Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Louisville? Here are a few options

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, Louisville Courier Journal
·4 min read

Cinco de Mayo is Friday and Louisville is getting into the spirit. This year, the holiday falls on the same day as the Kentucky Oaks.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, not the country's independence as many think. And even though people use it as an excuse to drink margaritas and eat tacos, the celebration has become more of an American holiday than a Mexican one.

Still, everybody loves a good excuse to party, especially during Derby Week.

If you are not going to Churchill Downs and still want to party (or if you are looking for an after-party), here are some places to get into the Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Oaks spirit:

More: Kentucky Oaks post position draw 2023: Lineup and latest odds for race at Churchill Downs

Cinco de Mayo @ Ernestos Mexican Cuisine

Ernesto's Mexican Cuisine will host its third annual Cinco de Mayo party and offer drink specials throughout the celebration. JD Entertainment will also play music between 5 and 9 p.m.

When: 5 p.m. Friday

Where: Ernestos Mexican Cuisine, 117 E. Main St., La Grange

Cinco de Mayo at Fourth Street Live!

Ballet Folklorico dancers performed during a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Fourth Street Live in Louisville, Ky. on May 8, 2022. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Kentucky Derby to avoid conflicting activities.
Ballet Folklorico dancers performed during a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Fourth Street Live in Louisville, Ky. on May 8, 2022. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Kentucky Derby to avoid conflicting activities.

Fourth Street Live! will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration two days after the holiday. The event is free and according to their site, there will be live music, dancing and activities.

When: 2 p.m., Sunday

Where: Fourth Street Live!, 411 S Fourth St.

More: Will it rain on Kentucky Derby Day? Here's the forecast for the big day, Thurby and Oaks

Music & Margs

Howl at the Moon is "kicking off margarita season" with their Music & Margs party on Cinco de Mayo, its Facebook event says. Drinks include Corona Extra, High Noon, Spicy Watermelon Shots, and Termana-Rita.

When: 8 p.m., Friday

Where: Howl at the Moon Louisville, 434 S Fourth St.

Cinco de Mayo at Drakes

Drakes is having Cinco de Mayo specials all day including $5 tequila sunsets, $6 Drake's Margaritas, $12 Corona Buckets and $6 Chips and Queso. They will serve Siracha-seasoned tortilla chips with house-made queso. Specials are for dine-in customers.

When: 11 a.m., Friday

Where: Hurstbourne (2651 S Hurstbourne Parkway), St. Matthews (3939 Shelbyville Road, Suite 101) or Paddock Shops (3921 Summit Plaza Drive)

Cinco de Mayo & Oaks Day Fiesta!

Noche Mexican BBQ interior, Feb 5, 2020
Noche Mexican BBQ interior, Feb 5, 2020

Noche Mexican BBQ is celebrating two parties in one − Kentucky Oaks and Cinco de Mayo − featuring live music from Latin band Yapa! from 8-11 p.m. followed by DJ Robertón who will mix bachata and salsa hits until 2 a.m. The restaurant will also serve "Oaks-inspired" cocktails, according to the Facebook event.

Entrance is free until 11 p.m., but $10 after.

When: 8 p.m., Friday

Where: Noche Mexican BBQ, 1838 Bardstown Road, Suite 100

Derby de Mayo - with Radical-Wave

Joe's Older Than Dirt! is hosting a Derby Eve party with live music from Radical-Wave. "Rock & dance the night away with us, with guest musicians, surprises, and all the fun energy and great music and fun vibe(s) you always get with us!," its Facebook event says.

When: 9 p.m., Friday

Where: Joe's Older Than Dirt!, 8131 New La Grange Road

More: How do I get to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby? What to know about fees, road closures

CincOaks De Mayo at Harry's

Harry's Taphouse and Kitchen is celebrating Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Oaks across the river in Jeffersonville with a free all-ages party in its back room. Their Facebook post says people should get there early because they are expecting a large crowd.

When: 8 p.m., Friday

Where: Harry's Taphouse and Kitchen, 130 W Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana

Celebrate with a nice meal

If you don't want to party, you can still grab authentic Mexican food and drinks around Louisville and surrounding regions. Some of the options are:

More: Oaks Lily recipes 2023: This cocktail became the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks

More: Free rides to Churchill Downs: Molson Coors to sponsor two fare-free days on TARC

Reporter Amanda Perez Pintado from USA TODAY contributed. Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What is Cinco de Mayo and where to celebrate in Louisville