Special Events
Arizona Event Center
1300 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
www.arizonaeventcenter.com
Danny Serrano, Richard Galaviz Jr., Manny Llanez, Kevin Soto, Jorge Ruiz, Ernesto Ortiz, and other jokesters will perform during the Latin Comedy Night on Saturday, May 4. 8 p.m.; $10 for general seating, $20-$200 for VIP treatment. Call 480-779-7716.
Chandler Public Library
22 S. Delaware St., Chandler
Pint-size pups both speedy and swanky will be celebrated during Chandler's Cinco de Mayo Festival on Saturday, May 4. The event's tradition of Chihuahua races and beauty pageant once again will serve as its main attraction and offer the chance to witness purse dogs racing their little legs off, sporting fancy outfits, or being crowned as the king and queen Chihuahua. The races will take place at 2 p.m. (with a $20 entry fee). The contest and crowning follows immediately afterward (with a $10 fee). The festival itself will offer Latin and mariachi bands, folklorico troupes, food and drink vendors, live art, a health fair, a lowrider show, and more. 10 a.m., free. Call 480-855-3539.
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
200 E. Van Buren St.
This annual two-day block party in downtown Phoenix marks its 20th anniversary this year and is planning a ginormous fiesta celebrating of the occasion, as well as the Cinco de Mayo holiday itself. Plenty of live entertainment will take place — including a performance by Chicano rock act Ozomatli on Saturday, May 4, and sets by The Latin Breed and Texas Tornados on Sunday, May 5 — as well as mariachi groups, traditional musicians, and folklorico dancers. Food and drink vendors, arts and crafts demonstrations, and a variety of games and distractions are also planned. Hours are 2 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 4; and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. Admission is free $5 for adults, and free for kids 12 and younger.
Casino Arizona
524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale
www.casinoarizona.com
Latino stand-up comics Frankie Quinones, Juan Garcia, and Ruben Quintana will dispense an abundance of chucklers and guffaws during their Three Amigos Comedy Show at 7 p.m. on both Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3. Admission is $19.99. Call 480-850-7777 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Old Town Mexican Beerfest
4341 N. 75th St., Scottsdale
Those Cinco de Mayo revelers feeling a bit thirsty and wondering "¿Dónde están las cervezas?" can head for this two-day celebration of suds imported from south of the border on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. The repast will include 15-plus beers, such as Pacifico, Corona, Dos Equis, and Negro Modelo. Mexican food vendors and live entertainment will also be on tap at the event. Noon to 10 p.m. each day. Admission is $40. See go.ordermytix.com/events/16971.
Quail Run Park
4155 E. Virginia St., Mesa
Hard-rock radio station KUPD will pull out all the stops when it presents U-Fiesta, a combination mega-concert and gigantic Cinco de Mayo party, at the East Valley park on Saturday, May 4. Scheduled to perform at the all-day event, which starts at noon, are the likes of Stone Sour, Chevelle, Heaven's Basement, Powerman 5000, Adelitas Way, Hyro Da Hero, and others. General admission is $45, VIP access is $125 (which includes five adult beverages, unlimited free non-alcoholic drinks, special parking, and other perks). See www.98kupd.com for more info.
Talking Stick Resort
9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
The resort's "Release" summertime pool party series kicks off during Cinco de Mayo weekend with two back-to-back swimming soirees. Guest DJs scheduled to perform include Sin City's G Squared on Saturday, May 4, and San Francisco's Chris Harnett on Sunday, May 5. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day. Call 480-850-7777.
UltraStar Multi-tainment Center
16000 Maricopa Road, Maricopa
www.ultrastarakchin.com
Such Cinco de Mayo food and drink deals as $7 Cadillac margaritas, $5 nachos, $3 Coronas and Dos Equis, and $2 tacos will be served on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. each day. Call 520-233-2431.
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler
www.wingilariver.com
Grammy-winning Tejano superstar Little Joe and his backing band La Familia will take to the stage of the Ovations Live! Showroom at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Admission is $22-$50. Call 800-946-4452.
Restaurants
Baja Joes Mexican Cantina
1927 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa
Food and drink specials, live music, and other revelry will be offered at this newly opened Mexican seafood eatery and bar on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. Opens at 9 a.m. Call 480-655-1828.
Cave Creek Smokehouse & Pour House Patio
6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
Cinco de Mayo food and drink specials will be available all day long on Friday, May 3. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 480-488-3317.
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
7228 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale
Drink specials on Milagro margaritas and Dos Equis, tequila tastings, and other liquor promotions will be available during Cinco weekend from Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May 5. Open at 11 a.m. each day. Call 480-970-9002.
Espo's Mexican Food
3863 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
Three straight days of Cinco de Mayo fiestas will be held from Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May 5, at this East Valley eatery and will feature beers, cocktails, DJs, live music, a carshow, an ugly Chihuahua pageant, and both a Scottsdale staycation and iPod Nano being given out as prizes. Opens at 10 a.m. each day. Call 480-963-0207.
Garcia's
Seven Valley locations
Cinco de Mayo will bring live music, free kids meals with additional purchase, and other food and drink specials at local Garcia's restaurants. Call 602-866-1850.
Hula's Modern Tiki
4700 N. Central Ave.
www.hulasmoderntiki.com
Partake in a south-of-the-border fiesta (by way of the south seas) during the "Cinco de Tiki" party on Sunday, May 5. Enjoy drink specials and two-for-one fish tacos all day long, as well as two-for-one Lilikoi Margaritas starting at 7 p.m. Opens at 10:30 a.m. Call 602-265-8454.
La Piñata
3330 N. 19th Ave.
Specials will be offered throughout the weekend and Jesus Soto will perform in the lounge nightly starting at 4 p.m. from Friday, May 3, to Sunday, May 5. Call 602-279-1763.
Las Glorias
7835 N. 19th Ave.
Sup on $1.50 tacos (available with beef, fish, or shrimp) while sipping 99-cent margaritas, both of which will be available from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5. Call 602-944-8457.
Los Compadres
2350 W. Northern Ave.
www.loscompadresaz.com
Partake in live jazz from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, as well as dining and drink specials, door prizes, and the chance to get your picture with the "Most Interesting Man in the World" all weekend long. A drawing takes place on Sunday, May 5, for the best picture. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. Call 602-864-0043.
Los Dos Molinos
4025 E. Chandler Blvd.
The Ahwatukee location of this Mexican restaurant chain will host a "Cinco de Maya" party on Sunday, May 5, with live music from Bretheren Sol at 3 p.m., Freddie Duran at 5 p.m., and Western Electrics at 7:30 p.m. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 480-706-1066.
Los Sombreros
2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
www.lossombreros.com
Quench your thirst with $5 red and white sangria or a $5 Azul margaritas with fresh lime on Sunday, May 5. A variety of $5 specialty martinis will also be available in such flavors as strawberry, mango, and vanilla. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 480-994-1799.
Mucho Gusto
603 W. University Dr., Tempe
Specials and entertainment will be offered all day on Sunday, May 5. Call 480-921-1850.
Salsa y Mas
1003 E. Indian School Rd.
The eatery will hold a "Grand Opening Block Party" on Saturday, May 4, with live mariachi and banda acts, DJ spin sessions, and a bouncy castle for the young ones (or the young at heart). Food and drinks specials like $1.50 tacos, $3 Mexican hot dogs, $1.50 Coronitas, and $3 you-call-its can also be had. The Mayweather/Guerrero boxing pay-per-view will also screen at 7 p.m. on 10 HD screens throughout the restaurant. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Call 602-279-0417.
Sandbar Mexican Grill
21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
9868 W. Northern Ave., Peoria
7200 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
All three Sandbar locations in the Valley will host two-day "Cinco de Sandbar" parties on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, each featuring ample amounts of food and drink, live music and entertainment, giveaways, and the chance to catch both the Kentucky Derby and the Floyd Mayweather/Robert Guerrero boxing match. Opens at 11 a.m. both days. Call 480-961-1700 or 623-877-6444.
San Felipe's Cantina
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
Partake in margarita, big party drinks, and live music during San Felipe's "Dos Dias De Mayo" on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. Call 480-736-8226.
Valle Luna Mexican Restaurants
3336 W. Bell Road
www.valleluna.com
Two huge Cinco celebrations will take place both inside the restaurant and in the parking lot throughout the weekend. On Saturday, May 4, the "Cuatro De Mayo" affair will transpire and offer a DJ and dancing from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Then, on Sunday, May 5, Valle Luna will throw a big bash with games, trivia contests, scavenger hunts, live music from Whisker Biskit, an outdoor street taco grill, and various drink specials. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., $5. Call 602-993-3108.
Bars & Clubs
Cadillac Ranch
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
The Cinco de Rancho party will be raging all day on both Saturday, May 4, to Sunday, May 5, and will feature DJs, cover bands, and more. Specials include half-priced 22-ounce skinny Beergaritas, $3 well tequila shots, and $3 Dos Equis lager and amber drafts. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-894-1111.
Chopper Johns
2547 E. Indian School Road
www.chopperjohns.com
Live music from the Jaime Waldronez Trio on Saturday, May 4, and Cinco de Mayo drink specials all weekend. Call 602-955-0881.
Club Silver
136 E. Washington St.
Pre-Cinco de Mayo Bash on Saturday, May 4, with hot spins from DJ S and DJ OD, $3 you-call-its until 11 p.m., and more. 9 p.m.
Crescent Ballroom
308 N. 2nd Ave.
DJ Seduce will spin sweet Latin sounds at 8 p.m. and the bar will offer $3 Mexican beers, sangria, and tequila all night on Sunday, May 5. 6 p.m., free. Call 602-716-2222.
Dos Gringos Scottsdale
4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale
www.dosgringosaz.com
The Scottsdale day-drinking crowd will likely turn out in droves for the bar's "Cinco de Mayo Block Banger" on Sunday, May 5, as the event will offer a potent mix of bands, bars, and booze starting at 1 p.m. Portions of Craftsman Court will be cordoned off for the event and its enormous stage featuring music from Rome Ramirez (of Sublime with Rome fame), Kongos, Seedless, The VeraGroove, Valley Love, Through the Roots, and RAC. Drummer/DJ trio The Wednesday Machine, featuring Switch and Blue Collar Profit, will host the party, which will benefit PeppedUp!, a local cancer charity. Admission is $8. Call 480-423-3800 or see cincodemayodosgringos.eventbrite.com.
Dos Gringos Chandler
1361 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler
www.dosgringosaz.com
DJ Thaicoon of 101.5 will work the record decks from 8 p.m. to close on Saturday, May 4, as a part of this Dos Gringos location's two-day Cinco de Mayo festivies, which include an extension out into its parking lot. Also on tap for Saturday is a viewing of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero boxing bout at 7 p.m. The second half of the party on Sunday, May 5, will feature a performance by George Prentice from 2-4 p.m. and DJ Myth spinning from 4 p.m. until last call. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Call 480-855-3303.
Dos Gringos South Tempe
8000 S. Priest Dr., Tempe
www.dosgringosaz.com
Stilly and T From Black Bottom Lighters, Paul Ruppo from Valley Love, Dynamic Duo and other local musicians and bands will perform during the Cinco celebration at this particular Dos Gringos location on Sunday, May 5. Games, prizes, and drink specials will also be offered. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Call 480-753-4577.
El Hefe
4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
The revelry will start on the morning of Sunday, May 5, and last long into the night when Thomas James and other Scottsdale club DJ spin Top 40 and EDM hits and keep asses moving throughout the place. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-241-2682.
El Santo Cantina y Mas
7301 E. Butherus Drive, Scottsdale
A special Cinco de Mayo edition of the Relentless Beach pool party will take place on Sunday, May 5, and DJ/producer Porter Robinson will headline. Noon; $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Call 480-584-3801 or see www.relentlessbeats.com.
Fat Tuesday
680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.fattuesdaytempe.com
This Mill Avenue drinking establishment will team up next door neighbor Canteen on Sunday, May 5, for a gigantic "Cinco De Drinko" block party encompassing both establishments and a good chunk of Sixth Street. Seven different selectors (including DJ Snowden and DJ Mr. Eaton) will spin throughout the day and an equal number of bars will be setup for patrons to purchase libations like $2 Corona and $4 Agave Underground margaritas until 6 p.m. A beanbag toss tournament starts at 2 p.m. and will offer a $1,000 grand prize, which should give you plenty of drinking money. Gates open at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Call 480-967-3917.
Firehouse Scottsdale
4312 E. Brown Rd., Scottsdale
www.ilovefirehouse.com
Pro BMX riders from the Monster Energy tour will be pulling off stunts from their tricktionary as they unleash antics and work the ramps outside of the Firehouse from noon-6 p.m. during a special Cinco party on Saturday, May 4. The Hourglass Cats will also perform on the patio from 6-9 p.m. on the patio, DJ Ascension hits the mixers from 6-10 p.m. inside, followed by Death to the Throne droppinh hot beats until closing time. Drink specials include $3 Cuervo, $2 Dos Equis, $5 Monster vodkas until midnight. The big boxing pay-per-view will also be broadcasted at 7 p.m. The Firehouse will also host a second day of drinking and dancing fun on Sunday, May 5, with DJ Ray Cache at 1 p.m., DJ Steel at 6 p.m., and the same alcohol specials as Saturday. Open until 2 a.m. both days. Call 480-265-6989.
Giligin's
4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale
www.giliginsbar.com
Your Drinko de Mayo dollars will go a long way at Giligin's on Sunday, May 5, as the Scottsdale bar will offer $5 pitchers of beer (including PBR, Coors, and Miller High Life), $3 Sunny Delight bombers, $2 cans of Hamms, and other specials all day. Wash it down with $3 nachos before participating in the karaoke session that starts at 10 p.m. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-874-2264.
Karamba Nightclub
1724 E. McDowell Rd.
The club will host music by Mariachi Nuevo Mexico on the patio at 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Admission is $10. Barbra Seville's Salsa Challenge takes place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, followed by Diamond's Cinco de Mayo Show at 10:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 602-254-0231.
Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
Cinco de Mayo Mexican Fiesta with $3 Tequila Sunrises, $2.75 Coronas, $2.50 margaritas on the rocks, $2 tequila shots all day. Happy hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 11 p.m. to close, special menu items will be served, Texas Hold'em is at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., and karaoke starts at 9 p.m. in the lounge. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 623-842-1053.
Martini Ranch
7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
www.martiniranchaz.net
The two-sided Scottsdale venue "Cinco de Rancho" party on Sunday, May 5, and feature DJs and dancing in the Shaker Room while Metalhead performs at 10:45 p.m. in the main room. 9 p.m. Call 480-970-0500.
Maya Day & Nightclub
7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
DJ Morgan Page headlines its Cinco de Mayo festivities on Sunday, May 5. Doors at 11 a.m.; $15 general admission, $100 for VIP access. Call 602-810-0736 or see www.sletickets.com.
McFadden's
9425 W. Coyotes Blvd., Glendale
www.mcfaddensglendale.com
Don't have a cookie duster but want to attend McFadden's "Cinco de Mustache" bash on Saturday, May 4? Worry not, they'll be handing 'em out at the door. Sombreros are also encouraged. The party will also offer piñatas containing cash and prizes, a burrito-eating contest, $3 Dos Equis drafts, $4 Montezuma Tequila shots, and more. 9 p.m. Call 623-872-0022.
The Monarch Theatre
122 E. Washington St.
A gig by psytrance/electronica duo Infected Mushroom will be one of the many highlights of the "Deviate" affair on Saturday, May 4, which will take up both floors of the club and feature "exotic and erotic" entertainment from Scandalesque, IAMBIC9, tribal fusion guru Ilsa Bird, and others. DJs Self.Destrukt, Defense.Mekanizm, Dark Mark, and Mighty Mike Saga will spin throughout the evening. 8 p.m.; $25 pre-sale, $30 at the door, $60 VIP access. See www.devious-minds.com.
Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
Venerated bartender/manager Mona Watkins presents "Cinco de Mona" on Sunday, May 5, with live art, a dunk tank, mustache and salsa contests, tattoo inkers, and a huge array of local bands, including Mergence, Pride Through Strife, The Deer Leader, Hurry the Rising, Sara McAllister, King Fathand, The Pübes, Treasurefruit, and more. 11:30 a.m.; $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call 602-265-4842.
Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
www.facebook.com/rips.bar.7
Americana and roots music from Jake La Botz and Tucson's Dirty Dice. 9 p.m. Call 602-266-0015.
The Sail Inn
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe
www.thesailinn.com
Cinco de Mayo Music Fest with performances from eight local bands, including The Noodles, The Chromatics, and others. 11 a.m., $5. Call 480-966-9565.
The Shout House
6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale
Enjoy $3 Coronas. $4 Sauza Hornitos, and $5 margaritas on Sunday, May 5. The dueling pianos start at 8 p.m. Open from 7 p.m. to midnight. Call 623-772-1500.
Sky Lounge
132 E. Washington St.
Latin dance hits and banda sinaloense will flow through both floors of Sky Lounge during its Cinco de Mayo festivities on Sunday, May 5. DJ Clavo and DJ Daffy will perform, models and vaqueritas will be in attendance, and Tio Gio will host. Drink specials include $2 Coronas, $3 margaritas, and $5 tequila. 9 p.m., $10 (with ladies free before 11 p.m.) Call 602-330-3362.
Smashboxx
7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
www.smashboxxaz.com
This Scottsdale nightspot will hold its "Cinco de Stache" party on Saturday, May 4, with sounds from DJ Bazar, bottle service aplenty, and scandalous shenanigans being recorded in the Hottboxx video booth. 9 p.m. Call 480-946-3510.
Social Tap
7318 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
www.socialtappub.com
The libations will be doled out during the "Cinco de Mayo ¡Tequila Therapy!" party on Sunday, May 5, in the form of $2 Coronas, $3 tequila shots, and $4 margaritas. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-947-4202.
Tempe Tavern
1810 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
The Binge celebrates Cinco on Sunday, May 5, with DJs, live art, a record swap, $2 cans of PBR, $3 Bloody Marys, and more. 4 p.m. Call 480-794-1706.
