When celebrating a holiday means indulging in a bevy of guacamole, margaritas and Mexican cuisine, San Diego pulls out all the stops. Here’s where you can join the Cinco de Mayo fiesta!
Edited by Lisa Kelley
Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo
May 7-8. Head to historical Old Town for two days of festivities—including three live music stages featuring ballet folklorico and live music, children’s activities, a lowrider car show, equestrian performances and tequila tastings—all celebrating Mexican heritage, culture and pride. Along San Diego Avenue and in Old Town Historic State Park, Old Town. oldtownsandiegoguide.com
Cincoteca Dos at Puesto
May 5. For the second consecutive year, Puesto at The Headquarters will transform the courtyard into an epic Cinco de Mayo fiesta. The free event features live music, tacos carts, margaritas and beer, and music by Nortec Collective. 3:30-9:30 p.m. 789 West Harbor Dr. eventbrite.com
Cinco de Mayo Concert in the Park
May 5. The SDSU School of Music and Dance and the Kiwanis Club of San Diego present a free, family-friendly celebration concert. The performance showcases “musica latina” by students in top musical ensembles including the SDSU Jazz Ensemble, Syphmonic Band and Wind Symphony and special guest Jarabe Mexicano. 6-7 p.m. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. kiwanisclubsandiego.org
Cyclo de Mayo
May 5. Participate in Bike Month’s Kickoff with Ciclo de Mayo at Quartyard. The bike ride departs from Quartyard, stretches to Barrio Logan and circles back for beers, food trucks, games and all things bikes. Quartyard, 1102 Market St., East Village. sdbikecoalition.org
Tailgate with Vavi
May 5. Join Vavi for a Cinco de Mayo Tailgate party before the Padres take on the Mets at Petco Park. Tickets include admission to the game in a reserved VAVi section, access to the pre-party at The Deck at Moonshine Flats, a pre-party drink ticket and after-party entrance at The Deck. Moonshine Flats, 344 Seventh Ave., East Village. govavi.com
Cerveza Jack’s
May 5. Check out Pacific Beach’s new Mexican eatery and cantina and enjoy 2-for-1 Corona all night long, as well as day drinking specials including $3 wells, $5 house margaritas and half off select appetizers until 7 p.m. 1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.999.0158. cervezajacks.com
Barrio Star
May 5. Margarita enthusiasts and adventurers will love Barrio Star’s roasted jalapeño blackberry margarita. Sip on this drink made with house-infused roasted jalapeño tequila, blackberry, fresh lime and agave and pair with their authentic Mexican cuisine. 2706 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.501.7827. barriostar.com
El Dorado
May 5. Participate in the fiesta at El Dorado as the restaurant rolls out an authentic taco cart and $5 drink specials all to the tune of Azucar, a Mexican pop band. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 1030 Broadway, East Village, eldoradobar.com
