It’s that time of year again! You don’t have to be Mexican to indulge in the revelry, nor do you need to actually know the true story behind the holiday (a little time on Google wouldn’t hurt anyone).
Pre Party
Get an early start on the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at the Ritz for its annual party. The restaurant is transformed into a street fair with stilt walkers, a DJ, aerial performers, a paint-your-own maraca station, and tequila tastings from Cantina Beach’s arsenal of 110 spirits. Food will be prepared by Chef Cesar de la Torres off his new dinner menu.
May 2 from 7 to 10 p.m., Cantina Beach at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, 455 Grand Bay Drive in Key Biscayne, 305-365-4500
Brickellfest
Join the annual party in Mary Brickell Village with music, food, and beer a flowing for the holiday. This year, the new American Social is playing host to guests. Tickets are $30 for general admission - you’ll get a drink, sombrero, and a tattoo moustache- and $56 for VIP- you get a keepsake beer boot with either a margarita or beer, and a sombrero. Ole!
3 to 11 p.m. May 5, American Social Brickell, 690 SW First Court in Miami
Tattoos & Tequila
For an edgy celebration, the restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel is hosting a party filled with tequila and tattoo artists practicing their craft. Enjoy $3 street tacos, a $5 DIY tequila bar, and artists from three local studios doing live tattoo work. Enter into the running to be one of four winners to get free tattoos - if you dare to get the Toro Toro logo on your skin, you get free margaritas for a year. RSVP to torotoromiami@gmail.com
May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m., Toro Toro at the Intercontinental Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza in Miami, 305-372-4710
Block Party
Head to Gulfstream Park for a block party at Cantina Laredo, with music provided by DJ Milady and plenty of giveaways you won’t want to miss. Also, try out two specialty cocktails for Cinco de Mayo, the Cinco ‘Rita and Cinco Reposado ‘Rita made with high end tequilas, Cointreau orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave nectar.
May 5 from 6 p.m. to midnight, Cantina Laredo at Gulfstream Park, 501 Silks Run Suite 1120 in Hallandale Beach, 954-457-7662
Behind the Bar
You won’t mind studying for this! Rather than just your average Cinco de Drinko, join in the fun at Radio Bar’s monthly mixology class. Going with a Cinco de Mayo theme, bartender Teddy Collins will teach guests how to make two tequila cocktails you’re sure to master by the end. Plus, there will be giveaways at the end of class, also when the celebrations begin at the bar.
May 5 from 7 to 8 p.m., Radio Bar , 814 First St. in Miami Beach, 305-397-8382