Tequila Town

If there's one celebration that P-Town knows how to do with style, it's Cinco de Mayo. Nearly everyone in the Valley's gonna be living la vida loca and feting Latino culture nonstop from Thursday, May 1, until Monday, May 5. Myriad Mexican-themed parties are on tap around the PHX, offering all manner of fun and excitement. We've assembled a list of many of the best fiestas in town fit for your perusal.

Wanna see how fast your Chihuahua can run? Head to Chandler for the annual races. Need to shake hands with Jose Cuervo? Check out Mill Avenue, cabrón. Feeling the desire to shake your tailfeather? Some Latin DJs have just the tune for you. Think of this guide as a massive multicultural piñata, 'cept instead of dulces, it's filled with a sweet selection of Cinco shindigs and shenanigans. Just don't hit us with the bat, okay?

Jonathan McNamara

Click to see a google map version of the Cinco De Mayo guide.

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THURSDAY, MAY 1

BARS & CLUBS

Hard Rock Cafe
3 S. 2nd St.
www.hardrock.com
Latin hip-hop artists MC Magic and DJ Kane perform, with DJs Big Latin and Robb G. spinning salsa, merengue, and Latin house. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $10 (with ladies free until 11). Call 602-261-7625.

Aunt Chilada's
7330 N. Dreamy Draw Dr.
www.auntchiladas.com
Cinco de Mayo party featuring mariachi bands, live music from The Crown Kings starting at 7 p.m., promo giveaways, food and drinks, a chocolate fountain, and more. 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Also runs Saturday, May 3. $5. Call 602-944-1286.

Los Sombreros
2534 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
www.lossombreros.com
A special multicourse Cinco de Mayo menu is available, boasting a tasty repast of four different entrée selections (including tequila carne asada with nopales, or grilled shrimp with mango pico de gallo), as well as delicious appetizers and deserts. Reservations suggested. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Prices vary per item. Also available Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. Call 480-994-1799.

Macayo's on Central
4001 N. Central Ave.
www.macayo.com
DJ Big Latin spins up the hottest hip-hop, cumbias, and Latin hits. 4-10 p.m. Call 602-264-6141 for cover.

Bar Smith
130 E. Washington St., Phoenix
www.barsmithphoenix.com
Rooftop Fridays with drink specials and DJs Idenaty, Deuce, and Rob G. spinning hip-hop, R&B, and top 40. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $7. Call 602-229-1265.

The Blooze Bar
12014 N. 32nd St.
www.myspace.com/thebloozebar
Rock from the Jack Ripper Band and B/S, drink specials, and more. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $5. Call 602-788-4574.

Club Cabo
30 S. Robson St., Mesa
DJ Seduce spins reggaeton, cumbias, classic hip-hop, dance music, and Latin jams. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $7. Call 480-615-3242.

Hazelwood's First Place
3626 E. Indian School Rd.
www.hazelwoods1stplace.com
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all weekend with live music, prizes, giveaways, and a visit from the Dos Equis and Margaritaville Girls. Also occurs Saturday, May 3, through Monday, May 5. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-957-2462.

Matador Mexican Restaurant
125 E. Adams St.
matador2go.com
Shake your moneymaker at Caliente Chica Fridays, with DJ AL3 and The Manic Hispanic spin reggaeton, hip-hop, cumbias, and other Latin tracks. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-254-7563 for cover.

Phase 54
1700 W. Drake Dr.
www.myspace.com/phase54tempe
DJs SupaVaiza and Johnny Vegas spin top 40 and hip-hop, with live music from local bands, $3 you-call-its until 10 p.m., and $3 shots all night. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. $5. Call 480-551-3970.

The Shout! House
6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale
www.theshouthouse.com
The three-day "Cinco de Drinko" party kicks off with a visit from the Bud Light Lime Girls, promo giveaways, and music from the dueling pianos. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. $5 until 7 p.m., $10 thereafter. Call 623-772-1500.

Barrios Unidos Park
1501 E. Mohave St.
The two-day Cinco de Mayo Festival hosted by 88.3 La Campesina Radio features food, games, entertainment, and performances by a slew of Latino musicians, including Ramon Ayala, Diana Reyes, Rogelio Martinez, El Gringo, Grupo Laberinto, El Flaco Elizalde, Los Buitres, El Chalinillo, and others. 3 p.m.-midnight. Also runs noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. Visit www.campesina.com.

César Chávez Memorial Plaza
Washington St., between Central Ave. & 4th Ave.
Food City's annual two-day Cinco de Mayo Festival kicks off, with food and drink vendors, games, activities, and a lineup of live music headlined by War and Los Lonely Boys. 1 p.m. to midnight. $5 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. Call 602-279-4669.

Chandler Downtown Library
100 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler
Pack up your pups for Chandler's 11th annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, which is headlined by Chihuahua racing for prizes at 6 p.m. (with a $10 entry fee, signup at 1 p.m., limited to 150 dogs), and contests to determine the "King and Queen Chihuahua" at 7 p.m., in addition to vendors, food and drink, and more all day. Live entertainment includes performances by mariachis, folkloric dancing groups, Latin musicians, and more. Visit www.chandleraz.gov for the full lineup. Noon to 8 p.m. Call 480-782-2735.

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
www.scottsdaleaz.gov
Cinco de Mayo festivities include live music, raffles, arts and crafts, a performance by the Scottsdale International Club dancers, and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Call 480-312-2771.