The holiday, which is sometimes considered a minor holiday in Mexico, has become widely celebrated here in the U.S. over the years, making for a fun time at bars and restaurants around Tucson. If you’re not sure how to celebrate it this year, there’s plenty of food, beer, bloody marys, and good old-fashioned family fun happening on Sunday, May 5.
There are a few options out there so take a peek if you need help making a decision. We’ll also keep adding to this roundup as we inch closer to Cinco De Mayo so check back often!
If you’re simply looking for a stellar margarita, check out our interactive guide.
Featured Event
Cinco De Mayo En El Barrio
61 E. Congress St.
This year for Cinco de Mayo, Tucson Foodie is teaming up with Real Good Concepts (the creative team behind La Chingada Cocina Mexicana, LUST DWTN, The Neighborhood, and CRUDA Mariscos & Oyster Bar) to throw the ultimate late-night Cinco De Mayo fiesta.
The party kicks off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, which then rolls into the early morning hours of Sunday, May 5.
Tickets are $25 or $35 at the door.
More Cinco De Mayo Events
1912 Brewing Company
2045 N. Forbes Blvd. #105
“Join us for a celebration of food, brews, and good people! We are partying with a Mexican pizza special and our Mexican brews. Try the El Chente Mexican Lager and the Ta Weno Mexican Amber.”
The party starts at noon on Sunday, May 5.
Button Brew House
6800 N. Camino Martin #160
The Marana brewery will be offering $2 off Micheladas on Cinco De Mayo. Also, they have a brand-new Margarita Sour on tap. Party on!
Casa Marana
8225 N. Courtney Page Way #191
Heads up! This event is on Saturday, May 4. They’ll be serving $5 margaritas, $5 Mexican lager drafts, and $1 off tequila.
Catalina Brewing Company
6918 N. Camino Martin
El Chinito Gordo
2920 N. Oracle Rd.
The team has something special in the works for Saturday, May 4 (the day before Cinco De Mayo) from 6 – 8 p.m. Here’s a hint: it has to do with tequila.
The Frozen Cactus
5769 E. Speedway Blvd.
On Cinco De Mayo, The Frozen Cactus will have $3 Coronas, $3 Margaritas, two-for-one tequila shot specials, and $2 off premium tequilas.
Ghini’s French Caffe
1803 E. Prince Rd.
For Cinco De Mayo, the French restaurant is serving a Frenchiladas Brunch and $1 off Breakfast Margaritas from Wednesday, May 1 – Sunday, May 5.
“Enjoy Our delicious French Crêpes stuffed with all-natural grilled chicken, red chile, garlic & creamy cheddar cheese, filled and topped with red and white Frenchilada Sauce. Buen Provecho!”
HighWire Tucson
30 S. Arizona Ave.
Highwire will be opening early at 11 a.m. on Cinco De Mayo! DJ’s will be starting at 3 p.m – 2 a.m. Additionally, they’ll have complimentary cocktail samplings from 4 -6 p.m. — sponsored by Cazadores Tequila.
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress St.
“VIP Amigo Passes are available for Sunday’s show with early entry, a chance to meet the band, and a shot of Canción Tequila!”
The Hut
124 E. Broadway Blvd.
From 2 – 5 p.m., Funky Bonz will be performing at The Hut and the party keeps on rollin’ afterward.
La Botana Tacos
565 E. Wetmore Rd.
There’s not a specific event going on at La Botana’s new and only location on Wetmore Road, but the neat thing is that they’re open on Sunday, May 5. That’s right! They’ll be open and dishing out margaritas, tacos, and whatever it is you desire on Sunday.
The Maverick
6622 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
The country bar is bringing back the Bucking Jalapeño for a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta starting at noon.
“$3 Mexican beers all day, $4 Mexican candies, $5 Hornitos margaritas, $6 Patron, and $1 strawberry marg Jell-O shots! Live music with The AB Sanchez Band 7 p.m. and Dj Du in the mix all night!”
The Moonstone (at Graduate Tucson Hotel)
930 E. Second St.
Starting at 4 p.m., Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Graduate Tucson hotel, with an all-out rooftop pool party. Soak up the Sonoran sun while you enjoy festive drink specials, a live DJ set by DJ Jason E., and more splashy surprises. Plus, grab free samples and merch from Bask Suncare.
Open to all, but space is limited. Round up your party people and RSVP today.
The event is free to attend but an optional $5 donation will go back to the University of Arizona Skin Cancer Institute’s sun safety program, Project SASS, and its mission to raise public awareness of sun safety and skin cancer detection.
The Outlaw Bar & Grill
1302 W. Roger Rd.
“Join us for our Cinco de Mayo fiesta! RSVP now. Together, we can advocate for global literacy.”
Sonora Moonshine Co.
124 E. Broadway Blvd.
The festivities kick off at 10 a.m.
“Get ready for a night of electrifying music and craft spirits! Join us on Cinco de Mayo for the grand opening of Sonora Moonshine, featuring live performances by Salvador Duran and Adrian Perez of MeXcal. Don’t miss this unique blend of talent and tradition! See you there!”
Tucson Tacos and Tequila Bar Crawl
Begins at HiFi Kitchen and Cocktails (345 E. Congress St.)
This bar crawl is from 5 – 11 p.m.
“Gather your amigos and amigas for a night filled with tacos, tequila, and endless fun as we journey through the city’s top spots. From mouthwatering tacos to refreshing margaritas, each stop on our crawl promises a delicious experience that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. But that’s not all! Join us as we raise our glasses to Cinco De Mayo and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Mexico with lively music, colorful decorations, and plenty of cheers.”
Venom
1104 S. Craycroft Rd.
The nightclub is hosting Cinco De Mayo specials all weekend (Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5)
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
