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Fourth of July 2023: Food, Parties & Fireworks in Tucson

Fourth of July 2023: Food, Parties & Fireworks in Tucson

Jun 28, 20235 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. 

a group of people standing in front of a crowd
Star-Spangled Spectacular (Photo courtesy of Town of Marana)

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.

Learn more.

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.).

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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”).

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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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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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!