Skip to Main Content

 View All News


Dillinger Days at the Hotel Congress

2018 Dillinger Days - Annual Celebration of Dillinger’s Famous Capture 

Tucson, Arizona, January 2, 2018 - The Hotel Congress hosts the annual two-day spectacle in honor of the capture of America’s most notorious outlaw by the Tucson Police Department and Tucson Fire Department. Experience the reenactment of his downfall at the hands of Tucson law enforcement, famously known for succeeding with Dillinger’s arrest when the FBI couldn’t. Mobs of history buffs, fans of the 1930’s, and pop culture enthusiasts crowd the historic Hotel Congress annually to pay homage to the apprehension of the man that famously earned the title Public Enemy No. 1.

Dillinger Day Speakeasy
Dillinger Days weekend begins on Friday, January 19th at the Dillinger Speakeasy, an exclusive Hotel Congress experience to travel back to the 1930’s with whiskey tastings, delicious appetizers featuring our famous Thompson Automatics, premium cigars, a gun trick show, live music and era related entertainment! Proceeds go to 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. The event is $35 and is hosted from 7-10pm. This is a 21+ event. 

Entertainment
7-10pm - Pop up 1930s memorabilia museum with vintage firefighting equipment
7-10pm - Photo Booth
7-10pm - Catherine Byrne, torch singer 
7pm & 8:30pm – Desert Melodies 
8pm – Dancehall Dames 
8pm – Kings of Pleasure 
8:15pm – Johnny Hotshot Gun Show 

Dillinger Days Celebration and Reenactments
The 2018 Dillinger Days family-friendly festivities include three Dillinger’s capture reenactments, historical artifacts exhibit featuring the actual Tommy Gun, vintage car show, historic lectures, historical walking tours of downtown, arts & crafts. This Saturday, January 20th event is FREE and open to the public from 9am - 5pm.

New for 2018 is the Dillinger Beer Garden at Maynards Market & Kitchen featuring live music by Desert Melodies & Prison Band and craft beers from local breweries including Dillinger Brewing Company, Crooked Tooth Brewing & Borderlands.

Hotel Congress Plaza
9am – Arts and Crafts vendors 
10am – Lecture: “A Nine Ring Legal Circus”
11am – Dillinger Reenactment – Full Show!
11:45pm – Dillinger Historic Walking Tour  
11:45pm – Live Entertainment – Desert Melodies
1:15pm – Dillinger Reenactment – Full Show!
2:00pm – Dillinger Historic Walking Tour
3:30pm – Dillinger Reenactment – Full Show!
4:15pm – Lecture: “The 1930’s – Tucson’s Last Quiet Decade”
6pm – Retro Game Show – Dillinger Edition

Front Row Seating on Cup Café Patio
Enjoy the Dillinger Reenactment show from the best seats in the house, while enjoying your favorite Cup Cafe dish! For just $30 your front row seats include: an entrée, non-alcoholic beverage, plus a 2018 Dillinger Days commemorative gift. Three reservation times available - 11am, 1:15pm and 3:30pm.
Front Row Tickets - 11am
Front Row Tickets - 1:15pm
Front Row tickets - 3:30pm 

About Hotel Congress
Hotel Congress, a historic hotel, home to the award-winning The Cup Café restaurant, famous Club Congress, and beautiful Copper Hall, located in the center of Downtown Tucson’s Historic East End.  For more information call (520) 622-8848 or visit www.hotelcongress.com