Cinco de Mayo commemorates the day of the Mexican army’s triumph over France in an 1862 battle during the Franco-Mexican War. (It’s also known as Battle of Puebla Day.) Today, folks in the U.S. take time on May 5 to celebrate Mexican heritage. Here are a few Cinco de Mayo happenings around the Twin Cities:
Festive Food Hall
What: Cinco de Mayo Fast Food Fight
When: May 5, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Graze Provisions + Libations, 520 N. Fourth St., Minneapolis
The chefs of the North Loop’s Graze food hall are prepping tacos for Cinco de Mayo.
Behind the Hotel
What: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
When: May 5, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Hewing Hotel, 300 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis
Margaritas, tacos, and live music from the Twin Cities Latin Band enliven the Hewing’s back alleyway. (Tickets are $20.)
Salsa in the Wabasha Street Caves
What: Cinco de Mayo Latin Dance Night
When: May 5, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Wabasha Street Caves, 215 Wabasha St. S., St. Paul
You know the moves: from salsa to bachata to merengue, cumbia, and more. Expect an open bar and appetizers. (Tickets are $10.)
Street Tacos at the Block Party
What: Cinco de Mayo at Pajarito
When: May 5, 6-9 p.m. (Edina); May 6, 2-10 p.m. (St. Paul)
Where: Pajarito; 3910 W. 50th St., Edina; 605 Seventh St. W., St. Paul
The Mexican-inspired neighborhood restaurant and bar celebrates at both its locations, in Edina and in St. Paul.
In Edina on Friday, the Jeff Gavin Band puts a funky twist on popular, cross-genre songs, playing in the underground lounge.
In St. Paul on Saturday, Pajarito’s fifth annual block party comes with street tacos and margaritas, live music (DJ Thesis Himself, followed by “cowpunk”-styled Ledfoot Larry), and lawn games in the West Seventh parking lot.
Provided
Prior Lake Partygoers
What: Prior Lake Cinco de Mayo Celebration
When: May 5, 5-11 p.m.; May 6, 4-11 p.m.
Where: Downtown Prior Lake
The Jordan Area Food Shelf presents a Cinco de Mayo pre-party on Friday and a bash on Saturday. Friday starts with food and dessert trucks at Erie Avenue and Main Avenue. Then, on Saturday, check out vendors selling clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs, with traditional dancers, a mariachi band, and more for entertainment—plus food and drinks. (Free admission.)
No Cover at La Doña Cervecería
What: Cinco de Mayo Weekend at La Doña Cervecería
When: May 5, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Unit B, Minneapolis
The Latin Minnesotan brewery celebrates Cinco de Mayo with themed dance nights this weekend: Salsa de Soul on Friday, and Expresion Tropical on Saturday. (Free cover.)
Light Feet on Lake Street
What: Cinco de Mayo on Lake Street
When: May 14, noon-7 p.m.
Where: Lake Street, Minneapolis; Second Ave. to Portland Ave.
The massive Lake Street celebration returns with food, local artisans, live music, and more.
