Things to do on Cinco de Mayo weekend

Another holiday, another excuse to go out and take advantage of the celebrations going on in San Diego. Although Cinco de Mayo is a day commemorating the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire, it is commonly known for its festive opportunities — much like St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween. And an added bonus: this year, Cinco de Mayo is on a Saturday. PACIFIC has rounded up events happening this Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Bad Ass Five-Day Fiesta

From May 1-6, the Gaslamp’s “Bad Ass Mexican” restaurant and bar will host several activities, including the culminating “official” events on Friday and Saturday that will include several DJs and complimentary entry for guests who RSVP in advance.

El Chingon, 560 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, elchingon.com

Day at the Park

Head to Balboa Park where the Hosue of Mexico will host an all-day, free, family-friendly event featuring music, dance, crafts and food trucks.

Hall of Nations, 2191 Pan American Rd., Balboa Park, houseofmexico.net

Hard Rock Hotel Cinco de Mayo

Get views of Gaslamp at the FLOAT Rooftop Lounge while sipping margaritas and listening to beats by Vince DeLano. Huddle around the fire pits if it gets cold at night, or take a dip in the pool if courage strikes.

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp,619.764.6458, hardrockhotelsd.com

Gaslamp and Pacific Beach Bar Crawls

If bars are more your scene, this Gaslamp bar crawl includes American Junkie, Tin Roof, Coyote Ugly and Analog. The Pacific Beach bar crawl includes PB Cantina, Bub’s at the Beach, Cabo Cantina and Moonshine Beach. Tickets include entry shots to each bar and drink specials.

Throughout the Gaslamp and Pacific Beach, clubcrawlsandiego.com/cincodemayo

Cinco de Drinko 2018

Another Gaslamp Cinco de Mayo-themed bar crawl is on the list, this one with entry to popular bars like El Chingon, Whiskey Girl and McFadden’s. Bar crawl meets at Tin Roof.

Tin Roof, 401 G St., Gaslamp, sandiegopubcrawler.com

Cinco de Mayo Cupcake & Beer Pairing

Indulge in cupcakes this Cinco de Mayo. Daniela’s Kitchen will supply Mexican-themed cupcakes, such as the Chamango Loco and Chocolate Dulce de Leche, to go with AleSmith’s beers. Tickets are available online.

AleSmith Brewing Company, 9990 Alesmith Ct., Miramar, 858.549.9888, alesmith.com

35th Annual Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo

The city’s signature Cinco celebration returns with live music, a Lowrider Lane and lots of lucha libre matches alongside food and drink specials at scads of bars and restaurants. — Michael Benninger

Harney St. and San Diego Ave., Old Town, cincodemayooldtown.com

27th Annual May Pug Party Cinco de Mayo

Southern California’s largest pug-centric event returns with more than 400 of the scrunched-face canines competing in costume contests, a cupcake chomp, and a wet T-shirt showdown. — Michael Benninger

Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, pugsandiego.com

Cinco by the Bay

Celebrating Mexico’s rich heritage and culture, this 21+ event includes tastes of the nation’s cuisine and sips of agave spirits set to a soundtrack of traditional Mexican music. – Michael Benninger

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero, cincobythebay.com

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Local restaurants celebrate Cinco de Mayo with food, drink specials