Ready To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo? The Best Events, Specials, More In Tempe And Nearby

TEMPE, AZ — Cinco de Mayo is rapidly approaching, so if you're looking for fun events and food or drink specials, you've come to the right place.

Patch gathered a collection of things you can do on May 5, which you can find here.

Around the Phoenix Metro Area

1. Celebrate at all Pedal Haus Brewery locations — including one in Tempe — in the Phoenix metro area on Cinco de Mayo with the Cinco de Drinko Beer Fiesta. Special items include "Haus Margs" for $7, Mexican ambers for $5 and a "Marg Garten."
2. Take a short trip to the Wigwam Resort for its Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the bar patio from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Festivities include tequila tasting, freshly made street tacos and elote and entertainment by the Happy Mariachi Trio.
3. For a family-friendly celebration that lasts all day, look no further than Ghett’ Yo’ Taco! The event was expected to include music from DJs and live bands, authentic street tacos, cold beer, margaritas and more. Children can expect face painting and piñata crafting. Tickets required and are cheaper online.

Phoenix

• The Phoenix Cinco de Mayo Festival returns this weekend. Check out the event listing here to learn all about it: Cinco de Mayo Festival 2022: Phoenix. Celebrate the holiday a little early on Sunday but with the benefit of a weekend and plenty of vendors, kid-friendly festivities, performances and more.
• Heritage at Sportsman’s Park is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event includes tacos for $2, margaritas for $3 and live music. RSVP here.
• Does an event at a center for the arts sound more like your type of celebration? The Madison Center for the Arts will host the Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández de Cinco de Mayo Celebration at 7 p.m. According to the event listing, "Legends of My Land is a musical tribute to the golden era of Mexican cinema that was responsible for the internationalization of mariachi music." Tickets are available here.
• Lucky's has the space and vibes for a celebration, including a large patio, a trailer bar, rotating food trucks and bocce ball. On Cinco de Mayo, drink specials run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with $6 house margaritas, $8 specialty margaritas, $6 Modelos and live music at 6 p.m.

Scottsdale

• In Scottsdale, the place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is Boulders Resort and Spa. The celebration will take place at the Spotted Donkey Cantina from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at the El Pedregal outdoor courtyard and amphitheater. Book here. A mariachi band and food and beverage specials will be featured.
• Happy hour specials take on new meaning at Diego Pops. While the specials and menu are not only for Cinco de Mayo, they are also perfect for the holiday. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy $2 off beers, wine or sangria for $6, a Diego margarita for $6 and half-price appetizers — plus, tequila sampling all day long! Margaritas are also available (food is too, of course) to go.
• Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill is celebrating their eighth anniversary along with a Cinco de Mayo pop-up that includes colorful pinatas and a celebration on the patio and in the parking lot. The festivities will feature outdoor tented bars and tables, live music and a Selena impersonator.

Bonus!

If you prefer a more relaxed celebration, take a look at our best outdoor dining spots.

• Tempe.
• Phoenix.
• Scottsdale.

What It's All About

Before you head out the door to the Cinco de Mayo celebration of your choice, here's a little rundown on what all the fuss is about this holiday.

A common misconception is that the day celebrates Mexican independence. That's not the actual case.

Cinco de Mayo observes the date of the battle of Puebla in 1862, when the outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French, who were occupying the area seeking unpaid debts.

A common misconception confused the holiday with Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16. The country had already gained its independence from Spain years before the battle of Puebla, which was part of a war the Mexican army ultimately lost to the French.

READ MORE: Cinco de Mayo: 5 Things To Know Before America Celebrates

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