Special Events
Arizona Soccer Complex
2209 N. 99th Ave.
There will be activity all day long at the adrenaline-filled Blues, Bruise, and BBQs Cinco de Mayo Festival at this West Valley location. The Kiwi Dash adventure race starts at 9:30 a.m. and will involve participants mucking through a 5K obstacle course. The Slap the Gator Musicfest kicks off at 10 a.m. and features seven blues bands, and action-packed Muay Thai mixed martial arts matches will transpire during the day. Barbecue food will also be cooked up by local vendors, and both a body-painting competition and custom motorcycle show will take place. Runs until 11 p.m. Admission varies. Visit www.bluesbruiseandbbqs.com for more info.
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
www.arvizu.com
More than 150,000 people are expected to be in attendance at this annual two-day Cinco block party taking place in the streets of downtown Phoenix. Live entertainment includes folkloric dancing, traditional music, and boxing matches. Food and drink vendors, arts and crafts demonstrations, and a variety of games will also take place. Latin Breed and David Lee Garza y Los Musicales are scheduled to take the main stage on Saturday, and funk superstars War will perform on Sunday. Hours are 2 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 5; and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 6. Admission is free $5 for adults, and free for kids 12 and younger.
Crescent Ballroom
308 N. 4th Ave.
www.crescentphx.com
Fayuca joins forces with Cesar Chavez Duran, Mariachi Fuego del Sol, and Kommon Measure for a special Cinco de Mayo showcase. 8 p.m., $5.
El Pedregal
34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
www.elpedregal.com
Potent and piquant salsas created by a number of Arizona chefs and restaurants (including the Spotted Donkey Cantina and Brugos Pizza Company) will be served up the annual Cinco de Mayo Salsa Festival. Patrons can also partake in a variety of tequila, margaritas, wines, and other adult beverages to help cool the fire that's sure to dance across their tongues. Other Mexican culinary delights will be available and the Freddie Duran Plan will perform. 1 to 4 p.m., free. Call 480-488-1072.
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
www.tempemarketplace.com
The outdoor mall will host the massive Cinco de Tempe block party, which will feature margaritas aplenty, as well as a swimwear fashion show, a boots-and-bikini contest, mariachi bands, and a raffle for a five-night stay at the Plaza Pelicanos in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The live-music lineup includes A Boy Named Sioux, Metal Head, Club Country, and DJ Johnny Knuckles. 4 p.m., $10. Call 480-894-1111.
Turf Paradise
1501 W. Bell Road
www.turfparadise.com
The pageantry of the Kentucky Derby will mix with the fun of Cinco de May at Turf Paradise during "Cinco de Derby." Besides live and televised horse racing, the event will feature live music, food and drink specials, and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5. Call 602-942-1101.
Restaurants
Aunt Chilada's
7330 N. Dreamy Draw Dr.
www.auntchiladas.com
This historic North Phoenix favorite is staging its notorious all-day Cinco de Mayo soiree once again (this year's theme: "We ain't Mayan, so we ain't dyin this Cinco!"), which will feature a variety of Mexican food, margaritas made with Grand Centenario and 1800, and such ice-cold cervezas as Pacifico and Corona. A chihuahua talent show starts at 3 p.m., and local bands Rhythm of the Sun and The Chadwicks perform from 4 p.m. until close. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., $12. Call 602-944-1286.
Baja Joe's Mexican Cantina
1927 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa
www.bajajoescantina.com
Starting on Tuesday, May 1, Cinco celebrations will take place for five days straight at this Mexican eatery. They will lead up to the big day on Saturday, May 5, when prizes and giveaways will be doled out, drink specials will be offered, the Corona Girls will appear, and DJs will perform. Open at 9 a.m. daily. Call 480-655-1828.
Crave Cafe & Lounge
505 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.cravetempe.com
Crave-o De Mayo fiesta will be held Thursday, May 3, through Saturday, May 5, with $2 Mexican beers, burritos "the size of your head," $3 tequila shots, and DJs each day. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-784-6700.
Distrito
4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Luchadores will battle in a wrestling ring located inside this Saguaro Hotel eatery from 2 to 6 p.m. during the Cinco de Milagro event. Meanwhile, $5 margaritas and $2 Tecate will be on tap all day, a special $35 chef's tasting menu with $15 tequila pairing will be served, and both DJs and bands will perform. Open at 11 a.m. Call 480-970-4444.
Dos Juevos Cantina
7633 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale
www.dosjuevos.com
Food and drink specials like $2 Corona and house margaritas will be available, prizes will be handed out every hour, and local bands will perform. 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-947-2000.
La Piñata
3330 N. 19th Ave.
www.lapinatarestaurantaz.com
Food and drink specials will be available on Cinco de Mayo. 5 to 8 p.m. Call 602-279-1763.
Salty Señorita
3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
8011 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria
www.saltysenorita.com
Super-sized "Señoritaville" parties will be held at both Salty Señorita locations, each offering live music starting at 1 p.m., $3 select beers, $5 margaritas, and plenty of Mexican-style eats. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-946-7258 or 623-979-4822 for cover.
Valle Luna Mexican Restaurant
1949 W. Ray Road, Chandler
www.valleluna.com
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by the lake with music from Mike Mercier and others starting at 11 a.m. DJ Benny Hill performs from 8 p.m. to close. 11 a.m. to midnight. Call 480-786-3100.
Valle Luna Mexican Restaurant
16048 N. Cave Creek Road
www.valleylune.com
Happy hour takes place from noon until 6 p.m. in the cantina, Pepe's street tacos and salsa bar are available outside starting at 4 p.m., and an 1800 promo takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Open until midnight. Call 602-867-9100.
Bars & Clubs
Barney's Boathouse
7341 E. 6th Ave., Scottsdale
barneysboathousescottsdale.com
Scottsdale clubgoers will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on all three floors of Barney's while enjoying $5 16-ounce margaritas, $3 Coronas, $1 tacos, and DJ Pulse on the decks starting at 10 p.m. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-949-6535.
The Big Fish Pub
1954 E. University Dr., Tempe
www.azbigfish.com
Punk bands Hear Kitty Kitty, Oh God No, and Mission G will perform. 7 p.m., $10. Call 480-449-3474.
The Blooze Bar
12014 N. 32nd St.
www.thebloozebar.com
Fifth of May party featuring music by tribute bands New Jersey (which celebrates the music of Bon Jovi) and Breakdown (which features the tunes of Tom Petty). 8 p.m., $5. Call 602-788-4574.
Cactus Moon Sports Grill
1017 N. Dobson Road, Mesa
www.cactusmoonmesa.com
Cinco de Drinko with $2 Coronas, $4 Patron, and spins from DJ Aaron Taylor. 9 p.m., $5. Call 480-833-2226.
Dos Gringos
1958 S. Greenfield Road, Mesa
www.dosgringosaz.com
The Cinco celebration will take place both inside the bar and out in the parking lot as DJs spin the hits, live bands perform, and games and prizes will be handed out. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-633-5525 for cover.
Dos Gringos
4209 Craftsman Ct., Scottsdale
www.dosgringosaz.com
Cinco de Mayo Block Party with live music from Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, Pacific Dub, Weird Is the New Cool, Veragroove, Herb N Life, The Wednesday Machine, and others. Drink specials, DJs, games, and Warped Tour ticket giveaways will also take place. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., $10. Call 480-423-3800.
Fat Tuesday
680 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.fattuesdaytempe.com
Both Fat Tuesday and Canteen will combine forces for their annual Cinco De Mayo Block Party featuring dancing, drink specials like $2 Coronas and $4 Margaritas until 6:30 p.m., cornhole tournaments, and multiple bars. DJ Aaron Taylor, DJ V-EZ, DJ Mic, and DJ Quinn will provide the soundtracks. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., $5. Call 480-967-3917.
The Firehouse
4312 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale
www.ilovefirehouse.com
The Firehouse will become Casa de en Fuego on Cinco de Mayo and offer $4 Cabo Wabo shots and $7 mega-margaritas. The Miguel Cotto/Floyd Mayweather fight will air on the TVs and Death To The Throne will man the DJ booth. 10 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Call 480-390-7989.
Half Moon Sports Grill
2121 E. Highland Ave.
Watch the Mayweather/Cotto battle while partaking in half-price boneless wings and drink specials. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-977-2700.
Hollywood Alley
2610 W. Baseline Road, Mesa
www.thehollywoodalley.com
Dollar tacos, $3 Dos Equis drafts, $4 1800 Coconut will be served all day and night. Meanwhile, The Insects, G-Owens, Diego de la Tierre, Transfer, The S.H.I.T., T.S.O.I., Bob Momestic, Social Studies, and DJ Crispedero present a hip-hop tribute to Hollywood Alley owner Ross Wincek starting at 8 p.m. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-820-7117.
13825 N. 32nd St.
www.joesgrotto.com
Smile Empty Soul headlines an evening of hard rock at the Grotto. The Veer Union, Contrary to Reason, Ionia, 24 Thorns, and Failing to Fly provide support. 6:30 p.m., $16. Call 602-992-1007. Karamba Nightclub
1724 E. McDowell Road
www.karambanightclub.com
Cinco de Mayo party featuring a performance by El Mariachi Mexico Nuevo on the patio all evening. 9 p.m., $10. Call 602-254-0231. Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
www.marcssportsgrillandnightlife.com
Marc's kitchen will serve up enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, burros, and nachos while its bartenders offer specials on tequila, Dos Equis, and Corona all day. Karaoke in the lounge and dancing in the main bar takes place at 9 p.m. Open at 11 a.m., $5 after 9 p.m. Call 623-842-1053.
School of Rock
411 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.schoolofrockmillave.com
Jersey Shore lothario Ronnie Ortiz-Magro will host School of Rock's Cinco de Mayo affair and will also work the wheels of steel. Drink specials like $3 Coronas and Dos Equis, $5 Patron, and $6 Skyy cocktails also will be available. 9 p.m., $10-$15. Call 480-966-3573.
The Shout! House
6770 N. Sunrise Blvd.
www.theshouthouse.com
The dueling pianists will perform all evening while a "crazy sombrero" contest will award a $100 gift card to the winner. The bar will serve $3 Coronas and Dos Equis, as well as $5 Cuervo Silver Margaritas. 6 p.m., $8. Call 623-772-1500.
Stand-Up Scottsdale
6820 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
www.standupscottsdale.com
Free shows will take place throughout Cinco de Mayo weekend, including gigs by Adam Hunter of Last Comic Standing on Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5. 7 and 9 p.m. each night. Call 480-882-0730.
Swizzle Inn
5835 N. 16th St.
602-277-7775
Cinco Derby Day party featuring drink specials and a bonnet contest at 4:30 p.m. with a $40 bar tab for the winner. 2 to 7 p.m. Call 602-277-7775.
Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill
1065 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa
www.tobysmesa.com
Live music with country artist James Parks at 9 p.m. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-844-8629.
Urban Heat
1749 W. Main St., Mesa
www.urbanheataz.com
Quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger with $3 Coronas and Dos Equis, $5 margaritas, and $1 street tacos. DJ Rabbit provides the hot spins. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., $5 after 11 p.m. Call 480-464-4721.
Vintage Lounge
414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
Beer and booze specials will be in abundance at the "Cinco de Drinko" affair, including $2 tequila shots and $3 domestics. Tacos and hot dogs can also be had for $1 each. DJs Mastamonk, NYC, and Odi will be in the mix all night. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-329-4090.
Wild Knight
4405 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
www.wildknightclub.com
German trance twosome Claus Terhoeven and Stefan Bossems, better known as Cosmic Gate, are scheduled to perform at the Scottsdale nightspot. 10 p.m., $15. Call 480-213-9500 or visit www.wanttickets.com.
Zoan
4301 N. 7th Ave.
www.facebook.com/thezoan
Cinco de Mayo party with a free taco buffet, $1 Cuervo shots, $2 Tecate, $3 margaritas, $4 Coronas, and $5 Patron shots. DJ Tsunami spins dance hits from 9 p.m. until close. 5 p.m. Call 602-265-3233.
