Everyone’s favorite holiday-excuse to drink too much tequila and eat too many tacos, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday this year, which means there are a number of events around town serving speciality food and drink items. There’s also the giant, family-friendly Portland Cinco de Mayo party happening on the waterfront, like every year.

 

Let us know where you choose to party this year at our Facebook or Twitter, and remember that Cinco de Mayo is no excuse for irresponsible drinking—be sure to take a ride share service, Trimet, or cab, or have a designated driver in order to get home safely. 

 

Reverend Nat, Portland’s local cider maker, is hosting a tepache trade party for the holiday. Tepache is a low-alcohol Mexican drink made with the peel and rind of pineapple, sweetened with sugar, and is generally consumed mixed with a light lager. As part of the cover (which is $15), guests are required to bring a bottle of beer, wine, or cider, which they can then mix with tepache and trade with each other to find new exciting combinations. Tamale Boy will be taking care of the food, providing guests with one tamale (additional are $5 each) and all the chips and salsa they can eat. The party kicks off at noon and goes until 7 PM. (1813 NE 2nd Ave.; 503-567-2221)

 

The friendly neighborhood Rambler Bar is throwing a casual party for Cinco de Mayo, cooking up some taco specials all night, as well serving some flavored slushy margaritas and themed Jell-O shots. (4205 N Mississippi Ave.; 503-459-4049)

 

The stellar Hazelfern Cellars winery in Newberg is throwing its second annual “Derby de Mayo”, a combination of Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby, as well as a launch party for its summer rosé of pinot noir. Mash-up Cinco/Derby costumes are strongly encouraged, and the event will have live music, food, Derby related games, and plenty of Hazelfern wine. The party runs from noon to 5 PM, and admission is $70. Tickets are available here. (4008 NE Zimri Dr., Newberg, OR 97132; 503-928-1893)

 

Bit House Saloon is going all out for the holiday, with guest chefs running mini pop-ups around the bar, including Antonio de Arda from Zapata PDX and Isaac Ocejo from Wildcard PDX. Bit House chef Ricky Bella will be grilling on the patio, and the bar will have a seafood tower. Reverend Nat will be providing some Mole Tepache, and Pono Brewing will be pouring its Mexican Lager. Also, stop in the day before for another celebration: May 4, Star Wars Day, when the bar will have a tauntaun ice luge and Star Wars themed tiki mugs. (727 SE Grand Ave.)

 

Portland’s newest club No Vacancy is hosting a dance party, sponsored in part by Tequila Herradura. Tequila drinks specials will be available all night, and two local DJs will be curating the music. (235 SW 1st Ave.)

 

Yes, it’s an Irish bar, but that doesn’t mean Paddy’s can’t get into the spirit of the holiday. The bar will be discounting its jalapeño margaritas by $1 and putting Modelo Negro on tap, and Chef Brendan will be cooking up some Irish street tacos. No cover, just come for the fun. (65 SW Yamhill St.; 503-224-5626)

 

Portland’s biggest party for the holiday is the Portland Cinco de Mayo at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The event goes for three days, May 4, 5, and 6, 11 AM to 11 PM each. Find amateur boxing, tequila tasting, live music and dance performances, a reptile rescue exhibit, food, drinks, carnival rides, and more. Tickets are $9 for general admittance, and $6 for children and seniors. Find tickets here. 

 

One of Portland’s best Mexican restaurants, Xico is taking May 5 to launch its newest mezcal tasting experience, with three new mezcals and three new paired bites inspired by the staff’s recent trip to Oaxaca. It will also be offering an affordable “you pick” mezcal tasting flight, so that guests can sample from the wide range of the spirit the restaurant has to offer. Some TBD food items will also be available. (3715 SE Division St.; 503-548-6343)