In January 1934, the Tucson Police Department, with help from the Tucson Fire Department, were able to do what countless law enforcement agencies around the country had been unable to do—capture the notorious Public Enemy #1 and his gang, and they did so without firing a shot!

Dillinger Days, one of Tucson’s most entertaining annual celebrations, provides a fun way to honor this unique bit of Tucson history, celebrate a nostalgic era, and honor the brave men and women who protect our city on a daily basis.

On Saturday, January 23rd, Congress Street, Toole Avenue, and Hotel Congress will be transformed into 1934. Three lively, historically accurate re-enactments will relive the Dillinger gang’s last bank robbery in Chicago prior to its arrival in Tucson, the series of events leading to the gang’s capture in and around Downtown, and the fire that destroyed the third floor of Hotel Congress.

The free festival, which begins at 11am, also includes live period music with an outdoor dance floor, a classic car “fashion show,” historic walking and trolley tours featuring sites relating to the gang’s capture, a special exhibit at the Arizona Historical Society Downtown History Museum at 140 N. Stone Ave., as well as interactive games and contests, old-time photography shoots, 1930s-themed carnival activities, book-signings in the Hotel Congress lobby and vendor booths at Maynards and the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum located at the historic train depot.

Participants are encouraged to dress in 30’s garb and be “extras” in the re-enactments and to participate in a period costume contest.

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This season, the Arizona Theatre Company features a fantastic line-up of theatrical performances.

The Arizona Theatre Company performances occur at the Temple of Music and Art, located at 330 S. Scott Avenue (downtown Tucson). For the Tucson Box Office, please call (520) 622-2823.

To learn about the season schedule, to purchase tickets, and more, please visit the Arizona Theatre Company website.

The museum features original and traveling exhibitions focusing on American art, American West art, also modern and contemporary art. Currently (from July 11 to September 26, 2009), exhibitions highlight the trends of contemporary arts in Arizona. You can view the list of scheduled and planned exhibitions.

The Tucson Museum of Art is located at 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701. (View detailed directions). The phone number is (520) 624-2333. Click here for more details, such as hours of operation, ticket prices, and more.