Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration and commemoration of the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. For most of us, it's transformed into a day of celebrating Mexican culture, cuisine, music—and yes, tequila. This year Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday, giving most of us a weekend to recover from any tequila-induced hangovers.
We've rounded up five Cinco de Mayo events taking place in Toronto.
Get loco at El Local Loca Fiesta. You can celebrate Cinco De Mayo by indulging in tacos, margaritas, and tequila. A Mariachi band will be performing from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. and DJ LQ will be spinning after so you can finish off your night busting a move as you sip on one of their refreshing margaritas.
Friday, May 5, 2017.
7:00 p.m. until late.
Cinco de Mayo at Steamwhistle Brewing
Steamwhistle promises their annual Cinco de Mayo celebration is "nacho" ordinary party. There will be margaritas, delicious Mexican eats, a DJ, photo station, tequila and, of course, Steamwhistle beer. Returning this year is the crowd pleaser Cornhole for Questo (if you get the bean bag in the hole you'll win imported gourmet cheese!). All proceeds go to support The Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer. Tickets are priced at $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door.
Friday, May 5, 2017.
8:00 p.m. until late.
Cinco de Mayo with Chef Donnie Masterton at Drake 150
The Drake One Fifty welcomes back guest chef Donnie Masterton of the critically-acclaimed The Restaurant in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. For a one-night-only pop-up, Masterton will collaborate with Executive Chef Ted Corrado to create a mouthwatering menu of modern interpretations of classical Mexican dishes. Available a la carte or as a four-course prix fixe for $75. Accompanied with Altos Tequila cocktail pairings and Latin grooves.
Friday, May 5, 2017, 5:00 p.m.
If you're suffering from post-Cinco withdraw on Saturday, Cincofest has you covered. Guest can continue the fiesta at two locations: El Caballito and Baro. A ticket gets you two tequila drinks (one per venue), some Cinco swag and allows you to hop between the two venues. The event is 19+.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo - Fiesta Fundraiser
The Inamorata Dance Collective will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo and raising funds for their upcoming production in the Toronto Fringe Festival with a big Fiesta. A salsa dance party, Mexican food, live performances and a big piñata smash at midnight are all planned for the night. Your ticket ($15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door) includes food and a salsa dance lesson. La Rumba Buena DJs will be spinning music and Mad Mexican will be providing the eats. A cash bar will also be on site.
Friday, May 5, 2017.
Doors open at 8:00 p.m, beginner salsa lesson at 9:00 p.m. and live performances at 9:30 p.m.