Cinco de Mayo is one of the many signs that it's time to enjoy spring. Sure, there are some rainy-day hiccups, but once it's time for a night of celebrating Mexican-American heritage, it's also time to celebrate patio weather and cool night air. And with Cinco de Mayo landing on a Friday this year, festive imbibing is suggested. Here's a rundown of some local festivities to consider:
THE "WHAT" TAKEOVER
The Elk's little side bar El Que is taking over the restaurant all day Friday, with a full menu of Mexican food and drink that's perfect for lunch, dinner or nighttime grub-and-drink. The tequila bar will also spring a tequila tent, featuring DJ Benny Blanco and plenty of tacos, tequilas and piñatas. El Que Cinco de Mayo Takeover • Fri, May 5 from 11 am-10 pm • Elk Public House • 1931 W. Pacific • bit.ly/2oUk9IY
BARS DE BARRIO
Hillyard neighborhood bars the Hillyard Library and the Northern Rail will each host Cinco de Mayo festivities, one leading into the other. The Library offers a games marathon accompanied by drink and food specials, and the chance to earn drink tickets to use later in the night. After recouping your ticket earnings, the Northern Rail hosts a night of more games and drink specials. Once you've worked up an appetite, the Rail also serves up an all-you-can-eat taco bar for $5. Cinco Day Drinko and Cinco de Mayo Party • Fri, May 5, at noon and 7 pm • Hillyard Library • 2936 E. Olympic • Northern Rail • 5209 N. Market • bit.ly/2qohcRn
LIVE & LATIN
Local Latin band Milonga performs Friday at this favorite downtown nightspot. Celebrating Pan-Latin music and culture, the band serves up a diverse range of dance music to enjoy. Expect sounds from not just Latin America, but Spanish and Caribbean-inspired music, with instruments including saxophones, brass, keys, congas and plenty of other drums and guitars. Milonga is joined by two sets from DJs sure to serve up some Latin dance tracks. Cinco de Mayhem with Milonga • Fri, May 5 at 7 pm • $15 • nYne Bar & Bistro • 232 W. Sprague • bit.ly/2pdHMPk
CINCO DE DRINKO CRAWL
After the success of the recent St. Patrick's Day crawl, the bars of Garland Avenue are throwing together another night of ambulatory drinking. Starting at Rick's Ringside and ending at Revolver North, the pub crawl feature $3 Coronas and $5 Hornitos. The night also includes giveaways and prizes, including $100 in cash and a $100 gift card. Cinco de Drinko Pub Crawl • Fri, May 5 from 7-11 pm • Garland Business District • bit.ly/2qnU1GI ♦
