Spring is here, and with it, Cinco de Mayo is back. While the day originally started as a celebration of the Mexican victory over the French in the historic Battle of Puebla in 1862, it has since turned into a massive celebration of Mexican-American culture that often takes over any weekends around the actual date. This year, the celebrations start Thursday and go all the way to the actual day, with plays, festivals, bar crawls and margaritas aplenty.
1. Pre-Cinco de Mayo Margarita Making Masterclass
THURSDAY, APR. 30 FROM 9 P.M TO 10:30 P.M. | CAFÉ CORAZÓN
Kick off the long weekend with this hands-on margarita masterclass, where you’ll learn the technique and taste the results. Tickets start at 25 dollars and spots are limited, so grab one online before they’re gone.
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2. Frida… A Self Portrait
APRIL 30 – MAY 8, VARIOUS SHOWTIMES | MILWAUKEE REP
Experience Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s life through art, music and movement. The play crafts a breathtaking view of Kahlo’s life and her astonishing genius. Tickets are available for purchase online for various showtimes throughout Cinco de Mayo week, and the show closes on May 17.
3. Cinco de Mayo Festival
SATURDAY, MAY 2 FROM 11:30 A.M TO 7 P.M. | UMOS, INC.
Milwaukee’s flagship community celebration returns with traditional Mexican food, live music, dance, and some of the city’s best taco trucks. The festival also features a tamale-eating contest, a chihuahua beauty contest, bounce houses and a chancleta throwing competition.
4. Taco and Margs Bar Crawl
SATURDAY, MAY 2 FROM 2 P.M TO 7 P.M. | BROTHERS BAR & GRILL
Check in at Brother’s at 2 p.m for your wristband (12 p.m. for VIPs), then spend the evening hopping through Milwaukee’s top bars with margarita and taco specials, themed photo ops and a free after-party included. Tickets start at 33 dollars and are available online. Must be 21+.
5. Cinco de Mayo Line Dance Party
SATURDAY, MAY 2 FROM 6 P.M TO 11 P.M. | VFW NER BERLIN
Grab your boots to come dance to some beats with a fiesta flair this Cinco de Mayo. Lessons will be included, so all levels are welcome to come and celebrate. Food will be available for purchase along with Cinco de Mayo-themed raffle baskets. Tickets start at 15 dollars and can be purchased online.
6. Los Nenes del Lago
SATURDAY, MAY 2, FROM 6 P.M TO 8 P.M. | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
Los Nenes is back at Zocalo for another year of celebration. Come down and enjoy a variety of food and drink options from various vendors before sitting down to the vibrant sounds of Los Nenes del Lago.
7. Cinco de Mayo at Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
MAY 5 FROM 11 A.M. TO 9 P.M.| BLUE BAT KITCHEN & TEQUILARIA
For those looking for a budget-friendly day out, Blue Bat has got you covered. Spend some time at Blue Bat during Cinco de Mayo and enjoy their five dollar Margaritas and chips and salsa all day long.
8. Cinco de Mayo at Drunken Cobra
TUESDAY, MAY 5 FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 A.M.| DRUNKEN COBRA BAR & GRILL
Grab your best fiesta hat and close out the holiday at this low-key Wauwatosa neighborhood tavern, which is throwing an all-day party from open to last call. If you’re serious about celebrating on the actual holiday, this is your spot.
9. Cinco de Mayo Margarita Workshop
TUESDAY, MAY 5 FROM 6 P.M TO 8 P.M. | A STROKE OF GENIUS PAINT WINE STUDIO
For those looking for a more interactive, hands-on experience, this workshop teaches the ratios and techniques behind making a proper margarita. Attendees will learn to mix margaritas and enjoy different types of margaritas and tapas included with the ticket. Tickets start at 70 dollars and are available online.
