Puebla Tacos and Bottomless Margaritas at Nomad Taqueria and Beer Garden

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican victory over the French at the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Since Puebla, a town southeast of Mexico City, is the birthplace of Middle-Eastern-influenced tacos arabes, Nomad Taqueria is celebrating by dishing out its Puebla taco, served with cumin-spiced lamb, salsa borracha, and queso fresco. Head to the patio for a live performance from Gary Meyers (aka Dirty Flamenco), patio games, and giveaways. And don’t miss bottomless margaritas for $25. Sunday, May 5, 2 to 5 p.m. 18485 West Colfax Ave., Golden

Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park

Arguably the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Colorado, this annual festival gathers Latino artists, performers, and food vendors to celebrate culture. Along with a parade, musical performances, children’s activities, and artisan booths, you’ll be able to cheer on chihuahua races and watch (or compete) in a taco eating contest—all while supporting NEWSED, a community development organization that supports the economic success of underserved populations in the Denver metro area. Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Civic Center Park, Colfax and Broadway

Photo courtesy of Mini Derby Day.

Denver Mini Derby at the North Green

Get up close to actual racehorses at the Denver Mini Derby. And by actual racehorses, we mean miniature horses that will be racing on the North Green (there’s a corgi race later, too). The Kentucky Derby will be screened first and the other races will follow. Come decked out for the costume contest and take advantage of the open bar. The event supports Minds Matter of Denver and Next Step Horse Rescue. Saturday, May 4, 1 to 6 p.m. at The North Green, 8303 East 49th Place. 21+ only. Buy tickets online.

Churchill on Chestnut at Blue Moon Brewery RiNo

This Derby Day, have your first sip of Blue Moon’s mint julep beer aged in a bourbon barrel. The brewery’s party kicks off at 3 p.m. and is set to run until 10:30 p.m., with live music, a pig roast, Little Man Ice Cream, and games highlighting the evening. Come dressed for the occasion for a chance to win the Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions. Saturday, May 4, 3 to 10:30 p.m. 21+ only. 3750 Chestnut Place. Registration is highly encouraged.

Kick Off Patio Season at Comida, Stanley Marketplace

Who says piñatas are just for kids? Comida is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with deals all day for drinks and tacos ($2 tequila shots, anyone?), as well as live music on the patio from 4 to 8 p.m. And yes, there will be piñatas—filled with treats for both kids and adults. Sunday, May 5. Comida at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St.

The Royal Treatment at Brown Palace Hotel & Spa

Gather in Ellyngton’s at the Brown Palace for drinks from Sonoma Cutrer Winery and Odell Brewery, as well as live music from Silver Plume Bluegrass and the John Kite Trio before and after the race. Food and more drinks will be served following the race—or guests can skip out to the Ship Tavern and the Palace’s lobby bar for other Derby Day specials. A portion of drink sales will go to Paws on the Ground Colorado, a nonprofit pet adoption agency. Saturday, May 4. 321 17th St. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.