San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Find a fiesta and celebrate Mexican culture
The midpoint of spring is approaching, and that means it’s time for Cinco de Mayo. Observed annually on May 5, the holiday celebrates a battle in which a vastly outnumbered, ragtag Mexican army, assembled by the young Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated invading French troops in 1862.
The holiday was first celebrated in the Gold Rush town of Columbia (Tuolumne County), a familiar sight to many who grew up attending California public schools. Mexican miners living there honored the underdog victory with a feast, though that year’s celebration was held after the town first heard the news on May 25. We may have to do our own ballet folklórico and march in our own small parades this year, as COVID19 restrictions put a damper on traditional celebrations. But there are margaritas to be had, pub crawls, mezcal tastings and other fun events sprouting like wildflowers.
Find a fiesta, dance to live music, enjoy cocktails and, of course, tacos with these Cinco de Mayo events around the Bay Area:
Cinco de Mayo Hijas del Campo fundraiser: Celebrate and contribute to a good cause at an outdoor event featuring live music with J. Espinosa, DJ Mind Motion, DJ Jose Melendez, DJ Mr. E and Marcus Lee. Proceeds will benefit the Hijas del Campo nonprofit, which supports seasonal farmworkers and their families. Noon8 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. Free$125. Reservations required. District Six, 428 11th St., S.F. bit.ly/32ynAuw
Cabo Wabostyle Cinco de Mayo celebration with Unchained: The Sammy Hagarera Van Halen tribute band Unchained is scheduled to perform. There will be a taco truck, a “Best Dressed” contest and karaoke from 5 to 7 p.m. before the band’s set starts at 8 p.m.
5 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. $25. The Broadway Club, 1342 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. 9254337469. thebroadwayclubwc. com
San Francisco’s seventh annual Craft Agave/ Tequila and Mezcal Tasting: Enjoy the views of the city while tasting a curated selection of artisanal Mexican spirits, prepoured by expert brand ambassadors to minimize contact and allow guests to remain seated throughout the event.
5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. $200$300, tables for parties of 26. Reservations required. Hotel VIA Rooftop, 138 King St., S.F. jaffeevents.com
San FranCinco de Mayo pub crawl: CrawlSF presents its annual Cinco De Mayo pub crawl. The crawl kicks off at Mayes Oyster House, where participants check in from 6 to 9 p.m. for a wristband and event map. Other stops include McTeague’s Saloon, Jackalope, R Bar, El Lopo, Soda Popinski’s, the Wreck Room and others.
611 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. $12. Reservations required. Mayes Oyster House, 1233 Polk St., S.F. crawlsf.com
Urban Adventure Club’s Cinco de Mayo Margarita pub crawl: Bars included in this SoMa district pub crawl are Alchemist Bar & Lounge, New Belgium Brewing Taproom & Restaurant, Woodbury, District and others.
610 p.m. May 5. $10$25. Meet at Death by Taco, 301 King St., S.F. urbanadventureclub.com
Fiesta de Cinco de Mayo on BellaVista Rooftop: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos, beer and margaritas along with live sets featuring DJ FrankG.
610 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. $25, includes two tacos and a drink. Reservations required. BellaVista, 110 N. El Dorado St., Stockton. bit.ly/3dARkxh
Mezcalistas & the Midway present: Cinco De Mayo Fiesta: Join a celebration of Mexican culture under the stars. The evening is set to begin with cocktails, followed by a mezcalpaired dinner curated by executive chef Luis Lagos, featuring dishes inspired by the regional cuisine from Puebla, Mexico.
6:309:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. $200$560, tables for parties of 26. Reservations required. The Midway, 900 Marin St., S.F. bit.ly/3naxUlV
Starv’n Artist Music Group Presents: Cali Caliente With Chuy Gomez: Bay Area radio personality Chuy Gomez is set to host an evening of music and entertainment with live sets from DJ Acme and others.
10 p.m. Wednesday, May 5. $65, ladies free before midnight.
The Continental Club, 1658 12th St., Oakland. 5105424653. Reservations available at bit.ly/3eccKj2
Mezcal Tasting with Armadillo Negro: A limitedseating mezcal tasting with food accompaniments and cocktails.
11 a.m.1 p.m. Saturday, May 8. $190$380 for tables of two or four guests, food and drinks included. Reservations required. San Agus Cocina Urbana & Cocktails, 115 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. 6508471334. san agus.com
UnCinco de Mayo Fruitvale Taco Tour: Visit taquerías in the taco mecca of Fruitvale, Oakland, during a twohour walking tour. Learn to discern among types of tacos, develop a palate for different salsas, and learn about the culture and history of the Fruitvale District. Noon2 p.m. Saturday, May 8. $50, food and drinks included. Reservations required. Meet at 3401 E. 12th St., Oakland. bit.ly/3ekigR0
Cinco de Mayo Outdoor Taco Festival: Tacos and live music featuring DJ Rob, JJ Hawg & Jingo and Santana’s Roar Band.
16 p.m. Saturday, May 8. $10$15. Reservations required. Cross MC Clubhouse, 25 Lena Ave., Gilroy. bit.ly/2Pg58Uw