¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa’ dentro! From tequila tasting flights to family-friendly fiestas, discover where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Los Angeles.
Sép7imo Día – No Descansaré
May 3-6. The stunning, larger-than-life acrobatics from Cirque du Soleil join forces with the pop-rock energy of Argentina’s musical icons Soda Stereo for a limited three-night engagement. See website for showtimes. $55+. The Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood. cirquedusoleil.com
Cinco de Mayan Gigante!
May 4-5. L.A.’s longest running, action-packed variety show returns this year to The Mayan Theater. Expect huge heapings of Mexican masked wrestling, tequila, tamales, mariachi, aerial dancers, folkloricos, low riders, comedy and much more. 21+. Doors 7 p.m., show 8-10:30 p.m. $48.50+. The Mayan Theater, 1038 S. Hill St., downtown. luchavavoom.com
The Abbey Food & Bar
May 5. Always a hot spot for Cinco de Mayo festivities in West Hollywood, find Coronas, Modelos and Hornitos Tequila alongside specialty cocktails and a robust food menu. The all-day celebration also includes a live Drag Show performance and a performance by the world’s first LGBTQ mariachi band, Arcoiris de Los Angeles. 9 a.m.-2 a.m. 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. theabbeyweho.com
Birds & Bees
May 5. Accessed through a yellow door at the back of a parking lot, this not-so-secret mid-century cocktail bar is rolling out a special cocktail in honor of the holiday: the Nopalito Especial. The Mexican-inspired drink features mezcal, Repo tequila, nopalito syrup, vanilla oregat, lime, pineapple juice, all spice and a dash of housemade fire tincture, garnished with cactus and pineapple. $13. 207 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.537.0510. birdsandbeesla.com
El Torito
May 5. Enjoy margaritas featuring 1800 Premium Reposado along with beer and shot specials, plus a taco station in the cantina. Some locations will have DJs and live music. 2 p.m. See website for all Southern California locations. etgrill.com
Fiesta de Mayo
May 5-6. This free, family-friendly celebration features traditional dance numbers by the Ballet Folklórico Company and the youth mariachi troupe Mariachi Los Pollitos. After the performances, enjoy festive decor, street tacos from Ruby’s Diner and score savings up to 70 percent off 130 on-site brands. Noon-7 p.m. Citadel Outlets, 100 Citadel Dr., Suite 480, L.A. citadeloutlets.com
Filifera
May 5. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 22 floors above the ground at Hollywood’s exclusive rooftop bar and lounge. Live music, street tacos, a mezcal tasting with Amaras Mezcal, plus margarita and beer specials are on deck for the evening. 21+. Doors at 6 p.m. $30+. Hollywood Proper Residences, 1550 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood. Tickets
Fuego
May 5. Long Beach is bringing the Latin heat with a Cinco De Maya holiday twist. Entertainment and eats for the day include a live mariachi band, street taco stations, elote callejero station, specialty margaritas, live Latin music and a piñata competition complete with prizes, gift cards and candy. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fuego at Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Dr., Long Beach, 562.435.7676. hotelmayalongbeach.com
Gracias Madre
May 5. Join WeHo vegan hot spot Gracias Madre for a special pop-up margarita garden party. The fiesta will feature street tacos (barbecue jackfruit and mole mushroom), margaritas, micheladas and canned beers. 21+. Noon-10 p.m. La Peer and Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. graciasmadreweho.com
Hecho in LA: Taco Madness 2018
May 5. Back for a second year, celebrate the taco lifestyle with a curated selection of tacos from the city’s top trucks and restaurants. Wash it all down with micheladas, local craft beer, cocktails from Jägermeister or a premium cocktail from Partida Tequila. 21+. 5 p.m.-midnight. Free, VIP $25. La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown. lataco.com
Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade/Festival
May 5. One part parade, one part festival, this family-friendly event celebrates Mexican-American heritage and history. Expect traditional Folklorico dancers, Aztec dancers, mariachis, plus classic cars, piñatas, face painting, food vendors and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Oakwood Recreation Center, 767 California Ave., Venice. Tickets
Las Perlas
May 5. Known for its incredible happy hour ($5 margs and palomas? Yes, please), Las Perlas is upping the ante with a special Cinco de Mayo menu and performance by Spaghetti Cumbia. Sip on draft cocktails featuring Sino Tequila and El Silencio Mezcal, or opt for shots or a can of Tecate; Don’t sleep on the freshly made chips and salsa. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Spaghetti Cumbia noon-4 p.m. 107 E. 6th St., downtown. 213hospitality.com
Lola’s Mexican Cuisine
May 5. Enjoy $6 margaritas in celebration of both Cinco de Mayo and Lola’s 10 year anniversary. A mariachi trio is set to perform during brunch (noon-2 p.m.) while a guest DJ brings the beats in the evening (6-9 p.m.). See website for locations. lolasmexicancuisine.com
Madre
May 5. Get ready for an all-day fiesta featuring live music, margarita pitchers and more. Special to this locale is over 265 bottles of mezcal … the largest selection in all of Los Angeles. ¡Salud! 1261 Cabrillo Ave., #100, Torrance, 310.974.8005. madrerestaurants.com
Mi Corazon
May 5. Bottoms Up! This Silver Lake outpost has your drink situation on lock: Banderita shot trio (red, green and white shots in an ode to the Mexican flag), margarita bowls (to share, of course), mix and match palomas and margaritas, housemade Rumchata, sangria pitchers and much more. Tacos and a live mariachi band will be on-hand to complete the festive atmosphere. 2609 Hyperion Ave., L.A. mi-corazon.net
Ocean Prime
May 5. For a relaxing, high-end twist on the holiday, savor the restaurants’ spiced tequila cocktail made with Maesto Dobel Diamonte Tequila, picante infused simple syrup, hand-squeezed lemon juice and Regan’s orange bitters. $16. 9595 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.859.4818. ocean-prime.com
Petite Taqueria
May 5. Dink the day (and night) away with half-off on all margaritas at this special Drinko de Mayo event. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 755 N. La Cienega Blvd, L.A. 310.855.7223. petitetaqueria.com
SALT Restaurant & Bar
May 5. Get in the holiday spirit while you soak in waterfront views in Marina del Rey. Choose from menu items like the signature Mahi Mahi fish tacos or the all-new cocktail Agua de Vida, made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila from Mexico. 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey. marinadelreyhotel.com
Tallula’s
May 5. After soaking in the sun at the beach, head to Tallula’s for their first-ever Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Expect blood orange margaritas, palomas, nachos sencillo and a special Cinco de Mayo XL Taco. 2-10:30 p.m. 118 Entrada Dr., Santa Monica, 310.526.0027. tallulasrestaurant.com
Toca Madera
May 5. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an all-day fiesta at this posh West Hollywood destination. Enjoy $8 margaritas, $20 Azuñia tequila flights and specialty cocktails, plus DJ sets, musical guests and live performances to keep the party groovin’ into the late night. Noon-2 a.m. Toca Madera, 8450 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.852.9400. tocamadera.com
Mi Corazon photo courtesy of White Oak Communications.
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