Arizona’s Cinco de Mayo Fiestas

Gather the amigos for a night of non-stop tequila, tacos, salsa and margaritas because our favorite Mexican holiday – Cinco de Mayo — is only a week and a half away. Check out our picks of “muy buenas” Valley celebrations… Arriba!

SATURDAY, MAY 2

Cinco de Mayo Salsa Festival
12-3 p.m.
el Pedregal
What’s Cinco de Mayo without some zesty salsa? On May 2, more than a dozen local restaurants, including Rubio’s, Salty Senoritas and two-time winner, Palo Verde, will be serving up their own salsa for you to taste and pick your favorite. The event will also feature mariachi music and Ballet Folklorico performances from junior dancers. Spice things up even more and taste the five different Partida Tequilas. Bakery Café will also be dishing out some fine Mexican cuisine.
34505 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
480.488.1072, www.elpedregal.com

Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Chihuahua Races
Chandler Library Plaza
10 a.m.-midnight
Bring the whole family to Chandler Library Plaza for a Cinco de Mayo extravaganza. The celebration includes Latino music, entertainment, vendors and Chihuahua races. Come see the King and Queen Chihuahua as they are authentically crowned. For those 21 and over, sip Mexican cerveza at the beer garden starting at 3 p.m.
125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler.
480.895.0440.

West Valley Cinco de Mayo Festival
West Valley Art Museum
4:30-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at West Valley Art Museum and take part in the ultimate Mexican experience for you and the kids. The day will feature Mexican and Flamenco music, Fiesta Ballet Folklorico performances, an Ethnic Dress Show, a Mayan Mysteries Exhibition by Photographer Willis Peterson, arts, crafts, Mexican food, and a piñata-breaking finale.
17420 N. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise.
$7 for adults; $5 for members; $4 teenagers; $2 for children ages 5-12.
623.972.0635, www.wvam.org

TUESDAY, MAY 5 — CINCO DE MAYO!

Señoritaville 2009 at Salty Señoritas
11 a.m. 
For the ultimate Cinco de Mayo, head to the one and only Salty Senoritas at any one of their four awesome locations in the Valley. If you want a mellow Mexican atmosphere, this spot is NOT for you. Salty Senoritas will be serving up tequila shots, amazing drink specials and Mexican food on their island bars and outdoor grills. Live music will add to this high energy fiesta. Get there early because Salty’s will inforce a $10 cover charge after 1 p.m. (if you can still find a table).
Visit www.saltysenorita.com to see all locations.

Cinco de Mayo Blowout at Dos Gringos
11-2 a.m.
Join Dos Gringos on Cinco de May at any one of their five locations as they “paint the town red.” Sponsors Jose Cuervo, Don Julio and Corona will provide the live bands, DJs, games, giveaways and more for this all-day, all-night celebration. From 4 to 7 p.m. guests can enjoy $1 shot, $2 beer, $3 Gringoritas and $4 food items. Always a popular spot on this exciting day, Dos Gringos is expanding the party to the streets. 
Visit www.dosgringosaz.com for all locations.

Cinco de Mayo Party at Macayo’s Depot Cantina
10 a.m.
Money’s tight these days so head to Macayo’s Depot Cantina this Cinco de Mayo for over the top Mexican food and drink specials! Guests will enjoy $5 coronas, bombers and 16-ounce margaritas, $3 corona bottles, $2.50 Coors and $2 Coors drafts. Fill up on their $5.55 combo plate with tacos and enchiladas served with rice and beans. As the sun goes down, three featured bands will take the stage to provide some amazing tunes.
300 S. Ash Ave., Tempe.
480.966.6677. www.depotcantina.com

Arriba Mexican Grill Cinco de Mayo Celebration
10:45 a.m.
Party Mexican-style at Arriba Mexican Grill this Cinco de Mayo, where the drink specials are offered all night. Try Arriba’s tasty nachos or taquitos. The celebration will also feature a DJ and free promotional giveaways from Corona, Sauza and Budweiser.
Visit www.arribamexicangrill.com for all locations.