That’s your first dose of knowledge. Here’s another: While Cinco de Mayo isn’t widely celebrated in Mexico, it’s taken on a new life north of the border as a day of cultural expression and community celebration. In the Phoenix area, that means street parties, cultural events, traditional entertainment and family-friendly fun — alongside the usual bar-hopping blowouts.
A number of Cinco de Mayo events took place over the week end, but there's still plenty of fun to be had on Monday, May 5.
Here’s where to celebrate Cinco 2025 in the Valley of the Sun.
Aunt Chilada's
7330 N. Dreamy Draw DriveEvery May 5, Phoenix restaurant and event venue Aunt Chilada's puts on its annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta packed with live entertainment, giveaways and drink specials. This year, the party spans two days. Sunday’s celebration starts at 10 a.m. with music by Nate Nathan and the MacDaddy O's from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. An even bigger bash happens on Monday with performances by Elvis Before Noon at 3 p.m., the Guadalajara Dancers at 5 p.m. and '80s cover band Flashpants at 7 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the event goes 21-and-over after 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and benefit the McKenna Youth Foundation.Cactus Jack’s
4747 E. Elliot RoadLocal vocalist Carmela Ramirez and her namesake band, Carmela y Más — the dynamic nine-piece ensemble fusing Latin jazz and salsa with Afro-Cuban rhythms — will headline the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Cactus Jack’s from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday. Their high-energy performance will set the stage for a lively dance contest with a $100 cash prize. Drink specials include $5 Tequila Sheila shots and $7 margaritas. Admission is $20.Casa Amigos
7320 E. Indian Plaza, ScottsdaleThis Scottsdale party destination is planning four nights of Cinco revelry through Monday. Patrons can score $5 margaritas, Dos Equis and Mexican Candy shots to fuel their after-dark antics. Local DJs will keep the dance floor hot with high-energy tunes each night starting at 9 p.m.
C.A.S.A. Tempe
5 E. Sixth St., TempeC.A.S.A.’s five-night Cinco fiesta, which runs through Monday, won’t be one of its famous block parties, but will likely be packed with its usual energy. Patrons can rage away in the main room or on the two-story patio while DJs like AJ Slim, Nico Vibras and Bayo keep the beats coming. The outdoor action starts at 11 a.m., indoor vibes kick off at 5 p.m. and $3 tacos fuel the fun all night long. 
Cobra Arcade Bar
801 N. Second St., #100Like many local clubs, Cobra’s Cinco festivities won’t be confined to just one day. The downtown Phoenix arcade bar will offer a two-day celebration on May 4 and 5 with retro coin-op games, food trucks and DJ sets from Mane One, Oh Jezuz and M. Way. Expect no cover and all vibes. The parties kick off at 2 p.m. on Sunday and 4 p.m. on Monday.The Hot Chick
4363 N. 75th St., ScottsdaleScottsdale nightspot The Hot Chick is calling its four-night bash “Nacho Average Cinco de Mayo Weekend” (because of course they are). Patrons can dull the pain of such cheesy puns with drink specials like $14 reposado margaritas, sets from resident DJs and enough arcade games to make you forget you're partying in the heart of Scottsdale’s entertainment district.
Lylo Swim Club
400 W. Camelback RoadNightclubs and neighborhood joints won’t be the only spots celebrating on Cinco. Case in point: Rise Uptown Hotel’s swanky pool bar is planning a 21-and-over Cinco de Mayo night swim from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday. DJ Hey Zeus will be on the decks and a two-for-$10 margarita special will be available. Passes are $20 per person.
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de José Hernández are scheduled to perform on Friday, May 5, at Madison Center for the Arts.
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