By Laurie James, Fort Worth CBV
Cinco de Mayo is the commemoration of the Mexican victory against France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. While it’s not Mexican Independence Day (that happens on September 16), it does give people a chance to indulge in tacos (which are traditionally Mexican), mariachis (ditto) and beer (maybe not so traditionally Mexican).
Here are 11 ideas if the spirit moves you to celebrate!
Food & Drink
Several local Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants are getting into the spirit of the day.
1. Chuy’s offers food and drink specials May 4-6: a dollar off Corona beer May 4, drink specials all day May 5, and $5 Bloody Marys on recovery day May 6.
2. Americado offers an all-day party with piñatas, mariachis, and of course, food on May 5.
3. The Yard, Fort Worth’s first adult playground and dog park, is hosting a Cinco de Mayo bash on May 5 complete with a live mariachi band, special margarita menu, pinatas, food and more. Even better, you would win a trip to Mexico by snagging a free ticket.
4. And although there’s nothing specific on the web page as of this writing, you could do worse than spending May 5 or 6 on the beautiful patio at Joe T. Garcia’s.
5. Taco Heads is presenting Cinco on South Main, complete with tacos, cocktails and more.
6. Bar Crawl Nation is hosting the ultimate taco and margarita crawl at nine West 7th area bars and restaurants on May 5, 2-8 p.m. Tickets start at $20 in advance, $30 day of, and include taco and tequlia specials.
Community Events
7. Several Fort Worth Community centers are celebrating Cinco de Mayo, including the Diamond Hill CC on May 3.
8. Join the Fort Worth Weekly for their third annual El Fuerte/Fort Worth Taco Fest at Panther Island Pavilion. Sample tacos made by two dozen or so of Fort Worth’s favorite chefs, and indulge in all the Topo Chico water you want, along with adult beverages from 12-5 p.m. GA is $30, VIP $50.
Fun Runs
9. Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. offers two funky, fun events on May 5. The Cinco de Mayo 5K Social Runis a low-key, three (ish) mile run/walk, culminating back at the brewery with three beer samples (you know, to rehydrate) and breakfast. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Later that afternoon, the brewery teams up with heavy metal cover/mariachi band Metalachi to launch their two new beers, Adiós Pantalones and Paleta de Mango. The events are open to those age 21 and up.
10. If you fancy a real, timed run, you’ll want to meet up for Tacos y Cerveza at Clearfork Food Park early on May 5. Run a 5K, 10K or half marathon on the Trinity Trails, and then get your strength back with street tacos and beer. Registration price varies between $50-95.
Music
11. Punk in Drublic is a craft beer and music festival headed to Panther Island Pavillion on May 6. The brainchild of NOFX front man Fat Mike, your admission gets you music and four hours’ worth of craft beer tasting from local outfits like Hopfusion Aleworks, Wild Acre Brewing, Rabbit Hole Brewing, Panther Island Brewing, and Martin House Brewing Company. Starts at $39.50 per person.
