Hey all you gin-thusiasts out there—it's time to turn your love of the white botanical spirit into a show of support for Tucson's historic (and nonprofit) Rialto Theatre this Saturday, Feb. 28. The Gin Joint Jubilee at Rialto will be part fundraising gala and part roaring '20s theme party (yes, you can and should dress up) with vaudeville entertainment and, of course, some stiff cocktails.

Attendees can bid on silent auction items and enter for raffle prizes with items up for grabs including vacation packages, a hot air balloon ride, gift certificates, original artworks and more with special guests Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and KXCI's Cathy Rivers. Pre-bidding is available now through Bidding Owl. While all of that bidding and raffling goes on, Cirque Roots and Black Cherry Burlesque will keep the crowd entertained with cheeky vaudeville acts. An ensemble group of local musicians will also be playing classics from the '20s and '30s.

From 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. there will be a main tasting event with an hour of dessert samples following that. 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. will feature late night bite options if you're still hungry. Some of the many restaurants serving up samples for the evening include Miss Saigon, Hotel Congress, Hub, Empire Pizza, Proper, The Parrish, Reforma Cantina, Dante’s Fire, Got to be Gluten Free, Delectables, Saffron, US Fries and more. 


But, let's not forget the gin. You can sip on a Tuxedo #2 at R Bar (or you can order one from a server). The exclusive cocktail for the event is a classic that takes an improved (a.k.a. with absinthe) martini base and adds a touch of maraschino. If you're not ready to go full martini, a few of these will sell you on the cocktail once and for all.

The Gin Joint Jubilee kicks off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tickets are $75 per person or $125 for a pair and can be found online, along with more information, on the Rialto Theatre website. Each ticket for the fundraiser includes a complimentary drink.