2017 Cinco de Mayo Events

By Lauren Horne | May 1, 2017

On May 5, otherwise known as Cinco de Mayo, we commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla. If you’re celebrating this year, and you should be, we’ve found the best places to spend the holiday drinking, eating, singing, and dancing all through the night. Enjoy!

Join the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants

Enjoy live mariachi music, folkloric dancers, authentic Mexican cuisine and frothy margaritas during the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Diane Powers Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants: Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Pico, Casa de Bandini and Casa Sol y Mar.

Through her restaurants and Bazaar del Mundo Shops, Diane Powers continues her dedication to the exposition of Mexican cultures. Now the embodiments of all things “fiesta!”, her award-winning restaurants will feature the “Cincorita,” a delicious strawberry and kiwi margarita decked out in the colors of the Mexican flag, plus ­inspired “Cinco” fare and other festive specials to celebrate the occasion.

Offerings and entertainment vary by location:

Casa Guadalajara, Old Town:

4105 Taylor Street, San Diego, 619-295-5111, www.casaguadalajara.com

May 5–6: Guests will receive discounts on two Mexican food favorites – Chile Verde and Chile Colorado – as strolling mariachis and folkloric dancers perform throughout the day. The restaurant will also host promotional giveaways from favorite tequila brands such as Casa Amigos, Hornitos, Partida and Gran Centenario.

Casa de Pico, Grossmont Center, La Mesa:

5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, 619-463-3267, www.casadepico.com

May 5–6: For true “Cinco” style, enjoy the “Enchiladas Banderas,” a savory sampling of chicken, cheese and beef enchiladas served with three different sauces – rojas, verde and blanca (red, green and white). Music and folkloric performances will take place throughout the day as well as promotional giveaways from Dos Equis, Corona, Hornitos, Cabo Wabo, Grand Marnier, Puerto Vallarta Tequila and more.

Casa de Bandini, The Forum, Carlsbad:

1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760-634-3443, www.casadebandini.com

May 5–6: Celebrate with music, folkloric dancing and hourly specials on select margaritas and tequilas, including Casamigos, Casa Noble, Hornitos, Clase Azul and more. Guests will also meet representatives from their favorite tequila brands and receive festive giveaways and souvenirs.

Casa Sol y Mar, Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Del Mar:

12865 El Camino Real, 858-792-4100, www.casasolymar.com

May 5: Get in the spirit with a build-your-own nachos bar on Casa Sol y Mar’s beautiful outdoor patio, or take a tour of Mexico with $20 beer buckets and $15 Patron flights in the lively Cantina. Strolling mariachis and folkloric dancers will perform in the dining room as guests enjoy $5 house margaritas and Mexican beers. Representatives from Corona and top tequila brands will also liven up the party with giveaways and souvenirs.

Listen to Great Music in Old Town

Grab your amigos and head over to historic Old Town to spice up your weekend with the 34th annual Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo! Celebrating 34 years of fiery fun, Fiesta is sure to be MUY CALIENTE! The 34th Annual Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo will transform the historic Old Town area into the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration north of the border taking place Friday, May 5th, 2017 through Sunday, May 7th, 2017. This weekend celebration attracts over 100,000 people over the course of three days with its bustling mercado, non-stop music and live entertainment, lucha libre wrestling, and a huge display of lowriders and other incredible autos!

Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo will feature live entertainment on the Café Coyote Stage on both Saturday and Sunday! Mariachi music from Mariachi Fiesta, Mariachi Real, SWC Mariachi, and El Mariachi Garibaldi will fill the event on stage and throughout the event footprint as roving performances fill the streets. Watch in amazement as dancers fill the stage between musical acts, featuring Aztec Dancers, rope trick performances by Rojas Charros and Ballet Folklorico performances by Danz Art and Gift of Dance. Throughout the weekend you can also enjoy Nortena rhythms by Nortena Chula Vista, Latin Jazz by Perla Negra, Percussion Fusion by Combo Libertad, Latin Swing by Joe Cardillo, Latin Rock by Afro Trucko, Salsa by Manny Cepeda Salsa, and covers by Reminiscence.

Stroll through the iconic Lowrider Lane and be wowed by the unique paint jobs and car modifications that have become a Fiesta favorite. Feed your appetite by feasting at the delectable dining establishments throughout Old Town or at one of the many food vendors offering up cervezas, agua fescas, burritos, tacos, and so much more! Enjoy margarita and tequila specials throughout Old Town to get you in the mood to shake your maracas and fiesta the day and night away.

You can also explore the lively streets of the bustling Mercado and purchase an array of handmade leather pieces, beautiful jewelry and many more treasures. Furthermore, there are free activities for the children like face painting, arts, and crafts. This fiesta in old town is meant for all ages, don’t miss out!

Celebrate Cinco at Flemings

Looking for something a little different? Nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best in steakhouse dining – Prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders — with a unique wine list known as the Fleming’s 100^®, which features 100 wines served by the glass. Just for Cinco de Mayo, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is partnering with Tequila Herradura, an ultra-premium 100 percent agave tequila, and Baccarat, a world-renowned fine crystal manufacturer, to provide an elevated Cinco de Mayo cocktail. From May 4-6, guests can toast the occasion by indulging in a one-of-a-kind $100 Margarita.

If your wallet can handle the pressure, the $100 Margarita features premium liquor, including Tequila Herradura Selección Suprema and Grand Marnier Centenaire. Served in Baccarat’s uniquely designed Diamant Highball, guests will be invited to take home the glass in an iconic red box.

Aged for 49 months, Tequila Herradura’s Selección Suprema, is an international award-winning tequila and the world’s first-ever extra-añejo tequila expression, introduced by Casa Herradura in 1995.  Providing a complex balance of the finest cooked agave, married with notes of rich vanilla and dried fruit, this tequila makes a smooth and satisfying pair for Fleming’s signature dishes.

Considered the “Crystal of the Kings”, Baccarat has been the leading designer in luxury crystal products since 1764.  Baccarat crystal, ranging from lighting to tableware, decorative objects and jewelry is timeless, modern, and sophisticated and should be used on a daily basis or as that special gift.  Inspired from Baccarat heritage, the stylish clear crystal Diamant Highball is crafted with graceful silhouettes and sparkling pointed diamond cuts. Designed by Thomas Bastide, this highly sought-after glass imparts a timeless elegance to every table.To reserve your Cinco de Mayo experience, please visit FlemingsSteakhouse.com.

Enjoy Cinco De Mayo at the Marriott Marquis

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina’s Cinco de Mayo Party on May 5 from 4-8 pm celebrates Tequila Bar & Grill’s sixth anniversary. Known for its 63 tequilas, guests can enjoy premiere tequila, a ‘Santana-inspired’ band for live entertainment as well as an impressive Baja-inspired BBQ spread from award-winning Chef Aron Schwartz at the poolside bar & grille. The innovative menu features everything from chocolate-smoked brisket and Brandt beef chill to delectable sides such as house-made refried beans, Baja-style coleslaw and Spanish rice. The menu is priced at $21 per adult and $10 per child 12 and under. Please see flier attached.