This Saturday is Cinco de Mayo — a day that has become a nationwide celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the U.S. — and fiestas abound. This year, May 5 is also the date of the Kentucky Derby, so whether you toss back a margarita, cerveza or a julep, you’ll be doing it right. In addition to the huge waterfront festival, there are several other events popping off around town. Check them out, below.

28th Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival

When: 11 AM–11 PM, Friday–Sunday, May 4-6
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Price: $8 adults/$4 kids/free on Friday from 11 AM–3 PM

It's incredibly fortunate that Cinco de Mayo falls on a Sabado this year, because you are going to require Domingo and maybe even Lunes to recover from this wild waterfront fiesta presented by the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA). There will be mariachis. There will be piñatas. There will be a Bollywood dance-off, authentic Guadalajaran artists, chile rellenos and even an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of People Wearing Sombreros (seriously). And there will be many, many cervezas con limón.


NW Weenie Dog Kentucky Derby Classic & Cinco De Mayo Festival

When: 2–4 PM, Saturday, May 5
Where: Gypsy, 625 NW 21st Ave.    

Why choose? Celebrate both the Derby and the fifth of May at this “weenie dog” race outside the Gypsy. Both bourbon and tequila specials will be offered, along with beer from the outdoor truck and plenty of Mexi-themed food snacks. A DJ will spin, so bring your party hats – both sombreros and Southern belle headtoppers encouraged. Proceeds will be donated to daschunds in need.


Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon, 10k and 5k Run/Walk

When: Variable start times beginning at 6:30 AM, Sunday, May 6
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square
Price: Varies

You might not want to party too hard on Saturday if you’re going to take part in this Terrapin Events run. Choose from three distances and when you’re done, enjoy beer from Lagunitas and eats from Pepino’s while listening to live mariachi music.


BarFly Bus “Cinco de Drinko Bus-o del BarFly-o”

When: 7 PM–1 AM, Saturday, May 5
Where: On the bus, travelling to 8–10 bars
Price: $25

Get your fiesta on the safe and social way on the BarFly Bus Cinco de Mayo tour. Hit up 8–10 different bars without any temptation of drinking and driving, and along the way enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and special drink deals at each stop.


La Superior Restaurant Cinco de Mayo Bash

When: 2–8 PM, Saturday, May 5
Where: La Superior, 2727 N. Lombard St.

In addition to celebrating Mexican culture, this Lombard spot is toasting its fourth birthday. Specials include $3.50 margaritas, two-for-$3 tacos, $4 burritos and other assorted beer specials. The Beaverton location is also throwing the same bash.


Sunny on the Patios at Madison’s Grill

When: Saturday, May 5
Where: Madison’s Grill, 1109 SE Madison St.

Enjoy the signature drink of the day — Sunny on the Patio (Jose Cuervo silver, muddled strawberry and cilantro with a splash of Sprite) — on the appropriate patio outside this Southeast tavern. Margaritas and east will be on special as well.


Cinco de Mayo Celebrating Davy Le's Bday

When: 9 PM–2 AM, Saturday, May 5
Where: Qube Ultralounge, 108 SW Pine St.

Call ahead to make sure your spot is saved at this DJ Deathtouch soundtracked party, which features $5 Jose Cuervo Silver and $3 Coronas.

Photo via Flickr user silverxraven 

Event Date: 05/05
Event Time: Various Times
Location: Various Locations
Price: Varies