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

BOULDER, CO — 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.

Greater Boulder Area

1. For a chill Cinco de Mayo, visit bartaco for its new #bartacosecret taco —a coconut shrimp taco topped off with a Yellowbird sriracha — in partnership with Yellowbird Foods, which will be available starting on Cinco de Mayo. According to the restaurant, the new taco, which is its first-ever co-crafted #bartacosecret taco, pairs perfectly with the margaritas and will be available for dine-in, takeout or delivery and in bartaco’s taco packs.
2. Avanti F and B is celebrating on Cinco de Mayo. Not only will celebrate the holiday, but it will host a two-for-one party with the University of Colorado graduation. Guests can expect frozen and rocks margarita specials, Ratio Mexican-style lagers for $4, Casamigos Blanco shots for $8 and music by DJ Musa. The event is free and does not require reservations.
3. For a musical night of contemporary and traditional Latino music, head to Cinco de Mayo with Quemando at Nissi's. According to the event listing, the band comprises a Cuban style drum kit, timbales, congas, bass, piano, five vocalists and a three-piece horn section. The members of the band hail from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Panama and the U.S. It will play a wide variety of songs. 21 and older, tickets required.
4. A short drive is required, but the family-friendly festival will be worth it. On May 7, take the family to Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo. The event prohibits drugs and alcohol and strives to be zero waste while creating a better understanding of the Latino community. Guests can expect food, shopping, live entertainment, a car show, a break dance competition and free family activities.
5. If you would rather spend Cinco de Mayo at a different bar, Jose Cuervo is still giving you a chance to get a holiday deal! Enter online to request $10 to tip your bartender, and you could receive a Venmo payment. The tequila brand is running the promotion now through the end of the day on Thursday, so go ahead and enter!

Bonus!

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

• Boulder

Headed to the Denver area this Cinco de Mayo? Look for our Denver guide.

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

See Also: 14 Spring Bucket List Activities In The Greater Boulder Area