, this event is for you.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, the MSA Annex is hosting an IndepenDANCE Party with the high-energy cumbia of Tucson’s Los Esplifs, DJ Herm, the Flam Chen Fire Dancers. There’s also going to be food trucks, which have yet to be announced.

Tickets are only $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

For more information, follow MSA Annex on Facebook

Sand-Reckoner Winery and Vineyards

Multiple Locations

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Sand-Reckoner Winery and Vineyardsjust is launching its newly redesigned labels with parties at two local hotspots, Westbound and The Downtown Clifton, this Fourth of July weekend.

The award-winning vineyard is hosting sundown parties with boozy ice pops and frosé custom-made with Sand-Reckoner Rosé. These events are free to attend and summer beach attire is encouraged.

Saturday, July 3 from 7 – 10 p.m.

Pop-Up Pool Lounge at Westbound
  • 267 S. Avenida del Convento
  • Music by DJ PC Party
  • Boozy Pops
  • Wine specials
  • Lounge pools

Sunday, July 4 from 7 – 10 p.m.

Americana Barbeque at The Downtown Clifton
  • 485 S. Stone Ave.
  • DJ Rob Moonlite
  • Barbecue and the fixings
  • Frosé
  • Photo Opportunities

For more information, follow Sand-Reckoner on Facebook

The Tuxon

960 S. Freeway
The Tuxon
Photo courtesy of The Tuxon on Facebook

Dive into cool vibes and a hip scene, the ultimate spot for a day at the pool.

On Saturday, July 3, The Pool Bar at The Tuxon is a “little Rodeo Drive meets the rodeo parade.” They’ll be having live DJ sets, bites to eat, and drinks to indulge in like cold boozy slushies and local craft drinks. This event is open to hotel guests only, so make sure to book your room by calling (520) 372-2853.

For more information, follow The Tuxon 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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This year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️

Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. 

@agavehousetucson 
@ameliastucson 
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@lachingadacocina 
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@nanas_kitchen_2008 
@reformatucson 
@seiskitchen 
@sonoramoonshine 

Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉

More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw
Presented by @Visittucson 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieThis year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️ Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. @agavehousetucson @ameliastucson @bktacos @bocatucson @buendia.breakfast.lunch @asadataqueria @casadelrioaz @elcharro.cafe @crudamariscos @elmezquitetucson @humo.tucson @lachingadacocina @lafridamexicangrill @laollamexicancafe @nanas_kitchen_2008 @reformatucson @seiskitchen @sonoramoonshine Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉 More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw Presented by @Visittucson #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie
TONIGHT

@vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄
9/5 from 6–10pm 

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 
🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

🐶
@oldsoulsanimalrescue 
@paws_without_borders 
@rescuemetucson 

HOT/SAVORY 
@substancediner 
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Eatgypt
Bereisheet 129
@bobbyskitchen__ 
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DESSERTS
@atekei_treats 
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@coolkidssnackcakes 
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Counter Crispies 

BEVERAGES
@espressoul_cafe 
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Wrapido
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SHOP LOCAL
@barknberryaz 
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#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalTONIGHT @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 9/5 from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @espressoul_cafe @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade Wrapido @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal
@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs from September 4 through 13, 2026, and it’s the perfect excuse to pair a day of Tucson sightseeing with a prix fixe meal. Since the Old Pueblo packs desert trails, historic missions, art districts, and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation into one metro area, visitors can easily build a full day around any interest and land near a Restaurant Week stop when it’s time to eat.

Swipe to see six itineraries built around Tucson’s core attractions, each paired with nearby restaurants participating in this year’s event. Menus and prices are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming details on the Sonoran Restaurant Week website before heading out.@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs from September 4 through 13, 2026, and it’s the perfect excuse to pair a day of Tucson sightseeing with a prix fixe meal. Since the Old Pueblo packs desert trails, historic missions, art districts, and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation into one metro area, visitors can easily build a full day around any interest and land near a Restaurant Week stop when it’s time to eat. Swipe to see six itineraries built around Tucson’s core attractions, each paired with nearby restaurants participating in this year’s event. Menus and prices are subject to change, so it’s worth confirming details on the Sonoran Restaurant Week website before heading out.
Ten days. One hundred twenty-five tables. 
@Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TODAY! Have you built your itinerary?👀

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus at $15 to $55 — at least 20% off what they’re worth—giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaTen days. One hundred twenty-five tables. @Sonoranrestaurantweek begins TODAY! Have you built your itinerary?👀 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus at $15 to $55 — at least 20% off what they’re worth—giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona