Photo Credit: ShutterstockCinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday this year—and it also happens to be the Kentucky Derby!—so it’s a fantastic reason to get your fiesta on. Wondering what’s happening? Here are seven fabulous Cinco de Mayo-centric events in the Bay Area.
Get the party started early with Americano’s Cuatro de Mayo patio party. The happy hour hot spot will have music, tacos, and tequila from 5 to 8 p.m. this Friday, May 4. DJ Just-in will be providing the tunes. Expect it to be a jam-packed party of revelers looking to have a good time.
Elixir is throwing a two-in-one all-day Cinco de Mayo Kentucky Derby shindig. There will be tequila and whiskey drink specials—margaritas and mint juleps!—and a light buffet of complimentary snacks. Owner and esteemed barman, H. Joseph Erhmann, whose cocktail was recently named the drink of the year, is opening up his spirits cellar. Guests can taste his rare collection of agave and whiskeys. There’s also a costume contest with the Best Cinco de Derby hat being awarded a gift card to the bar.
DJ Bass is hosting a late night dance party at Press Club in downtown San Francisco. The event is being put on by the LAM Network, a Latino professional group that consists of influencers, affluent and urban Latinos looking to engage with the local community. The event takes place from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Why not make a night of it and grab dinner at nearby Tropisueno before heading to fiesta de bailar.
Beloved Mexican restaurant Don Pistos is throwing parties at both of its locations. In North Beach, slow-roasted lamb barbacoa is on the menu. In the Marina, there will be mini piñatas, free shots, and margarita specials. Salud!
In the mood for something more low-key? Head to The Assembly where you can take a fitness class and participate in a variety of activities from bouquet building to fragrance making. There will be festive food and drink plus a decorative tassel DIY, astrology readings, and of course, piñatas!
From 12 to 4 p.m., Mi Sueño Winery is throwing an open house. A Mexican street fair will pop up in Mi Sueño’s backyard and cellar. Guests will enjoy a lively Mariachi band and a feast of Mexican delights including ceviche and elote.
Every year on Cinco de Mayo, Michelin-starred chef Ken Frank transforms his French restaurant La Toque into El Toque. Frank and his team serve a five-course menu that features family recipes from Hispanic staff members. Think fresh corn tamales with langosta, roasted pork belly tacos, and duck mole. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to Napa’s Puerto Abiertas Community Center which supports local Latinos.
