Cinco de Mayo 2022: Mark your calendars for these specials and events in Charlotte
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates their army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican war.
In the United States, the holiday is typically marked with parties, parades, mariachi music and other events that celebrate Mexican culture.
[BEST MEXICAN DISHES: 6 must-try dishes to order at Mexican restaurants on Charlotte’s East side]
If you’re looking for local deals on Mexican food and drinks, or festivals with live mariachi music, games and drink specials, here are some places in Charlotte you should check out on Cinco de Mayo.
Note: All events are on May 5 unless otherwise noted.
Where to eat
Chuy’s
Location: 7314 Waverly Walk Ave., Charlotte, NC 28277
Neighborhood: Waverly
Specials: $2 off Grande House ‘Ritas, $1 tequila floaters and $5 queso appetizers.
Emmy Squared Pizza
Location: 1932 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
Location: 1508 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Specials: The La Mexicana – a Detroit-style pizza topped with chorizo, ground beef, jalapenos, sliced red onions and a drizzle of tomatillo sauce – and margaritas made with Dos Primos Tequila, founded by country music star Thomas Rhett. Both specials are available until May 22.
Harry’s Grille & Tavern
Location: 2127 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273
Neighborhood: Ayrsley
Location: 8626 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Specials: $5 margaritas, $10 salmon tacos
On the Border
Location: 8315 Northlake Commons Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28216
Neighborhood: Wedgewood
Specials: $5 Grande House ‘Ritas
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila
Location: 6411 Carnegie Blvd., #8a, Charlotte, NC 28211
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Specials: 2 Corona and Corona Light cans and bottles, $7 No Name Margaritas, $11 Cadillacs
The Spindle Bar
Location: 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: NoDa
Specials: $11 frozen margaritas
What to do
Plaza Midwood Cinco de Mayo Festival
Location: Commonwealth Avenue, from Pecan Avenue to The Plaza
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What to do: Check out live performances from Tali Roots and Bakalao Stars, and enjoy food, arts and crafts from Mexican and Latin vendors.
What to know: The event is on May 1. For more information, call Denise Coleman at 704-759-4428.
May 5:
Cinco de Mayo at Billy Sunday
Location: Billy Sunday, 1115 N. Brevard St., Unit 1, Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: NoDa
What to do: Try empanadas and nachos from Felix Empanadas, paired with a cocktail or margarita pitcher.
What to know: The party starts at 5 p.m. Make reservations.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Hoppin’
Location: Hoppin’, 1402 Winnifred St., Charlotte NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
What to do: Check out live music while you sample $10 taco plates, $5 appetizers and $7 frozen margaritas.
What to know: The event is from 6-9 p.m. Those who want to attend must RSVP.
Cinco de Mayo at Metropolitan
Location: Metropolitan, 1111 Metropolitan Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
Neighborhood: Midtown
What to do: Watch live music, and get margaritas from Dressler’s and beer from Sycamore Brewing. Face-painting and photo ops for kids will also be available.
What to know: Parking and admission are free, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.
Cinco De Mayo at Sycamore Brewing
Location: Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
What to do: Enjoy $4 beers and food from Flavor Home, Chilaka Taco Lab and The Chimi Spot, and live music from The Hwy and Mariachi Guadalupano.
What to know: The event is from noon-10 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo at Tipsy Taco
Location: Tipsy Taco, 7708 Rea Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
What to do: Drink $4 Mexican beers and $5 margaritas, or play cornhole, giant Jenga, and other lawn games.
What to know: The event starts at 5 p.m.
May 7:
Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl
Location: Various venues
Neighborhood: Uptown
What to do: Get deals on beers on margaritas at participating bars in uptown, like Prohibition, World of Beer, Connolly’s and Tilt on Trade.
What to know: The event is on May 7. Mobile tickets are required for entry. Get them here.
This story was originally published April 28, 2022 at 11:53 AM.
