Cinco de Mayo Guide

Fast fact for your ass: Legend has it that the spirituous substance known as tequila was once believed to help cure impotence and raise the dead. And here we thought it was only good for getting good and soused. We might have to put such myths to the test sometime over the upcoming Cinco de Mayo holiday, as heaven knows there's gonna be enough of golden liquor getting slurped up at the bars, clubs, and restaurants throughout the Valley. It's more than just Patron and Jose Cuervo, however, as any number of Mexican beers and spirits will inevitably be sampled during the annual holiday. Looking for the coolest or closest place to party? Peruse our compilation of some the finest fiestas taking place in town from Friday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 5 (unless otherwise noted).

FRIDAY, APRIL 30

SPECIAL EVENTS

Gladiadores Unidos

261 N. 17th St.

www.myspace.com/gladiadoreslucha

The colorful and kooky combatants of Gladiadores Unidos — Black Nacell, Rudy Escobedo, and El Diablo — engage in battle during an evening of fierce lucha libre (a.ka. Mexican wrestling) action. 7 p.m.; $3 for children, $5 for adults. Call 480-399-9996.

Herberger Theater Center

222 E. Monroe St.

www.herbergertheater.org

Renowned Chicago-based sketch comedy troupe Second City presents a no-holds-barred send-up of our state with The Second City Does Arizona or Close But No Saguaro. 8 p.m., $30-$56. Runs through May 16. Call 602-256-6995.

The Underground

105 W. Main St., Mesa

www.mesaunderground.com

The horror punks of Calabrese are scheduled to rock the subterranean venue, along with the Limit Club, Dead City Saints, No Other Opinion, and more. 7 p.m. See www.mantoothgroup.com.

Restaurants

Calico Jack's Cantina

6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale

www.calicojacksglendale.com

Westgate's newest Mexican joint celebrates its grand opening weekend with celebrity appearances, mariachi bands, drink specials, a visit by the 3 Little Amigos, a Miss Calico Jack's with an $1,000 prize, VIP giveaways, a chance to win a trip to Mexico, and more. Also runs Saturday, May 1. Call 623-877-5223.

BARS & CLUBS

Hidden House 607 W. Osborn Rd.

www.myspace.com/thehiddenhousephxaz

DJ impresario Al Page hosts Steady Mobbin, a night of West Coast hip-hop music featuring spin sessions by Bigie, Blesd One, Kris the Fist, and others. 9 p.m., $5. Call 602-266-1763.

Matador Mexican Restaurant

125 E. Adams St.

www.matador2go.com

Bump your humps to cumbias, reggaeton, and other Latin dance music spun by the DJs of Caliente Chica Fridays. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-254-7563 for cover.

SATURDAY, MAY 1

Special events

Inkenstein Tattoo Company

7120 North 55th Dr., Glendale

www.inkensteintattoo.com

The tattoo parlor fetes its second anniversary with music by Flathead, Green Lady Killers, Glass Heroes, and 13 to the Gallows. 4 p.m. Call 623-271-7411.

RESTAURANTS

Port of Subs21001 N. Tatum Blvd.www.portofsubs.com

Turkey bacon avocado sandwiches will be available, starting at $4.99, during the month of May. Call 480-502-7962.

BARS & CLUBS

American Junkie4363 N 75th St., Scottsdalewww.americanjunkieaz.com

The Junkie Cinco Weekend Block Party kicks off with such drink specials as $5 vodka Red Bulls and Bloody Marys, music from The Spazmatics and The New FO's starting at 8 p.m., and the Floyd Mayweather/Shane Mosley fight will be showing throughout the bar. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-990-3000.

Chasers 8005 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdalewww.myspace.com/chasersliveaz

A triumvirate of Latino ska and psychobilly acts travel from California to take to the stage, including 8 Kalacas, The Rocketz, and Doña Canchis. Valley bands Cultura Libertaria, The Limit Club, Elron, and Rooster Coup DeVille are also on the bill. 7 p.m., $10. Call 480-945-4985.

Club DWNTWN702 N. Central Ave.

Cinco de Mayo party with DJs Rubas, Alfredo, and Big Latin blasting out hip-hop, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and rock en español. Drink specials include $3 margaritas. 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., $10. Call 602-258-8343.

Hollywood Alley2610 W. Baseline Rd., Mesawww.thehollywoodalley.com

Legendary local indie band The Vinegar Sting stage a reunion gig, with support from JJCnV, Haunted Cologne, and The Pods. 9 p.m., $5. Call 480-820-7117.

Mateo's Cantina5508 N. 7th Ave.www.mateoscantina.com

Witness the Mayweather/Mosley bout during the Fight Night viewing party, which features a sumptuous buffet from noon to 8 p.m., DJ Tony spinning afterwards, and more. Noon, $20 per person. Call 602-242-4252.

Sky Lounge 132 E. Washington St.www.myspace.com/skysaturday

Get your groove on during Latin Ladies Night as DJs Kyko, Mario, and Daffy spin cumbia, reggaeton, hip-hop, and dance music. 9 p.m., $10. Call 602-229-1110.

SUNDAY, MAY 2

SPECIAL EVENTS

Del Sol Reception Hall243 S. Mesa Dr., Mesa

Death Machine, Mofo Clown, Payaso Asesino, Prince Azteca and the other performers of AA Lucha Libre Mexicana present a thrilling evening of high-flying and hard-hitting wrestling action. 7 p.m.; $3 for children, $5 for adults. Call 480-834-0772.

Bars & Clubs

American Junkie4363 N 75th St., Scottsdalewww.americanjunkieaz.com

The Junkie Cinco Weekend Block Party continues with a double elimination dodge ball tournament (featuring a $500 cash prize for the winner and $250 for best costume), food and drink specials, and more. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-990-3000.

Sky Lounge

132 E. Washington St.

Shake Sundays featuring DJ Kyko and Power 98.3's DJ M2 dropping hip-hop and reggaeton tracks all night. 9 p.m., $10. Call 602-229-1110.