Grab your sombrero and get ready to party because Sunday is Cinco de Mayo and restaurants and venues around the Tampa Bay area will be celebrating all weekend. Whether you’re looking for a wild time, or something family friendly, this list will have you covered.
Green Lemon – Cinco de Mayo gets stretched out over three days, with free shots on Friday night, a mustache contest with a $100 prize on Saturday, and drink specials and DJs all weekend long. Show up dressed like Nacho Libre on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and get a free margarita. (no cover, Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Sunday, 5 p.m. to midnight, 915 S. Howard Ave., Tampa)
Ceviche – Miami-based DJ Lazaro Casanova and a lineup of other local house DJs will rock this 21-and-up outdoor party. Drink specials include $5 shots, margaritas, sangrias and appetizers and $3 Mexican beers. Dress up in your best Cinco de Mayo-themed costume for a shot at claiming a $500 prize. (no cover, Sunday, 2 to 11 p.m., 2500 W. Azeele St., Tampa)
Red Mesa Cantina – Red Mesa is celebrating the days leading up to Cinco de Mayo by giving away a Samsung Galaxy tablet (Friday) and a Corona street cruiser bicycle (Saturday). They’ll give everyone in the restaurant a free ticket for the drawing every hour. On Sunday, there’s more giveaways, live bands, and multiple themed bars serving up $5 Coronas, $6 Cabo Wabo shots and $8 Cabo Wabo Cadillac margaritas. (no cover, Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 pm., 128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg)
Casa Tina – Casa Tina restaurant hosts its 21st annual Cinco de Mayo street fiesta in downtown Dunedin. Learn some new moves with a free salsa lesson so you can dance along to the music by 13-piece salsa band Orgesta Infinidad. There’s also a giant puppet parade and performances by mariachi singer Lily Cortes. (no cover, Saturday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., 369 Main St., Dunedin)
Clearwater Gateway Farmer’s Market – The city of Clearwater hosts a family-friendly celebration of Mexican culture with live mariachi performers, bounce houses, balloon artists and food vendors, in addition to the weekly market. (no cover, Saturday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., intersection of Cleveland Street and Missouri Avenue, Clearwater)
Vinoy Park – Players from the Rays, Rowdies and Lightning will greet fans at the annual Latin American Celebration. The outdoor party will also have a monster truck display, car show, salsa dancing and dance lessons, a Dos Equis beer garden and food trucks from around the bay. There’s a full lineup of bands on the festival stage. ($10 in advance, $13 at the gate, free for kids 11 and younger, Sunday, 11 a.m., 701 Bayshore Drive N.E., St. Petersburg)
Jannus Live – Sip on $2 Coronas while listening to live music by El Trabuko, but don’t fill up on beer, the winner of the burrito eating contest gets a $500 VIP package to Club Detroit. (no cover, Sunday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg)
Bok Tower Gardens – A Latin-themed sunset concert featuring a carillon duet with a six-piece trumpet ensemble. Food truck grub, frozen margaritas and Mexican beers will be available for purchase. ($5 per car, Sunday, 5 p.m., 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales)
The Lodge – Cinco de Mayo becomes “Cinco de Drinko” at this Soho bar with drink specials all day, including $2 jello shots and $3 Coronas. Wear a sombrero and get your first drink free. (no cover, 11 a.m., Sunday, 516 S. Howard Ave.)
Find more at TBO.com
