Margaritaville

God bless the souls of Don Cenobio Sauza and José María Guadalupe Cuervo. Why? Because they're the crafty cats who first imported the spirituous concoction known as Tequila to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1870s. Thus, they gave our country one of its favorite mind-erasers. So be sure to raise a shot during Cinco de Mayo weekend in honor of these dearly departed distillers. After all, you'll likely be sucking down a snifter (or four) of their namesake brands this weekend, as well as countless Coronas, plenty of Pacifico, and myriad other Mexican brews. Given that you'll wanna be a bargain-minded borracho, we've assembled some comprehensive listings of the cheapest drinks — as well as some fairly fearsome fiestas — in and around the PHX from Friday, May 1, to Tuesday, May 5. You can get your drink on, partake in some Hispanic cultura and comestibles, but not peso much. Just remember to call a cab, cabrón, unless you want to a siesta in Tent City.

FRIDAY, MAY 1

RESTAURANTS

Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila

7228 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale

How many tacos can you stuff in your craw? Find out at Cien Agave's eating contest on Friday, May 1, which also features drink specials and tequila promotions. (Shredded beef tacos will also be available for just a buck on Tuesday, May 5). 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Call 480-970-9002.

Garibaldi Real Mexican Grill

3024 W. Van Buren St.

The "Noche de Dignidad" fundraising dinner benefiting both the Tonatierra Community Development Institute and the Macehualli Work Center will feature former Rage Against the Machine singer Zack de la Rocha as a special guest speaker. 5:30 p.m. $50 for adults, $30 for students (with valid school ID). Call 602-316-9732 or e-mail ctinamartinez@hotmail.com to RSVP.

Macayo's on Central

4001 N. Central Ave.

DJ Big Latin spins up the hottest hip-hop, cumbias, and Latin hits. 4-10 p.m. Call 602-264-6141 for cover.

Mi Amigos

Three Valley locations

Dine on red chile-roasted back ribs served with cilantro rice, chilled corn, and avocado salad, and other delights for $13.95. Drink specials include $2.75 16-ounce Negra Modelo drafts and $4.50 fruity margaritas. Giveaways will also be offered. Available through Tuesday, May 5. Call 480-892-6822.

BARS & CLUBS

Bar Smith

130 E. Washington St.

Dance your ass off to a dope mix of electro, house, techno, and mash-ups at FUSE Fridays, courtesy of Sol Martinez, DJ Mara, Sonique des Fleurs, and Disco Da. Specials include $3 Skyy drinks, Blue Moon, and select shots. Free before 10 p.m., $5 thereafter. Call 602-229-1265.

Club Mardi Gras & VooDoo Lounge

8040 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale

Former Crank Yankers star (and current co-host of VH1 Classic's That Metal Show) Jim Florentine unleashes some yuks in Scottsdale. 8 p.m. (He also performs 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2). $20. Call 480-970-5707 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

Matador Mexican Restaurant

125 E. Adams St.

Shake your moneymaker at Caliente Chica Fridays, with DJ AL3 and The Manic Hispanic spinning reggaeton, hip-hop, cumbias, and Latin music. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Call 602-254-7563 for cover.

Mateo's Cantina

5508 N. 7th Ave.

Indoor and outdoor dining and dancing will be available at this Cinco de Mayo party, which features $3 margaritas and Mexican beer, $5 all-you-can-eat buffet, $5 tequila shots, and music from Elixir and Devotion. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Call 602-242-4252.

SATURDAY, MAY 2

SPECIAL EVENTS

Barcelona Scottsdale

15440 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop, Scottsdale

A special Dos Equis reception will be held, promising food, fun, and live mariachi music. Ladies are free (RSVP required), $15 for men starting at 8:30 p.m. Call 480-603-0370.

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 Intocable, Los Grandes de Tijuana, Colmillo Norteño, Carmen Jara, Los Canarios, and others. 3 p.m.-midnight. Also runs noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. $10 (free for kids 12 and under). Visit www.campesina.com.

Devil's Martini

4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale

"Dos de Mayo" party with promos, Latin music, and more. Specials include two-for-one drinks 'til 10 p.m., $2 Coronas, and $5 Cazadores margaritas and Cabo Wabo shots. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Call 480-947-7171 and 480-348-1666.

Food City Cinco de Mayo Festival

Jefferson St. between 1st & 5th Aves.

The massive 10-block fiesta celebrating Latino culture kicks off, with food and drink vendors, games, activities, and more. Live music includes performances by Montez de Durango, Kingz One, and others. 1 p.m.-midnight. $7 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. Call 602-279-4669.

Chandler Downtown Library Plaza

100 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler

Pack up your pups for Chandler's annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, which is headlined by Chihuahua racing for prizes at 5 p.m. ($25 entry fee, sign-up at 1 p.m., limited to 150 dogs), and contests to determine the "King and Queen Chihuahua" at 3 p.m., in addition to vendors, food, and drink all day. Live entertainment includes performances by mariachis, folkloric dancing groups, Latin musicians, and more. Visit www.chandleraz.gov for the full lineup. 10 a.m. to midnight. Call 480-782-2735.

El Pedregal Shops & Dining

34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale

Prepare your taste buds for the annual Cinco de Mayo Salsa Festival, where more than a dozen local chefs and restaurants (including Café Carumba and Spotted Donkey Cantina) will offer salsa tastings. A mariachi trio takes the stage at noon, with the Ballet Folklorico Junior Dancers performing at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, the Bakery Café will serve such treats as Mexican wedding cookies, apple-mango chimichangas, and margarita pie with a Cointreau and tequila topping. Noon-3 p.m. 480-488-1072.