Although this annual tradition commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, the holiday has become widely observed in the United States. In fact, sales of beer on Cinco de Mayo rival those on Super Bowl Sunday.

The Mile High City is no exception to this trend. From bar crawls to rooftop fiestas, Denverites love to celebrate our southern neighbor. Here, we’ve collected six ways (plus a few bonus ideas) to honor the occasion, beginning this weekend.

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First Friday: Cinco de Mayo Celebration

  • When: May 1, 5–9 p.m.
  • Where: 861 Santa Fe Drive (Lincoln Park)
  • Cost: Free

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year, but if you’re not one to stay up late on a school night (we feel you), kick off the party early during Santa Fe’s First Friday art walk. Museo de Las Americas will offer free admission to the current exhibit Nuestras Historias | Our Stories, host a live performance from Ballet Folklórico, and sling authentic Jalisco cuisine from vendor Tlaquesalsa.

Denver Tacos & Margs Crawl

  • When: May 2, 2 p.m.
  • Where: 1949 Market St. (Union Station)
  • Cost: $33–$78

This roving feast, er, fiesta starts at LoDo Beach Bar and bounces around Union Station, stopping at Viewhouse, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, the Retro Room, Wonderyard Garden & Table, and other watering holes. Along the way, you’ll be met with food specials (think: tacos, nachos, and churros), DJ sets, and, yes, plenty of drinks. Make sure you pop into each location to participate in spin-to-win games.

Cinco de Mayo Denver

Six women dressed in traditional Mexican dresses pose on steps
Photo by Shannon Garcia
  • When: May 2–3, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Where: 101 14th Ave. (Golden Triangle)
  • Cost: Free

To Denverites, Cinco de Mayo isn’t just a day to overindulge in Corona and guac. More than a third of Mile High City residents are Hispanic, meaning the holiday is an important cultural celebration. This sprawling two-day festival in Civic Center Park reflects that, from a lowrider car show to entertainment by local performers, including La Rancherita de Colorado and Chicano Heat Band, across three stages. In addition to mouthwatering Mexican eats, there’s a packed lineup of events, including a community parade, Chihuahua races, and a taco-eating contest.

Mister Oso

Photo courtesy of The Culinary Creative Group
  • When: May 2, 12–5 p.m (Wash Park); May 3, 1–6 p.m. (Boulder); May 5, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (RiNo)
  • Where: 103 S. Ogden St., Denver (Wash Park); 1253 Pleasant St., Suite 101, Boulder; 3163 Larimer St., Denver (RiNo)
  • Cost: Free

Latin restaurant Mister Oso is hosting three different celebrations this year, so pick the party that speaks to your Cinco style. If you want to sip tequila in the sun with hundreds of other Denverites, descend on the Wash Park location. The block-style party will be bumping on Saturday with live music, pop-up vendors Fox and the Hen and Magna Kainan, and carnival games. Choose the Boulder location if you want to down Red Bull–sponsored margs while you watch lucha libre. And if you’re really just in it for a frozen Baja blast margarita in one of Mister Oso’s collectible bear glasses, head to the RiNo location.

Parking Lot Fiesta at La Vista Motel

The front facade of the newly renovated La Vista Motel in Denver
La Vista’s renovation reclaims the hotel’s mid-century origins while embracing a chic, Southwest vibe. Photo courtesy of Thomas Ellis
  • When: May 2, 12–6 p.m.
  • Where: 5500 E. Colfax Ave. (Hale)
  • Cost: Free

Denver’s comeback kid is taking the party outside. The freshly restored 1956 La Vista Motel is turning its parking lot into a full-blown fiesta on Saturday. The on-site bar, El Piñon, will be keeping spirits high with fresh-squeezed margaritas, palomas, tequila shots, and cold Mexican lagers. When all those drinks compel you to dance, a DJ spins from noon to 6 p.m., with East High School’s Mariachi Los Angeles del Este taking the stage at 1 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo at Bloom

  • When: May 15, 5–8 p.m.
  • Where: 822 18th St. (Downtown)
  • Cost: $59

Looking for a more elevated affair? Head 15 floors up the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver hotel for rooftop revelry at Bloom by Apple Blossom. Bottomless margaritas from Casamigos, all-you-can-eat tacos, and a DJ will make sure you stick around until sunset. We suggest reserving a spot for this one.

More Deals to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

  • Visit the Cherry Creek Mall’s new Ash and Agave for mini margs, 30 percent off wine by the glass, draft cervezas, and 2-ounce premium pours like Clase Azul Reposado, Patrón El Alto, and Código Extra Añejo.
  • Treat your friend to a free drink at any Cherry Cricket location or Wynkoop Brewing Company, where margaritas will be BOGO on Tuesday, May 5.
  • Snag 10 tacos for $10 and a marg flight for $5 at Kachina Cantina on May 2.
  • On May 5, Los Chingones will offer $27 beer buckets, $11 Milagro margaritas, a taco-and-shot combo for $9, and $6.50 Gringo pork carnitas and jalapeño popper tacos—plus a free welcome shot to kick things off.