By the time July rolls around, the crisp spring season has officially left us in exchange for the lazy, sizzling days of summer. The Fourth of July holiday offers a much-needed opportunity to bust out of our warm-weather rut and celebrate. Whether you’re up for a traditional fireworks show and some barbecued fare, or you’re looking to try something less conventional this year, Tucson has plenty of family-friendly happenings this year to keep everyone patriotically happy.
Resort Weekend
Luckily for us nine to five workers, this year’s Fourth falls on a Saturday. Make the most of it and head to one of Tucson’s favorite resorts for an all-American getaway. Many local resorts will feature deals and events but here are a couple of our picks: The Hilton Conquistador will host a special Fourth of July concert as well as the spectacular fireworks show they are know to have year after year for resort guests. In addition to the Fourth of July jazz concert we mentioned, Loews Ventana Canyon will be offering up a wealth of weekend fun including their Blues, Brews and BBQ cooking class; Date Night movie on Friday (free and open to the public along with a dinner special at the Flying V); mixology class for hotel guests Friday; baking class for kids Saturday; and games, music and dancing lessons at the main pool. www.hiltonconquistador.com, www.loewshotels.com.
Tucson fireworks over “A” Mountain
The Tucson fireworks show over “A” Mountain has long been a Tucson tradition, but this year the Independence Day show almost didn’t happen. Due to budget reasons, City Council originally canceled the show, but luckily many local businesses quickly came to the rescue to keep the celebration intact. Among the organizations to thank are Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson Electric Power, Cox Communications and Arizona Builders Alliance, as well as various anonymous donors. You can view the show in traditional style from the tops of U of A garages or at the Tucson Convention Center. Call 520.791.4101 for more information.
Jazz at Loews Ventana Canyon
Would you rather forgo the sounds of popping, crackling fireworks this year for some smooth, melodious jazz? This Fourth of July, Loews Ventana Canyon will be hosting a concert with jazz/funk guitarist Nick Colionne, as a part of the Tucson Jazz Society’s Jazz in Style summer concert series. In case you’re not yet familiar with Colionne, he is known among his fans for delivering both beautiful music and entertaining performances, and is regularly compared to George Benson. For more information, call 520.903.1265 or visit www.tucsonjazz.org.
Indie-Pendence Day Extravaganza
Benefitting Local First Arizona, Downtown Tucson’s Indie-Pendence Day Extravaganza will offer a relaxed, outdoor party atmosphere for anyone looking to celebrate local businesses as well as our country’s independence. Hosted by Hotel Congress, this outdoor celebration will feature a pre- and post-fireworks display, six musical acts, an all-night barbecue and raffle prizes. The party starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until midnight. See www.hotelcongress.com for more information.
A Fourth Feast
Local Chef Janos Wilder never disappoints when it comes to special events, and this Fourth of July is no exception. Sample a wide array of Wilder’s cuisine at Janos restaurant’s All American buffet—it will feature 20 savory selections and live country music entertainment. If you’re looking to celebrate our independence with some American vino, the JW Marriott Starr Pass’s beloved Primo restaurant will be hosting “American Influence on the Wine World,” (as a part of their weekly wine tasting series), where you can learn about—and taste—numerous American wine varieties. In addition, many Tucson Originals restaurants (Janos is one, along with places like Acacia, El Charro and Kingfisher) will be hosting various Fourth of July events and specials. For more information on any of these events, visit www.janos.com, www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com, or www.tucsonoriginals.com.
