It’s that time of the year again, when the Old Pueblo celebrates Cinco de Mayo, right along with our southern neighbor. In Mexico, they mark the occasion with military parades, traditional foods, cultural events, music and dancing and lots of fun.
While we may not have military parades here in Tucson, we do have plenty of the other stuff. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday, but the celebrations start earlier. Here is a “taste” of the parties.
Pizza de Mayo at Mountain Mike’s Pizza
MAY 1
A community staple, Mountain Mike’s Pizza is launching a new Cinco de Mayo-inspired menu titled “Pizza De Mayo” on May 1. The menu will feature delicious additions such as fiesta taco pizza, jalapeño not-knots, and chocolate mini churros. It will be available from May 1 to June 30.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 4362 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, mountainmikepizza.com
Sabores de Tucson Mexican Food Festival
MAY 2
At “America's Best Mexican Food Festival,” guests will journey through four distinct regions of Mexico — Northern, Central, Pacific and Southern. They can nosh on more than 30 signature dishes crafted by award-winning chefs, sip on native spirits, and watch the sights and sounds of live Folklórico, Mariachi, and Norteño music.
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, tickets start at $115, 6 to 8:30 p.m., saaca.thundertix.com
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Academy of Math & Science
MAY 2
The Academy of Math & Science will host a fiesta at its school to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The event will feature food vendors, games, a jumping castle, and an enrollment table. Patrons who refer a friend for a school tour will be entered to win a special prize.
The Academy of Math & Science, 1557 W. Prince Road, Tucson, free admission, 5 p.m., prince.amsschools.org
Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl at Bourbon Bent
MAY 3
The country bar, Bourbon Bent is hosting a bar crawl, with free admission, specially priced drinks and cocktails, themed drink and food specials.
Bourbon Bent, 820 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, tickets start at $7, 4 p.m., bourbonbentaz.com
Cinco De Mayo 5K, 10K & FitKidz Mile at Cholla High School
MAY 4
The Cholla High School will host Cinco de Mayo races sponsored by the Diet of Hope Institute. Runners can choose between a 5K or 10K.
Cholla High School, 2001 W. Starr Pass Boulevard, Tucson, prices vary, multiple times, runsignup.com
Cinco de Mayo Brunch
MAY 4
The Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort will host a Cinco de Mayo brunch buffet, complete with the likes of street tacos and chiles rellenos. Families can enjoy a fun-filled brunch together on the special holiday with the sounds of Luz de Luna, a local mariachi band.
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Road, Tucson, tickets start at $45, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., haciendadelsol.com
Tequila Tasting and Live Music
MAY 5
Tesoro Latin Kitchen and Cantina will host a special tequila tasting with live music. Grand Marnier will provide margaritas with its special recipe. Local Nico Sanchez-Barbera will cover the live music.
Tesoro Latin Kitchen and Cantina, 4420 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, free admission, 4 p.m., tesorotucson.com
Ruta Verbena Fiesta
MAY 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Ruta Verbena and its Latin-inspired, South American rhythms.
Playground Bar & Lounge, 266 E. Congress Street, Tucson, visit website for charges, 5 p.m., playgroundtucson.com
