Here's where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo around Phoenix
Weldon B. JohnsonWith Cinco de Mayo falling on Sunday this year, some places are celebrating for the entire weekend.
You might want to pace yourself, however. You probably have to go to work on Monday morning.
Here are a few places around Phoenix (and Sedona!) where you can celebrate whether it’s for one day or the entire weekend.
Aunt Chilada's
Be prepared to dance at this celebration as there will be live music all weekend. On Friday, May 3, enjoy the Chris Parker Project from 7:30-11:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 4 (Family Friendly Day), look for a steel drum band from 6-9 p.m. On Sunday, May 5, guitar legend Esteban gets things going at 1 p.m. followed by Chris Parker Project and The Walkens. Kick off Sunday's activities with a cornhole tournament at 11 a.m.
Details: Friday-Sunday, May 3-5. 7330 N. Dreamy Draw Drive, Phoenix. $15 on May 5. 602-944-1286, auntchiladas.com.
Barrio Queen
Barrio Queen is celebrating with a block party at its Old Town Scottsdale location. There also will be live entertainment and food and drink specials at the Gilbert and Desert Ridge restaurants. The Scottsdale block party will extend to the Scottsdale Waterfront Bridge and will feature games such as corn hole, life-size Connect Four, Jenga and beer pong.
Details: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, May 5. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. 388 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. No cover charge. www.barrioqueen.com.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
This restaurant has partnered with George Strait Codigo 1530 tequila to throw an all-day party. Specials include $5 classic and skinny margaritas. There will be music from noon-8 p.m. and Codigo 1530-themed swag.
Details: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. The Borgata, 6166 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, Tucson. No cover charge. blancotacostequila.com.
Cinco de Chandler
Ghett' Yo' Taco, a downtown Chandler restaurant that specializes in street tacos, is hosting this bash. All ages are welcome until 5 p.m. Festivities include bands, mariachis and DJs. Mariachis will play from 2-3 p.m., DJ Jeffro from 3-4 p.m., Clint Stevens Band from 4-5:30, Jim Bachman & the Day Drinkers from 5:30-7 p.m. and DJ Jeffro finishes things up until midnight. Drink specials include $3 Corona and Pacifica beers, $6 margaritas, $8 cocktails and $12 Coronaritas.
Details: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday, May 5. 241 S. Oregon St., Chandler. $5. 480-210-8226, ghettyotaco.com.
Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl
Get a wristband and hit some of Old Town Scottsdale’s best bars, including El Hefe, Goodwood Tavern, Old Town Gringos, Riot House and Wasted Grain. Post pictures during your journey to win prizes. Crawl schedule will be announced Friday, May 4.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Old Town Scottsdale. $20. scottsdalebarcrawls.com.
Cinco de Mayo in Sedona
Immerse yourself in a colorful fiesta saluting a rich heritage. Enjoy the festivities at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, including mariachi musicians, folklorico dancers and traditional Mexican food. This year’s event coincides with the ninth annual Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off. Ride the free trolley from the municipal parking lot at 260 Schnebly Road.
Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona. Cinco de Mayo festival is free. Chili cookoff is $15. 928-282-4838, www.tlaq.com.
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
Live bands and DJs will be featured at this weekend-long celebration. Drink specials include buckets of Dos Equis or Tecate for $25, and $2 off Patron Silver and Jose Cuervo. On Sunday, take part in a cornhole tournament. Thirty two teams can compete (buy in is $40 per team) to win $500 in cash. Sign up by visiting www.dierkswhiskeyrow.com/cornhole.
Details: 9 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday, May 4 and 9 a.m.-midnight Sunday, May 5. Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, 323 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. No cover. 480-476-8595, dierkswhiskeyrow.com/gilbert-az/
Don Manny’s Mexican Grill
Sing and dance the way again at this west Valley spot. Karaoke in Spanish and English in addition to music and dancing along with $1 jello shots, $2 tacos and $5 margaritas.
Details: 3-9 p.m., Sunday, May 5. Don Manny’s Mexican Grill, 12351 W. Indian School Road, Avondale. No cover. 623-535-8400, www.facebook.com/donmannysmexicangrill/
El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Scottsdale
Party all weekend at these popular Scottsdale venues. Both places will feature music from local DJS as well as Dos Equis, TEcate, Don Julio Blanco and Hornitos Plata specials Saturday and Sunday.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. El Hefe, 4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale. 480-945-6200, elhefe.com. Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale. 480-945-4200, www.dierkswhiskeyrow.com/scottsdale.
El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Tempe
Once again, El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row are joining forces to throw a celebration too big for one place to contain. El Hefe will get things started, opening up at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Festivities include DJs spinning the hits at both places and festive décor. Drink specials include buckets of Dos Equis and Tecate for $25 and $2 off Patron Silver and Jose Cuervo.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, 640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. No cover charge. 480-794-1477, dierkswhiskeyrow.com/tempe-az; 480-257-2797, elhefe.com/tempe-az.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park Cinco de Mayo
The celebration at this park in central Phoenix includes Mexican bands and ballet folklorico dancers in authentic costumes, plus candy-filled piñatas for kids to take a swing at. There also will be a taco stand and aguas frescas.
Details: Noon-8 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Enchanted Island Amusement Park, 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. Free admission; $15 for ride wristbands. 602-254-1200, www.enchantedisland.com.
Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup
Want to start early? Check this place out. Rolling Rack Boutique will be showing off the latest styles for spring while Early Bird PHX will have coffee and Wren House Brewing Company will provide the beer. There will also be cookies from Mamalindas and Gadzooks' breakfast tacos and enchiladas.
Details: 8-11 a.m., Sunday, May 5. 4031 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. No cover charge. 602-279-5080, www.gadzooksaz.com/.
Phoenix Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
The Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival is celebrating its 26th anniversary with music, ballet, lucha libre and a kids zone. Performances by the Grammy-nominated group War as well as Tierra and other bands will heighten the atmosphere. The kids zone includes rides and games. Food booths will serve traditional dishes, drinks, beer and margaritas.
Details: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Downtown Phoenix, entrance on First Avenue. $5 before 5 p.m., $10 after 5 p.m., free for age 10 and younger. cincophx.com.
Riot House
Another chance to party the weekend way in Scottsdale. Festivities get started at 10 a.m. Saturday with local DJs spinning music all day and night. Event continues at 11 a.m. Sunday. Drink specials include buckets of Dos XX and Tecate for $25, and $2 off Don Julio Blanco and Hornitos Plata.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday, May 4 and 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sunday, May 5. The Riot House, 4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale. No cover. 480-935-5910, www.riothousescottsdale.com.
Sandbar
Cinco de Mayo celebrations last all weekend at all three Sandbar locations. There will be food and drink specials plus live music and DJs. Reservations are accepted. At Sandbar Chandler, Elvis Before Noon performs on Saturday, May 4. At Sandbar Desert Ridge, The Hourglass Cats take the stage on Saturday with the Crown Kings playing on Sunday. Sandbar Gilbert will feature DJs and dancing all weekend.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Desert Ridge Marketplace, Loop 101 and Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480-585-5900. 7200 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480-961-1700. 1975 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480-428-8444. No cover charge. www.sandbaraz.com.
Reach the reporter at weldon.johnson@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8817. Or follow him on Twitter at @weldonjohnson. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.