Cinco de Mayo in Orlando: Celebrate with events and deals
Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration on May 5 involving tacos, margaritas and merriment for many across the United States.
What the holiday actually commemorates is the victory of Mexican troops over French forces in an 1862 battle. Modern-day revelers can celebrate in Orlando-area venues hosting food and drink specials, plus honor Mexican culture. Here are a few ideas for Cinco de Mayo.
The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts a Cinco de Mayo Street Party with live music on two stages, street performers, food and beverage specials. The Wharf at Sunset Walk, for example, will offer $5 Model Especial draft beers and tequila shots, $8 margaritas and fish tacos. The festivities take place starting at 5 p.m. May 5 at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee. In addition, guests who book a stay at Margaritaville Resort Orlando through May 12 can receive 25 percent off their stay and four complimentary cocktails with the promo code “CINCO.” More information: margaritavilleresorts.com or sunsetwalk.com
Tin Roof Orlando brings guests drink specials with el Jimador Tequila and Tequila Herradura shots and margaritas, Corona sunrise drinks and a free taco-eating contest. Participants will race to see who can eat 10 tacos the fastest. The first-place winner gets a $100 bar tab, while the second-place contestant receives a $50 tab. Drink specials start at noon, contest begins at 9:30 p.m. May 5 at 8371 International Drive in Orlando. More information: tinrooforlando.com
Mango’s Tropical Cafe is throwing a Cinco de Mayo Block Party on International Drive featuring free tequila shots every hour. Guests can also find a mariachi show, a live band, tacos and bottle giveaways. The free party is 3 p.m.-2 a.m. May 5 at 8126 International Drive in Orlando. More information: Call 321-276-2498 or visit eventbrite.com
Poblanos Authentic Mexican Restaurant hosts a Cinco de Mayo celebration with food, music and cultural festivities. Enjoy tacos and tequila, authentic dishes, a DJ, a mariachi band and a marketplace highlighting local vendors. The all-day celebration is 11 a.m.-midnight May 5 at 4747 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. More information: eventbrite.com
Don’t Tequila My Vibe is the cleverly-named fiesta presented by The Whole Enchilada Fresh Mexican Grill & Bar in Winter Garden. Guests can find specials, a DJ, live music, face painting and margaritas. The two-day celebration is 11 a.m.-1 a.m. May 5-6 at 129 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: eventbrite.com
Shots Orlando invites revelers to join for a fiesta full of drinks and food. Patrons of the downtown bar can find margarita and beer specials all night, plus three taco vendors. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. May 5 at 69 E. Pine St. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Cinco on Pine Pub Crawl celebrates Cinco de Mayo at seven venues, including Bullitt Bar, McQueens, Basement, Attic Nightclub, Treehouse and more. A $20 wristband grants entry to all the venues and discounted drinks. The crawl is 11 a.m.-2 a.m. May 5 centered around 33 E. Pine St. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Orlando Pub Crawl gives party-goers the chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo downtown. Enjoy four free drinks included in the $20 crawl ticket. Participants can check in from 5:30-8 p.m. May 5 at Hooch, 20 Wall St. in Orlando. More information: orlandopubcrawl.com
The St. John’s Salsa Summit: Nacho Average Salsa Competition gathers the Sanford community to discover which business has the best salsa. Nine businesses, including Celery City Craft, Spice is Nice, West End Trading Co. and The Sullivan Public House, will offer samples of their favorite salsa. Visitors can vote on their favorite during the event 5-9 p.m. May 5 in downtown Sanford. More information: facebook.com
Cinco on the Street brings Central Floridians to Thornton Park for beer pong, flip cup and cornhole, plus drink specials, food, a mariachi band, a photo booth and DJs. Tickets, which are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, include one complimentary drink from 4-8 p.m., after which the event is limited to guests ages 21 and older. A portion of the proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. Doors open at 4 p.m. on E. Washington St. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Rockpit Brewing is the venue for a Cinco de Mayo party with a lineup of food trucks including Hot Asian Buns, Chill in Tacos, Red Panda Noodle and Cholo Dogs. Orlando Parking Lot Party combines forces with the brewery, which has a selection of IPAs, sours, lagers and ales. Try the Cerveza de Cucho, a Mexican lager. Find the festivities 6-10 p.m. May 5 at 10 W. Illiana St. in Orlando. More information: facebook.com
Orange County Brewers hosts patrons for a Cinco de Mayo block party with live music, food, prizes and plenty of drinks. Enjoy $5 margaritas and Agua de Fiesta, the brewery’s Mexican light lager, $7 pineapple jalapeno margaritas, $5 Dano’s tequila shots and an $18 Dano’s tequila taster flight. Find the festivities noon-midnight May 5 at 1117 International Parkway #1701 in Lake Mary. More information: facebook.com
Cinco de Mayo the Right Guey promises an event packed with authentic food, games, prizes, a bar, a street vendor market, art and history. The event is free to attend, and visitors are encouraged to attend dressed in their most colorful and festive outfits. Explore the festivities 6-10 p.m. May 5 at 208 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Don Julio Mexican Kitchen’s Eagle Creek location celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta including DJs, a mariachi band and traditional Mexican dance. The all-ages event also features plenty of Mexican food and drinks. $5 general admission tickets are required for entry; VIP reserved seating options and drink packages are also available. Find the fiesta from 11 a.m.-midnight at 9776 Eagle Creek Center Blvd. in Orlando. More information: tinyurl.com/cincodemayofiesta2023
Boxi Park Lake Nona provides a Cinco de Mayo party with live music, dancing, margaritas and more. A $10 cover charge is required to enter this 21 and older event. Festivities take place 5-11 p.m. May 5 at 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. in Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com
Know of other Cinco de Mayo happenings? Find me on Instagram @PConnPie or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
