Cinco de Mayo 2013: Where to party

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner. We’ve scoured the city and found a fiesta fit for everyone.
Check out these events and restaurant specials below:

• A Family Fiesta | Enchanted Island at Encanto Park

202 W. Encanto Blvd. Phoenix
Sunday, May 5th 11am to 5pm
Free Admission
Enchanted Island will be hosting a free family friendly party with live entertainment. Music will be performed by a hispanic band and performances by Ballet Folklorico. Attendees will be able to purchase a specially priced wristband for $7.50. Marvel Comics Iron Man will be be on hand and signing autographs from 11am to 5pm. The kids will get to try their hand at a candy-filled pinata.

• Old School Style | Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival

200 E. Van Buren St. Phoenix
Saturday, May 4th 2pm to midnight
Sunday, May 5th Noon to 10pm
$5 entry for adults, Free for children 12 and younger
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Valley’s oldest Cinco Celebration. You will be entertained by the music of Ozomatl as well as other local bands, mariachi groups and folklorico dancers. Several food, beverage and craft vendors will be on hand.

• Cervezas City | Old Town Mexican BeerFest

4341 N. 75th St. Scottsdale
Saturday, May 4th 12pm to 10pm
Sunday, May 5th 12pm to 10pm
$20-$40, 21 and over only
What better way to celebrate than with 2 days filled with sampling Mexican beers, musical entertainment by Captain Squeegee,and Bretheren Sol plus DJ’s mixing all weekend long? Hard to say, but if you can think of anything better, head over and have your fill of beer, street tacos and festive games like Cinco Corn Hole or Horchata Pong Tournaments.
Click here to purchase your tickets

• Rock Out | 98 KUPD U-Fiesta

4155 E. Virginia St., Mesa
Saturday, May 4th Noon to 10:30pm
General Admission $45, VIP $125
Hard rock radio station KUPD will pull out all the stops when it presents U-Fiesta, a combination mega-concert and gigantic Cinco de Mayo party, at the East Valley park on Saturday, May 4. Scheduled to perform at the all-day event, which starts at noon, are the likes of Stone Sour, Chevelle, Heaven’s Basement, Powerman 5000, Adelitas Way, Hyro Da Hero, and others. General admission is $45, VIP access is $125 (which includes five adult beverages, unlimited free non-alcoholic drinks, special parking, and other perks). See www.98kupd.com for more info.

• Purist Fiesta | TQLA Patio Party

1840 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa
Sunday, May 5th 10 am to close
Let’s be real, what is a Cinco Fiesta with no tequila? A travesty! TQLA has more than 80 varieties of tequila on hand, 2 dozen margaritas to choose from and enough cocktails to suit anyone’s tastes. The party will include tons of drink specials from $4.50 house margaritas, $8 Don Julio margaritas, $2 off tap tequila shots, $10 blanco tequila flights to $12 reposado tequila flights. Be sure to load up on some great Southwestern fare while you’re there too! They’ll a;so be raffling off prizes throughout the day, and who doesn’t like free stuff?

• Swanky | Arrowhead Grill

8280 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale
May 5th, 5pm
$65 per diner
Want to put on your party duds and indulge? How does a 5 course tequila dinner sounds? Arrowhead Grill serve up decadent courses like Veracruz red snapper, tequila-lime lamb chops and a trio of enchiladas which will surely be festive. One of the specialty cocktails to go along with your dinner will feature Gran Patron Burdeos which runs for about $500 a bottle. Be sure to make reservations for this exclusive event.

• Sweet | Sprinkles + Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

Cupcakes and tequila? Let it settle…doesn’t that sound divine? This month Sprinkles and Z’Tejas are getting together and the results are delicious! The newest flavor from Sprinkles will feature a key lime tequila cake adorned with key lime frosting and a little fleur de sel. Stop into Sprinkles on Cinco de Mayo for a taste and not only will you have a sweet treat you’ll also get a certificate redeemable for a free appetizer at any of the Valley Z’Tejas locations. If you stop into the Z’Tejas at Fashion Square on the 5th and purchase their Leo Street Taco Special you’ll receive a voucher redeemable for a free Margarita cupcake at Sprinkles. Double the deal!

• Spicy | Salsa Festival at el Pedregal

34505 North Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
May 5th 1pm to 4pm
Free Admission
Head to North Scottsdale to enjoy the 6th Annual Salsa Festival in the outdoor amphitheatre at el Pedregal at The Boulders Resort. See how much heat you can take with all the salsa samples from the likes of Spotted Donkey Cantina, Brugos Pizza Company, and many more. Put out the fire with tequila and wine tastings, margaritas and specialty desserts.