Back then, in the wake of World War II, El Casino filled a recently created void. More than any other place in Tucson, the El Casino Ballroom has been the true community center for the town since it opened its doors in 1947 at the corner of East 26th Street and South Second Avenue. 2, while the adults lined up to do the Electric Slide at the famous dance hall, which marks its 60th anniversary this year with celebrations Friday and Saturday. Kids were still doing the same thing when Ponce and Gonzales married there Nov. “In-between dances, we little kids would run and slide on that floor,” she says. Tucson’s Deputy City Manager Liz Rodriguez Miller has vivid memories of childhood at El Casino and the dance floor that seemed to “go on for miles.” The couple joined a long chain of Tucsonans who had their weddings, quinceañeras, reunions, cultural celebrations, parties, charitable events, club meetings, political rallies, concerts and more, surrounded by friends and family at the 60-year-old landmark. It’s where the couple met, where they had their first kiss, where he proposed to her and where they had their baby shower.

When Christopher Ponce and Stephanie Gonzales decided to get married, they knew one thing absolutely: The wedding would be at El Casino Ballroom.

INSET: Children play on the ballroom's dance floor, which can accommodate many people. The main event continues Saturday and Sunday featuring five stages downtown and more than 125 live performances including National Headliners, Local and Regional Acts, Songwriting Competition winners, Family Show Entertainment, Young Artist Showcases, and Music Workshops! Over 250 volunteers support the success of this free, family-friendly festival.BACKGROUND: Wedding guests dance at a cermony at El Casino Ballroom in the early 1980s. Friday night features our annual Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition on the Plaza Stage at Jacome Plaza. Our 39th Annual festival takes place on April 5 – 7, 2024! Thursday night features our official festival kick off party with an acoustic showcase and performer social at Monterey Court.

The Tucson Folk Festival is a FREE and accessible festival celebrating Americana and Folk Music traditions and all the wonderful variations, including bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, Celtic, and various styles of Latin and Mexican music! This annual family-friendly festival is held in some of the most historic sections of Tucson.

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